As night slowly fell, soft lamplight illuminated the cozy dining room of the Mayor’s house.
Chen Kai, once again staying there, was seated at the dining table.
The table was laden with steaming, fragrant dishes, yet his attention was drawn to the surrounding atmosphere.
Grandma Ju was indeed staying there, which made sense as she was traveling, and the Mayor’s house was the only place in town available for temporary lodging.
She sat at one side of the table, her white hair particularly striking under the light, with Gastly obediently floating beside her, occasionally stealthily sticking out its tongue to lick the enticingly fragrant food on Grandma Ju’s plate.
On the other side of the table, Noma was also present.
She sat elegantly, her golden hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders, while Mr. Mime beside her joyfully waved its fingers, its arms crossed.
The Mayor’s Delphox, originally relaxed and carefree, instantly lost its usual spirit upon seeing Gastly and Mr. Mime, as if sensing something.
It cowered beside the Mayor, its ears drooped, its tail tucked tightly between its legs, and it occasionally let out soft whimpers, clearly feeling immense pressure.
The Mayor’s family also noticed the tense atmosphere and unconsciously gravitated towards Chen Kai; in contrast, this young man from the Dragon Kingdom seemed like a reassuring little darling.
The Mayor, using a translation app, spoke quietly with Chen Kai, as if doing so could distance him from the invisible pressure.
If the Mayor knew that three terrifying Paradox Pokémon were hidden in the Poké Ball on Chen Kai’s waist, one could only imagine his expression.
Chen Kai watched this scene, finding it both amusing and helpless.
Even more interesting was how, in this French-style small-town restaurant, the white-haired Grandma Ju, the blonde Noma, and he himself would occasionally chat in Chinese.
Grandma Ju smiled and asked Noma, “Miss Noma, have you been to the Dragon Kingdom? Your Chinese is truly excellent.”
Noma smiled and nodded in response, “Yes, I am passionate about research and exploration, and I stayed in the Dragon Kingdom for several years.”
“Constantly doing scientific research, and still able to train this Mr. Mime so exceptionally, Miss Noma’s talent as a Trainer is extraordinary! Much stronger than an old woman like me.”
“You flatter me, haha. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”
...
Chen Kai always felt that their polite words carried a subtle “hint of gunpowder.”
However, he mostly listened to their conversation as an observer. Although he wasn’t clear about the conflict between them, he stuck to the principle of not meddling in others’ affairs, as his own troubles hadn’t been resolved yet, and he didn’t want to get involved in other incidents.
Miraidon and the others, meanwhile, were enjoying the food on their own, as the Mayor’s wife’s cooking was much better than what Chen Kai and Miraidon made themselves.
After Miraidon was full and the somewhat awkward dinner finally ended, Chen Kai was about to return to his room to rest when the Mayor hurried over, holding his phone with the translation app open.
The Mayor looked at Chen Kai with a worried expression and said through the translation app, “This afternoon, two people suddenly fainted on the town street and were just sent to the hospital. I think that Grandma Ju and Noma are both a bit strange, and the town has been very unusual lately, with many strangers arriving. You are still a child, and I suggest you leave here quickly to avoid trouble.”
Chen Kai scratched his head. He knew the reason for the two who fainted, and he guessed their target was him, so he didn’t intend to pay attention.
Moreover, as long as those legendary Pokémon didn’t directly target him, he truly had nothing to fear now.
However, he still smiled and replied to the Mayor, “Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Mayor. I will leave tomorrow after buying some things.”
The Mayor listened, nodded slightly, and then left, but he saw that Chen Kai seemed not to care much, and his eyes still held a hint of worry.
Chen Kai returned to his room, gently closed the door, and then collapsed onto the bed.
Outside the window, the town’s night was quiet and deep, with the occasional Bug Buzz sounding exceptionally clear in the silence.
Just as Chen Kai was about to organize his thoughts and plan for tomorrow’s itinerary, there was a soft knock on the door.
Chen Kai sat up and asked, “Who is it?”
Noma’s gentle voice came from outside the door, “Chen Kai, it’s me, Noma.”
Chen Kai got up and opened the door. Noma stood at the entrance, with Mr. Mime quietly following behind her.
Noma entered the room, while Mr. Mime obediently stood guard at the door.
Noma looked at Chen Kai and said seriously, “Chen Kai, I must warn you, be careful of that new old lady. Her strength is not weak, and I feel that her target is you.”
Chen Kai frowned slightly, remembering Grandma Ju and her Gastly from the afternoon, and couldn’t help but feel some doubt.
But he still politely nodded, indicating that he would pay attention.
Noma then spread her arms, like a devout believer, saying, “I sincerely invite you again to explore the footsteps of the god of order with me. Only when this world becomes more orderly will it become more beautiful!”
Chen Kai had only seen such a demeanor on television and awkwardly declined, “Noma, thank you for your invitation. But I still have my own matters to complete.”
Noma was a bit disappointed but quickly regained her smile and said, “Alright, I respect your decision. If you change your mind, you can always come find me.”
Chen Kai nodded and saw Noma to the door. After Noma left with Mr. Mime, Chen Kai closed the door and lay back down on the bed.
But just then, the knocking sound started again. He sighed helplessly, got up, and opened the door once more.
Grandma Ju stood outside the door, her eyes full of concern, with Gastly quietly floating beside her.
Grandma Ju entered the room and softly said, “Chen Kai, what did that woman named Noma say to you?”
Chen Kai naturally didn’t want to talk much and perfunctorily said, “Nothing, we just chatted a bit.”
Grandma Ju said with a worried expression, “That Noma has a big problem. I’ve been observing her for a long time. The Mr. Mime beside her is very strong; I can’t see through it at all.”
Chen Kai listened carefully to Grandma Ju’s words, his brow slightly furrowed.
Grandma Ju continued, “Child, I suggest you leave this town quickly. It might not be safe here, and if you stay longer, danger might find you.”
After hearing this, Chen Kai remembered the Mayor’s earlier reminder and felt a bit annoyed, but he still politely replied to Grandma Ju using the same words he used for the Mayor, “Grandma, thank you for your reminder. I will leave here tomorrow after buying some things.”
Grandma Ju nodded and said, “That’s good. I hope you are safe.”
After speaking, she left the room with Gastly.
Chen Kai closed the door and lay back down on the bed, unable to resist complaining to Miraidon, “Why are there so many things happening as soon as I return to town? I didn’t even say this much when I stayed in the mountains for days…”
Miraidon chuckled, “But they all seem to be reminding you out of good intentions.”
“But I think Noma and Grandma Ju are both not simple,” Chen Kai said.
Miraidon nodded in response, “Then I will pay more attention to them.”