Rope was lying on his bed with his hands behind his head, staring blankly at the ceiling.
There was the sound of even breathing in his ears, the little ones were asleep.Rope inclined his head to look away from his bed. The Hoothoot-type alarm clock read '3:20'.
It was 3:20 a.m. and Rope still wasn't asleep.
Rope smiled to himself.
"I wasn't this tense when I took in Entei, it's just a Poipole, what's the point of being nervous..."
That's right, Rope was instead a little nervous right now. After all, Poipole was different from other Pokémon.
If I have to say, Entei and the others basically met through 'free love', while Chimchar was 'cultivated'. Little Lugia doesn't count, after all, he didn't tame little Lugia.
But Poipole's different... this wave... this wave is an 'arranged marriage'.
More to the point, Poipole clearly didn't like following Rope on her outings. and Rope didn't see the point of Kaedenatsu forcing Poipole.
"Whatever, if that little guy really doesn't like traveling out with me tomorrow, then there's no need for me to rush it."
Rope wasn't a cheap skinflint who rushed to tag along when someone else didn't feel like it. Seriously, Poipole was nice, but not so nice as to be irreplaceable.
Rope certainly had no intention of fighting the little guy. It's better to hate each other than to fuck off. But in reality if a person hates you then not getting involved in their life acquisition is the best thing for both parties.
Still, no matter how much this Pokémon appeals to him, if he resists, then Rope won't force him. Just like back then with Charmander, if Charmander really put on a posture of 'even if I die here today, I won't go with you', can Rope really do anything to him?
He, Rope, really wasn't that kind of person. In most cases, Rope was still reasonable when it didn't involve principles.
However, once the principle was involved, Rope could not be described as unreasonable.
He's a tyrant.
That's what his mom said about him back then. He's stubborn as a mule, and when he says he won't do something, he won't do it, and there's no room for negotiation.
Speaking of which...
Rope, with a smile on his face, clicked on the line 'Official Event' on the transparent screen in front of him that only he could see.
[Official Event: The Voice of Home
The 'Saviors', 'Prophets', and 'Heroes' who have worked so hard to maintain the harmony of the world in their own way in each world, 'Sages', 'Emperors', and 'Tyrants' Hello everyone, in accordance with the Multiverse General Labor Law, we will be holding a homecoming event on three universe days (i.e. within 3 world days). The opportunity to acquire the event.
However, those 'Saviors' who excel in this event will also have the opportunity to receive a video call with their families!
(Please understand that there is a time limit for this kind of communication across time and space, as we have to pay for the expenses ourselves, which is extremely expensive.)
In the subsequent homecoming event, the 'Savior-' who receives excellent results will be granted official 'Any World Travel' privileges x 1.
You can choose to go home, or you can choose to take a short trip to another world.
We sincerely hope that you can retain some attachment to your original world. This is also our company's most fundamental idea in organizing this event. We want you to take some time out of your infinite mission to save the world to reminisce about your origins.
Those who have lost their origins will not be able to remain true to themselves on the path of pursuing greatness.
This is the consensus of the entire multiverse.
Incidentally, since this event and the subsequent homecoming events will not be complete without competition in battle power. Therefore, we will also grade your battle power and then divide the event into batches.
Please note that the selection criteria for the event is not the best of the best, so please also be aware of the intensity of the competition.
-Year]
Rope was also quite excited looking at this so-called official event. After all... finally getting to meet her parents... albeit just by looking at them through a screen.
But it's like when his mom called him when he was too busy to talk to his mom for half a month because of all the homework and activities.
Sometimes it's good just to hear that you've made a move. Good news and bad news is better than no news at all.
Rope received the notice of the event last night, which means there are two days left to participate in the event and get a chance to meet his mom and dad.
As for whether or not he could get this opportunity...
Rope had never considered this question.
Even with his knees, he knew that this was a welfare program used by the company to appease its employees. If they had to compete for this kind of opportunity. Bottom-floor employees like them would have emotions too.
