Chapter 435: Dinner at Cynthia’s House
“Grandma.”
Cynthia held her forehead, her tone helpless. “He’s a guest!”
The cane headed their way slowed just in time, ending in a light prod against Cynthia instead.
Grandma gripped the handle with both hands, eyeing Lu Ye suspiciously, then looked at Cynthia.
“For real?”
“Of course he is!” Cynthia replied, exasperated.
Lu Ye wasn’t offended—in fact, he looked a bit delighted.
Grandma’s got sharp eyes!
She immediately saw through his intentions: to steal her precious cabbage!
“Professor Mustardseed, it’s an honor to meet you.”
Lu Ye handed over the secure case and introduced himself.
“My name is Lu Ye. I’m, uh… accompanying her on the delivery of the Adamant Orb.”
Grandma glanced at Cynthia’s subtle body language—arms crossed, eyes slightly averted—
She knew that move. Cynthia only did that when she was lying.
Then she took a closer look at the young man.
Hmph.
Good-looking. Handsome enough to rival Cynthia’s grandfather in his prime!
Suddenly, she snapped.
“Ha! And you say there’s nothing going on between you two?!”
“Huh?” Cynthia blinked in surprise.
The old lady turned her back, fuming and not even taking the case.
“The bell rings—we’re leaving!”
Ding-a-ling~! The small bell on her headpiece rang crisply as she walked off, muttering,
“Conspiring to trick your own grandma... Hmph! You can sleep outside tonight! Don’t even think about stepping through that door!”
Clearly a deliberate jab at Cynthia, forcing her to reflect. Lu Ye, meanwhile, was inwardly cheering.
What a wise old lady!
Sleeping outside… Wait, that’s a thing?!
“Grandma.”
Cynthia hurried after her, crouched down to hold her shoulder. “He came a long way. We should at least offer some hospitality.”
“Hospitality, huh!”
Grandma side-eyed her, then sighed, voice softening slightly.
“Only a few rooms in the house. Where do you expect him to sleep?”
Then her expression shifted—
“Don’t tell me you two are already… sharing a room?!”
“Grandma!” Cynthia’s voice was firmer this time.
“Whew, scared me,” Grandma muttered. “Guess this situation is still manageable.”
“He can sleep on the couch.”
Cynthia looked back and smiled gently. “Just don’t let him catch a cold.”
“Hmph. Don’t think sweet talk will work on me.”
Even so, the old woman gently stroked her granddaughter’s golden hair. “Go bring me the Adamant Orb.”
“You agree to help?”
“As if.”
She turned to Lu Ye, squinting.
“I still have to put this young man through proper scrutiny!”
Lu Ye watched as grandmother and granddaughter chatted affectionately.
Cynthia soon stood, walking toward him with her usual grace.
“Give me the case,” she said with a soft smile, holding out her pale hand.
“What did she say?” Lu Ye asked as he passed the case over.
Cynthia rested her fingers under her chin, thinking.
For her grandma not to kick him out immediately… was kind of a miracle.
“First impression wasn’t bad?”
“She’s got good taste,” Lu Ye replied with feeling.
Cynthia raised a brow and smiled helplessly.
“Come on, let’s head inside.”
Since confessing at the hot springs inn, the two had gotten closer.
Now that they'd taken another step, it felt like engagement and meeting the parents weren’t far off...
As he approached the museum, Lu Ye’s face flushed red. He clenched his fist and coughed softly.
D**n this fluttery feeling!
“Gengarr~(～￣▽￣)～”
Gengar floated beside him, jabbing him teasingly.
Lu Ye: “Don’t go melting the Spear Key with your drool. We still need to get it examined.”
“Gengarr!” Roger that!
Farther away on a darkened hilltop,
The Rocket Trio huddled in the grass with an infrared scope.
“What’s the status?”
“Boss has infiltrated the target fortress. Operation ‘Win Over the Champion’s Grandma’ is underway!”
“We’re on standby to provide cover fire—code name: Granny Conquest!”
“Wobba~!”
