Nemona nodded repeatedly: "Yay! It's settled then!"
"Go and take a rest over there!" Naoki said.
Nemona nodded vigorously, then ran over to observe Naoki's Pokemon.
Seeing Nemona's actions, Naoki felt quite helpless.
Just as he turned his head, he saw Professor Sada bringing Arven to the ranch.
Seeing them arrive, Naoki hurriedly went to greet them.
"Professor Sada, Arven, hello!"
"Hello, Mr. Naoki," Arven said, feeling a bit shy.
Professor Sada smiled warmly and ruffled her son's hair: "Turo stayed at the lab to work, so only I came."
"It's okay, as long as someone's here. Arven, are you hungry? There's plenty of food I prepared over there; you and the professor should go eat and fill up a bit!" Naoki said.
Professor Sada smiled slightly: "Then we won't disturb you. See you later."
With that, she took Arven to the seating area.
Watching their backs, Naoki couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
With his mom by his side, Arven still looked grumpy, but his actions were very honest!
Not only helping Professor Sada with the food but also obediently sitting beside her, keeping her company.
What a stubborn Arven!
Naoki glanced around the venue; Lono's parents, guests from all places, Gym Leaders like Grusha, the folks from Porto Marinada Town, Mayor Thomas, Mrs. Dantes, Mr. Elif, Elo, Keri, Allen—they all arrived early, everyone should be here, right?
However, at that moment, he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Hey, Naoki, did we make it on time?"
Naoki turned around to see a cheerful Leon and a girl in a wool coat walking shoulder to shoulder.
The girl waved enthusiastically at Naoki: "Hello, Naoki, I'm Sonia, I've heard about you from Leon!"
Sonia? Naoki was slightly stunned.
But Leon grinned and said: "To prevent getting lost and missing your wedding, I asked Sonia to come with me! Such an important occasion, I can't miss it!"
"I'd be surprised if you didn't get lost," Naoki teased.
Sonia burst into laughter: "That's right, Leon always gets lost, even going to competition venues!"
"No way!" Leon said, scratching his head shyly.
Naoki laughed: "Come and sit quickly, the wedding is about to start!"
"Yes, yes!"
Leon and Sonia took their seats.
All the guests were present, and the wedding officially began.
Lono's father escorted his daughter from the other end of the red carpet, handed her to Naoki, tears in his eyes.
Seeing the man's expression, Naoki promised him: "I'll definitely take good care of her!"
The man nodded lightly and then returned to the back of the crowd, discreetly wiping his tears.
Naoki, holding Lono's hand, walked up to Geeta, who was officiating the ceremony.
Geeta looked at them with a smile and began her speech:
"Good afternoon, guests, family, and friends! On this day filled with joy and love, I am truly honored to stand here as the officiant of this beautiful wedding and convey my heartfelt blessings to everyone."
"Seeing this couple finally become one, I feel deeply comforted. Although the long journey of life may bring many storms..."
Naoki gazed into Lono's eyes, deaf to any sound at that moment.
His heart was filled with joy and excitement; from now on, he too would have a family. They would care for Pokemon together, grow old together, and be together forever.
In the audience, women were tearfully watching the scene on stage.
Their daughter had grown up; from now on, she would leave them and live with her husband.
But children must grow up.
Despite their endless reluctance, they had to wish them happiness and joy.
"...Finally, I wish you eternal love, unity of hearts, happiness forever! And wish all the guests good health and all the best, thank you all!"
"Applause, applause!"
Warm applause erupted from the audience.
The azure sea shimmered with golden ripples. In the gentle sea breeze, people sincerely wished the couple a lifetime of togetherness and devotion.
Amid the crowd, Arven secretly watched Professor Sada, who was smiling and clapping.
At this moment, there were no ancient Pokemon between them, no various experiments and research, no supposed doom from the Paldea Giant Pit—just a typical mother-son duo attending a friend's wedding.
Just a while ago, his mom was even chatting with him about how she'd be so happy when he got married.
"Huh?" Noticing Arven's gaze, Professor Sada turned her head and asked with concern: "What's the matter, Arven?"
"Nothing!" Arven quickly shook his head.
"Then enjoy the wedding! Naoki's cooking is really delicious!" Professor Sada said lightly.
Arven stared dully at his mother and then nodded vigorously: "Yeah!"
At that moment, Arven felt like he was completely surrounded by happiness.
How wonderful! He wished time could stay frozen in this moment forever, Arven thought to himself.