Since those who could board this cruise were either wealthy elites or guests with internal tickets from the Joy family-like Silas,the entire banquet hall was filled with distinguished figures.
For most people, this was the perfect opportunity to expand their connections. Naturally, no one wanted to miss it.
A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over more than a dozen round dining tables below. Waiters moved back and forth, continuously serving exquisite dishes.
Silas walked up to one of the tables and placed a slice of meat onto his plate.
It was specially prepared Tauros meat, known to have long-term health benefits if consumed regularly.
"Not bad."
After chewing, his eyes lit up slightly. The chef's skill was clearly top-tier.
'So this is what money tastes like…'
Just as he was enjoying the moment, a shadow fell across him.
"Excuse me, are you Trainer Silas?"
A waiter in uniform spoke politely.
Silas paused slightly. He hadn't requested any service.
"There will be a battle event later in the banquet hall,a platform for young trainers to showcase their abilities. Would you like to register?"
The waiter held a small card, clearly taking down names.
Silas thought for a moment.
'Good chance to train.'
His Sandile had improved rapidly lately and wasn't far from evolving.
"I'll join."
As he filled in his information, movement on the stage drew everyone's attention.
Two Nurse Joys and a middle-aged man–clearly the captain ,stepped onto the platform. The entire hall fell silent. Glasses were set down, conversations stopped.
It was instinctive respect. After all, this was the Joy family's ship,the Blissey-class cruise liner.
No one in their right mind would offend them.
The captain stepped forward first, picking up the microphone.
"Good evening, everyone. I am Captain Yamamoto, in charge of this voyage."
"With my experience at sea, you can rest assured and enjoy your journey."
His speech was brief,just a formal introduction before he handed the microphone over.
The two Nurse Joys behind him looked identical, but one was clearly older. Fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes suggested she was at least in her fifties. But when Silas looked at the younger one ,His pupils shrank.
"…Joy?"
The young Nurse Joy standing there was the same one he had met back in Rustboro City.
Their connection hadn't been shallow. Back then, through long discussions about Pokémon breeding, they had grown close—close enough to be called confidants.
They had even promised to meet again someday. He just hadn't expected it to happen like this.
Up on the stage, Nurse Joy hadn't noticed him yet. With over a thousand people in the hall, spotting one person wasn't easy.
At that moment, the older Joy began speaking:
"Welcome aboard the Blissey. And thank you all for attending tonight's banquet."
Her voice was gentle, yet carried authority. Combined with joy's respectful posture beside her, it was obvious She held a very high position within the Joy family.
An elder… Silas guessed silently.
"Heh… banquet? More like a Match-Making event."
A young man beside Silas chuckled.
Silas felt a faint unease.
He turned slightly.
"Sorry,what do you mean by that?" The man smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "What else? It's for her granddaughter."
"I heard she's already twenty-five. In the Joy family, that's considered late."
"So they're looking for a talented young man to marry into the family."
Silas understood instantly. No wonder the ship was filled with well-dressed young elites and trainers.
"…So Joy is being pushed into this?"
A trace of discomfort surfaced in his chest. Nothing had happened between them back then.
Just discussions.But… She had said:
"I'll wait for you."
A promise He had never forgotten.
Looking at her now, Silas noticed something–She didn't look willing. That eased him… slightly.
Still, his gaze toward her remained complicated.
At that moment Joy's eyes swept across the crowd.
Then suddenly She froze. Her gaze locked onto Silas.
Shock.
Then unmistakable excitement But she restrained herself, standing on stage, her eyes repeatedly drifting toward him.
"I now declare…The banquet,officially begins!"
Applause erupted across the hall.
As the three figures stepped down Nurse Joy moved. Without hesitation, she rushed past her grandmother, ignoring the surprised looks around her.
Lifting her white skirt slightly, she hurried straight toward Silas.
"Silas!"
"It's been a long time!"
Her face lit up, eyes shining brightly.
Silas looked at her,at that familiar, beautiful face and felt something stir again.
He smiled faintly.
"Yeah… I didn't expect to see you here."
Whispers spread across the hall.
Silas glanced around, then said quietly:
"This isn't a good place to talk."
"Let's go somewhere quieter."
Joy nodded immediately. Her slender hand reached out, gently tugging at the corner of his clothes.
Without hesitation, she followed him.
The two of them left the banquet hall together Leaving behind a crowd of stunned… and heartbroken onlookers.
<><><><><><>
(End of chapter)