Blaziken Mask's almost warning tone made Lucas frown. Suddenly, the delicious food didn't seem so appealing.
Lysandre was no easy character. Never mind his good guy period—for now, he was a skillful, dangerous schemer, hiding his true ambitions behind a perfect mask.
Some people probably worked for him without even realizing it.
Soon, after walking the lit path, they reached the hilltop French restaurant, brightly illuminated.
The place was already bustling. Besides elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen, there were all sorts present, from elites to ordinary folks.
Clearly, Siebold's connections crossed all class lines.
Lucas and Blaziken Mask's arrival drew attention—mainly because of Blaziken Mask's outlandish outfit.
Feeling everyone's gaze, Lucas felt like he was roasting over a fire.
Fortunately, Blaziken Mask's look also attracted the host's attention.
Wearing a white chef's coat, Siebold hurried over. Seeing Lucas, his eyes lit up in delight, "Lucas!"
Lucas replied, "Siebold, it's been a while."
"I'm so happy you accepted my invitation!"
Siebold gave Lucas a big hug. Even though Kalosians were always passionate, such familiarity made the surrounding guests curious about Lucas's identity.
Siebold, ever the elegant chef and host, didn't forget Blaziken Mask. "I've heard so much about you, Blaziken Mask, the hero who secretly guards Lumiose. It's an honor to have you here."
While Blaziken Mask and Siebold chatted, Lucas glanced at him in surprise. Was it his imagination, or did Siebold not expect Blaziken Mask to accept the invitation? So, Blaziken Mask must have changed his mind for some reason—could that reason be...
Lucas pondered.
After pleasantries, as more guests arrived, Siebold smiled, "I'll leave you for now. The dinner is buffet style, all dishes are my team's proud creations. Please enjoy them."
"And after dinner, there'll be a battle round. If you participate, I'll be even happier—especially you, Lucas. I'm looking forward to seeing you shine tonight."
He winked and left.
Once Siebold was gone, Blaziken Mask looked at Lucas in disbelief: "You've beaten Siebold before?!"
High-society banquets were all about drinking and socializing.
Of course, there were some who ignored networking and focused only on the food, cutting through the buffet like a battlefield.
Lucas and Blaziken Mask were among them.
Mouth full, Blaziken Mask asked, "Are we really okay doing this?"
Lucas didn't care, only answering during a water break: "Why not? I'm just a country guy who loves food. I'm not good at flattery—might as well enjoy the good stuff."
"And honestly, these buffet dishes are as good as anything you'd order here. Delicious!"
Blaziken Mask was speechless. He'd never met anyone so relaxed—was this what real confidence looked like?
He remembered Lucas had beaten Siebold's Mega Blastoise. No wonder Lucas hadn't been surprised by his Ampharos's Mega Evolution—he'd already faced Siebold.
Defeating a Four Elite's ace after Mega Evolution, Lucas really kept surprising him.
Since neither socialized and Lucas was unknown, plus Blaziken Mask's weird costume, almost no one came to talk to them.
During the meal, Lucas did spot some familiar faces—Kalos Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, all present.
Soon, the dinner reached its climax: Siebold took the stage and cheerfully addressed the crowd:
"Thank you all for coming to my battle dinner! I hope you enjoyed the food and wine—everything was crafted with pride by my team."
"Before tonight's main event, let me introduce two distinguished guests: Kalos League Champion and actress Diantha, and Lysandre, head of Lysandre Labs and a beloved philanthropist!"
The lights focused on a woman in a finely tailored black off-shoulder dress and jeweled crown, and a tall man in a white suit. They walked together to the stage.
No doubt, it was Diantha and Lysandre.
Guests whispered excitedly: "So beautiful, Miss Diantha! Only she could make black look both elegant and dazzling."
"Mr. Lysandre is so handsome—just being near him is reassuring. No wonder he's Kalos's great philanthropist!"
"Don't they look perfect together?"
"You think so, too?!"
While others whispered, Lucas stared at the stage, eyes fixed on Diantha and Lysandre.
Because… Lysandre had just taken a glass from a waiter and, smiling, raised it toward Lucas.
Lucas knew Lysandre was greeting him, something even Blaziken Mask noticed. He whispered, "He's up to something. Be careful, Lucas."
Under his mask, Meyer frowned. It was the first time he'd seen Lysandre so aggressive. Could Lysandre already know Lucas had beaten Siebold?
Lucas nodded: "I will."
Diantha and Lysandre greeted the guests, drawing applause. Then the main event began.
Siebold, microphone in hand, said: "Now for the highlight of tonight! As a battle dinner, there will of course be Pokémon battles."
"Originally, I planned to do an exhibition match with Miss Diantha, but it seems Mr. Lysandre has his own idea."
"Mr. Lysandre, would you like to speak?"
Siebold handed Lysandre the mic. Lysandre looked straight at Lucas.
As Lysandre tested the mic, Lucas sighed—so it really was a banquet with a hidden agenda.
Blaziken Mask was right—Lysandre was here for him. He'd probably learned Lucas's identity from Siebold.
But Lucas didn't blame Siebold—his invitation was well-intentioned, probably hoping to gift him a set of Mega Evolution tools.
Siebold was simply fooled by Lysandre's public persona and had been used.
After testing the mic, Lysandre swept his gaze over the crowd, his deep voice full of persuasive charm: "Before the exhibition match between Chef Siebold and Miss Diantha, I'd like to introduce a distinguished guest from afar."
Guests looked around curiously.
"A distinguished guest from afar? Someone Lysandre himself would introduce must be very important."
Diantha quietly asked Siebold: "What's going on?"
Siebold, still watching the crowd, quietly answered: "Remember when I went on a training trip?"
Diantha nodded.
Scanning the crowd, Siebold's gaze landed on Lucas. "During my travels, I went to Paldea and lost to a trainer there."
Diantha covered her mouth in shock: "You… lost?"
Siebold sighed: "Yes, and I gave it my all. My Mega Blastoise was defeated by his Fire Pokémon."
Diantha frowned—could it be Paldea's champion, Geeta? But Geeta's main Pokémon weren't Fire-type…
Suddenly, she realized: "Did you invite that person to tonight's dinner?"
Siebold nodded but stayed quiet, as Lysandre was entering the next stage of his speech. With a look of honor, he said:
"Now, let me introduce this young powerhouse from Paldea, recognized by Champion Geeta as a trainer on par with a League Champion—Mr. Lucas."
Lysandre placed his right hand over his heart and bowed toward Lucas. The spotlight focused on Lucas, drawing gasps from those nearby.
"And, if I may be so bold, I, Lysandre, wish to invite Mr. Lucas to a one-on-one exhibition match. As an added incentive, win or lose, I will present this Mega Stone as a gift."
Lysandre raised his gloved hand, revealing a round stone that looked like nature's perfect creation.