"Ugh, when is this stupid tournament going to end?!"
In the gym, Nemona did bench presses with Pawmot's help while venting her frustration at being cooped up in Kitakami.
Like Xia Chi, she hadn't entered the tournament for regional glory.
But Xia Chi was after the system's rewards for settling the second battle round.
Nemona, meanwhile, wanted to battle different Trainers.
Over the half month she'd spent at the Resort, she had already battled most of the Trainers competing here, and the novelty had long since worn off.
Naturally, she now wanted to escape this cage keeping her from going on adventures as soon as possible.
Lacey, who was stretching, reassured her, "Traveling wouldn't be much fun in any region this time of year. Dad even video-called me yesterday just to tell me it was snowing in Driftveil City too~"
Xia Chi shuddered on the treadmill beside them.
Huh. So the burly, stern, pragmatic, upright Clay had such a soft side in private?
Calling his daughter thousands of miles away just to report some snow-wasn't he just making up an excuse to video-chat with her?
Still, it couldn't be helped. Anyone with a beautiful, sweet, gentle, perfect daughter like Lacey would probably evolve into a doting dad!
Nemona replied, "Yeah, my dad told me yesterday that it was snowing in Paldea too. He even asked if I wanted to spend the winter in Alola once I got back."
The two girls' conversation left Xia Chi silent.
Do we really have to bring our parents into every conversation?
You're leaving me with nothing to relate to!
Pops, where are you?
I miss you.
After finishing his two-hour workout, Xia Chi left the gym, took a hot shower, and prepared to go out for some fresh air.
Winter nights came early in