"Lilligant."
Mm...
"We need to talk a little about what's been worrying us."
It could only be a little talk. Going into depth would be pointless, because they still had to maintain the status quo until the T3 Race ended, and maintain it well enough to earn points first, then make the Main Race if at all possible.
That would be their way of answering to themselves, Principal Gui, Pokémon High School, and all their supporters on the island.
"From now on, we can't always stick together for every race."
Lilligant nodded silently.
She knew that was how it should be. A Pokémon should be a Pokémon Trainer's capable helper, not limit their personal development.
If Shen Qi had no interest in racing or any other field in this life, there would be nothing wrong with him serving as Lilligant's assistant as they pursued greater glory together.
After all, in battles, Pokémon provided the main fighting power too, while Pokémon Trainers commanded and supported them.
But Shen Qi had the talent to become an excellent independent driver. He couldn't let a Pokémon hold him back.
"Lilligant, we'll have to explore our future path little by little. But right now, we need to make the most of this understanding between us."
Even if their overly fixed partnership was a mistake that would be bad for both of them in the long run, with the Autumn Race upon them, they couldn't dismantle their most fundamental coordination, nor did they have the means to build a new partnership.
"So, we understand that, but we'll set that understanding aside for now and finish the Autumn Race without regrets."
Lilligant nodded quietly, only responding after two seconds.
*I won't part with Shen Qi. Once we've worked hard in our own fields and get another chance