At the café.
Baimu silently watched Leon pose for photos with several excited customers, a broad smile on his face.
"Champion! We'll always support you!"
"Please keep up the great work!"
That was the seventh group already.
It was also the last group in the long line at the corner café.
From the moment someone recognized Galar's celebrated Champion, Leon had stood there smiling as people streamed in for photos.
Maybe that was a kind of trouble too?
No.
Leon was enjoying himself.
Baimu sipped his bitter coffee, then poured it into Gengar's open mouth in the shadows. He couldn't detect the slightest impatience on Leon's handsome face.
There was only a smile that warmed the heart.
The last group finished taking photos.
The café owner decided to close up, keeping more passersby from hearing the news and coming in to add to the chaos—
The people coming in later might not even sign up for a membership or order coffee!
Leon thanked the owner, then finally sat down and said apologetically,
"Sorry for the wait. This place used to be quiet, with hardly anyone around. I came here often. I didn't expect the Battle Festival to draw so many tourists."
Baimu stuffed a handful of candy into Gengar's mouth as it pulled a face, then nodded understandingly. "It's fine. A Champion ought to make time for his supporters."
"Thanks!"
Leon grinned and suddenly held out his hand. "This might seem a little pointless, but let me introduce myself. I'm Leon, a Pokémon Trainer and the current Champion of Galar."
That was awfully formal.
Baimu shook his hand. "Baimu, Pokémon Trainer. May I ask why you invited me here—"
"Hmm."
Leon took a sip of coffee and smiled. "I wanted to make friends with you. Call me Leon. I watched