In fact.
By the time Zinnia got the news, she was in Verdanturf Town. Even rushing back as fast as she could, she hadn't arrived until sunset.
So she really hadn't waited on purpose for Baimu to solve everything before showing up.
Besides, she had only met him once. She could hardly have trusted him that much when her grandmother, her people, and everything familiar to her were in Meteor Village.
Baimu understood that. He had only been teasing her and Raikou for arriving so late.
With his back to them, Raikou rolled his eyes at the jab and flicked his lightning-shaped tail in irritation.
Sometimes he wished he couldn't understand human speech.
That brat really was annoying.
Did he have to keep taking digs at him?
"Anyway, thank you for saving everyone in Meteor Village."
Zinnia was still all smiles.
A little teasing wasn't enough to make her angry. Besides, she had already heard what happened after Team Rocket invaded Meteor Village. Right now, she felt nothing but gratitude.
When she first met Baimu, Zinnia never would have imagined he would one day save her grandmother.
Looking back, had she acted too superior? She had been speaking as the Inheritor then.
I hope he thinks I'm reasonably approachable.
"Just doing what I should."
Baimu didn't claim any special credit. After answering, he coughed. "Sorry, was there something else? I'd like to change before going to the Dragon Shrine."
"Oh, no. I just came to thank you."
Zinnia raised both hands innocently. Then, under his puzzled gaze, she hurried into the house and opened a door farther inside. "...I need to change too. Want to go together afterward?"
"...Sure."
"Give me five minutes."
Once he agreed, Zinnia gently shut the door.
Right! This is her house!
Baimu looked away. Pulling