Chapter 331: Chapter 331

Brilliant fireworks lit up the night sky, and the castle was wrapped in celebration.

At the evening’s grand banquet and ball, Queen Eileen was set to hold a coronation ceremony for Ash, now bearing the title of Hero of Aura.

Lu Ye and Steven had also received personal invitations from Queen Eileen.

“Not just an invite for accompanying guests, but a personal one from the Queen herself?” Lu Ye flipped through the gilded invitation, surprised.

The royal messenger smiled awkwardly and said, “You must be joking… There’s no way we’d treat you two with anything less than the utmost respect. Of course these are for honored guests.”

“Mr. Steven, your reputation really carries weight,” Lu Ye remarked, glancing at the Hoenn Champion beside him.

“Or,” Steven smiled, “maybe the Queen wanted to invite you—and I just got included by default.”

The royal messenger trembled as the two top Trainers started casually complimenting each other.

One was the Champion of Hoenn. The other, personally recommended by the Queen and teacher to the newly crowned Hero of Aura— Who’d dare interrupt?

“Of course!” the messenger nodded repeatedly and hurried off.

The ball began promptly at 7 p.m.

Ash, as the guest of honor, had already headed to the ballroom early.

The two made their way up the castle’s stone staircase into the tower loft, preparing to pick out formal attire.

“Feels like suits always fit best.” Steven changed into a white tuxedo, fastened a Key Stone brooch to his lapel, and adjusted his jacket.

“When in Rome.” Lu Ye buttoned his own collar and examined himself in the full-length mirror.

A black tuxedo, with gold embroidery along the cuffs and collar. Custom tailored by the royal family—proof of how much they valued this event.

“Pokémon can change into formalwear too,” Steven smiled. “Mr. Lu, aren’t you going to let yours try something on?”

Lu Ye paused and glanced around. Sylveon was curiously examining a tiny princess dress.

“Bui?” Tilting her head in curiosity, Sylveon looked irresistibly cute.

Lu Ye chuckled sneakily, crept closer, and reached out with his wicked hands...

Risking injury, Lu Ye wiped his sweat and admired his work.

“Bui…” Now in her formalwear, Sylveon blushed as she shyly inspected her ribbon. Her voice soft and sweet.

“You’re practically a real princess!” Lu Ye beamed.

At that moment, a tiny figure in full armor, helmet gleaming, wobbled toward them.

“Amumu?” Lu Ye blinked.

The knight lifted his visor—Sirfetch’d’s sharp eyes and confident grin emerged. “Gah!”

“Gengarrr!” Gengar had on a top hat, monocle, cane, and even a fake mustache.

Lu Ye deadpanned, “I told you to enjoy the buffet, not cosplay as a silent film actor!”

Then again, Pikachu has skins like “Lady Pikachu” and “Boxer Pikachu.”

As a true master of transformation, Gengar definitely has plenty of looks to pull off…

Gengar peeled off his mustache and grinned. “Gengarrr!”

Well why didn’t you say so earlier—I’m going all in at the buffet!

Inside the grand palace hall.

Ash stood in Aaron’s traditional attire, holding a ceremonial staff, clearly uncomfortable.

“Hero, please stop fidgeting,” the head maid whispered. “Maintain your image until the event ends.”

“But I’m really hungry…” Ash pleaded.

“Just a little longer!”

Ash sighed—then his eyes lit up: Mr. Lu was here!

Lu Ye and Steven entered the ballroom, immediately drawing attention.

Steven, used to this kind of scene, wore a poised smile and nodded gracefully as he walked.

Lu Ye also drew plenty of gazes… though some were probably aimed at the ridiculously adorable Sylveon.

Pikachu happily dashed over, circling Lu Ye a few times before leaping onto his shoulder.

Lu Ye patted Pikachu’s head, smiling. “You waiting for Ash to finish up?”

Ash couldn’t bring Pikachu to the stage due to image constraints, so Pikachu was left to roam freely.

“Pika?” Pikachu tilted his head, not quite following.

Lu Ye shrugged. Not being the Child of Viridian, he couldn’t exactly explain it all.

“Just hang tight.” Lu Ye scratched Pikachu’s soft chin. “I’ll play with you for a bit.”

At the word “play,” Pikachu’s eyes sparkled.

“Pika!” Pikachu nodded excitedly.

With Pikachu on one shoulder and Togepi in his arms, Lu Ye was hard to miss.

“Ahem!” Steven glanced at his phone and suddenly chuckled.

Lu Ye shot him a look.

“…Want a glass of champagne, Mr. Lu?” Steven asked with a smile.

