Chapter 81: What? You Want to Ask Me About Cooking?

In the astonished gazes of everyone, Ángel pulled out two items. He tossed one to Beedrill—a crystal with black and yellow spiral patterns—and held the other, a brooch set with a gemstone radiating a rainbow of colors.

These were a Mega Stone and a Key Stone! Andrew recognized them immediately.

Edward, smiling, said, "In our Kalos region, we have a unique phenomenon. Today, I'd like both Professors to see it."

"Beedrill, channel the power of our bond, Mega Evolve!"

As Ángel spoke, the Key Stone in his hand and the Mega Stone in Beedrill's hand burst into a brilliant light.

Under the light, Beedrill transformed dramatically. It grew larger, its stingers on its arms and tail became sharper, and even its legs turned into stingers.

Seeing this, not only did the students of Naranja Academy gasp in surprise, but even those from Azoth Kingdom were equally amazed.

Nate: "Bellibolt, use Rain Dance!"

Ángel: "Beedrill, use Fury Cutter!"

Both trainers revealed their trump cards and simultaneously commanded their Pokémon.

Bellibolt shot a blue orb into the sky, which quickly gathered into a dark cloud, followed by a light rain.

Meanwhile, Beedrill darted towards Bellibolt, raising its stingers to strike with increased speed.

With Mega Evolution, Beedrill's ability changed to Adaptability, doubling the power of moves of its type. Combined with Beedrill's previous consecutive successful hits with Fury Cutter, the move's power was further amplified.

Bellibolt had no chance against this!

Fortunately, Nate was prepared. Although Bellibolt was flung away and heavily injured, it still had the strength to continue fighting.

It had used Endure at the crucial moment.

Nate: "Bellibolt, use Thunder!"

Ángel: "Beedrill, use Pin Missile!"

The commands from both trainers came at once.

Boom!

As the light rain fell on the battlefield, accompanied by a loud thunderclap, a golden lightning bolt descended, hitting Beedrill.

Thunder never misses in the rain, and Beedrill, no matter how fast, could not evade it.

As Beedrill was struck, a flurry of green needles shot out, engulfing Bellibolt.

When the mist cleared, both Beedrill and Bellibolt lay unconscious on the field.

The referee announced, "Beedrill and Bellibolt have both lost their ability to battle. The match is a draw!"

Nate and Ángel both snorted in displeasure and recalled their Pokémon.

After the match between Nate and Ángel, both Naranja Academy and Azoth had several more battles. Andrew noticed a familiar face among the competitors.

It was a girl he remembered from when he was still selling food at Nikola Park—she had come by every morning.

Later, when he moved to the Munchlax's House, he hadn't seen her again.

It wasn't that she stopped coming; it was just that Andrew had been busy in the kitchen and hadn't noticed the customers, so he didn't realize if she continued visiting.

Kimia introduced her as Michelle, the daughter of the Minister of Agriculture and a top-tier trainer from the Royal Academy.

Michelle was indeed impressive, defeating her opponents effortlessly with a Vaporeon, even against those who used Terastalization.

Andrew didn't know that his frequent glances at Michelle had displeased Ángel.

While Andrew was intently watching the match, a bald middle-aged man walked over with a smile.

"Your Highness Andrew, we meet again."

"You are..." Andrew pondered for a moment, "You're the one who wanted to marry off your daughter to me, right?"

Kimia whispered to Andrew, "This is the Minister of Agriculture, Michelle's father."

Andrew was taken aback. What a coincidence!

"Do you remember me, Your Highness?" The Minister of Agriculture grinned wider and looked towards Michelle. "My daughter is quite skilled, isn't she?"

Andrew nodded, "Indeed, she is."

"And she's quite beautiful, don't you think?" the Minister asked.

"Yes, she is," Andrew replied honestly.

"Then about my previous proposal..." The Minister of Agriculture smiled and rubbed his hands together.

"I decline," Andrew said firmly.

