December 27. Weather: light snow.
Kanto was a little colder than Hoenn, but with Mt. Silver serving as a barrier, the cold air carried a little less moisture. It felt more like a straightforward physical attack.
Young Master Mao wore a haute couture suit beneath a thickened trench coat.
Kahili dropped Young Master Mao off at the entrance to the Chikorita Chain Hotel, where the ceremony was being held.
By the main entrance, a black-haired girl in a leather jacket waved energetically at Young Master Mao.
"Long time no see, Teacher Gary." Marnie used two fingers to tug at the corners of her mouth, managing a "genuine" smile.
"Marnie, did you come alone?" Gary looked around curiously. Had Piers, that sister-obsessed brother of hers, actually not come along?
"My brother has to keep the Gym running, so I'm here representing the band this time." Marnie sounded relaxed and cheerful. Clearly, she had been enjoying herself lately.
"Marnie~ Come here! There's a free buffet, and the steaks are huge..." The moment Gary and Marnie entered, a petite white-haired girl came up to them.
"Huh? Where did you reel in this absolute hottie?" The white-haired girl pointed at Young Master Mao and asked without a shred of restraint.
"Roxie! This is Teacher Oak, an independent musician, not some man I reeled in..." Marnie replied helplessly.
Girls who played rock music really were uninhibited. Was reeling in men something they could just casually discuss?
"There's still some time before the ceremony starts. Want something to eat?" Roxie pointed to the banquet hall behind her.
"I already ate." Marnie proudly puffed out her chest. "I definitely got my money's worth."
"You're that good?" Roxie's eyes sparkled. "How did you do it? I only had three steaks, and I'm almost too full to eat any