Once they had finished decorating the Christmas tree and switched on the lights, the festive atmosphere really came alive.
"Mmm~ Now it really feels like a holiday," Wallace said approvingly.
"Haha... It was nothing~" Steven waved a hand, giving Wallace a look that said he understood.
The snow had stopped, and stars twinkled in the clear night sky.
Young Master Mao called everyone over to sit down. Steaming skewers were already on the table.
Pheobe opened two bottles of champagne, and everyone raised their glasses in celebration.
"Ah~ A rare moment of peace in a whole year," Young Master Mao remarked after a sip of champagne.
"Thank goodness for Hoenn's winter break tradition!" Pheobe said cheerfully, raising her glass.
Indeed, in other regions, villains had no concept of taking holidays. Rain or shine, New Year's or any other holiday, they stirred up trouble whenever they pleased!
Just look at how many years Lance had gone without enjoying a single uninterrupted holiday...
Steven pulled his coat tighter and breathed out a puff of white mist. Watching everyone laughing around him, he gave a relaxed smile.
"What is it?" Wallace picked up his glass and clinked it against Steven's.
"Nothing. I just feel a little tired." Steven shook his head. "There's too much to worry about as Champion. But you have no choice but to compromise. Because the entire region, every household with its lights on, is counting on you to protect them."
"Yeah~" Wallace sighed. He knew that feeling all too well.
"You two, no talking about work over the holidays." Young Master Mao handed Hoenn's two Champions a pair of soy-braised chicken wings.
"Soy-braised chicken wings~ I love eating them~..." A Tao hummed as she brushed soy sauce and honey over the chicken wings on the grill.
Besides the gathering