"Huh? Why?" The Minister looked disappointed.

Kimia couldn't help but giggle.

Professor Sada, Professor Turo, and Nassir were puzzled, so Kimia quietly explained the situation to them, causing them to stifle their laughter.

Seeing this, Andrew gave Kimia a disapproving look, but she just laughed even harder.

Not far away, Ángel watched Andrew and the Minister of Agriculture chatting happily, his expression darkening as he remembered something his father had told him.

The Minister of Agriculture intended to marry off his daughter to Prince Andrew!

The battle event soon concluded, and Edward announced loudly, "Though the battle demonstrations are over, if any young trainers wish to continue exchanging experiences or battling, feel free to do so."

With that, Edward prepared to leave with the professors. The professors also invited Andrew and Diancie, eager to learn more about this legendary Pokémon.

The young trainers gathered in groups, exchanging experiences or continuing battles, creating a lively atmosphere.

At that moment, Ángel blocked Andrew's path.

"Your Highness, may I ask you for advice?"

At first, Andrew didn't understand—advice on what? Cooking?

Seeing Andrew's confusion, Ángel added, "Your Highness, may I challenge you to a battle?"

Now Andrew understood.

Not far away, the Minister of Finance saw his son's rude behavior in front of the Prince and quickly came over to apologize. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. Ángel is being inconsiderate. I apologize on his behalf!"

He tried to pull his son away, but Ángel was stubborn, and the Minister of Finance couldn't move him.

"Your Highness, are you afraid?" Ángel stared at Andrew, challenging him.

"But I'm not a trainer!" Andrew replied, helplessly.

He noticed Ángel frequently glancing at Michelle and realized this was a young crush. With the Minister's earlier comments in mind, Andrew understood Ángel's behavior.

It was a misunderstanding!

Munchlax dragged Arven into the crowd and just caught the tail end of Angel's words.

Andrew was about to refuse Angel's offer when Diancie tugged at his sleeve, and a notification popped up before him.

[Temporary Mission] Munchlax overheard his master being insulted and was furious, vowing to teach the offender a lesson. Please assist Munchlax in fulfilling his wish. Do you accept the mission?

- Yes

- No

Andrew glanced around and, sure enough, saw Munchlax nearby, its cheeks puffed with anger. This guy! Andrew couldn't help but smile.

He accepted the mission casually and waved to Munchlax, who immediately trotted over, giving Angel a fierce look.

"Alright, let's have a battle. But since I've never battled before, don't laugh at me if I lose," Andrew said, giving Munchlax's chubby ear a playful pinch. "Munchlax, could you help me out?"

"Munch~~"

Munchlax, brimming with determination, patted its chest and stared challengingly at Angel, its gaze full of defiance.

So you're the one who called my master a coward? Just wait!

Soon, with everyone gathered around, Andrew and Angel took their positions on opposite sides of the arena, while Munchlax eagerly stepped into the field.

Angel threw a Poké Ball, and with a flash, Heracross appeared on the field.

Andrew was a bit surprised. Could it be that Angel specializes in Bug-type Pokémon?

He wondered while using his Observation Eye to analyze Heracross.

Heracross

- Type: Bug, Fighting

- Ability: Swarm

- Gender: Male

- Level: 40

- Moves: Tackle, Leer, Horn Attack, Fury Attack, Endure, Aerial Ace, Brick Break, Megahorn, Iron Defense, Rock Slide, Double-Edge.

- Individual Values:

- HP: 20

- Attack: 21

- Defense: 18

- Special Attack: 11

- Special Defense: 27

- Speed: 13

A pretty strong Heracross.

Now, let's check out our Munchlax. Although it's at a slightly lower level and hasn't evolved, its IVs are considerably better.

Munchlax

- Type: Normal

- Ability: Thick Fat

- Gender: Male

- Level: 38

- Moves: Tackle, Lick, Defense Curl, Recycle, Covet, Bite, Stockpile, Swallow, Body Slam, Fling, Amnesia, Take Down, Baby-Doll Eyes, Seed Bomb, Brick Break, Counter.

