Perhaps noticing Logan's surprise, Erika wiped the blood from her crimson lips with her hand and smiled gracefully:
"…Celadon City is famous for its perfumes. But what makes them famous isn't only the long-lasting fragrance—it's also because of an ancient formula."
"My family has lived in Celadon City for generations, and even long ago we were renowned for perfume-making. Over the years, our craft has advanced greatly, and Celadon gradually developed an entire perfume industry. Beyond their fragrance, many perfumes also contain the ability to relieve pain."
To Logan, Erika's words still couldn't explain that sudden kiss. If she had said that simply smelling the scent from her body could relieve pain, that might have made sense—but a kiss? That seemed unnecessary.
Still, Logan wasn't going to say that out loud. After all, he was the one who benefited. Perhaps that kiss was a reward—or an apology?
Her lips were a vivid shade of blood-red, and seeing his own blood staining them filled Logan's chest with a strange, unexplainable feeling.
After that brief kiss, the young Celadon Gym Leader retrieved some medicine from her bag. With tender care, she sprayed it over Logan's arm, where he had been slashed by a Razor Leaf. Medicines in this world worked remarkably fast—within moments, the wound scabbed over. Then Erika brought out a bandage and carefully wrapped it around his arm, winding it patiently until finally tying it into a playful bow.
Once satisfied, she straightened, brushing the dust off her thigh-high socks, and smiled softly.
"Celadon perfumes are made using the scents of Grass-type Pokémon, aren't they?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. She stared at him for a long moment before finally praising:
"…Logan, you're truly sharp. Yes, Celadon's perfumes are extracted from the fragrances of Grass-type Pokémon. Each species gives off a unique scent, and the perfumes are carefully blended from those aromas. But as for the exact methods and techniques—well, that's a trade secret."
She giggled softly behind her hand.
"Now I can believe you're not with Team Rocket after all, Logan."
"Because of a girl's sixth sense, of course~"
She suddenly winked mischievously, transforming from a gentle older-sister figure into a playful young woman.
Logan chuckled. Yes… capriciousness must truly be a girl's prerogative.
"Don't call me by my family name. Just use my given name—I'm not used to hearing my surname."
He explained. In this world, most people only had first names. Having lived here for some time, it felt odd to hear himself addressed formally.
"In that case, I'll call you Logan-kun, like Misty does."
"Yes. Misty of Cerulean City is a close friend of mine. You know, in all of Kanto there are only three female Gym Leaders. And even before knowing about her Team Rocket ties, Sabrina was never an easy person to get along with. So naturally, I bonded with Misty, who's about my age."
Erika smiled gently as she explained:
"…Team Rocket's research facility in Celadon had been operating for quite some time. That I failed to discover it earlier was my own dereliction as Gym Leader. Not long ago, a Celadon trainer stumbled upon the location and reported it to me. I led a group of trainers to raid and destroy it. It was there that I found the Eevee inside your Poké Ball, and learned of the so-called Eevee Modification Project."
She paused, then her voice softened:
"…Logan, you've only just arrived in Celadon and haven't found a place to stay yet, right? If you don't mind, why not live at my home for a while?"
"Just moments ago we were fighting each other, and now you're inviting me to stay at your house? That's quite a turnaround."
He shrugged. Still, he didn't think it was a trap. This woman before him was paradoxical—both complex and simple. One could see through her at a glance, and yet understanding her deeply felt almost impossible.
She was like one of those bright, cheerful girls—you could easily become her friend, but stepping further into her heart as something more was extraordinarily difficult.
"Perhaps that's just the fickleness of women. So? Do you dare accept, Logan?"
Her tone suddenly shifted into a playful challenge, though behind her elegant demeanor flickered a subtle, nearly imperceptible mischievousness.
"Hah. Erika, you've extended the invitation. As a man, how could I possibly shy away from a woman's request?"
"Too much male pride, and you'll never understand a girl's heart."
Turning away, she clasped her hands in front of her. Even in a sailor uniform, she exuded the grace of a noble young lady. Her words were always spoken with such poise, impossible to dislike—gentle enough to shift a person's heart without them even realizing.
She stepped toward Dragonair and Gabite, brushing her hand tenderly against their scales.
"…Both this Gabite and Dragonair are powerful yet elegant. Logan, you're truly a gifted trainer."
Her words carried warmth that made Logan's chest lighten with unspoken joy.
Suddenly, Erika yawned. Her bright eyes grew heavy with sleep. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁
"…I actually prefer sleeping in the daytime. Once the sun rises, I always grow drowsy. Only at night do I truly come alive."
She muttered this dreamily before turning her head toward him.
"…Please, come with me, Logan. This is only the outskirts of Celadon. To reach my home, we'll need to take a car."
Logan recalled Gabite and Dragonair into their Poké Balls. Erika likewise returned her Vileplume and Tangela. Quickening his stride, Logan walked beside her, shoulder to shoulder.
"Back to what we were discussing earlier," she continued, "when I learned of Eevee's suffering, my heart ached. I want to help cure its affliction. You must have noticed too—each time it evolves on its own, it experiences intense pain. I thought about it again and again, but there was only one solution: to raise it until it's strong enough to endure and defy that pain."
"…This little one loves freedom. But I am a Gym Leader. Even if I trained it in my spare time, I couldn't give it the life it longs for. My duties chain me to Celadon City, preventing me from traveling as I wish."
"I shared my worries with Misty. She recommended you. And now, after meeting you myself, I am certain—Logan, you are the perfect trainer for this Eevee. You're not the type to bind yourself to one place. I can sense it—your journey will be long, very long. And with you, this Eevee will surely see the entire world."
Lifting her delicate chin, her voice was soft and radiant—like a blooming peony. Not overly dazzling, but carrying a purity that nourished the heart.
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