Beep.
The rankings updated.
Under Baimu's expectant gaze, his rank rose from 1001st to 952nd, and the ordinary Poké Ball at the top changed into a Great Ball.
He had cleared the promotion match!
"...That's not much."
He had thought he would reach at least the eight hundreds. Apparently Sordward's rank hadn't been very high, or perhaps the scores in Great Ball Class were close together?
Hopefully I'll match with someone ranked higher this afternoon.
Otherwise, his modest goal of reaching the upper ranks of Great Ball Class would be hard to achieve.
Baimu recalled Steelix and gave a polite wave in response to the roaring cheers from the stands.
It was noon.
Time to eat.
He struggled through the crowd and out of the packed venue, avoiding the few people trying to find him, only to run straight into Shielbert, the younger of the royal brothers.
Shielbert seemed to have been waiting there specifically for him.
What's this about?
Baimu raised an eyebrow and quietly slipped a hand into his pocket.
Sordward, who had cried out after his defeat, appeared on the other side. His gleaming golden, sword-shaped hair was straight again, and he placed his right hand over his chest and bowed.
"Please don't misunderstand, Baimu. Your formidable strength has deeply impressed my younger brother and me. We grant you special—ah, we cordially invite you to join us for lunch. We hope you'll do us the honor."
Ha.
Let that slip, did you?
But they're inviting me to lunch...
Baimu was surprised, but his thoughts raced.
Truthfully, he still felt there was more to the former Galar Royal Family's descendants appearing among the clues to Calyrex than met the eye.
So he nodded. "Thank you both for the invitation."
There was no need to slap away a smiling