At Fuchsia City Airport, in a private waiting lounge.
The Fuchsia Conference had just ended, and Wallace and Robert were preparing to fly to the Sinnoh Region.
Coordinators had busier schedules than Trainers, after all.
Top Coordinators even more so.
"I learned a lot from our battle."
"So did I."
Dian and Robert traded compliments, then shook hands with knowing smiles.
Meanwhile, reporters had caught wind of Wallace's departure and surrounded him. He could only wave helplessly before heading for the plane.
"Are Coordinators always this busy?"
Dian was surprised. This was ridiculous. No wonder Wallace was still single.
"Top Coordinators are sought after by every show. Of course they're busy."
Lorelei explained calmly, "Even if they don't want the attention, they've owed plenty of favors along the way. Sometimes they simply can't refuse."
"And once they agree to one request, they have to agree to another. That's how things are now. Wallace can't change it alone."
"Besides, there's the Wallace Cup."
Dian understood, more or less. Wherever people gathered, favors changed hands. If someone helped you, it was only natural to return the favor.
He was no different. He had a tangled web of relationships around him too.
Sometimes he benefited from it; sometimes he had to give something back.
But dwelling on it was no fun. What mattered was enjoying life.
"Set aside a day tomorrow. We need to visit the Fuchsia Gym."
Lorelei checked the time. "I'll pick up Jumpluff. As for you, I'm afraid you'll have to deal with them."
She gestured toward the reporters, who were already stirring.
Dian's expression changed. Before he could speak, several people closed in around him like a human wall.
Questions bombarded him. Camera flashes dazzled him. Their stares made him feel as if they meant to strip him bare.