"Dawn—"
As a fellow girl, Lisia was especially enthusiastic about Dawn's arrival.
"Chirru~~"
Altaria spread her wings and gave Piplup a friendly look. But Piplup thought she was too big and looked a little arrogant, so he thrust out his chest, trying to look strong.
"Piplup!"
A question mark might as well have appeared over Altaria's head. "Chirru?"
Baimu and Brock looked past the two girls chatting away and greeted Wallace as he strolled toward them.
"Wallace!"
"Thank you very much for letting us stay here, Gym Leader Wallace."
Wallace smiled warmly. "It's a small thing. No need to be so polite. Besides, this isn't our first time meeting, Brock."
He turned to Dawn, who hurriedly bowed in greeting. "Dawn, your performance and Contest Battle at the festival were both outstanding. I was right to entrust the Wallace Cup to you."
"Thank you."
Dawn was a little overwhelmed.
After all, he was the only master among Coordinators and widely acknowledged as the best in Pokémon Contests.
Lisia listened beside them and, when no one was paying attention, secretly stuck her tongue out at Baimu.
She was rather unhappy that someone had taken nearly a week to return to the Gym.
"Ha..."
Baimu could only sigh.
To be honest, once he returned to Orre, he probably wouldn't be able to visit the Sootopolis Gym again for a long time. He had come this time to explain the situation properly to everyone there.
He was deeply grateful for the care they had given him, Aggron, and the others for so long.
Of course, he would come back to visit whenever he had the time. That went without saying.
While speaking with Dawn, Wallace glanced up at the calm-looking Baimu. His aqua-blue eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled. "Let's go inside. No need