They sighed in unison.
“All jokes aside…”
“They really do look happy.”
“While we’re stuck out here just watching…”
“Such a horrible feeling!!”
“Wobba—!”
The museum was simply furnished.
Past the back door and courtyard stood the Celestic Historical Research Institute—and Cynthia’s home.
“Was hiring extra help for security?” Cynthia asked as they walked.
Mustardseed nodded.
“Hard not to attract attention with the Lustrous and Adamant Orbs here. But the League has increased patrols…”
Cynthia noticed her hesitation and smiled.
“You don’t trust them, do you?”
“It’s not that,” Mustardseed shook her head. “They’re just not professional enough.
Officer Jenny didn’t even want to come out to a place like this. And the ruins need constant maintenance…”
“I brought helpers with me too,” Cynthia said warmly. “People I trust.”
Her grandma side-eyed her.
“Okay then. Aside from that young man… what else are you hiding from me?”
“…Actually, I’m also preparing for the research summit this year.”
“I’ve gathered new intel about Dialga and Palkia—and even saw the legendary Spear Key.”
“You have the Spear Key?” Mustardseed asked, surprised.
“Not me.” Cynthia shook her head with a knowing smile.
“But you’ll find out soon enough.”
Her grandma paused, sighed softly.
“My granddaughter’s grown up… can’t keep her close anymore…”
“Grandma!” Cynthia laughed.
“But,” Mustardseed continued as if speaking to herself, “He’s quite handsome. Reminds me of your grandfather in his prime… Wonder if he’s got the character to match.”
“Huh?” Cynthia blinked.
Mustardseed said nothing more, pushing open the door and stepping into the house.
She turned coldly to Lu Ye.
“Let’s be clear—you can stay one night. Meals and bed? Handle that yourself. I’m not cooking for you, understand?”
“…Can I use the kitchen?” Lu Ye asked carefully.
She snorted lightly.
Which was basically a yes.
Lu Ye smiled. “Perfect. I’ll make you a late-night snack then!”
“…Hmph. Strange boy.” She muttered as she walked off.
Cynthia looked at Lu Ye and smiled apologetically.
Lu Ye gave her a thumbs-up and flashed a confident grin.
Now then—time for my offensive round!
Cynthia’s home was surprisingly modest.
Three rooms and a living space—hers, her grandma’s, and her parents’.
Cynthia had only vaguely mentioned her parents.
Lu Ye didn’t pry.
Naturally, the couch became his bed.
“Sorry,” Cynthia said quietly. “You’re the guest and all…”
“I sleep fine anywhere. Besides, Gengar knows Hypnosis.”
Lu Ye replied easily.
Cynthia blinked in surprise.
Meanwhile, Mustardseed had taken the secure case and vanished into her study.
Her idea? To ignore him and see if he’d grow impatient—another test of character.
Respecting elders, regardless of social status, was still a virtue.
A true gentleman remains composed even when alone.
Cynthia knew her grandma’s ways and didn’t argue.
She simply leaned on the table and quietly watched Lu Ye.
“What are you staring at?”
“Gengar.”
“Not my charming face?”
“Pfft.” Cynthia looked away—then slowly peeked back again.
Lu Ye didn’t push the banter.
Instead, he stood up. “Where’s the kitchen?”
“Over there.”
Cynthia slouched in her chair, arms over the backrest, lazily pointing.
Lu Ye mock-rolled up his sleeves.
“Let’s see what ingredients we’ve got. If there’s nothing, Sirfetch’d might have to volunteer.”
Flash!
A beam of light—Sirfetch’d popped out, horrified.
“Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ”
“Relax, just kidding.” Lu Ye patted him.
“Quack…” Sirfetch’d let out a breath of relief.
“But even with food, you’re still helping.” Lu Ye added ominously.
“Hmm…” Cynthia chuckled softly. “Stop bullying Sirfetch’d. Go cook already.”
“Aye-aye.”
The house was old-fashioned, with a ticking wall clock that lagged by 15 minutes.
