Misty’s sudden approach gave Hanako, who was currently combing her hair, a real fright!
Hanako was still holding a leaf she had just plucked from Misty’s hair, her whole body frozen.
Her gentle eyes were wide as she watched Misty get so close to Roy’s face that they were almost touching, her heart skipping a beat.
Eh?
This…
this girl…
why so sudden…
are they about to kiss?
Hanako’s cheeks felt slightly hot, and a strange sense of sourness welled up in her heart for no reason, but mostly it was the shock and bashfulness of thinking, “Are young people today so bold and direct?” She subconsciously gripped the comb in her hand, standing there, a bit at a loss.
Meanwhile, from Roy’s perspective.
Misty’s face was within inches.
Hanako had already carefully combed her short orange hair; it now lay smoothly against the side of her ear, the ends still a bit damp, likely from the night dew.
The dancing warm light of the bonfire reflected on her face; her skin was smooth and tight, with a healthy flush from exercise, and there was a tiny bead of sweat on the tip of her nose.
Her features were sharp and well-defined, her large eyes bright and spirited, her long eyelashes like little brushes.
Her pink lips were slightly parted, and her warm breath, carrying the scent of food, brushed gently against Roy’s face.
Roy evaluated the scene calmly in his mind.
She looks much prettier than in the anime.
As expected, the ancient image quality of the Original Series completely buried this mermaid’s natural beauty.
With these looks, in reality, she would definitely be a top-tier beautiful girl.
Especially at this distance, with this unadorned sense of reality.
The fine texture of her skin, the firelight reflected in her pupils, he could even see a tiny grain of rice stuck to the corner of her mouth.
She was full of vivid vitality.
Misty stared into Roy’s eyes for several seconds, seemingly trying to find any trace of a joke or bluff.
But she failed.
Roy’s gaze was calm and deep, like a pool of water, showing no ripples.
Suddenly, the corner of Misty’s mouth curved up, revealing a smile filled with mischief and curiosity.
Her pink lips parted slightly, her voice lowered, carrying a hint of playfulness: “I’m really curious…” “How this little mouth of yours can say such big words~” She deliberately emphasized “little mouth” and “big words,” her warm breath puffing against Roy’s lips.
Roy also smiled faintly.
He knew Misty’s personality: competitive, unwilling to lose, and highly curious.
This kind of personality was easy to guide.
“You don’t believe me?” Roy leaned back slightly, creating a bit of distance, but his gaze remained Lock-On Misty.
“Think I’m bragging?” “Hehe, anyway, I’ve never seen a rookie Trainer who dares to treat the Indigo Champion as a’small goal’.” Misty also sat up straight, crossing her arms, wearing an expression of “let’s see how you make this up.” “That’s simple.” Roy picked up his water cup, took a sip, his tone as casual as if discussing the weather.
“You can join us and travel together.” “See for yourself how I do it.” Reverse psychology.
Blunt, but effective.
Sure enough, Misty’s eyes widened instantly.
“Join you guys?” “Yes.” Roy nodded.
“Don’t you want to become a Water-type Pokémon Master?
On the journey, we’ll encounter various Water-Type Gyms, lakes, and rivers.
Following us won’t delay your training.” “And…” He glanced at the frying pan still warming over the fire.
“You’ve already tasted Hanako-san’s cooking skills.” This sentence was a precise strike to her weak point!
Misty’s throat moved involuntarily as she stole a glance at the pan where the aroma still lingered.
Her stomach cooperated with a soft “growl.” The food Hanako-san makes is really…
incredibly delicious!
The sausages were fried crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the mushrooms were so fresh her tongue almost fell off…
If she could eat this every day…
She shook her head violently, temporarily suppressing her “foodie” thoughts, and coughed to feign composure: “Hmph!
I mainly want to see if you actually have real ability!
It’s…
it’s not for the food!” But those shining eyes had already betrayed her.
“So?” Roy raised an eyebrow.
“Fine, okay!” Misty hardly hesitated and agreed immediately.
She agreed so quickly that she even stunned herself after saying it.
Uh…
did I agree too fast?
Does it make me look easy?
Her cheeks turned slightly red, but she quickly became self-righteous again.
Anyway…
anyway, I’m just curious!
I want to see what right this guy has to be so arrogant!
Besides…
really just besides…
being able to eat Hanako-san’s cooking…
After agreeing to Roy, Misty finally remembered there was another person.
She quickly turned her head toward Hanako, who was still a bit dazed while holding the comb, and immediately put on a sweet smile, her tone carrying a hint of Charm: “Um…
Hanako-san!” “Can I join you guys?
Would it be a bother?” Although Hanako was older than Roy, she was a gentle woman at heart.
From the moment Roy arrived, Hanako had basically handed everything over to him, following his lead on most decisions.
She saw that Roy was goading Misty into the team, so she also nodded.
“Of course you can.” A gentle smile bloomed on Hanako’s face again.
She stepped forward and lightly patted Misty’s shoulder, brushing off the last bit of grass from her collar.
“With more people, the journey will be livelier and safer.” “That’s great!
Thank you, Hanako-san!” Misty happily hugged Hanako’s arm and nuzzled it affectionately.
Just like that.
Before the meal was even finished.
The first task of the Misty line—”Becoming Travel Partners”—was easily accomplished.
[Ding!] The system’s notification sound rang clearly in Roy’s mind.
[Task One Complete!] [Harmonious Family Aura, loaded successfully!] A warm current quietly flowed through Roy’s limbs; it was subtle, but it definitely existed.
He looked at Hanako and Misty, who were huddled together talking.
Hanako was smiling gently, asking Misty if she was afraid of the cold at night and if she needed an extra blanket.
Misty looked touched, waving her hands to say no while her eyes sparkled at the soft blanket Hanako pulled from her backpack.