"It's this year's latest trend from Lumiose Fashion Week."
Valerie smiled softly. "Woven from special materials that can even enhance a Pokémon's mobility."
Special items in the Pokémon world included Gengar's little blanket 『Reaper Cloth』 and Sirfetch'd's monocle Scope Lens.
Though not as overpowered as in the games, they still had the effects described by the System:
[Choice Scarf: A scarf with some personality. When held, it boosts Speed but restricts the user to one move. (Also known as the "Choice Scarf," one of the Trainer's three beloved accessories.)]
Natsume examined the wavy-patterned, light-blue Choice Scarf and remarked, "This must be quite expensive, right?"
"I designed it myself." Valerie smiled gently. "Scented with ripple incense, it's very popular among Fairy-type Pokémon... like your Sylveon."
"Sylveon! o(′^｀)o" Sylveon turned its head away disdainfully, refusing to even glance at it.
The Sylveon in Valerie's arms stared at this aloof sister Sylveon, momentarily stunned.
If only I could be as carefree as you...
"She doesn't like gifts from outsiders." Natsume apologized with a smile.
"Is that so?" Valerie hesitated. "But logically speaking..."
Sylveon's baby-blue eyes glanced sideways at Valerie.
Valerie seemed to understand its meaning and fell silent.
Though the scarf was lovely, if it wasn't given by Natsume-sensei, it meant nothing to Sylveon.
To this day, the little one still treasured the first gift Natsume-sensei had given it—the Silk Scarf.
Even if it wasn't as impressive as the Choice Scarf, nothing in the world could compare...
Well... except maybe that hamster wheel that lit up like a diode.
Natsume pondered for a moment.
Coincidentally, he needed the Choice Scarf for a certain... strategy.
Rotom could use "Trick" to swap items between Pokémon.
The Choice Scarf could also restrict an opponent's Pokémon, making it a key tool against setup sweepers.
For example, if Lance's Red Gyarados used "Dragon Dance," Rotom could swap their Choice Scarf and Gyaradosite. (Note: In-game, "Trick" can't swap Mega Stones.)
Red Gyarados would then be unable to Mega Evolve, and using other moves would become cumbersome.
Thus, the "Choice Scarf Rotom" was the dirtiest of dirty tactics—perfectly suited to Natsume-sensei's Rotom, "Space."
"That's just ruthless." Natsume sighed. "Thank you, Miss Valerie."
"Ruthless?" Valerie blinked in confusion.
"Never mind." Natsume coughed lightly. "Are you still selling this Choice Scarf? I'd like to get one for Sirfetch'd too."
Natsume recalled Sawyer's Sceptile at the Kalos League, which had worn a similarly stylish scarf.
Though not a Choice Scarf, it—like Ash's stick-chewing Sceptile—had left a deep impression on Natsume.
Imagine Sirfetch'd wearing a Scope Lens, a flowing scarf around its neck, wielding a sword and shield—
Hmm... still pretty cool!
Valerie nodded softly. "They're available in limited quantities on Laverre Gym's official website."
"Little Rotom, search it up," Natsume said.
"Roger that~ Retrieving information now, Rotom!"
Natsume glanced at Rotom's screen, then widened his eyes at the displayed price:
"Are you guys robbing people?"
Valerie: "...If you'd like, I can give you another one."
"That'd be too much to ask."
Natsume grinned, eyes gleaming.
"But I have a bit of a perfectionist streak... Let's just go for the full Choice trio. Saves me the trouble of deciding."
Valerie froze, then hesitated.
Finally, after stealing a glance at Natsume-sensei's face, she nodded resolutely.
"U-um... if it's not too much trouble... could you maybe mention Laverre Gym during your... livestreams?"
"I don't do sponsorships on stream."
"Oh." Valerie sighed in disappointment. "Then..."
"But I can slip in a hard ad in the game." Natsume offered. "Have an NPC say something like, 'Laverre Gym's scarves are amazing! My Growlithe made me order one immediately!' How's that?"
Valerie nodded blankly. "Th-that works. I'll have the Choice trio delivered to your residence."
With negotiations concluded, the two reached a business agreement.
Valerie felt slightly swindled, but Sylveon was adorable, the macarons were delicious...
And Natsume-sensei was even more handsome than rumored... So, maybe being tricked wasn't so bad.
The Choice trio consisted of: Choice Scarf, Choice Band, and Choice Specs.
The Choice Band boosted physical power. Natsume planned to have Sirfetch'd wear it like a headband, inscribed with "Peking Duck."
The Choice Scarf would serve as Rotom's strategic item, ready to be deployed for maximum underhandedness.
The Choice Specs were stylish, light-yellow tinted glasses. Another addition to Gengar's eyewear collection.
"Choice Specs... I could probably wear these myself." Natsume mused. "Might even enhance my ripple aura..."
Time slipped by unnoticed. Jubilife City was now deep in night.
