"Really? A Gym Leader or a scholar?"
"You look happy."
"Oh. So proud."
"Because it's good."
At Tan's words, Taki spoke toward the living room door. Nada tilted her head, unsure what had happened, but Cynthia noticed something outside the door.
Kaim left without saying anything.
Once she felt his presence disappear, Cynthia put another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.
The next day.
Nanjō City Port.
"Thank you for all your help."
Standing beside Kaim, Shirona said this to his family, who had come to see them off.
"Come again~"
"Please come again. You're always welcome."
Taki and Tan spoke in their usual nervous tones and shook hands with Cynthia. Beside them, Ishana lifted the hand of her son Gura, whom she held in her arms, and waved to the two of them.
"See you."
"Goodbye, Gura."
Shirona spoke as she stroked Gura's head. Gura smiled happily at the caress and caught Cynthia's finger.
Cynthia smiled at Gura, then turned her gaze to Ishana.
"You took good care of me too, Ishana."
"Oh, no, not at all. It was fun, and it did me good too."
After shaking hands with the cheerfully smiling Ishana, Cynthia picked up her luggage.
Meanwhile, Kaim set his luggage at his feet and turned to Ishana.
"Sis."
"Yes?"
"Goodbye."
Just one word. That was all, but it was enough for Ishana.
"See you. Please get in touch every now and then, not just with me, but with your parents too!"
"Well done."
Kaim turned toward his parents and said,
"I'll get in touch again."
"...Yeah."
"Take care."
"...Goodbye."
Kaim and Cynthia waved to the family, then walked through the gate.
They passed through the gate and reached the hall. Two figures were waiting for Cynthia and Kaim at its entrance.
They were