Not Being a Trainer This Time

Soon, the waiter began serving the dishes one after another until the table was completely filled.

Spicy and fragrant Mapo tofu, stir-fried shredded pork with green peppers, a large bowl of golden yellow and tender egg omelet, tender and bright red braised pork, aromatic white radish and rib soup...

Then, the waiter brought out dozens of snacks and sandwiches for Pokémon.

The two released their respective Pokémon, gathering around the table and enjoying the meal together.

The Pawmo had met Lono’s Pokémon before, so upon meeting again, several Electric Type Pokémon gathered friendly to Nuzzle each other’s cheeks, exchanging power as a greeting.

Lono’s Luxray sprawled on the floor, with a plate of Poffin-like cookies between its paws, burying its face into it and eating noisily.

Glaceon stood beside it, startled by Luxray’s unrefined eating style, then thought to itself that it should not eat like that, and elegantly began to chew slowly.

Flutter Mane looked at the floating Mismagius with a puzzled expression.

Mismagius noticed its gaze and turned to look over, equally perplexed.

The two Pokémon stared at each other, neither willing to look away first.

Looking at the feast in front of him, Lono grinned with an animated tone: ”I’m digging in!”

Naoki watched Lono eating with amusement, then began his meal as he usually did.

As he ate, he glanced at the Pokémon beside him.

This was Naoki’s habit, to check if any of the Pokémon needed help during meals, like wanting a certain dish, then he would help them get it.

Instead of seeing Pokémon in need of help, he saw a harmonious scene among them.

They seemed to get along quite well!

Enjoying the delicious food, Lono looked satisfied and said, ”So tasty!”

Naoki reassuredly withdrew his gaze from the Pokémon and turned to Lono, ”Did you encounter Trainers challenging the Gym again this morning?”

Lono’s cheeks were stuffed full like a little hamster: ”Hmm, hmm! This morning I hosted three Trainers at once, and Mismagius and Bellibolt were exhausted!”

”That’s really tough!” Naoki suddenly felt that Gym Leaders and Elite in the Paldea Region were very busy.

”Hehe!” Lono laughed, ”Actually, it’s not too bad! Gym Leaders also have rest time occasionally; it’s not like you imagine, staying in the Gym all day accepting challenges—that would be too boring!”

Naoki nodded thoughtfully.

He remembered that among all the Gym Leaders in the Paldea Region, Lono’s strength was not very strong.

No, maybe she’s more focused on audience reaction than fully engaging in battles with challengers.

It’s just that Lono hasn’t become a livestream host yet.

Thinking about this, Naoki suddenly felt curious, so he asked, ”Do you like your current job?”

”Current job?” Lono mumbled unclearly, ”You mean being a Gym Leader? I really like it! Whenever I see the audience cheering for our battles, it makes me very happy!”

No wonder! Naoki realized, as he knew that the League’s salaries are quite generous, Gym Leaders are never short on money.

Lono’s livestreaming must be purely out of interest or simple affection.

However, thinking about livestreaming and editing videos to post online, Naoki got a new idea from Lono.

Perhaps he could create a personal channel later to post short videos of his ranch to promote his farm products and fruits.

Like a channel called ”Naoki’s Country Orchard”.

”And what about you, Naoki?” Lono asked in return.

”Me?” Naoki was stunned for a second, then regained his composure and replied with a smile, ”I also really enjoy my current job, always felt that city life doesn’t suit me, with one small room after another in skyscrapers like pigeon coops, nothing like the leisure of the ranch side.”

But it’s undeniable that city life is quite convenient.

However, considering the Pokémon World has ride Pokémon that replace vehicles, Naoki felt there wasn’t much difference between the two.

Not to mention Koraidon—and with Dragonite’s speed—it’s only a ten-minute ride to the neighboring city.

Lono imagined that lifestyle and couldn’t help but sigh, ”It feels like you and I are complete opposites, Naoki!”

Naoki raised an eyebrow, suddenly remembering something: ”Do you eat out every day?”

Lono immediately showed an embarrassed smile: ”Not really! Just occasionally, once in a while… I’m quite good at cooking!”

Naoki looked doubtful.

Lono had to concede, ”Alright... my culinary skills aren’t very good, but I’m still skilled at some basic dishes! Yet Mismagius and Bellibolt don’t like the food, so I can only dine out and occasionally cook for myself.”

”Alright then!” Naoki nodded, ”That’s indeed convenient for city living.”

”Right? Hehe!” Lono nodded in agreement with a grin.

Naoki gave a helpless laugh, and the atmosphere turned quite harmonious.

After the meal, Lono quickly settled the bill before Naoki could.