"My, Miss Cynthia, you really are impressive. To have the strength of a Champion at such a young age-you certainly live up to your title as the Sinnoh Region's new Champion." At the Indigo League headquarters, the League chairman spoke to Cynthia with a beaming smile. Cynthia forced a smile. She was not very used to dealing with people in such high positions; everything about it felt uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Elite Four member Lance sat to one side, smiling. Lorelei, Agatha, and the others were also seated in the meeting room. The battle had ended, and without question, the two sides had fought to a draw.
But this draw did not mean Lance already had the ability to stand on equal footing with Cynthia. Rather, it was a result reached after some discussion. After all, the Indigo League did not want its Elite Four to lose face, and the Sinnoh League did not want to offend the Indigo League too much, either. The daily trade volume at the Indigo League's several major ports was no small matter.
So a draw was a result that more or less met everyone's expectations. An old hand like Agatha, an Elite Four member, could naturally see the League's purpose in doing this, while Bruno, an Elite Four member, looked thoroughly dissatisfied. In Bruno's eyes, an exhibition match like this was no fun at all. Only Lorelei, an Elite Four member, showed little reaction, quietly sipping her red wine.
After a brief celebration and a few pleasantries, Cynthia finally left the place that had made her uncomfortable all over. Lance, an Elite Four member, followed her out.
"You're much stronger than I am. You really are a gifted Trainer." Lance, an Elite Four member, laughed heartily. He looked at Cynthia with a smile. This girl's strength