Chapter 206: An Old Man Who Likes To Guess Riddles

After Ash took the business card, the old man didn't linger any longer. Without saying another word, he turned around and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ash and his friends standing there in confusion.

"Wait!" Brock hurried forward, trying to stop the old man, but he had already vanished.

"What is this...?" Misty frowned as she looked in the direction the old man had left. "He told us to check in at his hotel, but he didn't even bother to take us there. That's so weird."

"There's a clue on this business card," Ash said, glancing at the card in his hand. At this point, he had already figured out the identity of the old man, but instead of revealing it, he decided to let Brock and Misty figure it out themselves. Holding up the card so they could all see, he pointed at the strange message written on it.

"The bottom is swinging, and the top is big brother and brother running a race..." Misty read the words on the business card out loud, then blinked in astonishment. "Wait, this is a riddle? It's not the hotel's address?"

"The answer to the riddle should tell us where the hotel is located," Brock said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin as he tried to decipher the meaning.

"Pikapi..." Pikachu, sitting on Ash's shoulder, also tilted its head in deep "thought." In reality, though, it had no idea what was going on.

"There's a swing at the bottom," Ash mused. "That means the hotel should be located above a place with a swing—probably a park."

"And above it is 'big brother and brother running a race'..." Misty repeated. She thought for a moment before her eyes lit up. "A clock! The hour and minute hands! They both move in the same direction, like they're racing against each other!"

"So, we just need to find a park with swings and then look for a building with a clock above it," Brock concluded, nodding in realization. "That's where the hotel must be!"

"Are we going?" Ash asked, giving them the choice.

"Since the seaside hotel is full, there's a chance we won't find an available hot spring hotel anywhere else in town," Brock reasoned. "But the old man gave us this business card, which means his hotel probably still has rooms. I think we should check it out."

"Yeah, we might as well go," Misty agreed with a shrug.

"Alright then," Ash said. "Let's ask around and see if anyone knows of a place with swings."

With that decided, they walked over to a nearby shop to ask for directions. After speaking with a local shopkeeper, they learned that there was a park with swings on the northern hillside of town. Above that park, there was indeed a hotel.

"That must be the place!" Ash said excitedly.

Wasting no time, the group followed the directions they had been given and made their way to the northern hillside. Sure enough, they soon arrived at the park, and just as expected, they spotted a building above it.

The hotel wasn't particularly large, but its location was quiet and secluded, making it an ideal place for travelers looking for a peaceful stay.

"This should be it," Brock said, glancing up at the clock mounted above the hotel's entrance. "The riddle led us right here."

"It's really rare for someone to solve such a difficult puzzle," a familiar voice suddenly said from behind them.

Startled, the three of them turned around. There stood the old man, stroking his thick golden beard with a smile. Even though night had already fallen, he still wore the same oversized sunglasses that covered most of his face.

"You again!" Ash exclaimed in surprise.

"I must say, I'm impressed," the old man continued, chuckling. "Not many people can figure out my riddles so quickly."

"Why didn't you just tell us the hotel's location from the start?" Misty asked, folding her arms.

"Where's the fun in that?" The old man smirked. "A good riddle makes the journey more interesting, don't you think?"

"Not really," Misty muttered.

Ignoring her, the old man turned toward the hotel and gestured for them to follow. "Well then, since you made it here, allow me to formally welcome you to my establishment."

The three friends exchanged glances before stepping forward. The hotel entrance was adorned with warm lights, giving the place a cozy and inviting atmosphere. As they entered, they found themselves in a well-maintained lobby with traditional decor, wooden furnishings, and a faint aroma of hot springs lingering in the air.

"It looks nice," Brock commented, scanning the surroundings.

"Of course! I take great pride in my hotel," the old man said proudly. "Now, let's get you checked in. Follow me."

He led them to the front desk, where a young woman greeted them with a warm smile.

"Welcome," she said politely. "Are you checking in for the night?"

"Yes," Ash confirmed. "Do you have any rooms available?"

"Indeed, we do," the receptionist replied, pulling out a ledger. "Since you solved the riddle to find this place, the owner has instructed us to offer you a special discount."

"Really?" Misty perked up. "That's great!"

The old man chuckled. "Consider it a reward for your cleverness."

After completing the check-in process, they were each given a room key. The receptionist then handed them a small pamphlet detailing the hotel's amenities, including the hot springs, dining area, and recreational facilities.

"The hot springs are open until midnight," she informed them. "Feel free to relax and enjoy."

"Hot springs!" Brock's eyes sparkled. "I've been looking forward to this!"

"Let's drop off our stuff and go right away!" Misty agreed.

After settling into their rooms, the three of them changed into the traditional yukatas provided by the hotel and made their way to the hot spring area. The outdoor baths were surrounded by lush greenery, and steam rose gently into the cool night air.

Ash let out a relaxed sigh as he sank into the warm water. "This feels amazing..."

"It's been a long day," Misty said, leaning against the rocks. "We definitely needed this."

Brock, who was already completely at ease, nodded. "This is the best way to end the night."

Pikachu sat at the edge of the spring, happily splashing in a small tub of warm water prepared just for Pokémon.

As they enjoyed the soothing heat of the hot springs, Ash thought back to the events of the day. It had been an unusual journey, but thanks to the old man's riddle, they had found a hidden gem of a hotel.

"Maybe riddles aren't so bad after all," he admitted with a grin.

Misty raised an eyebrow. "Don't get any ideas. I don't want to deal with more riddles just to find our next hotel."

Ash laughed. "Fair enough."

As the stars twinkled in the night sky above them, the three friends relaxed in the warm embrace of the hot springs, ready to rest and prepare for the adventures that awaited them tomorrow.