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After a moment of awkwardness, the Ketchum couple invited Liam inside. Mrs. Ketchum went to prepare some tea, while Mr. Ketchum sat with Liam on the sofa, his face wearing a kind smile as he spoke.
"Liam, when did you get back? Is your journey over already? That can't be right! If I remember correctly, the Indigo League tournament hasn't even started yet. What happened? Were the Gym challenges not going well? Hahaha, don't worry, don't worry. If things didn't go smoothly, that's okay. There's still time before the tournament starts—just give it another push!"
Mr. Ketchum assumed that Liam had returned early due to difficulties in his journey, so he quickly took on the stance of an elder (which he was, after all!) and spoke to Liam with a heartfelt tone.
Liam: "…Hahaha, Uncle, it's not like that. I've already collected all eight Gym Badges needed to enter the League. I came back because I haven't been home in a long time and missed everyone—especially Delia, hehe. And also, I need to depart from Pallet Town again to officially register for the Indigo League at the main headquarters. Only then can I participate in the tournament."
Liam pulled out a small box from his pocket and handed it to Mr. Ketchum. Inside were eight neatly arranged Gym Badges.
"Wow! So you're really that capable, huh? I thought… uh… hahaha!! Never mind! Well done! You weren't just boasting after all! You better give it your all in the League tournament. A real man keeps his word! And for the sake of our Delia, you absolutely must win the championship!"
Mr. Ketchum took the box in surprise, carefully opening it to see the eight badges inside. His face briefly showed an embarrassed smile, but he quickly covered it up with satisfaction and spoke to Liam with approval.
Hearing this, Liam felt a little flustered, as if he were being praised too much. However, his gaze remained firm, and he spoke with determination.
"Uncle, don't worry. I will do my absolute best in the Indigo League. I will definitely bring home the champion's trophy!"
"Good! Hahaha! That's the spirit! We're all counting on you—you especially can't let Delia down!" Mr. Ketchum laughed heartily at Liam's declaration.
"Hehe, what are you two talking about that's making you so happy? Come, Liam, try some of the tea I just brewed. Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."
At that moment, Mrs. Ketchum came out with the freshly brewed tea, smiling warmly. She set the teacups on the table and sat down next to her husband, looking at Liam with increasing approval. The more she looked, the more satisfied she felt.
Liam spent some time drinking tea and chatting with the Ketchum couple before getting ready to return to the Oak residence.
Seeing that he was about to leave, the Ketchum couple quickly stood up to see him off. Mrs. Ketchum even called out toward the second floor.
"Delia! Liam is leaving! Come down and see him off!"
The moment she finished speaking, a series of chaotic noises erupted upstairs—objects colliding, followed by Delia's yelp of pain. Liam immediately felt a pang of concern.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch…! Liam! See you tomorrow! Be careful on the road!"
After the commotion, Delia's door swung open. She hopped out on one foot, clutching her ankle, forcing a smile as she called out to him.
Liam looked worried, but before he could say anything, Delia turned around and hopped back into her room. Mrs. Ketchum gave Liam an apologetic smile before hurrying upstairs to check on her daughter.
Mr. Ketchum, on the other hand, shook his head helplessly and chuckled.
"Heh, don't worry. That girl has been clumsy since she was little—we're used to it by now. She'll be fine. It's getting dark; do you want me to drive you back?"
"Uh… no need. It's not far, and I can just walk. No trouble at all, Uncle. No need to see me off either—I'll be back tomorrow. I'll head out now."
Liam shook his head, bowed slightly, and took his leave, making his way back to the Oak residence.
...…
Early the next day, Liam got up, washed up quickly, and rushed out the door toward Delia's house.
He hadn't slept well the previous night, worrying about her the whole time. Unable to wait any longer, he sprinted straight to the Ketchum house.
As he reached the front door and was about to press the doorbell, he heard Delia's voice from inside.
"I want to go! Mother~ just let me go, please!"
"No! You're not going anywhere today! Stay home and rest properly!"
Mrs. Ketchum's voice carried a rare strictness, with an unmistakable tone of authority.
"You! Dad! I want to go to the professor's house! I want to see Liam!"
Delia's voice rang out again, filled with urgency and a hint of pleading.
"Ahem… Delia, I really can't help you this time. Look at yourself—your foot is already in this state. Can't you just stay home and rest for a bit? If you want to see Liam, I can go bring him here for you."
Mr. Ketchum's voice carried a bit of helplessness, mixed with obvious concern.
Hearing that Delia was injured, Liam could no longer sit still. Forget the doorbell—he started pounding on the door instead, his voice filled with worry.
"Uncle Ketchum? Auntie? It's me, Liam! How's Delia? Can you open the door?"
"Ah! Mother! Ah—ow, ow, ow…!"
Just as Liam finished speaking, Delia let out a panicked cry, followed by another yelp of pain. His concern only deepened.
Squeak…
"Liam! Here so early? Come in, come in! Have you had breakfast?"
As usual, it was Mr. Ketchum who opened the door, smiling awkwardly. Liam gave a stiff nod in response, forcing a dry smile before quickly squeezing through the entrance. And then, he saw—
Mrs. Ketchum was standing near the dining table. When she saw Liam, she smiled and nodded in greeting.
But Liam had no time to return the gesture, because behind her, Delia was hiding. One of her ankles was wrapped in bandages, and she was keeping it off the ground, trying her best to stay out of sight. It was clear she was hoping he wouldn't notice her.
Liam frowned and walked over. Before Delia could react, he scooped her up by the waist and gently placed her on a chair. Then, he crouched down to examine her injured ankle.
Seeing the bandages wrapped around it, his face became filled with worry.
"Liam, you don't need to worry. It's just a minor sprain—nothing serious. As long as she's careful, she'll recover in about one or two weeks."
Mrs. Ketchum smiled softly as she spoke, silently approving of Delia's choice—this boy was reliable.
Liam looked up at Delia.
She glanced at him but immediately looked away, avoiding his eyes. She lowered her head, too guilty to say a word.
"Does it still hurt?"
"…N-no, not anymore! Really!"
"If you're injured, stop running around. You're staying home to rest for the next few days—no exceptions!"
"But—"
"Hmm?"
"…Okay, okay, I got it."
With just one stern look from Liam, Delia pouted and stopped arguing.
Meanwhile, the Ketchum couple stood to the side, covering their mouths as they chuckled quietly. Seeing the young pair before them, their faces were full of warmth and satisfaction.