"Are you attending the fashion exhibit tomorrow?" Natsume asked Valerie.
"Yes." Valerie adjusted the heavy wings on her back, her fairy-like eyes shimmering. "It's my duty—to share Ecruteak City's culture alongside my Sylveon and everyone at Laverre Gym."
"Good luck." Natsume smiled faintly, then added suddenly, "Oh, one more thing. Could you keep an eye out for shopfront properties in Lumiose City?"
Valerie: "Y-you're really investing in real estate?"
Natsume: "I promised Moe-Moe! I'd open a little shop surrounded by flowers in Lumiose."
Valerie paused, studying Natsume-sensei's handsome, gentle, carefree face.
A pang of envy for "Moe-Moe!" rose in her chest, mixed with a faint sweetness.
"I'll help you look." She hid her smile behind her sleeve. "May you soon conquer Sinnoh, Champion Natsume-sensei."
Natsume-sensei: "..."
That... might be difficult. In every sense. At least until she agreed.
"Thanks for the gifts." Natsume waved. "Next time, I'll treat you to macarons."
"I'll look forward to it."
...
On the way home, Sylveon wrapped a pink ribbon around Natsume's arm.
Adorably soft—enough to melt any girl's heart.
"Sylveon! (〝▼皿▼)"
But the little one's fierce aura sent approaching girls scattering.
Natsume tallied the day's gains, murmuring:
"Scammed—no, guided Valerie... secured the Choice trio..."
"Also gave the little one a checkup... aside from being too cute, no issues."
"Sy-Sylveon!" Sylveon's ears twitched, pretending not to hear.
Natsume chuckled, then muttered to himself:
"Legendary Pokémon of sweet dreams, Cresselia... That's too vague."
"Better keep the Lunar Feather on the little one for now... and focus on boosting 'Moonblast' first."
Sylveon often sneaked out at night to train.
"Moonblast," as a Fairy-type ultimate move, would improve Sylveon's safety and solidify its household rank.
Natsume couldn't help but laugh.
Sylveon outranked Blastoise and Gengar, while he outranked Sylveon—
A world where only Natsume remained unharmed!
"Sirfetch'd needs to step up too." Natsume sighed. "Seeing it work so hard with little payoff breaks my heart..."
"Sirfetch'd! (///￣皿￣)○～" The Premier Ball at his waist shook.
Liar! You're the one forcing me!
So hard... Another day of being bullied into training, quack!
...
April 4th, Sunday.
Natsume received a progress report from Oleana about the game's development.
"We've reached the Indigo Plateau, the Pokémon League phase."
Oleana spoke meticulously. "In arena order, the player—as Red—will battle Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Lance."
"After defeating Dragon-type Elite Four member Lance," she paused, "they'll face the final boss: the current Champion, Blue Oak."
The immersion was strong—Natsume nearly laughed aloud.
In the special editions, these twin stars clashed in a peak duel, their strength evenly matched.
But in-game, Blue Oak's "half-hour championship" made him the shortest-reigning Champ in history.
Even the reliable senior in the chat group, Blue Oak, had indeed once defeated Lance and guarded the Pokémon League's gates—
Only to be crushed by Red.
"So the beta can start in May?" Natsume asked.
"Yes." Oleana hesitated. "But Devon Corp is undergoing a version update. I'm concerned..."
"Don't worry. I'll promote it during my stream today."
"Won't that cause... business disputes?" Oleana stiffened.
"What's there to fear? The enemy's at Honnouji—Devon's VP is our fan."
"...A compelling argument."
After hanging up, Natsume mentioned the game's upcoming release in the chat group.
Gold and Old Man Wattson cheered. Steven smiled warmly.
Monopolies were lucrative but bred corporate stagnation.
Thanks to Pokémon Company's sudden rise, Devon Corp had launched its first major version update in years.
Healthy competition would only strengthen Devon's growth—something Steven welcomed.
Fantina boasted: "Today's Jubilife fashion exhibit was a huge success~"
"I saw." Wallace smiled. "Natsume-sensei's Sylveon outfit won an award."
Natsume-sensei: "???"
"Miss Valerie's designs are so unique!" Ruby's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to learn from her!"
Sapphire gritted her teeth: "RUBY!"
Their icons grayed out—likely off battling somewhere.
The chat reeked of jealousy.
Natsume-sensei: "@Lucian, working overtime today?"
Lucian (reading): "No, it's my day off. Why?"
Natsume sighed regretfully.
No playing with Moe-Moe! today.
Shaking it off, Natsume prepared for tonight's stream.
If he matched against Leon's Dynamax Charizard, he'd counter with a rain-summoning Pelipper. Let's see how he likes that.
Buzz—
His phone vibrated with a message.
Valerie's "Choice trio" had arrived.
[Package ready for pickup. Please collect at the post office with this code...]
"Odd. Why didn't the mail carrier deliver it this time?"
Natsume scratched his head. The screen lit up again.
A message from Cabbage Ice Cream...
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