"Boss, here are the keys to the luxury suites for you and your guests."
"Thanks. Misty, Giselle, and Yellow—you three are in one suite. Daisy, Elesa, and Cynthia, you're in the second. Professor Oak, you're with Brock. Mom, you're with me."
Everyone nodded at the arrangements, though Delia smiled and shook her head. "Actually, Ash, I don't need to stay with you. I'll stay with Yellow and the girls. It'll be nice to have some girl talk."
"If that's what you want, Mom, sure. Oh, Cynthia, Elesa—if you have a moment, come by my room. I have something for you."
"We'll be there as soon as we drop off our bags," Elesa replied with a wink.
Once they arrived at Ash's room, he pulled out his high-tech backpack and produced two large jars filled with shimmering Rare Candies.
"Here. One jar for each of you. Consider it your official Standard Issue kit for being part of the family," Ash said, his tone turning a bit more serious. "Also, Cynthia... should I be the one to call your grandmother?"
Cynthia took the jar, her eyes softening. "Yes. But be careful; she's been in a bit of a mood lately."
Ash swallowed hard, adjusted his collar, and hit the dial.
Outside the room, a small crowd had gathered, ears pressed against the wall. Professor Oak, Brock, Misty, Giselle, and Yellow were all eavesdropping with varying degrees of excitement and dread.
"Daisy, what are they doing?" Misty whispered.
"Just a typical family meeting," Daisy replied with a sigh. "He is about to face the ultimate judge."
Suddenly, a voice like a crack of thunder erupted from the room:
"YOU BRAT! You took advantage of my granddaughter and then had the nerve to hide from me?! Don't you dare think this is over until you give her a proper explanation!"
Professor Oak's eyes lit up. "It's started! Professor Carolina is just as fiery as ever!"
Inside the room, Ash was bowing so low his forehead nearly hit the floor. "Grandmother! I've already admitted my faults! The dowry and formal proposal are ready to be sent at your command! Please, just look at my sincerity!"
"Hmph! If you hadn't taken such good care of her in that blizzard, I'd have buried you in a fossil pit by now! Listen up: Cynthia is a Champion on the battlefield, but she's a disaster in daily life. I was worried she'd never find someone to put up with her. Since you've already fallen into the trap, I won't say much else."
"Grandmother, don't talk about Cynthia like that," Ash countered smoothly. "She's a beautiful Champion; she'd have suitors lining up across the continent."
"At least you know how to talk," Carolina grunted. "Come visit the Research Lab in Sinnoh soon. I have things to discuss with you. Understood?"
"Yes! I'll be there!"
Carolina shot a warning glance at Ash, then looked at the jar of Rare Candies Cynthia was holding. Her eyes narrowed meaningfully before she ended the transmission. Ash slumped onto his bed, exhaling a breath he felt he'd been holding for months. The biggest obstacle had been cleared.
*
In the Sinnoh Region, Carolina was immediately surrounded by her clan elders.
"Matriarch, why did you agree to this? It's scandalous! Cynthia should marry someone from a prestigious Sinnoh bloodline!"
"Exactly! What does this Ash have to offer? My grandson is much more suitable—"
"SHUT UP!" Carolina roared, cutting them off. "You bunch of parasites who only know how to use the family name to throw your weight around. You think I'd let Cynthia marry a spineless worm? Look at this!"
She hit 'Play' on a video file Oak had sent her earlier.
The elders watched in stunned silence as a tiny Pikachu systematically dismantled a Dragonite. They watched the tactical precision, the custom moves, and the sheer power level.
"Any more questions?" Carolina asked coldly. "None of your grandsons would even be able to stand in front of that Pikachu without wetting themselves. Furthermore..." She thought of the Rare Candies. "From now on, whatever Ash sends to Cynthia belongs to her. If I find any of you trying to touch her resources, you'll answer to me personally."
*
Back in Porta Vista, the tension had evaporated, replaced by the golden sun and the sound of waves. Ash was living the dream: a beach, a tray of ingredients, and his beautiful companions.
"Paradise," Ash sighed, though his hands were moving with blurring speed.
"Here, Cynthia, your Strawberry Sundae.""Thanks, Ash. Can I have a chocolate one next?" Cynthia asked, already finishing the first one."Coming right up."
Elesa, watching Cynthia start on her fourth bowl, sighed. "I finally understand why Ash saved her orders for last. She's a black hole for sweets."
Giselle sat nearby, digging into a Banana Boat. "Seriously, is there anything you can't cook? These are better than the five-star shops in the city."
"Practice makes perfect," Ash said, handing a cone to Misty.
The beach was crowded, and soon, other tourists began drifting toward Ash's station, lured by the incredible aroma of his artisanal ice cream.
"Excuse me, how much for a cone?" A tourist asked.
"Sorry, I'm not a vendor," Ash replied for the tenth time. "This is a private party. These are non-sale items. Pikachu, here's yours and Chuchu's."
As Ash handed out customized treats to his Pokémon, many women on the beach began glaring at their own boyfriends, comparing them to the Perfect Chef in front of them. The Boyfriend Pressure in Porta Vista was reaching an all-time high.
However, the peaceful atmosphere was about to be broken. An announcement boomed over the speakers:
"Attention all visitors! The Porta Vista Beach Beauty & Pokémon Contest is about to begin! Please gather at the main stage!"
Ash looked at the girls, then at the stage. "Well... this should be interesting."
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