Chapter 26: The Ancient Princess Acerola

On Ula Ula Island, Mamen and Gladion returned to this island once again.

The Aether House, a small outpost of the Aether Foundation, known as 'the model of Pokémon and humans living together'.

The Aether Foundation is an organization dedicated to protecting Pokémon, and the Aether House is no different.

The Aether House staff take in injured wild Pokémon and also adopt some orphans to live here.

It is equivalent to the children's Fuli Academy from Mamen's past life.

This is also why the Aether Foundation is so well-regarded in the Alola region.

Lusamine's dark side remains unknown to the public, while the Aether Foundation's deeds of rescuing wild Pokémon and humans are naturally highly praised.

Mamen and Gladion have now arrived at the Aether House, bringing many supplies for these children and Pokémon.

"Thank you very much for visiting the children." The Aether Foundation staff member was very grateful.

Mamen and the other brought many snacks, toys, books, and clothes.

"No need to be polite; it is merely a small contribution," Mamen replied with a smile.

Meanwhile, Gladion was patiently telling stories to these children, accompanied by the Spritzee that had already evolved into Aromatisse.

"The hard work is yours; taking in and protecting them must be very worrying in your daily life."

Watching the innocent smiles on these children's faces, Mamen could not help but show a smile as well.

"Not at all; many kind-hearted people often come to play with them, and the children are very obedient, if one must say something."

This foundation staff member recalled previous events, and anger naturally showed on their face.

"When the Team Skull was still around, they often came to harass us; those thugs had no sympathy at all and would even bully these lovely children."

For the staff in the Aether Foundation, the absolute most hated group is Team Skull, without exception.

In the eyes of the foundation staff, those thugs worse than beasts not only lacked any empathy but also actively came to harass them.

But what most Aether Foundation staff do not know is that their respected President Lusamine had been in contact with Guzma all along.

"However, now that Team Skull is gone, our lives have become much more peaceful."

The foundation member then sighed with emotion.

When learning that Team Skull had disbanded, this staff member was truly overjoyed; if only they knew who disbanded Team Skull, they would surely burn two sticks of incense for that person!

"That is the best outcome."

Mamen chuckled lightly; Team Skull was indeed hated by all, but Team Rocket was not.

Although a dark organization, Team Rocket is not one that bullies ordinary people on a whim, especially not an benevolent institution like the Aether House.

Mamen held a negative attitude toward this; who says a villainous organization must take pleasure in bullying ordinary people?

"Hi~ everyone, I'm back again."

Just then, a chubby-cheeked young girl in a black-blue long dress walked through the open door, her lively and clear voice very pleasant.

As soon as they saw this young girl, several children immediately ran over happily.

"Sister Acerola~!"

"Be good, have you been reading your books well today?"

The young girl named Acerola squinted her eyes into crescent moons, smiling brightly at these children.

Mamen watched this scene quietly, but her gaze remained fixed on Acerola.

Her hair was dark purple and shoulder-length, her hairstyle similar to that of Hala, her face slightly chubby and very cute, her body slender and petite, wearing a long dress with clear signs of mending, and a golden armlet on her left arm.

This was indeed Acerola, one of the Island Kahunas of Ula Ula Island, and she was also the future Alola Ghost-type Elite Four member!

A friendly and lively Miss; although she looked ragged, this was merely Acerola's preference; her father is the owner of the Malie City Library.

It is worth mentioning that Acerola is a descendant of the Alola royal family, and the armlet on her left arm is the royal bracelet.

Of course, in the current era ruled by the Pokémon League, the kingdom era is long past; although some places still have so-called Princesses and Kings, these are actually just different titles.

Just like Acerola, Acerola's self-proclaimed title is 'the Ancient Princess', but this is merely a self-proclamation.

"There are unfamiliar faces; hello, I am Acerola."

After soothing these little ones, Acerola blinked her large eyes, showed a cheerful and cute smile, and proactively introduced herself to Mamen and Gladion.

It was clear that this was a rather extroverted social terror.

"Acerola, the Island Kahuna of Ula Ula Island; we have heard of you too," Mamen said with a smile.

"I am Mamen."

"I am Gladion; it is a pleasure to meet you."

Gladion bowed gracefully, her beautiful eyes gazing at Acerola with considerable curiosity.

The main reason Mamen brought her to the Aether House was Acerola.

"Gladion, you are so beautiful."

Acerola's exclamation was utterly genuine; she sincerely admired Gladion's beauty and temperament.

That noble and elegant temperament of a Young Lady is not something ordinary people possess.

"Thank you; Acerola, you are beautiful too, and your dress has a very unique style..."

"Hehe~ really? Acerola is very happy; this was made by Acerola herself."

Acerola squinted her eyes into crescent moons; of course, a girl is happy to be praised, especially when the person praising her is such a beautiful girl.

This is a very simple Miss.

Almost immediately, Gladion made a judgment in her heart.

A few simple exchanges were enough to reveal Acerola's personality.

"Acerola, are you free now?" Mamen spoke up at the appropriate moment.

"Hmm... Acerola has nothing to do right now, so I came to play with everyone."

Acerola tilted her head in confusion but still answered the question.

"Then could I ask you to have a battle with Cattleya? A battle where you go all out."

"Eh?" Aserola was taken aback.

"Aserola, is that alright?" Cattleya spoke up as well.

"Um… but I'm really strong, you know."

Aserola hesitated for a moment. Though she was pure-hearted by nature, she also knew her own strength was extremely formidable.

If she went all out, she might very well shatter her opponent's confidence. Mm, plenty of trainers on Ula Ula Island had already fallen victim to her 'merciless hands.'

"There's no need to worry about that. Cattleya is also a very strong trainer." Mammon said with a smile.

"Really? Okay then, I like battling too."

Aserola's eyes lit up slightly, and then she broke into a smile with curved brows and eyes, very cute.

Mammon smiled without a word, watching the two girls. Cattleya had made great progress recently, and it was time to find her an opponent who would put more pressure on her.

And Aserola, a Ghost-type specialist of Champion caliber, was a very good fit.

Although Mammon himself was also skilled in Ghost-types, his strength currently far exceeded Cattleya's, so the sparring effect was ultimately imperfect.

For a powerful trainer, battling against type disadvantage is one of the required courses.

Mm, Cattleya, do your best!

(End of chapter)