Paul had already been sitting at the desk with the communications computer on it. When Ruoling called, he kept his eyes fixed on his book. Anyone familiar with his habits would have started the conversation themselves, but only silence followed after he answered.
A few seconds later, he looked up in confusion. Only then did he remember that the contact information on the computer screen had apparently listed the Unova region. The only person who would call from there was the girl's friend, and of course she wouldn't know his habits.
"Did you need something?"
He hardly needed to think to know whom Ruoling wanted, but it was still best to make absolutely sure. Outsiders might consider him overprotective, though.
"Uh... hi, Lord Paul." Ruoling greeted him instinctively, then suddenly realized he'd asked what she wanted. Suppressing the urge to punch herself for being such an idiot, she obediently answered, "I'm looking for Lou! I said I'd tell her when we set out, but I forgot."
She hadn't needed to add that last part, but she was feeling a little spaced out, so she'd said it without much thought.
But it didn't matter, right? Lord Paul didn't care. He only cared about his brother and Lou, so he wouldn't fuss over something this small... oh, right.
"Ash came to Unova to travel, you know." She had no ulterior motive; she simply wanted to tell him. "Little Eevee and I really offended that Pikachu of his."
Tsk, tsk. She wouldn't forget the power of that Thunderbolt anytime soon.
"That guy won't leave someone alone if they do something he doesn't agree with. If you don't want that, you'd better avoid picking a fight."
After hearing why Ruoling had called, Paul had intended to get up and fetch Lou straightaway. But when