Perhaps because they were leaving the next day, the entire castle was bustling, with people hurrying everywhere. Even Huchen and Ahe had been called away by Norika to prepare for the ritual.
Of everyone in the villa, Yong, their guest, had the most free time.
Even so, amid all the bustle, the little old man still hosted a lavish welcome dinner for Yong.
Clearly, as the leader of an ancient clan that had survived to the present day, he placed great importance on etiquette.
Dinner did not last long. Seeing that there was little he could help with, Yong simply went out into the courtyard alone, wondering how an evening in Unova differed from one in Hoenn or Sinnoh.
The breeze carried a hint of windblown sand, and the smell of earth was stronger.
Yong looked south, where a vast, uninhabited desert stretched out, bearing the history of Unova.
The wilderness...
"Nee~~!"
As he pondered, a soft cry suddenly sounded behind him.
Yong turned to find the Volcarona he had seen upon arriving hovering quietly behind him, studying him with a trace of curiosity in its sapphire eyes.
With a faint smile, Yong said softly,
"Good evening, Volcarona!"
"Nee~~!"
Gentle warmth radiated from Volcarona's body, driving away Yong's chill.
"Thank you, Volcarona! Your home is beautiful!"
"Nee!"
At the boy's praise, Volcarona happily fluttered its wings and flew back and forth.
Yong admired its beautiful form. Suddenly remembering something, he took a Pokémon Ball from his waist and released Larvesta.
"Larva?"
The little one looked around in confusion, letting out a puzzled murmur. Then it spotted the Pokémon flying before it.
The little one stared blankly at the other Pokémon, utterly still...
"Nee!"
Sensing the kinship in their blood, Volcarona lowered itself to Larvesta's side and gazed quietly at it