"I didn't expect Mr. Shiro to have heard about me. But indeed, I was like that in the past, and because of it, I caused trouble for many people."
"I'm no longer the owner of the Battle Castle now. People always need to grow, and I don't want to be banned from battles anymore."
Caitlin pursed her lips, and after a long pause, she smiled gracefully and spoke calmly.
Because her emotional fluctuations often affected her psychic abilities, leading to outbursts that harmed those around her, Caitlin had been banned from battling for a long time.
It wasn't until recently, when her control over her psychic powers improved, that she was allowed to venture out again.
The past was in the past, and she didn't shy away from it.
"What a noble realization, Miss Caitlin. You'll undoubtedly become an excellent Trainer."
Ryuu Shiro raised an eyebrow, looking at the stunning young woman with some surprise.
Logically, Caitlin was supposed to grow from a temperamental young lady into an elegant "Sleeping Beauty" only after her journey in Unova. But now, it seemed her growth had come earlier.
"Thank you for your kind words~ But compared to that, I'm more curious about your identity, Mr. Shiro."
Caitlin's smile seemed to deepen slightly as she curtsied gracefully, her impeccable upbringing on full display.
But in the next moment, her tone shifted, and she looked up at Ryuu Shiro with curiosity.
"I'm just an ordinary Trainer, that's all."
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes glinting as he replied.
"If a Champion-level Trainer with special abilities is considered ordinary, then this world is truly a terrifying place."
Caitlin was taken aback for a moment, then shook her head with a wry laugh.
Though she didn't know Ryuu Shiro's background, was he really ordinary?
Impossible. Whether it was his conversation with Sheena, the two Pokémon by his side, or the mysterious power she couldn't quite place emanating from him, Caitlin knew that this white-haired young man was anything but ordinary.
"Miss Caitlin, the world isn't just about light and righteousness. I wonder if your family elders have ever told you this."
Ryuu Shiro's lips twisted into a grin, exuding a palpable sense of malice. He took a step forward, leaning down until his face was almost touching Caitlin's.
"Excessive curiosity can be very dangerous."
Ryuu Shiro's usually handsome and fair face now seemed shrouded in darkness, his crimson eyes glowing faintly.
This was an overwhelming sense of evil!
Caitlin's heart, which had been steady, began to race. Her lips, tightly pressed together, felt suddenly dry, and her beautiful pupils contracted slightly.
Fear.
Yes, looking at Ryuu Shiro now, Caitlin felt an unprecedented sense of fear. Her instincts screamed at her to get away from this person.
He was extremely dangerous!
The air grew heavy with silence. Caitlin instinctively wanted to step back, but she found she couldn't move.
Her legs, numb from the tension, had gone weak.
"Go back, get a good night's sleep, and leave Michina tomorrow. A young lady like you, with your talent and resources, becoming an Elite Four member wouldn't be difficult at all."
"You'll have a bright future. There's no need to delve too deeply into certain matters."
After a long pause, as Caitlin's breathing grew heavy and labored, Ryuu Shiro slowly straightened up and patted her shoulder, speaking in a calm tone.
After all, she was still just a young lady who hadn't yet experienced the trials of the world.
Ryuu Shiro shook his head. Perhaps due to her upbringing and family background, Caitlin's maturity surpassed that of her peers.
But in Ryuu Shiro's eyes, she was still somewhat naive.
Recalling the Galarian Moltres and Gardevoir, Ryuu Shiro walked past Caitlin, heading back to the inn to rest.
"So, are you planning to do something to Miss Sheena, Mr. Shiro?"
Just then, Caitlin's melodious voice suddenly reached Ryuu Shiro's ears.
"Oh?"
Ryuu Shiro paused, turning his head slightly to look at Caitlin with narrowed eyes.
"I see. You overheard."
After a moment of thought, Ryuu Shiro understood. With her psychic abilities, Caitlin's hearing was naturally sharper than that of an ordinary person.
"Everyone has things they can and cannot do. Knowing this is very important."
"This is something my sister once told me. I used to be very competitive, and it was because of that competitiveness that I couldn't control my psychic powers."
"But I've always believed that if someone gives up on what they're pursuing just because of such a principle, then that person is truly pitiful. Don't you agree, Mr. Shiro?"
Caitlin turned around, her beautiful face slightly pale, but her lips still maintaining that elegant smile. Her eyes, however, held a stubbornness that was startling.
She wasn't willing to give up.
Everyone was like this! Everyone!
She had exceptional talent, something everyone could see. But she had never once beaten Cynthia! Not once!
It wasn't that she disliked Cynthia. She just wanted to win. But her family always comforted her with meaningless words, and even Cynthia did the same.
Perhaps in the future, she would let go of this desire to win and calm her heart. But not yet.
"Since you overheard my conversation with Sheena, you should have some idea of what's going on."
Ryuu Shiro's interest was piqued, and he looked at Caitlin with a curious expression.