Business partners to start a company!
With that, the relationship between Cain and Steven became even closer.
Given Cain's potential and the strength he was displaying at that moment, it was only natural for the Stone family to want to draw him into their circle.
After finishing the serious discussion, the three of them prepared to have lunch together.
When Cain entered the dining room, he froze.
"..."
Looking at the scene before him, he didn't even know what to say.
In a lavishly decorated restaurant filled with an air of elegance, there were numerous people seated and standing — all of them Steven's aunts, cousins, and distant relatives, impeccably dressed in formal attire.
Judging by Steven's usual style, it wasn't surprising to see them dressed like that. But... what was with those stares? It was as if they were looking at him like some rare exotic creature.
"Ahem, ahem." Joseph Stone also realized the atmosphere was far too intimidating.
Nothing had even been confirmed yet, and rumors were already flying from who knew where.
Joseph Stone shot a glance at Steven, whose face was full of embarrassment, his handsome features stiff with discomfort.
And it was all because of a thoughtless comment he had made — saying that perhaps his cousin Vivian had finally found someone she liked.
The truth was, ever since childhood, Steven had been traumatized by Vivian. To him, if the most terrifying "tigress" in the family got married soon, that would be the best thing in the world. He wished there were someone capable of taming her.
And if that person couldn't tame her, then at least there would be someone else suffering in his place. In Steven's eyes, Cain was a perfect candidate.
In reality, Vivian's suitors could line up from Rustboro City all the way to Mauville City. But none of them ever earned Steven's approval.
After all, as troublesome as his cousin could be, she was still family — not just anyone could take her away.
In Steven's opinion, Cain had all the right qualities. His only weak point was his looks, but lately he had even started looking more attractive. If that continued, he might actually become quite handsome over time.
Besides, Vivian hadn't flat-out rejected him — the first man she hadn't done so to. For Steven, Cain was practically a savior sent from heaven.
And so, that comment slipped out of his mouth without thinking.
But in the Stone family, Steven wasn't the only one concerned about Vivian's situation.
The moment they heard that Cain had come to visit, all those aunts appeared, eager to see for themselves the man who had supposedly won the heart of the most feared woman in the family.
The atmosphere instantly became awkward.
Fortunately, with Joseph Stone present, no one dared to speak too freely. In that uncomfortable silence, Cain sat beside Joseph Stone and Steven.
The seat they gave him at the table made it clear how highly the Stone family valued him.
A bit later, Steven's second uncle arrived, dressed in a suit and accompanied by his daughter.
That day, Vivian wasn't wearing her usual Chief Researcher uniform, but an elegant short evening dress — completely different from her normal appearance.
Cain was genuinely surprised — she stood out.
Although he had kept his distance from women ever since his rebirth, that didn't mean he was immune to beauty. He simply had strong self-control.
And he had to admit, Vivian truly shone that day.
She was a beautiful woman, comparable to Cynthia from Sinnoh or Lorelei from Kanto.
But unlike them, Vivian's demeanor seemed a bit more "gentle."
When Cain saw her, Vivian noticed him too.
Their gazes met, and both immediately understood what was going on.
Cain had already suspected something, but he hadn't expected it to actually be true.
What on earth was the Stone family thinking?
Were they... arranging a group date?
For crying out loud, he was only seventeen! Still months away from turning eighteen!
Vivian, for her part, hadn't known anything either. Her father had only told her that an important guest was visiting and that she should dress formally.
But when she entered the dining room, saw all the relatives — and then saw Cain — she understood everything.
It was too late now; she could only sit beside him and maintain her composure.
"What's going on here? How come you suddenly show up at our house?" Vivian said seriously as she ate elegantly, matching her outfit.
Cain ate calmly as well.
As coworkers, they had interacted quite a bit. Vivian knew well about the relationship between Cain and Steven, so she had always regarded him like a younger brother.
She never imagined things would twist into this.
"How should I know?" Cain muttered. "I just came today to talk business with Mr. Joseph, and suddenly I'm sitting here being treated like an exhibit."
"Pff—!"
Vivian couldn't hold back her laughter.
But in the quiet dining room, that laugh drew countless glances their way.
Suddenly, all the relatives began to look at the two of them with eyes full of suggestive meaning.
To them, it was obvious — Cain and Vivian were getting along perfectly. What Steven had said no longer sounded like a rumor, but a fact.
Cain looked at Vivian's smile. It was the first time he had ever seen her smile like that — and he had to admit, it suited her well.
The faint fragrance around her carried a fresh, pleasant scent.
"Ahem... hey, could you tone it down a bit? I really don't like those looks we're getting," Cain whispered.
Vivian looked up and immediately noticed all the mischievous, knowing glances. Her face turned red on the spot.
From pure anger.
If things went on like this, even if it wasn't true, it would look true soon enough.
Damn it! Even if she were to find a partner, she'd at least pick someone older! Cain hadn't even turned eighteen!
Then again, in the Pokémon world, eighteen was considered a mature age — after all, most kids started their journeys at just ten.
Still... today she couldn't help but think Cain looked a bit more handsome.
Was it just an illusion?
She stared at his face. The more she looked, the more she felt something had changed — but she couldn't pinpoint what.
Her curiosity, though unintentional, only fueled even more misunderstandings.
Because when someone sees a blushing girl staring fixedly at a boy's face... what would they think?
In truth, their conversation was nothing romantic at all:
"Hey, brat, did you get cosmetic surgery or something? You look different."
"Pff... you Stones are all the same! They asked me the same thing! I already said it's just development — my features changed a bit! I just got a little more handsome, that's all!"
"No way! It has to be something. Either surgery or makeup."
"Even if it was surgery or makeup, can you stop staring at my face like that? Not even diving into the Nile River could wash that look away!" Cain said helplessly.
"Oh..." Vivian reacted.
But her curiosity flared up again right away. "By the way, what's that Nile River you're talking about? Which region is it in? I've never heard of it. And come on, tell me the truth — was it surgery or makeup? If so, can you recommend the specialist?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)