Apology

"I'll need you to stay here for a while. I have to report what's happened here to higher-ups. When they arrive, I'll trouble you to provide them with the details," Aloe said hurriedly and then left the room, leaving Yuga alone.

Yuga sighed and left the room, only to find Lloyd standing at the door.

When Lloyd saw Yuga coming out, he said, "Yuga, can we talk?"

Yuga remained silent for a moment and then replied, "Sure, where do you want to talk?"

Yuga knew why Lloyd had come to see him, and although he didn't hold too much resentment, there was still a bit of unease in his heart.

Yuga was led into Lloyd's tent, and Lloyd said, "Please have a seat."

The tents where the inspectors lived were quite high-end, and the interior space was quite spacious, not much different from a small room, and they had everything one might need inside.

After Yuga sat down, Lloyd said: "I think you should know why I called you here."

Yuga nodded, but did not speak.

Lloyd began, "I sincerely apologize for what happened earlier. But if I had the chance to do it over, I would make the same choice."

Yuga couldn't help but smile inwardly. Wasn't this the classic "I know I was wrong, but I wouldn't change a thing" scenario?

Seeing that Yuga didn't respond, Lloyd continued, "My parents were originally part of the League, but they sacrificed themselves during a mission. While the League compensated me well and ensured I had a comfortable life afterward, I still became an orphan. Later, through my own efforts, I joined the League and became an honorable Investigator. However, as someone with no connections, entering such an important department made me a target for bullying. That's when Uncle Tokiwa helped me. To me, he was like a father, so no matter what he ask, I always helped him in any way I could."

"So what?" Yuga asked. "Are you trying to play the sympathy card? Is your way of repaying a debt to target someone completely unrelated to you?"

Originally, although Yuga had some resentment towards Lloyd, he didn't blame him. After all, Tokiwa hadn't done anything to harm him and had even helped him a bit.

Lloyd wanted to repay a debt and assist Tokiwa, which was understandable because he had a connection with Tokiwa.

But he could have done it quietly, kept whatever reasons he had in his heart, especially since those reasons were for Tokiwa and not for Yuga. It would have been meaningless even if Yuga knew about it.

Did Yuga have to overlook this because Lloyd was orphaned or because of gratitude? It was just too strange.

"What does the matter between him and Tokiwa have to do with me?" Yuga thought.

He had no interest in the affairs between Lloyd and Tokiwa, nor did he care about Lloyd's past.

Using this as an explanation for himself, wasn't it similar to acting like a sinner and then trying to regain a virtuous image? It meant saying, "I'm sorry for what I did, but I had reasons I couldn't avoid, so you must forgive me."

If he had just admitted his mistake without all the explanations, Yuga would have held him in higher regard. He did it, so what's the need for so many justifications?

Seeing Yuga's expression change and his tone turn cold, Lloyd also felt a bit uneasy, not knowing where he had misspoken.

"Alright, I accept your apology. Let's not let this issue affect our relationship going forward. It's settled," Yuga concluded, leaving behind Lloyd who still didn't know what happened.

As Yuga stepped outside, he saw Tokiwa approaching. Yuga nodded in acknowledgment; his impression of Tokiwa was still quite favorable.

Before anyone from higher-ups arrived, Yuga was assigned to a separate tent and awaited the return of Sora and Christine, who hadn't come back yet.

However, during the evening, Yuga noticed a figure outside his tent and asked, "Who's there?"

"It's me. May I come in?" It was Tokiwa.

It turned out to be Tokiwa.

Yuga recognized the voice immediately.

"Do i disturb your rest?"

Tokiwa walked in and said apologetically.

Yuga shook his head and said, "It's still early, I'm not used to sleeping too early. So, what brings you here?"

Tokiwa replied, "I noticed that you had a bit of a disagreement with Lloyd during the day, and I wanted to apologize on his behalf."

Tokiwa actually didn't know exactly what had happened, but he was aware that the conflict between Yuga and Lloyd had something to do with him. He felt it was necessary to make this visit.

The exact reason for Yuga's anger was probably known only to him, and talking about it might make Yuga seem a bit melodramatic. However, Yuga didn't deny his own melodramatic tendencies.

Everyone had their own thoughts, and if someone wasn't feeling right about something, there was no need to consider how others perceived it. If it felt like being dramatic, so be it.

Yuga commented, "You're quite the kind-hearted person, but he's not your son."

Tokiwa gave a faint smile.

"Regardless, Lloyd is a good kid. While I don't know what he did to upset you, ultimately, it's our fault. An apology is necessary," Tokiwa stated.

Afterward, Tokiwa placed three Poké Balls on the table.

"What does this mean?" Yuga asked, puzzled, as he glanced at the three Poké Balls on the table.

Tokiwa explained, "I know you're a Grass-type trainer. Inside these Poké Balls are three Grass-type Pokémon recently captured by Lloyd and me. They all have promising potential. You can choose one as our way of making amends."

Yuga thought to himself, "The older folks sure know how to handle things. Apologize when needed, make amends when necessary. No need for unnecessary words."

"May I open the Poké Balls to see them?" Yuga pointed at the three Poké Balls.

"Of course," Tokiwa replied.

Hearing Yuga's response, Tokiwa felt relieved. If Yuga agreed to this gesture of reconciliation, it meant that this matter could be put behind them.

Tokiwa's willingness to lower his stance in this situation was partly influenced by inside information from the Investigation Bureau, indicating that Yuga had significant backing and should not be trifled with.

Reality could be harsh, and one's background mattered. Even someone as upright as Tokiwa had to bow his head when necessary.

With Tokiwa's approval, Yuga proceeded to open the three Poké Balls, releasing the three Grass-type Pokémon.

From left to right, the three Pokémon were Pansage, Cottonee, and Petilil, all relatively rare species.

However, to Yuga's disappointment, all three of these Pokémon had green potential, with no blue in sight.

But considering the scarcity of blue potential Pokémon, it wasn't surprising. Others wouldn't easily give away such valuable assets.

Yuga didn't intend to train a green potential Pokémon as a primary team member. Instead, he planned to place it in his Ecopark. Thus, he immediately ruled out Petilil, as he already had one in the park.

Between Pansage and Cottonee, Yuga naturally chose Cottonee. Ignoring their battle prowess for a moment, in terms of appearance, Cottonee outshone Pansage by a considerable margin.

"I'll choose this Cottonee," Yuga declared, pointing to the little Cotton Puff Pokémon.

Tokiwa nodded, handed Yuga the Cottonee's Poké Ball, and retrieved the Poké Balls of the other two Pokémon.

Accepting the Poké Ball from Tokiwa, Yuga said, "Let's consider this matter resolved, and after this, I doubt there will be any opportunity for us to meet again, you, me, and Lloyd."