The golden hues of the setting sun painted the horizon in warm oranges and pinks as Ash and his group settled into Lorelei's private beach villa. The elegant building stood gracefully on a secluded stretch of coastline, its large glass windows offering breathtaking views of the calm ocean.
Gentle waves lapped against the pristine white sand of the private beach, while a light sea breeze carried the faint scent of salt and tropical flowers through the open doors.
After the villa tour, the girls returned to the spacious living area with bright smiles and excited chatter. Misty was still gushing about the beautiful ocean-view balcony she had discovered, describing how the sunset light made the water sparkle like jewels.
Sabrina quietly praised the elegant library corner filled with rare books on Pokémon and strategy, while Daisy mentioned how peaceful the garden felt, with its colorful tropical flowers and shaded paths perfect for relaxation.
Giselle walked beside them with a soft, content expression, clearly enjoying the relaxed atmosphere more than she expected.
Ash and Tracey were already waiting in the living room, sitting comfortably on the large sofas and discussing their plans after leaving Mandarin Island.
"So after resting here for a day, we should head toward the next Gym," Ash said thoughtfully, leaning back against the cushions. "We still have a couple more badges to collect for the Orange League, and I want to make sure we're well-prepared."
Tracey nodded, flipping through his sketchbook. "Yeah, and I want to document as many rare Pokémon and beautiful locations as possible along the way. This journey is turning out to be even more incredible than I imagined. The landscapes here are perfect for sketching."
At that moment, the girls walked in. Ash looked up and gave them a calm, warm smile that instantly made all of them feel at ease. His eyes softened as he took in their happy expressions.
"How was the villa tour?" he asked gently, his voice carrying genuine interest.
Misty's eyes sparkled with unrestrained enthusiasm as she answered. "It was amazing, Ash! The private beach is so beautiful and peaceful the sand is so soft, and the water is crystal clear! The rooms have the best ocean view ever, and there's even a little reading nook with a perfect breeze. I could stay here forever and never get bored!"
Seeing Misty so animated and happy, something warm bloomed in Ash's chest. Without a second thought, he spoke from the heart, his voice soft and sincere.
"So, Misty… if you like this villa that much, how about I buy you one?"
The entire room fell into a sudden, stunned silence.
Misty's heart fluttered wildly in her chest. Her boyfriend her husband in every way that mattered had just casually said he would buy her a villa just to see her happy. The pure love and care behind those simple words made her cheeks flush a deep pink. For a moment, she could only stare at him, her eyes wide with emotion.
Sabrina, Daisy, and even Giselle looked at Ash with even deeper love and affection shining in their eyes. The casual generosity, the way he always wanted to make them smile without expecting anything in return it melted their hearts all over again. Sabrina's lips curved into a soft, tender smile, while Daisy's eyes sparkled with warmth. Giselle felt her chest tighten with affection, her tsundere walls crumbling just a little more.
Lorelei, who was standing nearby observing the scene, felt an unfamiliar, ugly tightness bloom in her chest. She didn't quite understand the feeling yet a strange mix of envy and longing she had never experienced before. Seeing the genuine love and warmth flowing so naturally between Ash and his girls stirred something deep inside her.
Misty couldn't hold back anymore. With a joyful squeal, she threw herself onto Ash's lap, acting like an affectionate cat.
"Husband, you are the best!" she declared happily, nuzzling against his chest and wrapping her arms around him.
Tracey sweat-dropped at the sudden turn of events, scratching his cheek awkwardly while trying to look anywhere else.
At that exact moment, Sabrina's stomach gave a loud, embarrassing growl that broke the sweet moment.
All eyes turned toward her. Sabrina's face turned a rare shade of pink as she placed a hand over her stomach, clearly embarrassed.
"…What? I am hungry. It's a common thing," she said quietly, though her usual calm voice had a hint of embarrassment. She looked at Ash with soft, hopeful eyes. "And dear… I want your cooking today. It's a special occasion after your victory. Me and my sisters want to taste it."
Misty and Daisy immediately agreed with bright, eager smiles. "Yes! Ash's cooking, please! We've been craving it!"
Giselle tilted her head curiously. She still didn't know Ash could cook, and the idea intrigued her more than she wanted to admit. Lorelei raised an elegant eyebrow, genuinely surprised. How could someone as talented and strong in battle as Ash possibly be skilled in the kitchen as well?
