Chapter Seventy-Eight: Arrival at Violet Garden Town

"Asu, sorry about this, I’m skipping work today. I’ve already spoken to Wataru about it, so you’ll probably have to handle the rest of the assessment reports on your own." Chen Ou’s tone was full of genuine apology. In reality, though, he was staring at the simmering curry on the stove, practically drooling.

Growlithe was bouncing around on the floor, its eyes fixed intently on the pot of curry. Charmeleon sat upright, motionless, eyes closed, as if he were an old monk deep in meditation. Yet from his tensed muscles, twitching nose, and the way he swallowed, it was clear he was anything but calm.

Entei, on the other hand, appeared much more composed, slowly inching his way toward the curry.

Chen Ou swatted away Rotom’s reaching hand and shot him a sidelong glance. Rotom offered a sheepish grin. Chen Ou glared at Entei as well, who quickly looked around, avoiding his gaze.

Chen Ou could cook, and his skills were impressive. In fact, at Professor Oak’s lab, everyone except the professor himself could cook. Green was adept at roasting and smoking foods, and his Poké Puffs were outstanding.

Nanami’s desserts and Poké Puffs were second to none; she had even traveled to Kalos specifically to learn their techniques.

As for Chen Ou, his specialty was Galar-style curry, or rather, curry with a unique twist inspired by Earth’s culinary traditions. He could make Poké Blocks too, though not as well as Green. After all, Green’s reputation as a breeder was well deserved.

"It’s alright, Dr. Chen Ou, I can handle the rest myself. I’ve already received orders from Champion Wataru—I’ll return to the Inspection Department tomorrow to submit my report. I heard from Champion Wataru that you’re off chasing criminals. Have you found any leads? Is it dangerous?"

Asu’s questions radiated warmth and concern. Even without seeing her, one could easily imagine a gentle, well-mannered young woman behind the words.

Thinking of this, Chen Ou really did deserve to be offered up to Arceus for deceiving such a kind girl…

"Don’t worry about me. Chasing down criminals is just something I do along the way—nothing crucial. The main thing is, I still have my own journey to continue."

Chen Ou’s words were blunt, almost inconsiderate—classic Chen Ou. Technically, he was right; as someone outside the League’s official ranks, he had no obligation to go to great lengths chasing criminals. Still, his manner left people feeling awkward.

"Um… Anyway, take care on your journey, and I wish you the best of luck at the Indigo Conference! I’ll be sure to watch your matches!"

Asu paused for a moment, then skillfully changed the subject.

Chen Ou nodded in satisfaction. This girl truly had her act together: efficient, capable, and emotionally intelligent. With the right backing, she could really go far…

Though, he realized, anyone assigned by Wataru to work with him—regardless of her passing resemblance to Shirona—must have strong support behind her.

"Okay, then I’ll thank you in advance for coming to cheer me on. And may you rise swiftly through the ranks and reach ever greater heights."

Chen Ou wasn’t just being polite. Even though he didn’t know who was backing her, she was clearly someone Wataru or the Dragon Clan wanted to support. Since neither Chen Ou nor anyone at the Oak Research Lab—Red, Yellow, or Blue—had any intention of vying for the so-called 'League Administrator' position, he didn’t mind lending Wataru a hand.

Choosing sides was no big deal; even if he picked wrong, no one could punish Chen Ou. He had nothing to fear.

"Thank you for your kind words. I’d better get back to writing my report," Asu replied, then hastily hung up.

At the same time, Chen Ou lifted the lid off the pot. Instantly, a rich, mellow aroma filled the air.

The savory scent of Slowpoke tail, the fruity fragrance of berries, and the deep notes of curry mingled into a unique bouquet. It wasn’t overpowering; it simply lingered, quietly yet boldly announcing its presence.

Everyone found themselves unable to resist, greedily inhaling the enticing smell, faces melting into expressions of pure bliss.

Chen Ou deftly ladled out the curry and poured it over the prepared rice.

He beckoned to the trio, and Growlithe rushed over to snatch up his plate. Charmeleon followed, taking his own with a grateful nod. Chen Ou responded with a warm smile. Next was Entei, who strode over with the air of a king. Naturally, Entei’s portion was the largest—his size demanded it.

Finally, Chen Ou served himself.

As for Rotom?

Chen Ou had prepared a battery and some Poké Blocks for him.

Rotom: ... =థ౪థ....

“Don’t blame me,” Chen Ou said gruffly. “You can’t eat curry, after all. And those Poké Blocks were made by Green. They taste amazing.”

Rotom flashed a meme of bawling tears on his screen, then floated over to the Poké Blocks and began to eat in silence.

But after a single bite…

Green, you are the best! (*︾▽︾)

Seeing Rotom eat with such enthusiasm, Chen Ou felt a weight lift from his heart. Because of his unique physiology, Rotom couldn’t eat Chen Ou’s curry, but fortunately, Green had made some special curry-flavored Poké Blocks at Chen Ou’s request. While they were slightly lower in energy content, the taste was outstanding—even Chen Ou found them delicious.

This eased Chen Ou’s guilt toward Rotom. Though he’d never officially caught Rotom, their relationship was more research assistant and researcher than trainer and Pokémon.

The meal was soon finished. Chen Ou and his companions lounged in the sun for a lazy nap, then set off again toward Gardenia Town.

Speaking of Gardenia Town, many had suffered setbacks there.

Even Red had been startled by Ghost-type Pokémon, the image of a Psyduck in a Cubone mask haunting him to this day.

Green disliked the place as well; he and Red rarely visited, finding it unhelpful for training and fraught with mischief from Ghost-types.

No one liked that.

Chen Ou felt the same. But for him, coming here was more about not wanting to miss anything. Since he was traveling, he wanted to see as much as possible—even if it meant a few hardships, as long as it didn’t kill him…