"Now, before we move on to redistributing duties, let's officially congratulate Cain for becoming our Elite Four of the Sandstorm." Juan sat in the main seat.
To his right, in order, were Drake, the Dragon-type Elite Four; Sidney, the Dark-type Elite Four; Glacia, the Ice-type Elite Four; and the newly appointed Elite Four of the Sandstorm, Cain. After them sat the representative of the Chief-level Researchers, Vivian Stone...
Although Cain's seat had only moved slightly forward, the meaning behind that change was entirely different.
On the left side, nothing had changed — Joseph Stone, the representatives of the Jenny and Joy families, and several others who represented the League's main factions.
Clap, clap, clap...
Applause filled the room.
Everyone present had witnessed Cain's journey — from sitting alone against the wall as a mere listener, to gradually becoming involved in discussions, to taking a seat at the table, and now, finally, sitting among the Elite Four.
All within an incredibly short span of time.
Cain stood up, bowed, and thanked everyone in the room.
As he sat back down, Vivian whispered beside him, "In that outfit... you look pretty handsome, you know?"
Cain smiled faintly and, in a tone only she could hear, replied softly into her ear, "Of course I do."
He used his psychic powers so that no one else could hear him — yet it had the same effect as if he'd whispered directly into her ear. Vivian's face flushed instantly.
Her eyes widened as she turned to look at him, but Cain's expression remained perfectly calm, as if nothing had happened.
"Ahem." Juan, who had noticed Vivian's reaction, cleared his throat lightly in warning.
Vivian immediately realized she'd lost her composure and obediently lowered her head, though her expression still showed a trace of restrained annoyance.
The corner of Cain's lips curved ever so slightly.
"Well then, moving on to our agenda — we're going to redistribute responsibilities. Everyone knows what the opening of the Great Tournament means. Here in Hoenn, we're not asking everyone to live as if we're at war, but it's time to correct the laziness that's taken root among us."
"That's why, this time, work assignments may differ from before. If anyone has opinions or suggestions, now's the time to discuss them."
Juan's expression grew serious. Even though he was no longer Champion, his voice still carried the greatest authority in the room.
"First, Joseph: you'll continue managing all major and minor affairs of the Hoenn region. I know you still have the Devon Corporation to handle, so you can choose trusted people to assist you."
Joseph Stone nodded immediately.
The Stone family was one of the most influential in Hoenn, and with their prestige, mediating disputes among families was simple business.
"As for the Jenny and Joy families: you'll remain in charge of the League Police and Pokémon Centers. But I must say, I'm not satisfied with your recent performance. I believe you know what I'm referring to. I expect better oversight from your subordinates — especially the newer ones."
Juan didn't bother hiding his displeasure. During Hoenn's recent turmoil, neither the League Police nor the Pokémon Centers had played a decisive role.
Too many years of peace had made them forget their purpose in times of crisis.
The leaders of both families looked solemn. They had already noticed the issue and started internal reforms. For Juan to bring it up openly meant the situation was indeed serious.
"The Contests will continue as usual, but I think focusing solely on aesthetics and glamour isn't enough. I want the element of battle to be included as well. I'm not against the Coordinator profession, but a Pokémon Trainer must, at the very least, be capable of fighting."
The president of the Coordinator Guild nodded immediately, accepting the order. Hoenn's current trend clearly favored battling — it was time for Coordinators to evolve too.
"As for the Breeders: before leaving, Takashi left everything well organized. There's not much management needed. So, Cain, as his disciple, you'll temporarily serve as president of the Breeder Guild. If you find someone suitable, you may delegate the role."
The Breeder Guild was still small in Hoenn and didn't require much effort. The plan was already in place — it simply needed to be followed.
"Understood," Cain nodded.
Then, several other minor duties were assigned.
When it came time for the Elite Four, Juan looked at Drake. "Drake, whether you like it or not, the research department will be under your command. We don't have a Champion right now, and since you refuse to take that position, I can only give you this responsibility."
Drake's eyes widened as he stared at Juan in disbelief.
So the thing that's bothering you... you're dumping it on me?
He had already suspected Juan would try to push work onto him, but there was no escaping it. The research department was essential, and only he could properly oversee it.
"Oh, right — several high-priority criminal arrest warrants have piled up there as well. I hope you'll take care of those too," Juan added with a faint smile.
Drake's eye twitched.
Are you trying to trip me up!?
"Ahem, I think those missions have been piling up for too long. I won't be able to handle them alone. How about Cain helps me out? After all, he's also a Chief-level Researcher." Drake shot Juan a glare that said, If you don't agree, I'm not doing it.
In the end... Juan relented and nodded.
"Cain, you've just become an Elite Four member, so you need more field experience. You and Drake will handle those missions together," he said with an expressionless face.
Cain looked at Drake, then at Juan, and inside, he was about to explode.
So they really do want to bully the rookie!?
Because he was younger? Because they outranked him? Because they could?
Did everything have to land on his shoulders!?
And to top it off — there weren't even any rewards for those missions!
Cain had thought that becoming an Elite Four would finally free him from all this busywork — yet here he was, back at square one!
He took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration.
"...Alright," he replied with effort. He'd already seen the spark of amusement in both Juan's and Drake's eyes.
Fine... I'll put up with it.
But just wait until I surpass you...
Upon hearing his acceptance, Juan and Drake both smiled in satisfaction.
"So, did you think being an Elite Four already made you a big shot? Get to work, kid!" — that's what Juan was thinking.
"This boy's got potential. Exactly what he needs to polish his dual-core strategy. Maybe he'll soon turn that pseudo-triple-core into a real, complete one. Not that I'm dumping all this work on him... and I'm definitely not planning to retire when he gets stronger... well, maybe just a little," thought Drake.
(End of chapter)