The Festival of Masks.
It was a festival full of local flavor, somewhat like a fireworks festival or a temple fair.
As they walked down the street, everyone passing by, locals and tourists alike, wore Japanese-style clothing distinct to Kitakami.
Combined with the setting sun, it made for quite an atmosphere.
"Legends of Kitakami! Gigantamax Loyal Three plushies, only 50,000 each!"
"Goldfish scooping! Why not give it a try?"
"It wouldn't be the Festival of Masks without one of these masks modeled after the Mask of the Ogre~"
The vendors called out enthusiastically, and the masks displayed at one temporary stall soon caught Cynthia's eye.
"These masks are quite unusual. Sinnoh has similar traditions, but the construction of the masks is completely different."
Cynthia took down a red mask representing the Fire type from the top of the display and ran her fingers over it.
"You have a fine eye, miss. The Hearthflame Mask is our best seller at the Festival of Masks."
Seeing another customer, the vendor beamed, his eyes narrowing to slits, then quickly turned to Qingyu, who stood quietly beside Cynthia.
"Young man, since you're here on vacation, you can't skimp on making things special for your girlfriend!"
"How about this? I'll take a little loss and sell you all three masks for just 5,000!"
Qingyu's mouth twitched.
So people in the Pokémon world had started throwing around that 'make it special' line too?
These Kitakami hucksters really would say anything to make money!
Wait...
What had he just called Cynthia?
"Girlfriend?"
Cynthia had noticed the vendor's wording too. Her eyebrows rose slightly as she turned to Qingyu with a teasing smile.
"Well then, Mr. Boyfriend, it's your time to shine."
"..."
Looking at Cynthia's breathtaking face, Qingyu's heart suddenly skipped several beats.
He knew she was