The three quickly came back to their senses.
Although they all understood the principle behind it, they knew very well that even with a deep enough bond with a Pokémon, achieving an evolution like Swampert's would not be easy...
A variety of desserts soon arrived, immediately capturing Cynthia's attention.
Meanwhile, Yong answered Caitlin's many questions with a touch of resignation.
Once they got to know each other, Caitlin was fairly easy to get along with. Her arrogance and willfulness slipped out unintentionally rather than being directed at anyone in particular.
"What are your plans next?"
As Caitlin enjoyed her food, she looked at Yong and asked,
"Uh... I'll keep challenging Gyms, then head to Iron Island..."
"Iron Island?"
Cynthia, who had been quiet for quite a while, spoke up.
"A remarkable little island off Sinnoh's west coast... You can only reach it by boat from Canalave City. It's said to be rich in mineral deposits, with a very unusual magnetic field. It's a paradise for Steel-type Pokémon..."
Caitlin smiled and nodded, then looked back at Yong.
"So you're going to Iron Island for some intensive training?"
"Yes..."
Yong smiled.
"I might stay on Iron Island for a while..."
Caitlin shrugged, put a spoonful of pudding into her mouth, and spoke somewhat indistinctly.
"You really are like Nana... Always going somewhere new to achieve your goals~"
"Uh..."
Glancing at Cynthia, who was absorbed in her food with a look of utter contentment, Yong scratched his head, then suddenly chuckled.
"Maybe! All life meets other life and brings something into being!"
Cynthia raised her head and gave Yong a surprised look, then asked curiously,
"You know about Sinnoh mythology too?"
Indeed, that line came from Sinnoh's myths of time and space. It was also something Cynthia often said in the original story...