Chapter 197: Lance’s Trust
He’s in danger at this conference? What kind of danger? Someone’s planning something at the Indigo Conference? Murder?
But who would dare pull something like that here? And Rio’s no pushover—even if I don’t like him, I have to admit his strength is close to mine. He’s very likely to win this tournament.
Team Rocket? But why would they target a top contender at the Indigo Conference? That doesn’t add up.
Is it about Articuno’s feather? Does Rio know Team Rocket is coming for it? Is that why he’s entrusting it to me—because he can’t protect it himself? But why would he think I’d help him? And if someone wants the feather, why do it during the conference? Why not at another time?
Or is it not about the feather at all? Could they be after something else?
And is Rio being watched or wiretapped right now? Why else would he be so cautious in communicating with me?
Lance’s mind was in chaos—countless questions racing through his head. He wanted to stand up and demand answers, but held himself back. In the end, he wrote: "What makes you think I’ll return the Articuno feather to you afterward?"
A minute later, Gengar returned the paper. It read: "Because you’re Elite Four Lance."
Just nine words—but they carried an immense weight of trust. Lance found himself at a loss for words, unsure how to refuse.
I never imagined my reputation carried that much weight in someone else’s eyes, Lance thought. His usually stern lips began to curl upward involuntarily.
If someone close to him had said that, he might have dismissed it as flattery. But coming from Rio—a man who had stolen his Red Gyarados, fought him tooth and nail, and earned his respect through strength—it felt completely different.
Normally, no one would entrust something precious to an enemy. If it were him, facing a crisis, he’d never place his hopes in someone who hated him. But Rio had done exactly that—which could only mean one thing: in Rio’s eyes, his integrity was beyond reproach.
That kind of genuine recognition felt good. Because it felt real.
It makes sense—I’m the heir of the Dragon Tamer Clan, a young Elite Four member. Of course my charisma is off the charts. So when Rio faced a life-or-death crisis, he chose to trust my character.
Lance nodded to himself. And I have to admit—Rio has good judgment. My word is my bond. I am justice incarnate. But... does Rio actually have Articuno’s feather? Or is this a trick? Where did he even get it?
He picked up the pen and wrote: "I accept. How do you plan to give me Articuno’s feather?"
A minute later, Gengar handed him a box, along with a note that read: "Articuno’s feather is inside."
Lance’s eyes widened. He couldn’t believe Rio had handed it over so easily.
This is an Articuno feather! And you’re giving it to me without hesitation? Is my integrity really that unquestionable in your eyes? Do you really have no fear that I’ll just keep it?
Or is this box empty? Is this all a trick? Wasting my time?
He was about to open the box when Gengar’s voice echoed in his mind: "Don’t open it. Rio said you should only open it in a private place—too many eyes here. If the feather’s energy leaks out, it could cause trouble."
Lance’s hand stopped. The Gengar had a point.
"Go on, Lame—Rio has nothing more to say. He just hopes you’ll keep the feather safe until he comes for it," Gengar’s voice continued.
Lance thought for a moment, then stood up. He left a quiet parting message: "Tell Rio—after this is over, if he wants the feather back, he’ll have to explain everything to me."
He paused, then added: "And my name is Lance—like ’lance’ from the word ’balance.’ Not Lame. I’m one of the Kanto Elite Four, and heir to the Dragon Tamer Clan."
With that, he tucked the box away and left.
"Sir—aren’t you waiting for your friend?" a waiter asked as he passed.
Lance tensed. Suddenly, the waiter seemed suspicious to him. Could she be one of the people watching Rio? He subtly moved the box behind his back.
"They can’t make it—they told me to come to them," Lance said calmly, then quickly walked away.
The waiter watched him leave, baffled. Is Elite Four Lance losing his mind? Or has he been watching too many spy dramas? He’s acting so strange.
She’d recognized him the moment he walked in, which was why she’d greeted him earlier. His startled reaction had confused her, so she’d watched from the sidelines—and noticed him fidgeting and making odd faces the whole time. Somehow, her fan-girl impression of him had dimmed quite a bit.
"Waiter—I’d like to order!" a voice called from across the restaurant.
"Coming!" The waiter hurried off, passing by Rio’s table.
Rio sat calmly, watching Lance’s retreating figure weave nervously through the crowd—his eyes darting suspiciously at everyone around him, as if no one looked trustworthy anymore.
"Kid—did I play my part well? I had that Lame guy completely fooled. He kept wanting to look at you, and I held him back every time," Gengar’s voice echoed in Rio’s mind.
"You did great—as expected of a hundred-year-old ghost. Your acting is flawless," Rio smiled. "But his name isn’t Lame—it’s Lance."
"Don’t care—I like Lame. Lame, Lame, Lame..."
Rio shrugged. This is a classic contrarian personality. The more you correct them, the more they dig in.
Leaving the restaurant, Lance hurried to his private luxury suite at the conference. First, he scanned the room cautiously, then pulled all the curtains shut. Finally, he sat in the bathroom and opened the box.
Even though he’d already decided to trust Rio, when he saw the blue feather inside, his mouth fell open in disbelief. Frost lined the inside of the box. He reached out to touch it—and the bone-chilling cold confirmed its authenticity.
It’s a real Articuno feather!
In that moment, Lance’s perception of Rio shifted significantly. The resentment he’d held for months of searching suddenly began to dissolve.
This kid must be a decent person at heart.
Forget it—I won’t cause him trouble. Since he entrusted me with Articuno’s feather, I should honor that trust. At least until this whole thing is resolved, I’ll let him compete in peace. And I want to see who would dare to take a life during the Indigo Conference.