novelraw Chapter 377 A Restaurant for Three
Chapter 377 A Restaurant for Three
Chapter 379 A Restaurant for Three
There are three Gym Leaders in Sanyo City, but that does not mean that Koon, Bert, and Cilan are just mediocre people with empty titles.
A quick look at the league's assessment records reveals that all three passed the rigorous dojo qualification test with outstanding results. In other words, they are fully capable of choosing to open three independent dojos in different cities.
However, they chose to squeeze into this small Trisolaran Gym and teach novice trainers the true meaning of type matchups in a trio format.
Outsiders might find it crowded, but the three brothers don't see it that way at all—whether it's the elegant and gentle Cohen, the passionate Bert, or the most composed of the three, Tian Tong, none of them want to leave this family-run restaurant that holds their childhood memories.
The old house still exudes the aroma of oil from its ancestral restaurant amidst its bricks and tiles, and the gaps in the wooden floorboards are still filled with spilled berry jam from their childhood. Whether it's the reflection of themselves while wiping wine glasses, the sparks flying from the hot plate as they stir-fry food, or the clinking of ice cubes while mixing drinks, these are memories that the three of them are unwilling to part with.
It wasn't that they couldn't separate, but they couldn't bear to part with that old door that would creak if all three children pushed it open at the same time.
Today, Guscalf and Azure stand side by side in front of that meticulously manicured oak door.
The doors opened slowly as if anticipating the guests' arrival, and the owner of the Tentong Pavilion, dressed in a sharp tailcoat and holding a snow-white handkerchief, appeared before them with the perfect demeanor of a waiter.
"Mr. Guscalf, Ms. Azure, welcome." Tian Tong bowed slightly, her bow tie gleaming like silk in the sunlight. "Mr. Zimi has been waiting for you two in the private room for quite some time."
The grass-type expert greeted the two guests, who were of vastly different sizes, with impeccable manners, showing no bias whatsoever despite the previous dispute over booking the venue.
"Does the restaurant allow Pokémon to stay outside their Poké Balls?" Azure asked, pointing to the Eevee on her shoulder.
"Of course," Tian Tong said cheerfully.
"Our restaurant is also a Pokémon Gym, so we naturally welcome Pokémon partners. Although the ecological differences among Pokémon are too great to prepare customized food for all of our guests' Pokémon, we can provide unlimited quantities of general Pokémon food specially developed by our restaurant."
He looked at the adorable Eevee and added, "Furthermore, if those children also like human food, you can also choose the same dishes for them."
"That's really thoughtful."
Bilan thanked the owner of Tiantong Pavilion with relief and stepped into the restaurant first, while the food editor on the other side stood behind her for a while.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" Tentong keenly noticed Guscalf's hesitation.
"No, it's nothing." The gourmet shook his enormous head. "This restaurant was originally supposed to be a coffee shop; you can tell its former simplicity from the style of the entrance."
"You have a keen eye. Although it's not a famous shop, it is indeed an important memory passed down from our parents."
A nostalgic look flashed in Cilan's eyes as he smiled and bowed. "After becoming a Gym Leader, we expanded the original site and transformed the coffee shop into a restaurant that includes a battle arena. It can be considered as inheriting the family business."
"Really? It seems you're quite proud of your parents." Guskaf looked at the repair marks on the door frame with some emotion.
"From a design perspective, the outdoor area has been renovated very successfully, especially the main entrance, which blends seamlessly with the modern environment of Sanyo City. However, the quality of the food ultimately depends more on the indoor ambiance. Given the need to be compatible with Pokémon Gyms, it remains to be seen whether the standard can be maintained."
"Please look forward to it with confidence," the Grass-type Gym Leader said with a confident smile, gracefully gesturing for him to enter.
Passing through the porch, you are greeted by a double-height reception hall. The outdoor sunlight is blocked by indoor plants, creating a deep and elegant atmosphere in the restaurant.
Like most upscale restaurants, the second floor of Sanyo Dojo is divided into semi-enclosed VIP rooms, while the left and right sides of the first floor are the lounge area and the beverage room, respectively. In the middle of the two areas is the main dining area, which occupies the largest area.
The spacious restaurant was filled with flickering candlelight, and it was especially quiet today, as the venue had been reserved for only three guests.
In the heart of this tranquility, the tall and slender figure of King Zhimi was already waiting.
"King Shimi, I am Azure, commissioned by the United States Alliance."
The girl who entered first came to Shimi's face and curiously examined the Mega Evolution Key Stone that was fastened to the blue scarf on the other's chest.
"I know this is not the place to discuss official business, but your league's champion, Karune, asked me to pass on a message to you: the league exchange matches are starting tomorrow, so please be mindful of your schedule."
"Yes, I will handle it properly."
Zhimi replied briefly, then focused his gaze on Azure as well. Suddenly, his eyes brightened. "Miss Azure, you seem to be a very experienced trainer?"
"? Is that something you can tell from?"
Bilan was a little surprised. She looked down at herself and realized that her current attire was quite ordinary and appropriate.
The Eevee sitting on my shoulder isn't the kind of Pokémon that looks particularly powerful at first glance. It always seems to be yawning, and it's even been neglecting its training lately.
How exactly did the other party perceive the trainer's strength?
"You seem to have misunderstood, Miss Azure."
Seeing the detective deep in thought, the Water-type Elite Four member shook his head with amusement. "I'm not the kind of detective you're often portrayed as. Cooking is one thing, but when it comes to people, I can't possibly guess their identity based on details. The reason I know about your strength, Miss Azure, is simply because I saw your battle videos online when I was raising Blastoise. Your imaginative fighting style really inspired me."
"Ah, so that's how it is—"
The girl sighed, realizing that since arriving in Unova, apart from her junior, Touko, no one had really noticed Azure's past achievements in the Kanto region for a long time. Although that was precisely the reason she had traveled all the way from Kanto.
Are you two discussing Water-type Pokémon?
The voice came from behind Azure. Turning around, he saw the Guild Master Koon, with his sea-blue hair covering his face, leading Guskaf here.
The water feature owner was also holding a tray with three drinks in his right hand.
"Sports are the perfect companion to delicious food. Our restaurant really welcomes discussions about Pokémon battles. Here's a refreshing lemon sea salt soda for you all."
I took the wine glass; it contained about a sip of light blue beverage.
Under Ib's envious gaze, Azure closed her eyes and drank it down in one gulp. The stimulation of carbonation and the gentle sweetness intertwined on her tongue, just right to whet her appetite.
"Elite Four member, if we start talking about Pokémon battles now, it might go on and on. Let's focus on the delicious food at Sanyo Restaurant, shall we?"
Influenced by the soda, Bilan reluctantly put down her empty glass and, suppressing her appetite, suggested to Zhimi.
"Well, that's fine then." The latter nodded in acceptance. "Then let me witness Mr. Bert's new breakthrough after the culinary exchange."
The next second, at the deepest part of the restaurant hall, the wall that was originally used as a Pokémon battle facility slowly sank down, and in its place was a brightly lit open kitchen, where Mr. Bert, the fire-type expert, stood.
Amidst the rising steam, the young man in a chef's uniform, spatula in hand, flashed a warm smile at the crowd. Sparks from the stove illuminated his signature red hair and bathed the entire countertop in a warm glow.
"Welcome to the 'Flaming Kitchen' of Sanyo Restaurant!"
The Fire-type Gym Leader's bold voice echoed throughout the restaurant.
>