"Thank you so much, Miss Erika! Really, an old man like me would've been fine in a hotel, yet you insist on hosting me in your own home."
The Gym Leader of Celadon City, Erika, came from a family of great prestige. Her clan wasn't just respected—they were the true rulers behind Celadon's prosperity. Their residence lay in the northern residential district, a vast estate that reflected their influence.
Streams wound through the grounds, flowers bloomed in rich clusters, and the sprawling gardens were arranged in a purely Japanese style. Inside the main house, Erika sat gracefully across from Professor Oak.
She wore a splendid, elegant kimono—finely woven with bamboo groves and flowers by the best tailors, with the emblem of Grass-type Pokémon embroidered subtly into the design. Everything about her attire announced her status as a master of Grass Pokémon.
Kneeling formally on the tatami mats, Erika prepared tea for Professor Oak with quiet, practiced grace. She radiated the ideal of the gentle yamato nadeshiko, the archetype of a perfect Japanese lady. If any elder had seen her now, they would have praised her as a model daughter-in-law without hesitation.
Professor Oak, however, was not accustomed to kneeling. After fidgeting a little, he shifted into a more comfortable cross-legged seat, all while politely chatting with Erika and sipping at the fragrant tea.
"Nonsense," Erika replied softly, hiding her smile behind her kimono sleeve. "You are the pride of Kanto, the most renowned Pokémon scholar in the world. It is only proper that I, as Celadon's Gym Leader, extend hospitality when you honor our city with your presence. And besides—" her laugh was light and musical, "—you once studied and taught at Celadon University. That makes you my great senior, doesn't it?"
Her beauty glowed all the more for her humility. Fine brows framed her delicate face, her dark hair falling to her shoulders. Her bearing was like fresh bamboo—elegant, refined, and untouched by worldly vulgarity.
Professor Oak silently admired her refinement, before replying with a chuckle: "And yet you're already teaching at Celadon University while so young. Far more accomplished than I was at your age. When I was your age, I'd only just graduated."
"Then, Professor, please just call me Erika," she said earnestly. "For a senior like you to keep addressing me as 'Miss Erika' feels too distant."
Her warmth bordered on attentiveness—perhaps even flattery. Professor Oak was world-famous, yes, but Erika was no ordinary woman either. She was Celadon's Gym Leader, the heiress of its ruling family. Politeness was expected—but this gentleness, this eagerness, hinted at something more.
"Very well," Oak said cheerfully. "Erika it is."
Of course, he was far too shrewd to miss the intent behind her gestures. He only smiled inwardly, thinking: The younger generation must walk their own paths. Best not to meddle too much in their affairs.
Still, part of him wondered if he should summon Logan one day, to share some of his own life's lessons. Perhaps warn him not to take lightly the hearts of the women who cared for him. Oak himself had failed too many times in that regard, and even now, in his old age, he bore the weight of those regrets.
"By the way…" Erika's voice was soft, casual on the surface, but her eyes glimmered with intent. "Logan didn't come with you this time?"
Though Logan often came to Celadon to see her, he just as often vanished into mountains and forests to train, disappearing without warning. Erika had learned not to worry—he was strong enough to look after himself—but his sudden absences left her yearning.
As a wise woman, Erika knew better than to cage a man like Logan. He was brilliant, proud, and fiercely independent. To restrict him would only drive him away. So she allowed him his freedom.
Yet, in her heart, she wished for something simpler—for them to spend time together like an ordinary couple, side by side each day. She knew he was a man with greater ambitions, and she could not bind him with selfish emotions. Still, when the chance presented itself, she could not resist asking. Even one more hour with him was happiness enough.
Professor Oak gave her a meaningful look before speaking. "Hasn't Logan told you what he's been facing lately?"
Her breath caught. "What? Did he encounter… something dangerous?"
Her voice rose, her hands tightening into fists upon her lap, her face filled with sudden worry.
"If he hasn't told you," Oak said carefully, "then I suppose he has his reasons. But… he'll be here for Celadon University's anniversary celebration. You can ask him yourself then."
The professor realized too late he might have said too much. Why Logan had chosen not to tell Erika about the Elite Four's involvement, Oak could only guess. That young man always walked his own path.
But thinking of Cynthia constantly at Logan's side, Oak sighed. The boy's no different than I was in my youth—always entangled with women. Let's hope Erika isn't the jealous type… I know too well the cost of such jealousy.
"Anyway," Oak said, changing the subject, "an old classmate of mine is arriving from Sinnoh this afternoon. I'll be heading to the airport to meet him."
"Then allow me to accompany you, Professor," Erika replied at once, her voice tender, almost like a granddaughter's.
She knew Logan had few close relatives. Of all the elders in his life, Professor Oak was the closest to family. So in Erika's heart, Oak wasn't just a guest—he was like her own grandfather. Caring for him meant caring for Logan as well. Perhaps, if she left a good impression, Oak would put in a kind word for her.
And after all, no younger person could easily refuse the urging of an elder.
"Erika, you must be busy with Gym affairs," Oak protested mildly. "You needn't trouble yourself. Just arrange for two cars and drivers to pick him up."
"That won't do," Erika insisted gently. "You are an honored guest of my family. If we fail to make you feel at home, that would be the true discourtesy."
She shook her head with a quiet smile, her determination clear.
Oak sighed. Faced with such polite stubbornness, he found he had no excuse left. "Very well… then I'll trouble you after all."
"It's no trouble at all," Erika said, rising smoothly to her feet. She bowed, hands folded before her, her lashes lowered with grace. "Please rest, Professor. I'll see to the arrangements. And as for your classmate—he must be a man of distinction. Let him stay here, in my home. No hotel, however fine, could match the comfort here. As Celadon's Gym Leader, it is my duty to host such a distinguished guest."
With that, she excused herself, leaving Oak to sip his tea.
When her elegant figure had disappeared beyond the shoji doors, Professor Oak let out a long breath, shaking his head with a wry smile.
"Logan… you'd best tread carefully. This young lady is not one to be underestimated."
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