From its original Trainer…
To a smuggler and unscrupulous Breeder…
Then finally…
Into Michael’s hands.
At first, Rhyhorn had still held onto a faint hope.
It wished that whoever became its next Trainer would be different.
Unfortunately…
That hope had long since been shattered.
Countless thoughts flashed through its mind before they gradually faded into numb acceptance as it lay motionless on the ground.
In Lucas ‘s memories, Rhyhorn was a Pokémon with a tiny brain that rarely overthought anything.
It was naturally optimistic and loved charging around recklessly for no particular reason.
But everything had its limits.
Once a heart had been hurt enough…
Even a Rhyhorn could be left wounded.
Lucas gently rested his hand on the area above Rhyhorn’s horn.
He didn’t say a word.
He simply sat quietly beside it.
Petting a Rhyhorn was actually something of an art.
He remembered learning the trick from a female Pokémon Performer in the anime.
Because Rhyhorn often went on uncontrollable rampages and had a naturally headstrong temperament, very few people dared touch the spot above its horn.
“Rooo?” Rhyhorn froze.
It had never been treated so gently before.
A comfortable rumbling sound unconsciously escaped its throat.
“Purr…
purr…” Lucas smiled faintly.
Just moments ago, he had seemed like a smiling devil.
Now…
He looked like nothing more than a gentle, kind-hearted young man.
Which one…
Was the real Lucas ?
Emily ‘s beautiful eyes were filled with curiosity.
At that moment, however, Lucas ‘s attention was completely focused on Rhyhorn.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
His voice was low and calm.
“Rhyhorn…” “Would you like to come with me?” He made no grand promises.
In Lucas ‘s opinion…
Words weren’t necessary.
He would use his actions to slowly earn Rhyhorn’s trust.
Perhaps it was because Michael had disappointed it so thoroughly.
Perhaps it was because the defeated had no right to choose.
Or perhaps…
There was simply something different about Lucas .
Something in his demeanor.
Something in the way he treated it.
Rhyhorn let out a low cry.
For the first time in a long while…
A glimmer of hope for the future appeared in its eyes.
Seeing that, Lucas ‘s lips curved into a bright smile.
“It looks like you’re really good at taking care of Rhyhorn.” A sweet voice suddenly sounded beside him.
Without changing his expression, Lucas turned toward Emily .
She had been watching from the side all this time.
He still didn’t know what she wanted.
At first, he had assumed she belonged with Michael.
Later, however, it no longer seemed that way.
Still…
Even if she hadn’t intended it…
Today’s trouble had started because of her.
Although the outcome hadn’t been bad…
It still left him feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
“You’re flattering me.” Lucas replied indifferently.
He then raised the Pokémon Bag and waved it gently.
Rhyhorn disappeared into the bag.
Without another word, he turned to leave.
“Wait!” “H-Hold on!” Seeing him about to walk away, Emily hurriedly called after him.
The bodyguards beside her immediately stepped forward and blocked Lucas ‘s path.
Lucas frowned.
His displeasure became even more obvious.
Turning around, he looked directly at Emily .
“What?” “Planning to seek justice for Michael?” “N-No!” Emily waved both hands in panic.
She immediately turned toward her bodyguards.
“You all…” “Wait outside.” The guards looked hesitant.
“Miss, we…” “Didn’t you hear me?” Hearing the irritation in her voice, they wisely withdrew from the arena and silently took up positions outside the entrance.
Only after they had all left did Lucas ‘s expression soften slightly.
He could tell that Emily bore him no hostility.
But then…
Why keep stopping him?
Letting out a helpless sigh, he addressed her the same way the guards had.
“So…” “Young Miss.” “What exactly do you want?” Emily smiled brightly.
“I just wanted to introduce myself.” “My name is Emily .” “Lucas .” He simply replied with his own name.
“So, Young MissEmily .” “What do you need?” His tone remained calm and distant.
“Lucas …” “You know…” “I’ve actually been paying attention to you for quite a while.” “…?” Lucas ‘s eyebrow twitched.
The way she phrased that…
Made it sound suspiciously like a confession.
Realizing the misunderstanding, Emily ‘s ears immediately turned bright red.
“N-No!” “Don’t misunderstand!” “I only started paying attention because of what happened during the Pokémon Summoning Ceremony two days ago.” “Oh.” Lucas responded casually.
Seeing that he didn’t pursue the misunderstanding any further, she finally relaxed.
After clearing her throat, she continued.
“I watched your battle with Michael.” “Your Pokémon is incredibly strong.” “It might even be stronger than my Lapras.” “So…” “Would you be interested in becoming a butler for theEmily Family?” “A butler?” Instantly, Lucas pictured himself wearing a black tailcoat, white gloves, and a monocle.
“That’s right.” “Of course, not an ordinary butler.” “Our family’s butlers also serve as battle attendants.” “Although you haven’t fully grown yet…” “I believe you’ll become extremely powerful one day.” “So…” “I’ve decided to recruit you in advance.” Although she clearly meant it as praise and recognition…
The words inevitably carried an air of superiority.
“No interest.” Lucas waved his hand dismissively and turned to leave once again.
“W-Wait!” Emily suddenly realized that the charm she had always been confident in seemed completely ineffective against this boy.
“Are you sure you don’t want to think about it?” “You’ve offended Michael now.” “He may have begged for mercy today…” “But he’ll definitely come back for revenge.” The moment she brought that up…
Lucas became even more annoyed.
“Young MissEmily .” “Do you realize…” “This whole incident started because of you?” “I…” “I know.” “And that’s exactly why I came to invite you.” Emily wasn’t an unreasonable girl.
She understood perfectly well what had happened.
Seeing the wronged look on her face, Lucas realized his tone might have been a little harsh.
His voice softened slightly.
“I’m not blaming you.” “But…” “I’d appreciate it if you kept some distance from me.” “As for becoming your family’s butler…” “You should find someone else.” “If fate allows…” “We’ll meet again.” With that, Lucas walked out of the arena without looking back.
Emily stood there in a daze.
She felt utterly embarrassed.
For some reason…
Being rejected like this actually hurt.
After all…
This was the very first time since her birth that anyone had refused her so directly.
For the first time in her life…
She began to question whether her own charm was really as great as she had always believed.