Of course, this speculation was confirmed during his conversation with Year, who even praised him for his intelligence.
Although Rope didn't think that made any sense.
But Year told him.
"We want everyone to realize that your family is the most cherished thing of all."
As he said this, Year's face held a hint of regret and sadness. At that moment Rope looked at Year's face and suddenly realized.
Some regrets...may be irreparable, even if you have the most power.
————————————
"Ding~"
The crisp bell rang.
Rope looked at one of the bells hanging at Kaedenatsu's doorway with a faint smile on his face. All of his slightly restless mind became harmonized by one point at the ringing of the bell.
The bell tied with a red bow was supposed to be a bell of appeasement, a prop that could increase the favorability of Pokémon, but it also had an effect on calming the human mind. But it shouldn't be this big is all.
"Specially made?"
Rope said to himself with a smile.
Soon there was a sound from the house.
"Coming, coming, is that Rope?"
Without waiting for Rope to answer, Kaedenatsu had already opened the door from inside the house.
Kaedenatsu looked at Rope with a gentle smile, and Rope also looked at the girl in front of her, although it was early in the morning, but the girl's face did not have a trace of fatigue, obviously energetic and rested enough.
Although she was dressed in a simple and elegant manner, she still had a gentle feeling. She had no makeup on her face, but she was still bright and beautiful, and she looked no different from yesterday.
Yesterday was all plain?
Rope thought with some surprise.
After all, even for Daisy, Whitley, and Cynthia, as well as Sabrina and even other women Rope knew, most of them were rare beauties, not to mention big stars like Diantha.
But they were still very passionate about makeup, and when Rope and Cynthia invited Diantha to dinner after the big event, Cynthia wore light makeup on her face, and so did Diantha. Diantha did the same.
But even with this so-called "light makeup", Rope still had to wait downstairs for a long time.
What's more crucial is... the face originally has no blemishes on them, the look with makeup and the look without makeup can't be too much different, of course, it can't be ruled out because Rope, a dense man, can't see it...
"What are you looking at? Don't come in yet, the little one hugged me and cried all night last night, saying she couldn't let go of me."
Kaedenatsu said with a smile.
Rope thought to himself I can't see any signs of not sleeping well last night. It can't be that Poipole hugged you and cried all night and then you still slept soundly.
After the people Rope followed Kaedenatsu through the door and then saw Poipole who was listless with tear stains on her face...
Rope: ...
"You slept pretty well last night ????"
Rope asked, twisting his head right around.
"Yeah!"
Kaedenatsu said without any hesitation at all.
"The little one was crying so much... and you still slept?"
Rope looked at Kaedenatsu as if he was looking at some new species.
"He's crying as much as he's crying... what does it have to do with me sleeping?"
Kaedenatsu just looked puzzled.
Rope then had a shocked look on his face...
So humans can actually sleep through someone's cries?
"Well, little one, go wash your face first! Then choose for yourself if you want to follow Rope along and drive away from here."
Kaedenatsu said as he rubbed Poipole's little face.
"Poi!!!"
Poipole and his exasperation slapped Kaedenatsu's hand away and flew to the restroom to wash his face...
Let's just say that the little ones still love to be clean.
Rope shook his head helplessly, then looked at Kaedenatsu who approached the kitchen.
Kaedenatsu picked up an apron from the doorway of the kitchen and put it on over her own body, her long, curly hair was combed into a ponytail, and her face was full of youthful vigor of a 17 or 18 year old girl.
"Have you eaten yet? Would you like some if you haven't?"
Kaedenatsu asked as she poked her head out of the kitchen.
"No, I've eaten!"
Rope used to get up very early when he had something to do, and Daisy naturally knew about this habit of his. So she also woke up early and made a breakfast for Rope. Professor Oak as an old man had little sleep, so he also caught up with this very early breakfast.
But he was reluctant to eat according to his statement...he preferred to eat some boiled noodles in the morning...
