"I've already updated your identity information before you arrived," said Juan seriously, handing Cain a badge. "This is your current credential. Remember, you now represent the League to some extent. You must be cautious with your words and actions."
That badge was the symbol of the highest rank among League researchers: the emblem of a Chief-Level Investigator.
"As for having your own unit, for now you won't be assigned one. We'll wait until you're fully familiar with your new role and understand the responsibility it entails. Only then will you have subordinates under your command."
In this light, the so-called title of Chief-Level Investigator was, to a large extent, just honorary. With no real authority, it was basically a facade.
But even so, it still felt good to be "gilded."
"That said," Juan added, "If you need to carry out a mission, you can request assistance from the subordinates of the other three Chiefs. I doubt they'd turn you down."
After all, they hadn't just added another Advanced Investigator—they had added a new Chief-Level Investigator. That was a significant difference.
If Cain were to receive all the resources a Chief usually had, the cost to the League would be very high. It was better to wait until his strength grew even more, and then grant him the appropriate resources.
He might even rise another rank in the future. And then what would they do with the vacancy he'd leave behind?
This was the agreement Juan and old Matsuda had reached.
"Understood," Cain nodded, saying no more.
Holding the title of Chief-Level Investigator was already more than enough. After all, when he was an Advanced Investigator, he hadn't had any subordinates either. He simply went where he was needed, and the resources were already there.
"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Suddenly, a childlike voice broke in from behind Juan.
It was Phoebe.
"I want to be a researcher too!" she said with sparkling eyes, looking at Juan, who was already sweating.
Ever since she found out that Cain and Steven were researchers, Phoebe had also wanted to become one so she could go on missions with them, but hadn't found the right moment to say it.
Now felt like the perfect opportunity. Being a researcher sounded like so much fun!
"Ahem, ahem... Phoebe, being a League researcher is not a game. It's a dangerous profession that requires facing criminals," Juan tried to dissuade her.
He had no children of his own, so ever since learning that Phoebe was the granddaughter of an old friend, he had treated her as if she were his own. He didn't want her putting herself in danger.
Upon hearing this, Phoebe pouted, clearly upset. She glanced at Cain, who was trying to stifle a laugh, then quickly grabbed Juan's hand and shook it while whining:
"Grandpaaa~! You always say that to grow up, we need to face danger and hardship! And you always use Cain and Steven as examples! But now that I want to be a researcher, you won't let me! Hmph!"
With that, she let go of his hand halfway.
Juan could only force a chuckle and cast a pleading glance toward old Matsuda, who was calmly sitting on the sofa, reading the newspaper like nothing was happening.
With no other choice, he looked to Cain for help.
Cain couldn't just ignore it—not when his mentor was old Matsuda. So, resigned, he said: "Mr. President... why don't you let Phoebe work under my command for now? I don't have any subordinates yet anyway. I can take care of her."
Juan seemed to be waiting for that exact answer. He quickly replied: "Perfect! Phoebe, you'll start as a Junior-Level Investigator and report directly to Cain, our new Chief-Level Investigator."
And with that, Juan happily returned to his seat, smiling like he had just rid himself of a huge burden.
"?"
Cain froze.
Did he just... walk into a trap?
Was the Great Trickster just tricked?
Sitting on the couch, old Matsuda took a sip of tea, savoring the bitter aftertaste, and slowly shook his head.
Too naïve.
Still too green.
Such an obvious trap, and he walked right into it.
"Yayyy!" The happiest one, of course, was Phoebe.
She didn't care whether she was Junior, Intermediate, or Advanced. She just wanted to get out and stop being stuck in League HQ with a bunch of old officials. She felt like she was getting old herself.
Besides, her plan from the beginning was to become Cain's subordinate. Now she was free! She didn't believe he'd be the type to monitor her too closely.
Phoebe had a lot of potential. But whether it was at Mt. Pyre or League HQ, her exposure to the real world had been extremely limited. She lacked real-world experience.
Although Juan had overseen her education, there were some things you could only learn through hands-on experience.
He had always wanted to find someone to take Phoebe out into the world, but never found the right person. They were either too old, too weak, or Phoebe couldn't stand them...
He was already at his wit's end.
But now, this was the perfect opportunity. Junior-Level Investigator? Easy. He'd personally adjust her file so she wouldn't receive dangerous missions. Problem solved.
Plus, he trusted Cain to take good care of her. After all, during the Sinnoh Tournament, they had gotten along very well.
Phoebe and Cain had the closest relationship.
And so, Cain ended up accepting a "small additional burden."
Although, to be honest, he wasn't too bothered. After all, Phoebe had the potential to become someone on Elite Four level.
A true rising star.
Phoebe ran off, saying she was going to get ready.
"Phoebe is still very innocent," said Juan with some concern. "Cain, I'm asking you to take good care of her."
"You can count on me," Cain nodded.
"Good. Now that you've just become a Chief-Level Investigator, the other three are waiting for you in the conference room. They said they want to welcome you and hold a meeting. Head over there. And remember to learn all you can from your predecessors."
Finally, Juan waved his hand to dismiss him.
Before leaving, Cain bowed respectfully to old Matsuda, signaling that he was taking his leave.
Once Cain was gone, old Matsuda—still seated on the couch—finally spoke: "Young hawks must eventually learn to fly. Are you going to protect her forever? Look at me—I don't interfere in Cain's development, and he's grown up just fine."
He took another sip of tea, exuding quiet wisdom.
Juan shot him a glare of annoyance.
"Can you stop being so dramatic? Everyone knows Cain's progress has little to do with you. You just got lucky and had a good disciple fall from the sky."
Old Matsuda, unbothered, replied with a calm smile: "Luck? Then why don't you go find one yourself if you think it's so easy?"
"..."
(End of chapter)