As soon as Lorelei left,
Riku no longer felt like grinding system points on the uninhabited island.
Lorelei had seemed quite hostile, and Riku worried about being targeted by this veteran Champion level trainer, which could lead to unexpected trouble.
A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea.
When Lorelei returned the sapphire just now, she was clearly unwilling. If she felt resentful and came back to snatch the gem again, it wasn't impossible.
Wealth stirred people's hearts, and women's obsession with gems was especially terrifying.
Looking down at the sapphire he was playing with in his hand, Riku didn't know the exact quality of the gem, but as long as it was real, it would definitely be a great fortune.
If he were to give it away, it had to be to May — the good girl who deserved such a treasure.
Thinking this through, Riku decided since he had nothing else to do, he would have Lapras carry him away from the island.
May was temporarily staying at an old woman's house on Mandarin Island.
This old woman had a very high reputation in the Orange League, so May could learn a lot while staying there, but of course, she also had some responsibilities.
Seeing busy May looking over some documents, Riku asked curiously,
"You didn't even notice me come in. What are you so busy with?"
"Riku? When did you get here?" May immediately put down the documents, a little happy.
"Just arrived. I'm planning to give you something." Riku smiled and casually asked,
"By the way, May, do you know about the elites?"
"You mean the Elite Four, right?" May was taken aback, then corrected him.
"Every league is basically guarded by four powerful Pokémon Trainers, and these four are titled the Elite Four."
"It's just that our Orange League can't even gather four Elite Four members..."
"So that's how it is," Riku nodded.
"Then it seems the Elite Four really are powerful. Only four Pokémon Trainers in a league can obtain such an honor."
"Of course." May asked doubtfully, "Why are you suddenly asking about the Elite Four? Could it be... did you encounter a Champion-level Pokémon Trainer in our Orange Archipelago?"
Riku said directly,
"I did just meet a woman named Lorelei. She said she was one of the former Elite Four of the Kanto League."
"You met Lorelei?" May exclaimed in surprise.
"Riku, did she hurt you?"
"I heard Lorelei is hard to get along with, and our Orange League has had some conflicts with some of the Elite Four recently."
"The document I have introduces Champion-level Trainers who suddenly came to the Orange League without saying hello this time."
"Anyway, I don't have a good impression of these so-called Champions." Riku shook his head.
"Just now, on the island where we caught Lapras last time, that Elite Four Lorelei even tried to snatch my gem."
Saying that, Riku pulled the sapphire from his pocket.
"This sapphire... it's so beautiful!" May's eyes lit up.
Her admiring and longing look made Riku nod — this was the look a normal woman would have.
Lorelei had said earlier she didn't like gems. What a liar.
"Looking at it like this, you can't see it clearly. Here, take it." Riku suddenly handed the sapphire to May.
Under normal circumstances, May would definitely refuse, but now she hadn't even reacted yet and the sapphire was already in her hand.
"I've never seen such a beautiful gem." May exclaimed, then suddenly cried out,
"What did you just say? Lorelei tried to snatch your gem?"
Seeing May had only just remembered, Riku said helplessly,
"Yeah, otherwise I wouldn't even know what the Elite Four were."
"Then why is the gem still in your hand?" May asked doubtfully.
"The strength of the Elite Four is no joke. By the way, do you remember that Pokémon Trainer who challenged Drake last time?"
"His name was Will, and he was also an Elite Four member, but from the Johto League."
"The owner of Gardevoir is an Elite Four member?" Riku was stunned.
"Why are so many Elite Four members suddenly gathering in the Orange Archipelago? Is something big about to happen?"
"If I knew, I wouldn't be frowning like this." May sighed.
"This situation is a bit scary."
"Don't be afraid, I'm here." Riku smiled.
"Even if my strength isn't that great, I will always stand behind you and always help you."
Riku's words made May blush and lower her head shyly.
Riku thought she was looking down at the gem.
"You like it a lot, don't you?" Riku pondered.
"If you like it, the gem is yours."
"What!" May exclaimed in surprise.
"No! Such a precious item, I can't accept it..."
"If you still consider me a friend, then don't say such things." Riku said firmly.
"In my opinion, our friendship is priceless, and you've helped me so much before."
May was anxious.
"It's precisely because we're friends that I want you to sell the gem and improve your quality of life!"
Riku shook his head.
"No need."
"That leader of Team Magma gave me fifty thousand before, and I haven't even paid you back the six thousand yet."
"Consider the gem as payment for the Poké Balls."
"Besides, how can a gem compare to the friendship between you and me?"
If Lapras heard Riku's words, it would probably be very heartbroken.
However, May lowered her head shyly and murmured to herself,
"Friendship, still friendship?"
Just as Riku was about to say something more, May, who had just lowered her head, suddenly leaned in and blocked Riku's mouth with hers.
Zaogao — Oops!
It was the feeling of a heartbeat!
Hands were held.
First kiss was stolen.
Riku was momentarily dazed, feeling that he might be doomed to May in this lifetime.
---Support with power stones