The Right Way to Catch a Zubat

"How is it?"

Azisa brought out a colorful Berry pizza.

As soon as she came near, Dian caught its rich, fruity aroma, and his mouth watered.

Having a companion who could cook was such a blessing. Unfortunately, Misdreavus had spent some time obsessed with cooking, but the moment she realized she had no talent for it, she gave up and went looking for other amusements.

Maybe she would take an interest in cooking again someday. Whether Dian could wait that long was another matter.

"Hmm. Bold. Original."

Dian hesitated, then chose those two words to express his reaction.

After reading the whole article, that really was his first impression. Perhaps a professional researcher would see it differently.

"Mm, it's certainly ahead of its time. It's one of the more radical articles I've read lately. Very much Scholar Suzuki's style."

Azisa set the Berry pizza on the table and began slicing it. "Scholar Suzuki is young, after all, so her articles are always bold, and her ideas are unexpected."

"You know her, Azisa?"

Dian was curious. From her tone, Azisa seemed fairly familiar with Suzuki.

"Well, I wouldn't say I know her. I've only met her once."

Azisa tapped a finger against her lips as she thought. "I saw her at a banquet before I left home. She's a real beauty."

She gave him a teasing smile, then sighed. "Maybe I envied Scholar Suzuki so much when I saw her that I started thinking about leaving home. That led to everything I have today. In that sense, I'm quite grateful to her."

Dian nodded. It seemed Scholar Suzuki had both an impressive background and considerable ability of her own.

Three days later, early in the morning.

Out on the grassland, Hoppip scattered yellow Stun Spore and deep-purple Poison Powder with ease.