Chapter 2: Queen Ilene

"Fortunately, there's still a fellow traveler to lean on."

Dylan flipped through the comments with great interest. Although the gym's situation wasn't great, at least he had a companion in misfortune.

No, even though both gyms are struggling, Cerulean Gym's popularity is way ahead of Rota Gym.

No, no, I can't allow myself to be this complacent.

Dylan adjusted his thoughts. Since he was already here, he might as well try to save this gym.

After all, it's his gym! If… if it really can't be saved, then so be it.

Anyway, he's got money now, so he can do anything he wants. Plus, since he's already crossed into the Pokémon world, he can't miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful world.

Yes, there's no problem with this plan. If he can manage, he'll keep going. If not, he'll just go on a journey—perfect!

"This backyard is certainly big enough, but there aren't many Pokémon."

Dylan glanced at the endless backyard, which belonged to the area behind his gym. The entire area had been purchased and now belonged to him.

It was vast and inhabited by a variety of wild Pokémon. Visiting this place to relax and unwind was one of his daily habits.

"Gym Leader, Ilene has come to visit you."

A young girl walked over and informed Dylan.

"Alright."

Dylan looked at the girl, who was one of the staff members of Rota Gym and also the receptionist for challengers.

Dylan stood up and stretched. Not far away, a small green cat that had been crouching on a tree and staring intently at a Pidgey agilely leaped down and dashed over.

"Meow~"

The pleasant sound of a meow filled the air as the cat quickly jumped into Dylan's arms and rubbed against him.

The small light green body had dark green leaf-like patterns overlapping in the center of its face, with fur on its chest resembling a collar—a very cute little cat.

This was none other than Sprigatito, Dylan's starter Pokémon, which he had received at the Pokémon school.

"Good girl~ We'll train this afternoon, okay?"

Dylan affectionately rubbed Sprigatito's little head, enjoying the soft feel of its fur.

"Meow~!" Sprigatito lifted its head, full of determination.

Dylan chuckled. So adorable.

Entering the gym from the back door, even though the gym's popularity was low, it was still grand and luxurious, clearly a display of wealth.

In the guest room, someone was already seated, waiting.

Dressed in a luxurious, form-fitting purple-pink gown that accentuated her graceful curves, with golden, voluminous hair cascading like a waterfall, and a delicate, fair face topped with a beautiful crown—this was Ilene, the current queen of Cameran Palace.

"Ilene, have you been waiting long?"

Dylan smiled at the woman, who had an air of elegance and nobility.

Ilene, the current queen of Cameran Palace, was the woman before him.

Yes, Dylan was in Rota, the location featured in the movie "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew."

Of course, although it's called Rota, it's actually a rather sizable town.

"I just arrived. How have you been, Dylan?"

Ilene rose gracefully, her warm voice carrying concern as her gentle eyes reflected Dylan's image.

"How else could it be? The gym is really not doing well."

Dylan sat down and poured a cup of tea for Ilene, then sighed helplessly.

"Rota is located north of Pewter City and Mt. Moon, so it's a relatively remote place. There aren't many travelers who come through here."

Ilene spoke up, trying to comfort him.

"Your Majesty, if I remember correctly, this is the third time you've said that." Dylan replied with a playful tone.

Ilene, feeling a bit embarrassed, raised her cup and took a small sip of tea.

Although she was the queen of Cameran Palace, she was only twenty years old, and having been raised as a crown princess, she hadn't had much interaction with others.

"The main issue is my strength. If only I were stronger."

Dylan remained optimistic. How could he not be? He had just crossed over to this world, and he had a secure fallback.

Worst-case scenario, the gym goes under, and he'll just go on a journey. So, it's really not a big deal.

"You've only just graduated from school. Take your time to get stronger. Your father really was sudden with this."

Ilene spoke with a chuckle, her words carrying a hint of sympathy for Dylan.

Dylan had only been at the Pokémon school for about six months before suddenly being called back to "inherit the family business."

Having a novice Trainer suddenly become a Gym Leader—it's a bit too much, isn't it?

"My dad's words were, 'I've made enough money; it's time to enjoy life.'" Dylan shrugged.

"But this gym is still my family's. If it can survive, I'll do my best. Plus, running it well could bring a lot of attention to Rota."

"If only I could help more," Ilene sighed, sounding helpless.

But she was just a queen with no combat abilities—certainly not a Trainer.

Speaking of which, the title of queen may sound grand, but with the Pokémon League's dominance over the world, her role was more like that of a local noble with limited power.

Even though the Pokémon League still recognized the legitimacy of these ancient monarchies, the title of queen in this context was more akin to that of a minor local noble.

After all, Rota was just a town, and the former kingdom of Cameran was never more than a small country.

In fact, many people can trace their lineage back to royalty. For instance, Acerola, the future Ghost-type Elite Four member of Alola, is a descendant of Alola's royalty, yet she lives as an ordinary person in modern times.

The era of many nations has long since passed.

"Your Majesty, just cheering for me from the sidelines would give me a lot of motivation," Dylan teased, raising an eyebrow.

"You're such a smooth talker." Ilene couldn't help but roll her eyes at Dylan.

Even though she was two years older than him, the two had grown up together and were very close.

"Your father sent something for you." Ilene then took out a small box and handed it to Dylan.

"Why does that old man always send stuff to you?"

Dylan grumbled, but he still eagerly opened the box.

"I have no idea," Ilene replied, blinking innocently.

"Poké Balls?"

Dylan looked at the two Poké Balls inside the box, noticing they weren't empty, along with a letter.

"Dear son, I hope this letter finds you well. Your mom and I are having a great time here in Alola, so don't worry about us.

I've recently been checking up on our gym's status online. Son, you have to keep pushing forward. Why are there so many bad reviews? If it doesn't work out, just close the gym. Don't let it get to you.

Oh, and one more thing. There are a lot of beautiful women here in Alola. Your mom and I plan to stay here a bit longer. I'm seriously considering finding you a stepmother. What do you think? Is that a good idea?

By the way, take these two Pokémon and train them well. After all, we have the money. One of them is a rare Pokémon I got from the League at a high price, and the other is one I caught here.

Lastly, your mom and I both like Ilene. Do you like her too? If so, let us know soon. We both want to be grandparents. Or should we keep an eye out for other girls while we travel?

Dylan read the letter with a blank expression and then put it away.

This old man is truly hopeless!

(End of Chapter)