Hearing the two of them shouting, Cain gave each of them a bonk on the head in annoyance.
"Can you stop talking like that?!"
"Do you even know what you're saying?!"
"What's all this about marriage?!"
But to be honest, Cain was a little tempted. After all, that was a privilege many chased their whole lives without ever reaching. A height others spent their entire lives climbing, only to never attain.
And he only had to accept the invitation from the Head of the Jenny Family to get there instantly.
A chance to rise in a single step!
It all came down to his decision.
However, how many conditions would the Jenny Family set? That remained a mystery.
Since the founding of the League, this wasn't the first time someone had joined the Jenny Family through marriage.
But perhaps due to the strength of that family's bloodline, no matter who the father was, the children were always born as Jennys.
That was truly terrifying.
Moreover, entering a matriarchal family like that—as a man—Cain had many doubts about what his future family status would be.
From the tone and manner in which the Head of the Jenny Family had invited him, it was obvious there were conditions, even if she hadn't said them out loud.
Drake was someone very perceptive. When he heard the Head of the Jenny Family's words, he understood everything.
It was nothing more than recognizing Cain's talent.
To be fair, Drake also highly valued his potential.
Cain, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace were the four most outstanding individuals.
Among them, Cain and Steven had the greatest talents, and from the looks of it now, they were neck and neck.
Although Cain had more experience in real combat, giving him a slight edge.
But Steven had the backing of the Stone Family, which meant his future growth was guaranteed—possibly even accelerated.
Drake believed it wouldn't take long for Steven to reach a level comparable to his own.
Once that happened, with some promotion, his status within the League would skyrocket.
That had already been agreed upon when the League was established in the Hoenn region alongside the Stone Family, so not even President Juan could stop it.
That's why, although Steven's talent was impressive, it wasn't shocking.
After all, he had both talent and support. It would be strange if he didn't go far.
But Cain was a different story.
A common civilian who had climbed step by step to this point, matching Steven through sheer effort.
To say no one in the League was surprised would be a lie.
Some even thought: "If Cain got this far without family backing... What would happen if a powerful family fully supported him?"
No one knew. No one could imagine it. But many clans would be willing to find out.
The Jenny Family was the first to try.
And Drake knew they wouldn't be the last.
Now, everything depended on what Cain wanted.
No need to ask: if you join the Jenny Family and they help you grow, of course they'll set conditions. The first would be officially joining the family as a son-in-law.
Why else would they go to such lengths to help you?
If Cain accepted, it would be the best choice for him. But if he had even a bit of male pride, he wouldn't do it.
He'd already come so far. Did he really believe he couldn't climb further on his own?
Joining the Jenny Family would just save time—but what else?
Rare Pokémon?
Cain's Tyranitar had nothing to envy from Steven's Shiny Metagross.
The only real gap between them, Cain had already closed.
Plus, Drake knew Cain had a very valuable Bagon.
If that Bagon reached the current level of Tyranitar... even Drake didn't dare imagine how far Cain could go.
Watching Cain deep in thought, Drake couldn't help but show a bit of regret and think:
"Why don't I have a granddaughter?"
"Then the Jenny Family wouldn't get to take him!"
"Just because they have more women, huh?"
"If I had a granddaughter, I wouldn't even need a political marriage! I'd marry her to Cain myself!"
But no one thought about the fact that Cain was still just a seventeen-year-old boy.
Cain, for his part, wasn't thinking about what the Head of the Jenny Family had said.
In reality, there was no decision to be made.
Although he'd been tempted at first, Cain had already decided to turn down the offer.
He was in his prime for growth. His strength already allowed him to reap great rewards.
Why complicate things by letting a family control him?
Without outside help, Cain was confident he could still grow on his own.
Besides, he was now a Chief-level researcher of the Hoenn League, a candidate for the Elite Four, and someone trusted by President Juan.
Was he going to betray that trust just because of an invitation from the Jenny Family?
What future would that leave him in the League?
So, after thinking it through, he decided to refuse.
Even if he lacked resources, that didn't mean he couldn't obtain them.
With power, there are always options.
Steven and Phoebe kept laughing quietly, waiting to see what Cain would decide.
But to their surprise, Cain raised his head and said to Drake:
"Mr. Drake, Gordon isn't the only infiltrator in the League. I'm sure there are more agents from the Hunter Guild. Otherwise, they wouldn't have discovered this island so quickly."
Drake, expecting a different response, was momentarily stunned.
"Eh...? Yes... you're right... but Cain, about the Head of the Jenny Family earlier..."
Before he could finish, Cain interrupted:
"Come on, Mr. Drake, don't tease me. It was obvious the Head of the Jenny Family was just joking. Better not take it seriously."
Saying that, Cain smiled casually, as if he truly believed it had all been a joke.
Steven and Phoebe looked at each other.
"Was it really a joke...?"
But soon, a spark lit up in Steven's head and he thought:
"Becoming a son-in-law...!"
"The Jenny Family isn't the only option!"
"The Stone Family can do it too!"
If they helped Cain, his growth wouldn't be limited either.
And at home, he had several sisters and cousins without partners...
Suddenly, Steven started daydreaming.
"If we trained and battled together every day, maybe we'd improve faster..."
"I have to call my father right now!"
Drake, for his part, immediately understood Cain's attitude.
It was clear: Cain had subtly rejected the offer.
(End of Chapter)