Ripples

But Dian had forgotten something important: whether James's claim that they were the best in the world was even true.

He conveniently ignored the fact that, if the Thief Sisters were really that capable, they wouldn't have ended up trapped inside the Machine. And after they were caught, they'd had it pretty comfortable.

There was probably a beauty salon in there, a library too, plus free room and board. Sigh.

As someone about to become a regional Pokémon Ranger, he had to rescue those two poor, suffering Pokémon, Espeon and Ariados, and let them live the good life in Almia from then on.

He couldn't help it. His professional dedication was just that noble.

"Hey, Dian, is it okay for you not to go back after finishing your mission?"

Ever since entering the Great Cathedral, Lisa had been looking around distractedly, as though she were absorbed in the place.

But when Dian followed her gaze, he spotted someone who made his heart skip a beat: Laika, a descendant of the Napolant Royal Family.

He immediately looked away. He had no idea whether this legitimate descendant of the ancient Kingdom possessed some mysterious power that would let her sense his attention.

Dian quickly shifted the position of his Poké Balls, too. This was where a coat came in handy. No wonder important people always showed up in long coats. Looking cool was one reason; convenience was another.

As he studied the patterns on a pillar beside the Great Cathedral, he wondered what the Napolant Royal Family had come to Alto Mare for.

Before, he had suspected that the dreamlike scene he'd seen at the Ranger Academy was an illusion. Now it seemed highly likely to have been real. If so, Laika and the others were undoubtedly plotting something. Why else would