Soon, Lucas dismissed his earlier idea.
Even if Oranguru was exceptionally considerate, it would never allow him to become useless.
A case in point: when Lucas jokingly suggested, "Why don't you feed me breakfast?", Oranguru just shot him a calm glance. Telepathically, it responded in his mind:
"Young master, I'm not your personal maid. As your butler, my duty is to anticipate your needs, confirm your schedule, and prepare everything in a way that's most comfortable and familiar for you. Relying solely on my psychic powers for service isn't good for you."
With Oranguru saying that, Lucas could only give an awkward smile, hurriedly dress, and head to the sink to wash up with the disposable dry towel and toothbrush Oranguru had already placed within arm's reach. He leisurely ate breakfast, which was at just the right temperature.
As he ate, Lucas silently marveled at Oranguru's intelligence—it felt like Oranguru had calculated everything in advance.
It almost gave Lucas the illusion that Oranguru might actually be smarter than himself.
After finishing his steaming breakfast, before Lucas could say anything, Oranguru asked, "Young master, what's your schedule for today?"
Lucas scratched his head, still not quite used to being called "young master," but replied, "Uh, today's main plan is to visit Prism Tower and see Lumiose City's Gym Leader, Clemont. Nothing else planned. If there's time, maybe I'll line up to buy some Lumiose Gâteau as souvenirs—Alcremie really wants to try them."
"Understood. Since the Lumiose Gym doesn't accept appointments for general visits, you can only go as a challenger. I'll schedule us to leave at nine. As for the Gâteau, your best bet is after 1pm; we can try our luck then."
Oranguru produced a tablet from who-knows-where, fingers deftly tapping away as if inputting something.
"Okay," Lucas replied, wondering why Oranguru—a Pokémon—was more adept with a tablet than he was.
Oranguru, adept at reading people, smiled and said, "I used to dislike electronics too, coming from the forest. But as a butler caring for humans, these devices are indispensable. Now I see how convenient they really are—weather forecasts, study materials, communication—all through this little screen. It's quite amazing."
The main reason Pokémon butlers aren't widespread is their lack of sensitivity to electronics, while humans rely on them. That's the biggest disadvantage compared to human butlers.
That's why schools have classes to teach Pokémon like Oranguru.
Just like the Joy family worldwide, letting Nurse Pokémon learn to operate equipment for assistance.
Leaving the hotel, the Lumiose City taxi Oranguru ordered had just pulled up. Everything seemed perfectly timed.
Following Oranguru into the taxi, with the local driver's skillful driving, the heart of Lumiose City—a sprawling metropolis—soon came into Lucas's view.
Stepping out, his feet landed on broad cobblestone streets, with office buildings not far away. It all reminded Lucas of highly developed modern cities from his memories.
At the center of the main plaza stood a 300-meter-tall tower—the city's landmark, Prism Tower. Lucas recalled it was modeled after the famous Eiffel Tower from before he crossed worlds.
The pride of the Kalos League, genius inventor Clemont's gym was inside this tower.
Lucas had checked on the way: Prism Tower is usually closed to visitors. To get in, you either need connections or to challenge the gym.
He figured challenging the gym might be embarrassing if someone recognized him, but there was no other way. Otherwise, he'd have to ask Korrina, then the League, then get official clearance—way too much trouble. This was the simplest option; he just wanted to meet Clemont, after all.
Showing their reservation to the gate guards, Lucas and Oranguru were respectfully allowed in and taken straight to the gym's elevator. Other floors remained off-limits.
With a ding, the elevator doors opened, revealing a massive battle arena.
So direct?
Maybe because Lucas was the first challenger that day, only one man stood inside, eyes closed in meditation. He had a thick but well-groomed beard and didn't look shabby at all.
Seeing Lucas and Oranguru, the man waved, "Are you challengers?"
Oranguru telepathically reminded Lucas: "Young master, he doesn't seem to be Clemont himself."
Lucas nodded—just as he expected. He spoke up, "Uncle, is Gym Leader Clemont here?"
The man laughed heartily, unfazed by being called "uncle." "Clemont? He's not here this morning. Went to repair some equipment at the Lysandre Labs. I'm his father, Meyer, just filling in at the gym."
"Young man, don't worry. The badges I issue have the same value as Clemont's. The only difference is… it's a little harder to earn one from me."
With Clemont absent, there was little point in battling. Lucas said directly, "I actually just want to talk to Clemont. I'm not here for a gym battle."
"Want to see him, huh?" Meyer raised an eyebrow, sizing Lucas up.
He could tell Lucas wasn't nervous or eager for a badge—he didn't look like a typical challenger.
But—"It's the first time I've seen someone try to take a shortcut to meet Clemont. Honestly, as his father, I can't just let anyone see him. Let's battle. Trainers learn about each other through battle."
Clemont's reputation as a genius inventor had brought him trouble before. Since Lucas had run into him, Meyer felt he needed to vet him.
Seeing Meyer's resolve—no battle, no meeting Clemont—Lucas sighed.
"Alright, what are the rules?"