Everyone present fell silent for a moment.
Cynthia swept her smiling gaze over them, then said softly,
"Mr. Molayne, I've heard Mount Lanakila is the sacred mountain of the Alola Islands. I'm very interested in it. Would I be able to find Alolan Vulpix there?"
Molayne had also sensed the subdued atmosphere. At Cynthia's question, he quickly gathered himself.
"You mean the Alolan Vulpix population?"
"Yes! You can indeed find signs of them on Mount Lanakila, but these Pokémon are quite rare and extremely wary. I'm afraid they aren't easy to find!"
Cynthia nodded with a smile.
"That's all right. I only want to take a look. If I meet one, I'll consider myself lucky. If not, I can still enjoy Mount Lanakila's beautiful scenery."
"Yes, yes! You're quite right!"
Molayne smiled and nodded.
Acerola chimed in with a smile,
"That works out perfectly. The Thrifty Megamart Ruins are right at the foot of Mount Lanakila. Let me take you both there!"
"Really? That would be wonderful!"
Cynthia smiled and nodded, then glanced at Yong.
Sensing the reproach in her gaze, Yong smiled faintly and took out his Pokémon Balls, recalling Swampert and Aggron, who had stood behind him like bodyguards.
"Then let's go! If we set off early, we might just run into one!"
As he spoke, Yong turned to Lusamine with a smile.
"Sorry for the trouble, but I'll leave the cleanup to you, Miss Lusamine! Nana and I will be continuing our journey."
Lusamine gave him a gentle smile. Knowing she had no reason to keep him there, she nodded without further hesitation.
"I hope you both have a wonderful time!"
"Of course!"
With a hearty laugh, Yong left ahead of the others with Cynthia and Acerola.
Olivia surveyed their surroundings, stretched her back, and sighed helplessly.