In that calm moment, time felt gentle.
The kitchen was clearly used often.
Water spots on the counters, onions, potatoes, and canned goods stacked nearby.
Lu Ye opened the pantry and fridge.
“Your grandma seems to love canned food!”
“She does—burgers, pudding, cans… and Moomoo Milk.”
Cynthia, head resting on her arm, spoke lightly—then raised her voice. “Because it’s convenient!”
“No wonder your cooking’s kinda meh,” Lu Ye muttered. “Still, gotta hand it to her for raising such a… well-developed granddaughter…”
“…Wait, how would I know that, anyway?”
Muttering to himself, Lu Ye started making burger patties from canned meat.
“Rotom, the oven’s in Gengar’s pocket. Fetch it.”
“On it, Rotom~!”
Rotom was getting used to life as a “Legendary Kitchen Appliance.”
Though the kitchen was lacking, Gengar’s interdimensional storage made up for everything.
“Quack~!” Sirfetch’d wore a chef’s hat and expertly whisked eggs.
Suggested alternate title: “To Avoid Being Cooked, I Became a World-Class Chef.”
Lu Ye’s fingers moved swiftly, chopping onions into gleaming white mounds.
“Gengarr! (இωஇ)”
Gengar, eyes wide with tears, clung to the counter.
“Of course onions make you cry,” Lu Ye chuckled.
“Next step—sauté the onions…”
A pink ribbon gently handed him a skillet.
Lu Ye looked down. Sylveon blushed fiercely.
“Thanks.”
“S-Sylv!”
Half the onions were fried, half left fresh. He mixed the meat with salt, egg, flour, pepper, and onions.
“Better make a portion for the Rocket trio too.”
He shaped the meat into patties.
Gengar, freshly scrubbed up, eagerly came to help.
“Like this—smack it down, then pat it—perfect burger shape!” Lu Ye coached.
“Gengarr! ヽ(￣▽￣)ﾉ”
Gengar focused hard on shaping the patties.
At some point, a golden-haired lady had joined them, watching curiously.
“Can I help too?” Cynthia asked shyly.
“Of course.” Lu Ye smiled in surprise.
“Just work with Gengar on the burgers.”
“I got it!” Cynthia rubbed her hands and got to work.
Side by side, the two focused on cooking.
“Look, look! I made one!” Cynthia showed him, eyes sparkling.
“Nice,” Lu Ye nodded. “Just… kinda ugly.”
“Ugh…” Cynthia pouted, then narrowed her eyes. “Again!”
As the burgers sizzled to a crisp golden brown,
“I like them a bit burnt,” Lu Ye said casually.
“Gengarr!（¯﹃¯）” Gengar nodded furiously.
Cynthia inhaled the rich aroma and bit her lip.
“What else are we making?”
“Caramel pudding,” Lu Ye replied, grabbing Moomoo Milk. “Won’t take long.”
“But… we don’t have an oven—”
“Gengarr!”
With a toothy grin, Gengar pulled an oven from its pocket and placed it on the counter.
Rotom dove in.
“Beep beep! Rotom Oven Mode—activated!”
Cynthia blinked in surprise.
“…Rotom’s really become a kitchen tool now, huh?”
“Wait—people actually use Rotom for battles?” Lu Ye asked, baffled.
This is a smart appliance / autonomous vehicle / top-tier hacker / legendary cookware all in one!
Cynthia touched her chin, falling into existential doubt.
With Rotom-Oven and Rotom-Fridge combo in place, the pudding was done in no time.
Lu Ye plated the meal—burgers, caramel pudding, miso tofu soup—and nodded in satisfaction.
Cynthia smiled and turned away.
“I’ll go check on…”
“Grandma!?”
Focused on plating, Lu Ye didn’t look up.
“Really, Cynthia? Don’t start playing childish games now.”
Cynthia said nothing.
Lu Ye turned—and found Professor Mustardseed glaring at him, expression unreadable.
Cynthia, you liar!
You said you two weren’t close!