You're clearly trying to change the subject!

Lu Ye’s phone buzzed. In their group album, a new photo had just been uploaded.

It was a picture of Lu Ye, carrying Pikachu and Togepi like a proud Pokémon dad.

Steven: [Image] Gold: So cute! (Referring to Togepi) Yellow: Pikachu is adorable too! Lu Ye: Lu Ye is also cute! Lt. Surge: ??? Lorelei: Shameless! Brock: Wait… that Pikachu… doesn’t look quite like Ash’s?

“Eh?” Lu Ye glanced at the fluffy Pikachu on his shoulder. “Really?”

Brock shook his head. “Might just be my imagination…”

The party was already in full swing, and many young women had approached Steven.

But over here, Sylveon’s fierce stare had scared off any would-be admirers.

Lu Ye welcomed the peace and looked up at the mural on the palace ceiling.

It depicted Aaron, the Hero of Aura, calming a battlefield.

Blue robes, wide-brimmed hat, crystal staff… almost identical to the Ash now seated on the throne.

“Yaaawn~~” Ash let out a massive yawn, noticed Lu Ye looking his way, and gave an awkward grin. “Hehe.”

If Aaron could see what his descendant turned out to be… he might be heartbroken.

Surrounded by admirers, Steven could barely move.

Meanwhile, Lu Ye, playing the Pokémon dad, carried Pikachu and Togepi toward the buffet.

Macarons, soufflé, tiramisu… a dazzling array of desserts.

Despite not caring for rare ingredients, Lu Ye had to admit—it all tasted great.

“Just twenty years short of my cooking,” he nodded in satisfaction.

Pikachu looked up at this shameless human, then suddenly smiled.

“Hm? Where you off to?” Lu Ye watched Pikachu leap down and vanish into the crowd.

Just then, Queen Eileen stood and announced the official start of the ball.

Lu Ye and the little ones remained in the buffet area.

Lu Ye & Gengar: (￣～￣) munch! Slackers who don’t eat with purpose have an attitude problem!

Squirtle looked up from his plate, glanced at the mural above, and quietly adjusted his sunglasses.

The legendary Hero of Aura?

No wonder I’ve felt power flowing through me since I walked in…

“Squirtle!” Squirtle’s eyes sharpened.

This is the perfect chance to train!

Amid music and food, Squirtle silently began doing push-ups…

Suddenly, Lu Ye heard someone calling him.

He turned to see Meowth waving excitedly.

Lu Ye froze, expression twitching.

I should’ve seen this coming…

Wherever there’s plot, those three are never far behind!

After hearing Meowth out, Lu Ye let out a long sigh.

“So… you guys followed ‘the twerp’ all the way to Orudoran Castle by plane?”

“Yep! Tickets were expensive, meow! Good thing we cashed in on that Christmas gacha!” Meowth said proudly.

Lu Ye stared in silence.

“Don’t worry, Commander. We’ll definitely catch Pikachu and offer it to you, meow!”

“…” Lu Ye’s face grew serious. “Meowth.”

“After this mission’s over… you three are heading to the Africa division.”

Lu Ye said quietly, “Team Rocket could use some development over there…”

Meowth blinked. “You’re joking again, right, meow?”

Lu Ye burst out laughing and said nothing more.

As Meowth scratched his head nervously, Lu Ye finally spoke: “No need to catch Pikachu for me. Just stick to selling cards.”

“That way, I’ll let your unauthorized field trip slide.”

“Thank you, Commander!” Meowth cried, tears streaming down.

Lu Ye looked to the sky.

Can those three really stay put and not cause trouble? I seriously doubt it.

“Where are Jessie and James?” Lu Ye asked.

Meowth pointed to the dance floor. “There.”

Sure enough, “Sweetie Lina” Jessie was dancing with Steven, hearts in her eyes.

James was gracefully dancing with a noble lady—clearly well-trained in etiquette.

After swapping partners, Jessie and James ended up together again, both visibly annoyed.

“I’ll go look for snacks elsewhere, meow!” Meowth said and wandered off.

Lu Ye nodded, twirling Sylveon’s princess dress ribbon in his lap.

“Chagi Togepi~~” Togepi bounced after Meowth.

“Duckie, go keep an eye on them. Make sure they don’t get lost,” Lu Ye said offhandedly.

“Gah!” Armored Sirfetch’d nodded solemnly and stomped off.

Lu Ye fell into thought.

In the original plot… wasn’t there a female adventurer?

But by now, there’s been no sign of her.

