Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
Inside the conference room, Raya and Maximus observed Jacob, who was chatting and laughing, each with different thoughts running through their minds.
Maximus maintained his composure, gently lifting the teacup from the table and taking a small sip. A faint smile crossed his face as he couldn't help but feel proud of his excellent foresight.
Half a year ago, his decisive choice to take Jacob as his apprentice had been truly the wisest decision of his entire life. Ever since accepting Jacob as his disciple, everything had proceeded smoothly for him.
Moreover, he felt no greed whatsoever regarding the new experimental project Jacob had just mentioned. With their master-student relationship firmly established, Jacob would certainly never abandon him to collaborate with others.
Even if Jacob were to betray his master and desert him, there was still his daughter, Nina, to consider.
"Hmph," he thought to himself, "you latecomers and shortsighted fools can try as hard as you want now, but you're merely adding icing to the cake. It's completely incomparable to the timely assistance I provided half a year ago."
However, the only thing that caused Maximus some concern was that woman, Raya.
She was extremely cunning and possessed many connections. He couldn't determine what she was thinking, but she had suddenly become fixated on Jacob and was trying every possible method to establish cooperation with him.
The key issue was that he had recently heard rumors suggesting Raya seemed determined to arrange a marriage between Julia and Jacob.
As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Maximus felt a tightness in his throat. He was already uncertain about Jacob and Nina's relationship due to their age difference, and now with such a formidable competitor in the picture, he felt even more unsettled.
In terms of age, Jacob and Julia were the same.
In terms of appearance, the two were equally matched.
In terms of family background, his own family was slightly inferior.
The more Maximus compared the situations, the less confident he became. He couldn't help but light a cigarette and sigh deeply, "Love is truly difficult."
Similarly, Raya's emotions were quite complicated at this moment. She still vividly remembered the first time she had encountered Jacob. He had been just a shy young boy, demonstrating the corresponding movements for eighteen Z-Moves, still appearing somewhat bashful and reserved when he noticed her presence.
How had Jacob, seemingly without anyone realizing it, gained the confidence to confront a Champion like Westin? How many of the Heavenly Kings would dare to speak back to Westin in such a manner?
Jacob had truly grown far too quickly, not only in his scientific research capabilities but also in his own strength as a Trainer.
Others might remain unaware of Jacob's true power, but she understood it perfectly well.
If it came to an actual battle, with that mysterious Champion-level Pokémon at his disposal, an ordinary Heavenly King would genuinely struggle to match him as an opponent. More importantly, Jacob's future growth potential appeared immense; she couldn't perceive any limit to his abilities at all.
Even in this era filled with shining stars and countless prodigies, Jacob was undoubtedly among the most elite geniuses.
Training three Pokémon to Overlord Class within nine months was something previously unimaginable. Combined with two Mega Evolutions, Jacob could be said to have no equal in this High School Cup competition.
The current Jacob was undoubtedly a rising star, destined to one day become the sun blazing in the sky.
Raya couldn't help but think that her daughter absolutely must marry Jacob.
However, she had heard that Jacob seemed to have some romantic involvement with Maximus's daughter, which made Raya feel somewhat frustrated. Was her own daughter not beautiful enough? Not excellent enough? What was the issue? Why did Jacob apparently prefer older women?
Thinking about this matter, Raya couldn't help but recall the piece of paper that had been discovered in Jacob's dormitory, causing her face to flush slightly. She found herself secretly thinking, "This Jacob appears so proper and upright on the surface, but deep down, he's quite the pervert."
After the meeting concluded, Jacob and Aris prepared to return home together. Although the deal hadn't been finalized yet, Jacob felt no urgency whatsoever. He remained confident that the Pokémon Association would definitely agree to his proposed terms.
Seven sets of Mega Stones represented no small sum.
Just as they stepped out of the conference room, Raya and Koen approached, walking together.
Jacob frowned as he observed the pair. Connecting this to Julia's surname, Su, Jacob formed a general hypothesis about their relationship. He couldn't help but feel slightly envious of Koen for marrying such a beautiful wife as Raya; the man must truly be living happily.
There was an age difference of seventeen or eighteen years between them. What a fortunate man!
Perhaps it was due to Raya's connection that Koen's attitude during the conference room meeting had seemed so friendly and familiar.
"Dr. Jacob," Koen said with a warm smile, stepping forward to greet him, "I am extremely interested in your new experimental project. If an opportunity presents itself, I would very much like to collaborate extensively with you. Would it be convenient to discuss this further?"
Just then, Maximus and Colby also approached together. Their gazes swept over Jacob, Raya, and Koen, clearly indicating they also had matters to discuss with Jacob.
"Jacob, please go ahead and handle your business first. I have something I need to tell you later," Maximus said.
"Understood, Master," Jacob nodded in acknowledgment.
Although he had suggested letting Jacob attend to his business first, Maximus and Colby remained standing nearby, showing no intention of departing.
Perhaps noticing that others were approaching, Koen found it inconvenient to elaborate further and could only smile while saying, "Dr. Jacob, here is my business card. You can contact me directly if you need anything. Of course, you may also reach me through Aunt Raya."
Aunt Raya?
Jacob found the first portion of the sentence perfectly normal, but when he heard the final phrase, "Aunt Raya," he paused slightly, his mind struggling to process this information. It took a moment before he realized that Koen was indeed referring to Raya.
What was happening here?
Fifty-five-year-old Koen was calling Raya "Aunt Raya"?
Although his mind was filled with questions, Jacob still politely accepted the business card and responded, "Certainly."
After the two departed, Jacob turned his attention to Maximus and Colby. "Master, Champion Colby."
"Let's go. We'll sit in the Dragon-type Secret Realm," Maximus said to Jacob, walking ahead and leading the pair toward the Dragon-type Secret Realm.
"Master, what exactly is the relationship between Champion Koen and Elite Raya?" Jacob couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and asked directly.
"You don't know about this?" Maximus asked, his brow furrowing.
"I have no idea," Jacob admitted.
"Very well, let's discuss it as we walk."
As they made their way through the corridor, Maximus began to explain the complex family dynamics.
"Raya is Layton's fourth wife, and Layton is the head of the Su family. Koen is Layton's eldest son, so according to family hierarchy and proper respect, Koen should indeed address Raya as 'Fourth Aunt.'"
Fourth wife? How many wives had Layton married? How had a fourth wife situation even developed?
"Wait a moment. Champion Koen is already fifty-five years old this year. Exactly how old is Layton currently?" Jacob suddenly thought of a crucial question that needed clarification.
"He's eighty years old, I believe," Maximus replied matter-of-factly.
"Eighty! The age difference between them is rather extreme!" Jacob gasped audibly. Good heavens, Raya appeared to be only thirty-eight years old this year, creating a difference of over forty years between them. Calculating by their ages, Layton would have been over sixty years old when Raya became pregnant. The man was certainly vigorous even in his advanced age!
This world had become far too extraordinary for Jacob to fully comprehend.