The car came to a smooth stop in the Manor's neatly trimmed forecourt, and the door opened.
A tall, graceful figure stepped out with unhurried poise.
Her signature long golden hair cascaded down like a waterfall, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight.
Perhaps knowing how warm Undella Town was, Cynthia had traded her usual black coat for a simple, refreshing outfit today.
She wore a white, knee-length floral dress with a pair of simple high-heeled sandals, her exposed ankles slender and fair.
Her whole appearance suited the seaside atmosphere perfectly.
She stopped and gently brushed aside a strand of hair tousled by the sea breeze, a faint smile in her eyes as she looked toward Caitlin and Xia Chi, who had hurried out of the villa to greet her.
"It's been a while, Caitlin, Xia Chi."
Her voice was warm and pleasant, like wind chimes stirred by a gentle breeze.
Caitlin's delicate face remained as expressionless as ever. At those words, she stated flatly, "If I remember correctly, we met in Jubilife City in Sinnoh just last month. So you can save 'it's been a while' for the guy next to me."
Clearly long accustomed to her best friend's occasional peculiar moods and remarks, Cynthia merely smiled indulgently without taking offense, then turned her gaze to Xia Chi.
Xia Chi smoothed things over. "Cynthia, it really has been a while for me. I think the last time we met was at the Multitype Experts Tournament in the Galar Region?"
Cynthia's lips curved into a smile. "True, but I've been seeing you in news headlines all over the place lately."
Xia Chi gave a light cough. "Those weren't exactly flattering headlines. Please don't tease me, Cynthia."
"Oh?"
Cynthia tilted her head slightly and smiled. "If successfully preventing a catastrophe that could have