- Individual Values:

- HP: 29

- Attack: 25

- Defense: 20

- Special Attack: 31

- Special Defense: 10

- Speed: 31

Andrew thought silently: Even without much battle experience, I shouldn't lose, right?

With the referee's call, "The match begins!" Angel directed Heracross to launch an aggressive attack on Munchlax.

"Heracross, use Brick Break!"

Heracross spread its wings and lunged at Munchlax, its arm glowing with white light.

Andrew wasn't going to back down and commanded Munchlax, "Munchlax, use Seed Bomb!"

Angel chuckled inwardly at this. Using a Grass-type move against a Bug-type Pokémon? This prince really has no idea what he's doing—I'm clearly the better trainer!

He glanced at Michelle discreetly.

Munchlax shot out green seeds from its mouth like a machine gun, hitting Heracross repeatedly. The damage was minimal, but it effectively disrupted Heracross's advance.

Heracross tried to shield itself from the Seed Bombs, swaying in the air. Andrew seized the chance and ordered Munchlax:

"Munchlax, use Body Slam!"

Munchlax stomped the ground and leaped into the air, spreading its limbs wide in a "T" shape and crashing down on Heracross.

"Heracross, dodge quickly!" Angel shouted.

But it was too late. With a loud crash, Heracross was pinned beneath Munchlax, letting out a cry of pain that was both heartbreaking and distressing.

"Munch~~"

Munchlax got up nimbly and made a funny face at the fallen Heracross. At that moment, golden sparks began to flicker over Heracross.

Angel's face turned pale.

Munchlax's Body Slam had triggered its additional effect, paralyzing Heracross.

Andrew wasn't about to miss this opportunity. He commanded Munchlax, "Munchlax, use Covet!"

Munchlax, adopting a cute expression, raised its sparkling fist and pummeled Heracross.

Once, twice, three times.

Heracross was left dazed and confused.

As it finally got back up, Heracross saw Munchlax grinning at it.

For some reason, Heracross shivered uncontrollably.

Angel was about to direct Heracross for a counterattack when Munchlax extended its pink tongue and started licking Heracross vigorously.

Heracross began to convulse from the licking.

Munchlax was using the Ghost-type move Lick, which not only dealt damage but also had a chance to paralyze the target.

Unfortunately, Heracross got paralyzed again.

Taking advantage of Heracross's immobility, Munchlax continued to lick it furiously, and after five or six licks, Heracross fell to the ground, twitching uncontrollably.

Angel's face was one of utter frustration; the battle was over before he could properly fight back.

The referee announced, "Heracross has lost its ability to battle. Munchlax wins, so Prince Andrew is the victor!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

No one expected Prince Andrew to be so skilled, even defeating Angel!

Angel silently withdrew Heracross, his face red with embarrassment and awkwardness as he glanced at Andrew and then at Michelle in the crowd.

Feeling embarrassed in front of one's crush was incredibly humiliating!

After the battle, Munchlax trotted over to Andrew and snuggled into his arms, happily showing off.

"Munch~ Munch~" Master, I won! I taught that guy a lesson for you.

Munchlax nestled into Andrew's embrace, acting affectionately.

"Munchlax, you're amazing! Winning your first battle—I'm so proud of you!" Andrew praised Munchlax.

Munchlax blushed from the praise, covering his face with his paws and peeking shyly at Andrew through his fingers.

Andrew then led Munchlax to the center of the field and shook hands with Angel amicably.

As they shook hands, Andrew said to Angel, "If you like someone, you should pursue them boldly. Secretly pining won't get you anywhere."

"And don't misunderstand, I don't have any romantic feelings for Michelle."

Ange'sl face turned bright red, like a cooked lobster.

After a moment, he quietly said to Andrew, "Thank you... Your Highness."

They exchanged smiles, leaving their conflict behind.

(End of Chapter)