Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy
---------------------------------
In the blink of an eye, a new day had arrived.
Red Rock Isle bustled with excitement. Laughter and cheers filled the air, red banners and purple decorations hung everywhere—it looked as though a grand festival was about to begin.
Inside the shrine on Red Rock Isle, in a VIP guest room, Liam and Delia sat together on the balcony, wrapped in each other's arms as they gazed quietly at the endless blue sea.
"Ahh… this is wonderful. This feeling really brings back memories. Peaceful days like this are truly the most comforting."
Delia's face glowed with contentment. She nuzzled into Liam's chest, her arms wrapped around his waist.
"Mhm. Everything has been resolved now. I'll be staying with you for the next few days. To make up for making you feel lonely, no matter what you ask, I'll grant it."
Liam gently stroked Delia's hair, smiling softly.
"Hey! You said it! No take-backsies! I want to go shopping! We've been here for days and haven't bought a single souvenir! Liam, you HAVE to shop with me for the entire day!"
The moment Liam finished speaking, Delia suddenly sprang up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She clung tightly to Liam's arm, practically bouncing in place.
Liam: "…Ahem. Well, um… do we really have to go shopping? I don't think there's much to buy here. Why don't we just stay in and rest instead…?"
Liam's previous gentle smile instantly froze on his face. After a moment of stiffness, he forced a cheerful grin and tried negotiating.
"No! You JUST said you'd grant whatever I asked! And now you're already going back on your word? No way! Get up! While the streets are lively, we're going shopping right now!"
Delia puffed up her cheeks in annoyance and tugged forcefully on Liam's arm, dragging him toward the door—
Knock, knock, knock.
At that moment, someone knocked on their door.
"Oh! A visitor! I'll get it!"
The second Liam heard the knocking, his eyes lit up. Energy surged through his previously lazy posture. He jumped up, rushed to the door, and opened it.
Standing there was—
"Good day to you, Liam. May the Sea God protect you."
It was the shrine's priestess—the maiden of Red Rock Isle.
She greeted him with a gentle smile, the Great Sea Spirit Sapphire in her hands glowing with a renewed brilliance.
"Oh? Priestess, please come in. What brings you here? Hmm? The Great Sea Spirit Sapphire has already been repaired? That was fast."
Liam stepped aside to let her in, glancing at the restored Great Sea Spirit Sapphire with a faint smile.
"Yes, thanks to you returning the Great Sea Spirit Sapphire. We were able to reforge the staff overnight. Our people were able to keep our faith through all of this… and we truly have you to thank, Liam. Please accept my gratitude again."
The priestess bowed deeply, her sincerity overflowing.
"Haha, you're welcome. It was originally yours—I only returned it."
Liam smiled lightly, though his gaze lingered with a hint of regret on the newly reforged staff.
"Fufufu, you came so early—do you need our help with something?"
Delia walked over, smiling warmly as she looked at their new friend.
"Yes, I do. First, this."
The priestess brought out a silver necklace. At its end hung a gemstone shaped like a water droplet—inside it, liquid seemed to swirl faintly.
"This is… Mystic Water?"
Liam's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.
"Oh? Liam knows what Mystic Water is—wonderful, that saves me the explanation. This Mystic Water is the final prize for the Whirl Cup champion. Due to everything that happened, we never got the chance to give it to Delia. So I'm here to make up for that."
The priestess smiled and handed the necklace to Delia.
"Eh—this is a champion prize? Thank you, thank you! I'll treasure it. But I already have a necklace so I might not wear this one… is… is that rude?"
Delia accepted the Mystic Water shyly, touching the heart-shaped necklace on her chest that held her Key Stone.
"Pfft—ahaha! Delia, you're too funny!"
The priestess burst into laughter as if she'd just heard a delightful joke.
"Huh? Did I say something wrong?"
Delia looked innocently at Liam for help.
"Ahem… Delia, Mystic Water is a held item for Pokémon. It boosts the power of Water-type moves. It's very valuable—but not meant for humans to wear. Of course, wearing it does nothing, but it isn't rude."
Liam sighed helplessly. Delia's lack of knowledge in this area wasn't surprising.
"Ohhh! I get it now! So it's for a Pokémon to hold! Water-type, right? Okay! I'll go give it to Wartortle right now!"
Delia's eyes sparkled. She tapped her fist into her palm and dashed into the inner room with the Mystic Water—clearly to find her Water-type partner.
"Hehe… sorry about that."
Liam gave an embarrassed smile as he turned back to the priestess. Then his expression sharpened.
"You must have another reason for visiting, right? What happened?"
He could tell there was more to her visit.
"Well, Liam noticed. Yes, there is more. The Four Elite of the Johto League have arrived. They're waiting for you in the side hall. I came to inform you—and deliver the prize to Delia."
The priestess smiled and gestured toward the door.
Liam turned and shouted: "Delia! I need to go out for a bit. I'll be right back—and when I return, I'll go shopping with you!"
"Huh? Something came up? Okay, I'll wait here."
Delia peeked out from the inner room, glanced at Liam and the priestess, then called back.
"Alright, let's go. Please lead the way."
Liam nodded and opened the door.
"Then I'll take my leave first."
The priestess smiled politely and stepped out. Liam followed, closing the door behind them.