Returning to the main house, Natsui found Erika in the flower arranging room. They had just finished their class, and a group of women were walking past him, whispering softly.
Since the narrow hallway couldn't accommodate so many people passing at once, Natsui could only stand aside to let them through.
The sound of white socks padding on the wooden floorboards filled the air, and a mixture of different perfumes drifted into Natsui's nose.
Well, the scent was certainly fragrant, just a little overpowering.
As these women passed by him, each one of them glanced at Natsui with curiosity.
While some were more reserved, many were bold and direct, their gazes unabashed as they inwardly marveled at the handsome man.
Hmm... it's just that his attire didn't quite fit in here. He looked less like a tea party guest and more like a tourist!
After they disappeared down the end of the hallway, Natsui looked into the flower arranging room again. Only Erika, Sakura, and another woman in a kimono remained.
This person bore a slight resemblance to Sakura and Tamao, so she must be the "Satsuki" that Sakura had mentioned.
Seeing Natsui enter the room, Sakura quickly stood up to make introductions.
"Mr. Natsui, this is my sister Satsuki, and she's the eldest of us five sisters. Sister, this is the Natsui I was just telling you about, Miss Erika's traveling companion."
So it was her—the eldest of the five Kimono sisters!
Natsui and Satsuki greeted each other, the formal exchange feeling very much like a first meeting at a blind date.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Natsui."
"A pleasure, Miss Satsuki."
Looking closely, Satsuki was a couple of years older than Tamao, whom he had met at the entrance. She was also very beautiful, with a remarkably gentle demeanor.
Natsui also noticed that whether it was Sakura, Tamao, or Satsuki before him, they all liked to use a Poké Ball as a hair ornament.
Strange, is this some kind of family-specific taste?
At that moment, in front of Satsuki, there was an exquisite vase holding a few bouquets of fresh flowers, looking vibrant and full of life.
Natsui didn't understand the art of flower arranging, but he had an eye for beauty and could tell that these flowers were distinctly different from ordinary ones—they were more vivid and beautiful.
Looking at Natsui, Erika asked softly, "What were you up to just now?"
Natsui sat down beside her and casually gestured behind him with his thumb. "Went to the back for a few battles, just to pass the time."
"Did you win?"
"Is that even a question?" Natsui chuckled. "I fought five or six matches, won them all pretty easily."
Hearing this, Sakura on the side asked with curiosity, "Oh? Are you very good at battling, Mr. Natsui?"
Before Natsui could answer, Satsuki looked at her sister with an amused expression. "Sakura, don't you know who Natsui is?"
"Who he is?"
Sakura was taken aback, then shook her head blankly. She had only met Natsui yesterday and hadn't had a deep conversation with him. How would she know who he was?
Isn't he just an ordinary member of the audience?
Seeing her like this, Satsuki knew she was still in the dark and explained, "This Mr. Natsui is the champion of the Indigo League."
"The Indigo League Champion!?"
Hearing this title, Sakura let out a gasp and looked at Natsui in disbelief. Then, realizing her outburst, she covered her mouth, slightly embarrassed.
Now she finally remembered where she had heard the name "Natsui" before—it was on TV, over and over again.
Faced with Sakura's astonishment, Natsui could only smile and nod.
He wasn't like those who crave vanity, announcing his identity to everyone he met, wishing the whole world knew he was a champion.
And although he had won the championship, it wasn't really a big deal. After all, a new one was crowned every year, and considering all the regions in the world, who knows how many champions were produced annually!
His goal was a grand slam; how could he be smug about a single regional title!
He cleared his throat and very naturally changed the subject. "What are you all doing?"
Satsuki smiled gently. "Miss Erika and I were just exchanging experiences about flower arranging. Even though we are from different regions, I was surprised to find that both our techniques and skills in flower arranging are the same!"
Erika also nodded. "Miss Satsuki is an excellent flower arrangement master. Her skills just now were very impressive. I've truly learned a lot from watching her!"
"Not at all, not at all." Satsuki quickly waved her hands. "I've also learned a lot from my conversation with you, Miss Erika. And I feel that you are remarkably gentle and generous, with a very similar disposition to my own!"
This kind of mutual flattery was getting to be too much, not just for Natsui, but even Sakura couldn't help but chime in. "Alright, alright, I know you're both excellent. Can you two please stop praising each other!"
The group let out light laughter, and the atmosphere in the room was relaxed and harmonious.
After chatting here for a while, Natsui and Erika finally bid farewell to Satsuki, and Sakura led them to continue their tour elsewhere.
Leaving the main house and arriving by the pond, the melodious sound of a koto suddenly drifted from somewhere.
Following the sound, they saw on a red carpet, a girl in a pink kimono with a Poké Ball in her hair, playing the instrument!
This girl was a little younger than Sakura. She was completely absorbed in her performance and didn't notice their arrival.
As if not to disturb the player, Sakura whispered, "This is Lily. She's my younger sister and the youngest of us five."
Lily?
The name reminded Natsui of Misty's eldest sister, who shared the same name.
They stood and listened for a while. Natsui didn't understand this kind of classical music, but Erika occasionally nodded in approval. Seeing Natsui look at her, she smiled and said, "This is 'Twilight on the Yamato Plain.' It's a very classic piece, quite popular in the Kanto region as well."
At this, she turned to Sakura. "You five sisters are truly multi-talented. Performing, flower arranging, playing instruments—each of you is so accomplished!"
Hearing Erika's praise, Sakura smiled shyly.
"Well, this is how we make our living, after all. We spend a lot of time practicing every day."
The piece wasn't over, but the group had already moved on, continuing their walk to another part of the courtyard.
After circling the pond, they arrived at an open area enclosed by a series of folding screens. Sakura pointed to the area and introduced it to them, "Alright, this is where the tea party will be held. Let's go in now while there aren't many people."
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