Ash chuckled warmly, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at his girls. "Alright, alright. I'll cook for everyone tonight. It's been a while since I made something special."
He turned to the butler with a polite smile. "Sebastian, may I use the kitchen?"
"Of course, Master Ash. Right this way. The kitchen is fully equipped."
Ash headed to the spacious, modern kitchen while the girls settled excitedly in the dining area. Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy were already acting like excited children, playfully chanting "Food! Food!" in a light-hearted manner.
Lorelei couldn't help but ask, slightly amused and curious. "Why are you all acting like this? Is Ash's cooking really that special?"
Misty grinned mischievously, leaning forward with sparkling eyes. "Once you and Giselle taste it, you'll understand. After eating Ash's food… you'll wish you could stay with him for the rest of your lives. It's that good."
Giselle's face turned bright red. She already loved Ash deeply and was just waiting for the right moment to confess. If what the girls were saying was true, she might become even crazier about him than she already was.
Lorelei simply smiled politely on the surface, but inside she felt that strange tightness in her chest again a mix of curiosity and something warmer she couldn't quite name yet.
In the kitchen, Ash rolled up his sleeves with calm confidence. Thanks to a past System mission, he had received the Cooking Mastery skill and the exclusive cooking techniques of Joichiro Saiba. he moved like a professional chef.
He prepared a multi-course dinner using the freshest local seafood, tropical fruits, and carefully selected spices. The aroma soon began to waft through the villa rich, savory, and incredibly appetizing. The sound of sizzling pans, the gentle chopping of vegetables, and the occasional hum from Ash as he worked filled the kitchen with a comforting rhythm.
When the food was finally served, the girls (and Lorelei) gathered around the elegant dining table with eager eyes. Ash smiled as he placed the beautifully plated dishes in front of them grilled seafood with delicate herb sauces, fresh salads with tropical dressings, perfectly cooked rice, and warm desserts that smelled heavenly.
"Dig in, everyone," he said warmly.
Misty took the first bite. Her eyes widened, then closed in pure bliss as a soft moan escaped her lips. "Mmm…! Ash, this is heavenly! The flavors are exploding in my mouth!"
Sabrina and Daisy followed, both wearing blissful expressions as the rich, perfectly balanced tastes danced on their tongues.
Giselle and Lorelei exchanged a quick glance, then took their first bites with slight hesitation.
The moment the food touched their tongues, their eyes widened in shock.
The rich, perfectly balanced flavors the tender seafood, the subtle spices, the harmonious blend of textures and freshness hit them like a wave. Both women froze for a second before their faces melted into expressions of pure bliss, almost identical to the other girls.
Lorelei's fork paused mid-air. This… this is incredible. How can one person be so talented in battle and cooking at the same time? The balance, the depth of flavor… it's like he poured love into every dish.
Giselle's cheeks flushed deeper as she took another bite. If this is what being with Ash feels like every day… I really am madly in love with him. I don't think I can hold back my confession much longer.
In the corner of his eye, Ash noticed two System notifications pop up.
[Ding!]
Giselle Favorability: 80 → 95(She is madly in love with you)
[Ding!]
Lorelei Favorability: 40 → 65(She sees you as perfect husband material)
Ash was pleasantly surprised. He already knew the tsundere Giselle had started developing deep feelings for him, and he had begun seeing her as one of his future wives. But Lorelei's sudden jump… he hadn't expected his cooking to affect her this strongly.
He smiled softly to himself as he continued serving second helpings to his girls. Looks like my cooking really helped me bag these beauties.
The dinner continued with warm laughter, light teasing, and satisfied sighs. Misty leaned against Ash's side, still acting affectionate. Sabrina and Daisy shared quiet compliments about the food, while Giselle ate with a soft, happy expression. Lorelei, usually so composed, found herself relaxing more than she expected, the delicious meal and warm company slowly melting her usual reserve.
Ash happily served everyone, enjoying the peaceful, loving atmosphere that filled the villa. For Lorelei, sitting among them and tasting Ash's food, a new thought quietly took root in her heart one that made her cheeks warm and her heartbeat quicken whenever she glanced at the young Champion.
He really would make a perfect husband…
The evening stretched on comfortably, filled with good food, easy conversation, and the gentle sound of waves in the background. For the first time in a long while, Lorelei felt truly at ease and that feeling was dangerously addictive.
To be continued…