Early morning, at the Jubilife Breeding Center.
Although the Breeding Center had recently suffered a bout of destruction, it had not been entirely a bad thing.
The damage, neither minor nor devastating, had brought the Breeding Center's employees closer together.
And not just its employees, but the wild Pokémon here as well.
When it came to whether Shaymin would stay or leave, Lance chose to hear what Shaymin wanted.
With his Viridian Force, Lance clearly understood Shaymin's wishes.
Shaymin wanted to stay here.
Considering the protection offered by the Breeding Center and Li Wei, Lance agreed.
Lance gave a hearty laugh. "Then stay here."
Shaymin narrowed its eyes happily. "Shay!"
Li Wei suggested, "Don't forget to tighten security in Floaroma Town too."
There was most likely more than one Shaymin in Floaroma Town. There should be a whole population.
The Shaymin Li Wei had rescued was only half-grown, not yet an adult.
Cynthia's lips curved slightly. "I've already given the instructions."
Lance sighed again. "I told you, you'd make a good Investigator."
Neither of them thought Li Wei was overstepping.
It would have been perfectly normal for either Lance or Cynthia to bring up protecting Floaroma Town.
But for Li Wei, a civilian who had never been involved in the case, to think of it was no small thing.
"I'm afraid I..."
Before Li Wei could refuse,
Lance waved a hand. "No need to explain. I know you won't stand by and do nothing."
Investigator was only a title.
Lance simply thought Li Wei suited the role, but he would not force him into it.
From watching how Li Wei interacted with Lucario, Arcanine, and the others,
from seeing Li Wei take in the police dog Arcanine,
and from seeing Li Wei protecting Shaymin in its memories,
Lance clearly understood