And Mew—who should’ve had a major role—hasn’t appeared either…

Suddenly Meowth returned, happily rubbing against Lu Ye’s leg.

“Meowth? Weren’t you looking for food?” Lu Ye blinked.

“Meow?” Meowth tilted his head in confusion.

“Use words!” Lu Ye snapped. “Don’t pretend you can’t!”

A telepathic voice echoed—Lu Ye froze, staring at Meowth.

It darted away in a flash.

Lu Ye’s face darkened as he opened his system Pokédex—

【Mew – Psychic-type, New Species Pokémon…】

Well damn, we’ve got a mole!

“Mew… nicknamed ‘the little Ditto’…”

Lu Ye muttered, deep in thought.

Mew’s personality was playful and mischievous. It often transformed into other Pokémon to interact with kids and Pokémon alike.

It was curious, full of energy… but sometimes a little reckless.

Lu Ye frowned. “Still, Mew shouldn’t be in any danger…”

Just then, the music ended, breaking Lu Ye’s concentration.

The head maid cleared her throat and announced:

“Next, the Hero of Aura will perform the final ritual of the festival!”

Prodded by the attendants, Ash quickly stood up.

“Is… is this the right pose?”

Wearing a blue robe and wide-brimmed hat, Ash looked nearly identical to Aaron in the mural.

He struck the same pose… and froze.

“Head maid, did you hear something?” Ash asked.

Queen Eileen smiled kindly. “Maybe you’re just nervous.”

Ash nodded and raised the staff again.

The crystal atop the staff burst into radiant light…

A yellow tail poked Meowth’s shoulder.

“Quit bothering me while I’m eating, meow!”

Meowth was scarfing food down.

“Pika?” Pikachu tilted his head and poked again.

“Enough already!” Meowth turned angrily—then froze. “Pi-Pikachu?!”

“Pikachu~!” Pikachu recognized the Rocket Meowth and grinned, charging up Thunderbolt.

“Wait, meow!” Meowth wiped his mouth frantically. “I’m not here to catch you this time!”

“There’s someone really powerful who shut down our mission!” Meowth gestured a huge circle. “So, for now, we’re at a truce. We’re friends, meow!”

Pikachu scratched his head—then spotted a cheerful Togepi skipping by.

“Ah! That’s the Commander’s Togepi!” Meowth exclaimed.

Togepi hopped onto the windowsill—about to fall off.

“Chagi Togepi~~ヾ(●´∀｀●)”

Meowth dove after it—Togepi suddenly swerved.

“Eh?” As the wind howled below, Meowth looked down at the sheer drop and screamed, “Help meow!!”

Suddenly, a pink kitten appeared beside him, used Teleport, and brought Meowth back in a flash.

Meowth and Pikachu both breathed sighs of relief.

“Mew~~~” Mew giggled and transformed into Pikachu.

“Pika~ (ﾉ)`ω´(ヾ)” Pikachu patted its cheeks, wondering if he was dreaming.

Mew shifted back and giggled, “Mew… ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ*)”

Meowth scratched his head and said to Pikachu, “It’s asking if we want to play, meow.”

Pikachu tilted his head, then smiled and nodded. “Pikachu!”

“Alright then.” Meowth crossed his arms, closed his eyes. “But I’m busy. Only a short game!”

Mew flew to Togepi to ask if it wanted to join—

Only to see Togepi running toward Lu Ye with a cupcake in hand:

“Chagi Togepi~! ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ”

This one’s delicious—come try!

“Mew~~~” Mew pouted, a little jealous.

It spun around twice, wagged its tail, and regained its cheer.

With a flash of Teleport, Mew vanished with Pikachu and Meowth.

Lu Ye took the cupcake from Togepi.

“Mmm… it’s good.” Though he was already full, he still ate it.

“Togepi~! ヾ(^Д^*)/” Togepi patted its shell proudly.

Lu Ye handed one to Steven. “Here you go, Daigo-san.”

Steven’s light blue eyes flickered with surprise. He smiled and accepted it.

Then, Steven looked toward the glowing staff crystal.

“That… might be an ancient kind of Poké Ball,” Steven said, eyes on the staff.

Lu Ye nodded slowly, thinking of the Lucario that stood like a loyal sentinel.

He couldn’t help feeling moved.

Maybe… that Lucario, Aaron, and Ash— This was a meeting of Aura and Bond across a thousand years.

In the glow, the silhouette of Lucario slowly appeared.

The aura pulsed—familiar and intense.

Squirtle paused mid-push-up, narrowing his eyes.

This Lucario… not bad!