After landing at Jubilife City by plane, returning to Celestic Town still required circumventing the entire Mt. Coronet.
After getting off the plane, Cynthia led Aiden to the parking lot with practiced ease.
In an inconspicuous corner, a plain yet high-end black car appeared before him.
"Where did you get this car?"
After being momentarily stunned and blinking several times in succession, Aiden blurted out.
"It's Caitlin's car. She has parked a few cars in every major city of Sinnoh for convenience."
Cynthia smiled slightly, used voice control to open the car door, and then gestured for him to get in.
"Don't worry, the first thing I did after coming of age was to get my driver's license."
"Because of Caitlin's age, it is convenient to have someone who can drive around."
After hearing her explanation, Aiden, already disoriented, became even more bewildered.
Having luxury cars all over Sinnoh for temporary use...
And based on that young lady's behavior of buying villas all over the world, Aiden reasonably suspected that her villas in other regions might have similar arrangements.
Is this the world of a wealthy woman?
However, compared to the extravagantly wealthy Caitlin, his Miraidon isn't bad either!
A self-growing and self-driving means of transportation—does Caitlin have one?
Speak up!
"By the way, the voice control for these cars currently only recognizes two people. After you get your driver's license, I'll ask Caitlin to give you access too."
Noticing Aiden's somewhat longing gaze, Cynthia chuckled and started the vehicle.
Aiden instinctively furrowed his brow.
Damn it, am I really that obvious?
But if I agree now, wouldn't it seem like I'm truly becoming a kept man?
Forget it, I'm not even living off of Cynthia, since this car clearly belongs to Caitlin.
Wait?
If that's the case, wouldn't it mean I'm freeloading off Caitlin?
"Alright, alright!"
Thinking about it, Aiden no longer hesitated and decisively got into the car.
...
In central Sinnoh, there is a giant mountain range stretching from the northern snow-capped peaks down through the entire region.
Mt. Coronet.
It is said that this is where Arceus created the world.
The Spear Pillar ruins atop Mt. Coronet are where humans first worshipped this creator god.
According to some inheritors' accounts, ancient Sinnoh people likely possessed the ability to communicate with the Time-Space deities and even Arceus.
However, records about the Spear Pillar and the legends have almost been lost, and no one knows how to reconnect with the creator deity again.
Driving towards Celestic Town, looking at the distant, continuous mountain range, Aiden couldn't help but let out a sigh:
"Coming here feels just like coming home."
Although he hadn't returned to Sinnoh for five years, he still felt a strange sense of familiarity.
The five-year agreement has arrived; the Sinnoh son-in-law returns!
Soon, a small town full of historical charm appeared in the distance.
As the smallest town in the Sinnoh region, Celestic Town perfectly preserves the history and lifestyle of ancient Sinnoh, maintaining its living atmosphere and historical legacy to this day.
In the center of the town stands an ancient shrine, whose bas-reliefs tell the story of the three "Legendary Lake Pokémon."
Why does Aiden know so much?
Because he often went inside when he was a child; the caves were very cool in summer, making them an invaluable summer retreat.
Plus, when bored, he could look at the murals to cultivate his mind, which was quite nice.
After getting out of the car, a somewhat aged modern building appeared before Aiden.
The Celestic Town Historical Research Institute; Professor Carolina, Cynthia's grandmother, had been waiting outside the institute for some time.
"It's been a long time, little Aiden."
Seeing her granddaughter bring Aiden back, the somewhat stooped old woman quickly smiled.
"It should have been five years since you last came back. I didn't expect you to grow up so much."
"I'm very glad to see you again, Professor Carolina."
After nodding seriously, Aiden courteously responded.
As a Pokémon professor of status equivalent to Professor Oak in Sinnoh, Professor Carolina is an expert in researching Sinnoh history and mythology. Cynthia becoming a mythologist was influenced by her.
However, regarding his somewhat distant response, Professor Carolina quickly frowned slightly.
"Have we grown so distant after just a few years, little Aiden? Just call me Grandma like when you were a child."
Without waiting for him to respond, Professor Carolina stood up and walked into the house.
"Let's talk more during dinner!"
...
There is a kind of phenomenon called 'Grandma fears you might be hungry'.
Looking at the dozen dishes on the table, Aiden suddenly felt a bit moved.
Knowing this, maybe it would have been better to return as a Sinnoh son-in-law, rather than eating sandwiches every day in Paldea...
Since he had given up hope on his culinary skills, perhaps he should pay attention to Pokémon who can cook from now on.
"Since we're home, release your Pokémon. Our research institute won't lack food for a few more mouths!"
After Professor Carolina spoke, Cynthia was the first to respond.
"Roar!!!"
Led by Garchomp, the main forces of the Champion all appeared; traveling in Poké Balls for half a day must have made them feel cramped.
Aiden thought for a moment and soon released his companions as well.
"Oh? You've caught so many Pokémon already."
Seeing the four Pokémon emerging from Aiden's Poké Balls, Professor Carolina smiled contentedly and nodded repeatedly.
"This Eevee must be the little one you hatched, right?"
"Look how skinny it is. Are you feeding it too little usually?"
Upon hearing Professor Carolina's accusation, Aiden's lips twitched slightly.
Although his cultivation of Eevee emphasized letting things happen naturally, he also put considerable effort into its life aspects; it was definitely heavier than the average Eevee.
If it gets any fatter, there might be accidents while sleeping at night!
Eevee's average weight is 6.5 kilograms, but he hasn't weighed his own. Judging from the feel, it must weigh at least 16 pounds.
A solid little kitty.
If it evolves into Sylveon, it seems its weight will increase dramatically...
During ghost-pressing incidents at midnight, I might not be able to handle it!
After touching Eevee and checking its condition, Professor Carolina quickly turned her gaze to Aiden's other companions.
"Rio!"
Riolu politely nodded. As a Pokémon born in the Historical Research Institute, it naturally recognized this top boss.
"Ba..."
Smelling the aroma, Bagon was drooling with hunger. Unfortunately, it was still toothless, so eating was still premature for it.
As for the last one…
"Gao!"
Miraidon's eyes were fixed on the delicious food on the table, ready to jump on the table and start devouring at the slightest command.
Seeing this, Professor Carolina couldn't help but smile knowingly.
"In that case, let's eat first!"
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