Caitlin's Grand Adventure  

Caitlin had calmed down, sitting gracefully in her chair like a true noble lady, her lips curved into a pleasant and beautiful smile. 

As Ryuuske had said, her volatile temper had become inseparably intertwined with her psychic abilities, making complete control over them exceedingly difficult. However, with Ryuuske temporarily suppressing and sealing her powers, maintaining control over both her emotions and psychic energy was now within Caitlin's grasp. 

It was a sense of security she had never experienced before. Unconsciously, she found herself sitting close to Ryuuske, even pressing against him slightly, as if proximity alone would make it easier to control her powers. 

Through the thin fabric of their clothes, Ryuuske could feel the warmth of her delicate frame, his senses filled with the rich, rose-like fragrance that clung to her. 

He didn't bother pointing out that clinging to him wouldn't actually help—being close wouldn't make controlling her powers any easier. But seeing the young noblewoman so attached, Ryuuske was content to let her do as she pleased. 

What man would refuse having such an elegant and beautiful girl sticking to him? 

"What's on your mind, Ash?" 

Ryuuske sighed as he watched Ash's distracted expression. 

Ash chuckled awkwardly, shifting uncomfortably in his seat and even giving Ryuuske an apologetic look, as if regretting that he'd interrupted something. 

"I am not the kind of person you think I am!" 

Ryuuske enunciated each word with emphasis. 

You think I don't read the news? Ash mentally retorted. 

The tabloids were always filled with wild rumors—like Ryuuske's "private friendships" with two Gym Leaders, or the "emotional dispute" he'd had with a certain girl on the streets of Cerulean City. While most of it was nonsense, the fact that Ryuuske's ticket had been gifted by Misty and that he'd already charmed a noble heiress aboard the ship made Ash wonder if there was some truth to the gossip. 

As a fifteen-year-old boy, it wasn't like Ash didn't feel a twinge of envy. But his heart belonged to Pokémon battles—he hadn't spared much thought for romance. 

"Never mind that. Weren't you the one who wanted to investigate this cruise ship? Let's get going." 

Ryuuske decided it was better to drop the subject before digging himself deeper. 

"Right, right! The investigation!" 

Ash finally snapped back to reality, jumping to his feet and tugging at his gloves with fiery determination. 

"Investigate the ship? What's wrong with it?" 

Caitlin's eyes sparkled with excitement. At their age, the spirit of adventure was alive and well. In the past, Caitlin had been unable to travel like other trainers due to her uncontrollable powers—all she could do was watch and envy. 

But now, things were different. With her psychic abilities temporarily sealed, she was free to indulge in the thrill of adventure. 

Ever the blabbermouth, Ash didn't hesitate to explain the request from the "Pokémon Fan Club" in Vermilion City, instantly igniting Caitlin's enthusiasm. 

"Lord Ryuu, please let me accompany you! Stealing Pokémon is a disgrace to all trainers—as a trainer from Sinnoh, it's my duty to help investigate and stop these criminals!" 

She took a step back, one delicate foot in a pink high heel retreating slightly, before bowing deeply with perfect poise, her hands lifting the hem of her skirt. 

"...I beg of you. I won't be a burden. I've already learned to control my temper, and I'll strive to keep it that way—just as you said, blooming like an elegant white rose." 

A true noblewoman indeed—her manners were flawless, her words righteous, and she'd even addressed him as "Lord Ryuu" with utmost respect. 

Faced with her pleading gaze, Ryuuske found it hard to refuse. 

He vaguely recalled the name "Caitlin" from somewhere—though he hadn't watched much of the anime and his memories of the games were hazy, he was fairly sure she was someone important in Unova, possibly even one of the Elite Four. 

But whether or not she was a future Unova Elite Four member, that was the future Caitlin. Right now, she was just a trainer with formal battle experience but no real journey or life-or-death struggles—a textbook academy-type trainer. She might not be exceptionally strong, but she should at least be capable of protecting herself. 

With that in mind, Ryuuske relented. 

"...Change your shoes. You're coming with us." 

"Yes! Lord Ryuu, Ash, please wait for me!" 

With a delighted cry, Caitlin dashed off in a whirl of fragrant air. Since she also stayed in the first-class cabins, her room wasn't far from Ryuuske's. 

Rubbing his temples, Ryuuske felt like he'd just acquired an overly clingy admirer—a noble lady type, no less. 

"Ash, wait here. I'll get ready, and then we'll head out." 

After a quick change into more practical casual wear and gathering the necessary tools, Ryuuske rejoined Ash just as Caitlin returned. The three of them formed a temporary team, setting off to investigate the S.S. Anne. 

--- 

The first-class cabins were located at the very top of the ship, but their destination was the cargo hold far below. With Ryuuske's psychic senses alerting them to nearby sailors, the trio easily slipped past security and infiltrated the storage area. 

As a luxury cruise liner, the S.S. Anne didn't just ferry the wealthy—it also transported goods between regions. After all, an empty cargo hold was a wasted opportunity for profit. 

The hold was pitch-black, and since they were trespassing, turning on the lights wasn't an option. While Ryuuske felt along the edges of the room, searching for something, Caitlin and Ash used flashlights to inspect the covered cargo. 

Surprisingly, the noblewoman Caitlin didn't mind the dust at all, enthusiastically checking each crate with childlike excitement. For her, this was her first real adventure. 

And first times were always unforgettable. 

"It's all just local products, electronics, raw materials… nothing related to Pokémon." 

After a thorough search, Ash returned to Ryuuske's side, disappointed. 

"This isn't the lowest level of the ship. If Pokémon theft really is connected to the S.S. Anne, the criminals wouldn't be stupid enough to hide them in a cargo hold anyone can access. Like—" 

Ryuuske stepped on a particular section of the floor, and a hollow echo responded. 

"—this spot. It's empty underneath. This hidden compartment design… feels familiar." 

Team Rocket's research facility had used the exact same concealment method. 

Recalling the lab he'd first woken up in after his transmigration, Ryuuske was certain of it.

To be continued…

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