Then he was mercilessly criticized by Daisy. Then obediently but ate the omelette and sandwich Daisy had prepared.
Moomoo milk also drank up...
Daisy also said that she would often get up early to cook for Professor Oak in the future...
This made Professor Oak look at Rope with a rather grudging expression throughout the whole breakfast. look at Professor Oak.
Kaedenatsu nodded, then smiled, "That's fine."
Then he turned back to the kitchen and continued to start working in the kitchen.
And by now, Poipole had washed his face and come out. He huffed and puffed and sat down at the table, waiting for dinner to start.
Rope's eyebrows twitched slightly, sensing the difference in what Poipole meant to Kaedenatsu.
Apparently even though there were a lot of Pokémon in Breeding House, Poipole was definitely a very special brother to Kaedenatsu.
It's not like Poipole's a second serving.
And Poipole was sitting there in a natural position, as if it was a place for him.
For a moment, many thoughts passed through Rope's mind. But he didn't say anything and just silently looked at Poipole who was sulking over there.
Poipole was also looking at Rope with the rest of his eyes. He could feel the blazing fire and the aura of a towering god on this human.
He had also been close to some of the gods. But then those gods had disappeared...
"You seem curious about me..."
Rope asked tentatively as he looked at Poipole, who was carefully looking at him in front of him.
Poipole didn't expect his 'hidden' observations to be discovered by this human just like that.
But since he had already discovered it, there was no need for him to be hiding anything.
"Poi! Poi!"
Rope listened to Poipole's words painfully.
There wasn't enough tacit understanding to hear much. And Rope's ability was to sense some of the emotions of others, good or bad or whatever. Direct translations and mind links couldn't do it!
"I'm coming! Loto!" The bell rang once more then Rotom's voice came through the door.
"Who is it Rope?"
Kaedenatsu's questioning voice came from the kitchen.
Rope hurriedly opened the door as if he saw it on the line and yanked Rotom in then said to Kaedenatsu, "It's my translator!"
Rotom: ...I'm just a translator????
...Well... I might actually be the translator... Rotom carefully recalled his work history then said helplessly in his mind.
Rope looked at Poipole and then lifted Rotom, who was full of raw emotion and had put a video of a laying villain on the screen, up to his eyes and said, "Come on, come on, Poipole, say what you just said again."
Poipole said rather helplessly, "Poi poi..."
"He asked why you're obsessed with getting him as a partner... when it's clear that if you really had to choose, you'd have no shortage of Pokémon on your side... Loto!"
"Hiss~"
Rope took a deep breath... Damn... Why does it smell like tea[1]???
But after a few moments, he still spoke, "I'm not actually obsessed with you, and I certainly won't force you if you refuse. After all, it doesn't make any sense..."
"What's more... like you said, if I really just simply want to put together a team... then there really isn't a shortage of Pokémon around me." Rope looked seriously at Poipole then said, "Notice, Poipole... I'm giving you the chance to follow me... to give you, the chance to fit into this world."
"It is I, who am giving you preferential treatment... not begging you."
The further Rope said this, the colder it got.
Poipole subconsciously looked in the direction of the kitchen. The room's soundproofing wasn't really that good, and Rope hadn't just spoken in a muffled voice.
So Kaedenatsu was sure to hear it.
But the frequency of the sound made by Kaedenatsu's spatula coming into contact with the bottom of the pot remained halfway unchanged...apparently with its calmness.
Rope, on the other hand, also put away his original curious expression. After saying this, Rope himself reflected on why he had to do it.
Poipole weighed the situation in her heart for a long time. Her heart was full of grievances.
Yesterday you weren't like this...
It's only been one night and you've all changed...
"Poi..."
"He promised... Loto. "
Rotom translated in a bemused tone, as if he had expected this to happen.
[1] reference to the Chinese internet slang, '绿茶婊' (translation: "green tea woman"), means a scheming woman who looks pure and innocent but willing to do things like selling out her body for benefits