Cain smiled as he made a simple introduction between Lance, Diantha, and Drasna.

That was when Lance realized that the person he had been looking for all this time was right in front of him—and seemed to be quite familiar with Cain.

Although what truly piqued Cain's curiosity was imagining what would happen if Drasna and Lance ended up facing each other in battle.

Would Lance still claim to be a trainer specialized in Dragon-type Pokémon?

Just the thought made the smile on Cain's face turn slightly strange.

Diantha and Lance didn't notice it, but Drasna—always perceptive—did. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt a slight chill.

At that moment, Lance had already begun asking about Lysandre.

"Miss Diantha, could you tell me what kind of person Lysandre is?" Lance asked directly.

When Cain introduced him, he had already mentioned Lance's profession and identity, so the direct question didn't come off as rude. However, upon hearing it, the smile on Diantha's face gradually faded.

And Drasna, sitting beside her, also fell silent, forgetting even Cain's strange smile from moments before.

The atmosphere immediately grew quiet.

Lance glanced at Cain with a slightly apologetic expression, as if to say he might have brought up a sensitive subject.

"Sigh..." Drasna let out a soft sigh.

"Lysandre..." Diantha took a sip of coffee and began speaking slowly.

"Lysandre was once one of us. He was a kind person, always willing to help others—especially those in need. His dream was to create a perfect Pokémon world."

"His talent was equal to any of ours, and he also had a brilliant mind for research. Lysandre Labs were founded at that time, with the primary goal of generating resources to help the poor."

"Back then, we all set out to become pillars of the Kalos region and, little by little, change the policies of each city so we could help more people. That was our shared dream and common goal." Diantha spoke with calm clarity, and Drasna occasionally added details.

The image of Lysandre quickly became more complete in Cain and Lance's minds.

For Cain, it was no surprise—he already had some prior information about Lysandre. But for Lance, it was quite a shock.

According to Diantha and Drasna's account, Lysandre seemed like the ideal model of a trainer, a true philanthropist. How could he have become someone so different?

Although Lance had not yet uncovered the deepest secrets of Lysandre Labs, what he had already investigated was quite different from what he was hearing.

While it couldn't yet be classified as a criminal organization, Lysandre Labs clearly operated in gray areas.

If they managed to expose its innermost secrets, it would likely confirm that Lysandre Labs was a covert organization.

"But human nature changes," Diantha continued. "Even the kindest person, when subjected to injustice or mistreatment, can have their heart altered."

"Even so, I'm sure that deep down, Lysandre still wants to build a better world. The problem is that he probably chose the wrong methods."

At that moment, Lysandre had not yet fully crossed the line—but he was already walking its edge.

Then, Diantha and Drasna explained the reason behind Lysandre's change.

When they finished, Lance fell silent.

Sometimes, it's true that the more you love, the more you demand.

Lysandre loved this world too much. He longed to shape it into the image of his ideals. But his approach wasn't accepted by the majority.

Still, those who did understand him saw him as a great man—and chose to follow him.

And so, the embryo of what would become Team Flare was born.

At that point, it hadn't yet revealed itself publicly—but it already existed in form.

Cain already knew much of this, so he wasn't surprised.

But Lance was different. For some reason, he suddenly felt a strong desire to meet Lysandre in person.

If his ideals were still sound, with a heart like his—even if he never became a Champion in terms of strength—he likely could have reached a high-ranking position in the League. He might even have become president of the Kalos League.

And in fact, that was originally the idea the Kalos League had. But with Lysandre's change in mindset, that plan was canceled before it even began.

After everything was said, silence returned.

"Don't tell me you came all the way here just to ask me about this," Diantha finally said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"No, it was just a coincidence," Cain replied with a smile. "I came to challenge the Battle Chateau."

"Then you're a bit behind," Drasna said with a soft laugh as she pulled out her nobility medal. Like Lance, she held the title of Count.

Diantha also showed hers: Count.

Out of the four present, three were Counts. Cain, who didn't even have the title of Baron, felt a bit embarrassed.

"I'd better stop talking and go register. I need to catch up to your level as soon as possible," Cain said as he stood.

"I'll go with you," Lance added. "It's your first time, and there are a few things you need to prepare."

Even though Diantha and Drasna were there, Lance felt a bit uncomfortable. After all, the person he had asked about was practically an old friend of Diantha's.

But now, that old friend was drifting further toward the opposing side.

Cain completely understood Lance's discomfort. He nodded, said a brief goodbye to Diantha and Drasna, and the two of them headed to the registration desk.

Only Diantha and Drasna remained in the hall.

"That Lance isn't just anyone," Drasna suddenly remarked.

Diantha nodded. "And do you think Cain is? You'd better start getting ready for multiple rounds of battle. Try to become a Marquess before he actually surpasses you."

"In the Sinnoh Tournament, he was already very strong. If he's kept improving since then, he may have reached the Elite level by now."

"Elite level? But you only just reached it recently... I'm still a little behind," Drasna replied with a small sigh.

Battling wasn't something she truly loved... but there was no choice.

"I'm just speculating," Diantha said, taking another sip of coffee. "We may have to face him soon. With his status, the Battle Chateau will surely offer him a fast track to higher ranks."

After all, the higher the noble rank, the fewer the people.

And that means you're more likely to run into them in battle.

(End of Chapter)