Cynthia gave a gentle smile.
She rose gracefully and offered her hand. "Hello, Mr. Baimu. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
Baimu shook her hand politely.
Cynthia had been his favorite Champion when he was a child. Her looks, her strength, and the Pokémon she specialized in had all been exactly his style.
He had naturally felt a strong fondness for her.
Though his childhood admiration had faded somewhat, he was still delighted to meet the poised, beautiful, and intelligent Cynthia in person.
Beside her, Caitlin lifted her skirt in an elegant curtsy and greeted him softly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Baimu."
"The pleasure is mine."
Baimu nodded in return.
Acerola stared at the three of them in bewilderment. "Cynthia... Caitlin... a Champion and a member of the Elite Four?"
Her mouth fell open in surprise, and she covered it with her hand.
How had an ordinary library that usually drew only children attracted these two?
Cynthia smiled at her. "You must be the librarian. I hope you don't mind our dropping by.
"We heard this library has records of Alola's history and wanted to take a look."
"Sorry for the intrusion," Caitlin added with another curtsy. The young woman was already growing into her beauty.
But next to Cynthia's mature charm, she might as well have been a little girl.
As for Acerola...
She was a little girl!
There was no arguing with that!
Acerola waved her hands hurriedly. "No need to be so polite! Please, look at anything you like!"
She looked overwhelmed by the honor, reminding Baimu that, in the games, she too had held a seat among the Elite Four and descended from the Alolan Royal Family.
"Thank you."
Cynthia smiled, sat down, and returned to her book, soon absorbed in it.