But here he is—standing in the same spot your grandfather did, cooking beside you!
Still, just the fact that he could cook left a good impression.
She eyed the burger set and swallowed slightly.
“Hmph. Doesn’t look like much.”
Lu Ye removed his apron and pushed the meal toward her with a gentle smile.
“Try it. You’ll know.”
Startled, Mustardseed sensed something unexplainable in his presence.
She quietly accepted the utensils Cynthia handed over.
“Bah. Just a burger set…”
She cut a piece—
And in that instant, saw golden light.
Cynthia blinked. “Was that… a glowing move?”
“A1 Flash,” Lu Ye coughed. “I added A1 Flash sauce.”
All the little ones watched nervously. Even Garchomp gulped.
Mustardseed took a bite—
BZZZT!
An electric jolt coursed through her body—like Pikachu’s Thunderbolt from the heavens!
Delicious!
Tears welled in her eyes.
She saw a vision of herself in her youth…
On a hillside outside Celestic Town…
Golden-haired, elegant…
Looking at Cynthia’s handsome, bashful grandfather…
As she slowly leaned in for a kiss—
“Grandma! Wake up!” Cynthia shook her urgently. “Are you okay!?”
“I-I’m fine.”
Mustardseed wiped her eyes. “Just… thinking of the past.”
Cynthia looked at Lu Ye and nodded slightly.
Looks like… Grandma’s pleased!
With the little ones chattering away—
Lu Ye smiled to himself.
Wait—didn’t have his badge on?
Oh well. Nothing to see here!
“Forgive the rough welcome.”
Mustardseed gave Lu Ye and Cynthia a long look.
Finally, she sighed.
“…Let’s eat. Lu Ye, come join us!”
The little ones dashed toward the table with their burgers, cheering.
The tiny home was suddenly full of life.
The old wall clock ticked steadily.
Warm food and lively chatter brought coziness into the once cold house.
Mustardseed gave Lu Ye another look—
He wasn’t so bad after all.
“Gengar, Meowth and the others must be hungry.”
Lu Ye handed him a lunch bag. “Can you take this over?”
“Gengarr~ (￣▽￣)/”
With Gengar’s mastery of Teleport, delivery service was a breeze.
Forget the Gym—Gengar could earn income just doing food delivery.
He really does carry this household on his back!
On a hillside outside Celestic Town—
The Rocket Trio had long adapted to surviving in the wild.
Suddenly, they received a delivery from Lu-sensei.
Munching happily, the trio cried with joy:
“This is the best feeling ever~!”
“Wobba~ o(╥﹏╥)o” (Where’s my share?!)
Gengar pulled out an Energy Pokéblock with a ta-da! sound effect.
Wobbuffet saluted proudly.
“Wobba~!”
Back at the museum, Professor Mustardseed regained her stern demeanor.
“You two can figure out your own relationship.”
“But what I want to ask about… is what happened at the Casual Ruins.”
Lu Ye looked at Cynthia and nodded.
“I was hoping to ask for your help too.”
He recounted the whole incident at the ruins.
For Mustardseed, he had no reason to hold back.
Sooner or later, they were going to be family.
Showing her the Spear Key might help clarify what this thing actually was.
She’d already heard bits and pieces from Cynthia.
A legendary artifact said to balance the powers of the Lustrous and Adamant Orbs.
All three were incredibly rare relics.
If possible, Mustardseed hoped to borrow the Spear Key for study.
In exchange, she’d allow Lu Ye’s Pokémon to train near the other two orbs.
“Gengarr~”
Returning from his delivery run, Gengar pulled the cube-shaped Spear Key from his pocket.
“This is it.”
Lu Ye said solemnly. “We’re counting on you, Professor Mustardseed.”
She smiled—rarely.
Not just handsome and well-mannered, but a great cook and good with Cynthia too…
If she weren’t already interested in him—
She’d be recruiting him.
Ah, to be young again…
She took the Spear Key—
Then froze.
“Why… is this wet?”
Lu Ye and Gengar exchanged awkward glances.