CIATB Chapter 348 - 348
Chapter 348 - 348
Though Caitlin kept insisting she hadn't been peeking on his movements, she still knew a suspicious amount about the things he'd done.Hikaru sighed. "Psychics are terrifying. I remember Ojou-sama telling a certain someone not to abuse Future Sight…"
Caitlin twined a finger through her hair, gave a little hum, then muttered under her breath:
"Nosy."
She didn't bother arguing with Hikaru's teasing—people in the group chat had ribbed her the same way before.
That Awakening adept in Johto who trained the power of "awakening" had said as much, but—
"I'm not the only one overusing it."
"Will, Sabrina, and that even stronger psychic… aren't they all using it too?"
Even so, despite the "nosy" on her lips, Caitlin showed no irritation—just a curious little smile, like she was enjoying herself.
Hikaru could feel the subtle shifts in her mood.
"So that's it. With Butler Shilan-san not here, there's no one 'reining you in,' and it feels odd, huh?"
Bickering with Shilan had been part of daily life. Butlers advised their lords about words and conduct, while willful young masters and ladies called it "nagging." It was routine.
Hikaru: "A power like Future Sight might get hard-limited someday—classic 'plot kill.'"
Caitlin: "Hmph. As if. I'm the strongest."
Watching the blonde ojou-sama so blithely hoist a flag, Hikaru couldn't help thinking it was exactly that—a flag.hose Watchog dessert chefs were truly something.
And by applying unique culinary methods, the dishes carried special "power and appetite." With the "odd-chef" trait optimizing them, the flavors and aromas were delightful—and ingredient purchases even came with a 20% discount.
He also used the chance to prototype a new item.
"What's that… smell? So good." Caitlin was quickly drawn to the final dessert, eyes locked on the pink treasure.
Hikaru: "Alluring Poké Puff—a dessert that greatly raises a Pokémon's friendship and closeness. Both people and Pokémon are drawn to its peculiar aroma; it softens aggression and dampens negative emotions."
"You know Poké Puffs, right? A Kalos dessert with a wide range of flavors and ranks."
Hikaru baked several, then tasted one first.
An odd sensation rose from his heart. The fatigue and pressure he'd been carrying melted like frost in sunlight; even his battle edge dulled a little.
Emotions flowed and pooled, stirring sparks of images and fantasies. A surge of irrepressible excitement rose—then, like waves against the shore, ebbed gently to calm… with joy and fluttering warmth lingering on.
"So that's the essence of 'allure.'"
Come to think of it, Unova's famous snacks were basically the Castelia Cone and Village Bridge Sandwiches. In sweets and snack culture, Unova lagged far behind Kalos.
Those two, in fact, were pretty much a snapshot of Unovan food culture: the former an industrial product, the latter boutique handcraft.
Caitlin gazed over the dazzling sweets. Their overflowing aroma stirred nostalgia and happiness.
"At the Battle Castle… I was forbidden to go out and to battle. My only spiritual support was the afternoon-tea desserts. Shilan would bring them to my room right on time. It was the happiest moment of my day."
"But after coming to Unova, I've rarely allowed myself these… Sweets can relax the will and bring a contented 'this is enough' feeling. So I only visit famous local patisseries after I achieve a goal—as a reward to myself."
Caitlin began tasting with elegance. At first she simply savored the bliss, but gradually the joy, delight, and other positive feelings embedded in the sweets streamed into her heart like rivulets; even her soul quivered faintly.
Fountains of happiness. Fleeting meetings. A brand-new life.
Emotions interwove, beyond words—only the heart could receive them. She fell silent. In the spacious villa, only the slow tick of a clock remained.
After a long while, Caitlin exhaled softly, a satisfied smile on her lips.
"Thank you. I'm very pleased. My mood feels so much lighter… like a brief, beautiful dream."
"Both your power and your cooking meet my standards."
A sunlit dream of peace. A sweet dream wrapped in fragrance.
Caitlin felt more relaxed and comfortable than ever since reaching Unova. Not even time with Shauntal or her big-headed plush had given her this feeling.
Only the person before her brought such serenity. At the thought, unfamiliar feelings rippled in Caitlin's heart.
She lifted her lashes, sneaking an unnoticed glance at a certain someone nearby.
Hikaru, meanwhile, was musing.
Technically, dessert comes after a meal—to refresh the palate and bring happiness.
But eating sweets first can curb appetite, which helps with dieting—
"Nosy. I'll eat them when I want."
Caitlin shot a sidelong look; it was as if she'd read his mind in an instant. "Shilan used to think the same way. I know what you're thinking."
The refined lady rose—or rather, floated—eyes smiling.
"Let's study how to enter the Abyssal Ruins."
"Of course, before that I need to teach you to Fly. It's useful down there—use psychic barriers to control your body's movement, part the seawater, and you won't trigger the mechanisms below."
"Mmm… so from now on, I'm your sensei."
(End of Chapter)
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