You're not allowed to play Pokémon!

Chapter 197 The Masked Sacrifice and the Cursed Pagoda! (4k)

A ritual performed with the face covered.

It is a festival with strong regional characteristics, somewhat similar to a fireworks display or temple fair.

Walking through the streets, everyone, whether locals or tourists, was dressed in traditional Japanese clothing with a distinct Kitakami style.

Combined with the sunset scene, it creates a very atmospheric atmosphere.

"Legend of Beishang Township: Giant Three Treasures Plush Toys, each only 5 NTD!"

"Why not give this goldfish scooping game a try?"

"When it comes to the Hidden Face Festival, you absolutely have to wear these masks that are the same style as the 'Oni Mask' to really get into the atmosphere~"

The vendors were enthusiastically hawking their wares, and one of the makeshift shops' masks quickly caught Zhu Lan's attention.

"This mask is quite special. Although Sinnoh has a similar tradition, the construction of the mask is completely different."

Zhu Lan removed a red mask from the top, symbolizing the fire element, and touched it.

"This young lady has excellent taste; the stove mask is our best-selling item in the Masked Festival."

Seeing another customer, the vendor narrowed his eyes and quickly looked at Qingyu, who was silently following Zhulan.

"Hey buddy, since you're here on vacation, you can't skimp on the special occasions for your girlfriend!"

"How about this, I'll take a small loss and sell you all three masks together for only 5000 yuan?

Qingyu's lips twitched instantly.

Has the term "sense of ritual" started to be misused in the Pokémon world?
These unruly villagers in Beishang Township will say anything to make money!

and many more……

He just asked what bamboo orchid is.
"girlfriend?"

Zhu Lan also noticed the vendor's words, her eyebrows immediately raised slightly, and she turned to look at Qing Yu with a playful smile.

"So, boyfriend, it's time for you to show your skills, isn't it?"

"..."

Gazing at Zhu Lan's stunning beauty, Qing Yu's heart skipped several beats.

Even though I know she might just be joking.

But what if I take it seriously?
After taking a deep breath, he suppressed the increasingly rapid heartbeat that was starting to rebound.

"I'll take all the goods here."

Qingyu, who was about to speak, paused.

Wasn't this what I was going to say? Who stole my lines?
Turning around, a legal loli, also dressed in a black kimono and with blonde hair, quickly appeared in front of her.

Upon noticing Qingyu's gaze, Cattleya immediately rolled her eyes.

"You're still dawdling over such a small amount of money. Today, I'll pay for everything for you and Zhulan!"

After saying that, Gadriya waved her hand, and Shilan, the reliable butler behind her who was still wearing a suit and white gloves even during the Masked Festival, immediately took out a card.

"I came in a hurry and didn't bring much cash. Can I pay by card?"

Shi Lan gave a polite smile.

"Of course..."

Startled by the scene, the vendor tremblingly accepted the black and gold card handed to him, swiped it on the machine, and then felt as if his heart had stopped beating.

There are so many zeros, I can't even count them all!
These aren't tourists, they're practically gods!
……

Holding the stone mask, Qingyu walked along the commercial street with a somewhat complicated expression.

"It's a pity that it's just a replica made based on the original mask. I wish I could see the real Oni Mask."

Zhu Lan examined the stove mask in her hand, sighed, and put it on her face. Through the gaps in the mask, one could see the gentle smile in her eyes.

"How was it? Wasn't it interesting?"

"Of course, this is a mask I carefully selected!"

On the other side, Gadriya, who had already put on the well mask, nodded repeatedly, while looking at Qingyu beside Zhulan with a wicked smile.

"We're all wearing masks, Qingyu, why aren't you wearing one yet?"

"Ugly rejection."

Qingyu shook her head decisively.

The image of this stone mask is truly ghost-like; no wonder it can't be sold at all.

Even in games, it's almost impossible to use it.

Along the way, the three of them encountered many interesting little games.

"My God..."

The goldfish scooping shop owner, watching one goldfish fry after another being scooped into the basin with a fragile paper net, couldn't hold back any longer.

This blond-haired, blue-eyed little guy is definitely not a good guy!
"Young lady, if you keep catching them like this, no one else will have any to play with. How about I pay to buy these goldfish back?"

The boss was on the verge of tears, and could only decisively reach out and interrupt before Cattleya could scoop up the last of the fish fry.

"?"

Cattleya, whose interest had been interrupted, looked up and glared at her boss with displeasure.

"Shilan!"

"Yes, ma'am."

The impeccably elegant butler stepped forward and handed over the glittering gold card once more.

"Can we buy these fish fry at ten times the price?"

Seeing the butler's humble smile, the boss immediately beamed with joy.

"Hey, you should have said so earlier! Miss, please feel free to do as you please!"

"..."

Such a realistic scene made Qingyu, who was standing behind Gadriya, twitch at the corner of his mouth.

It's true that money really can buy you anything.

but……

Cattleya is not one to take risks.

After failing to catch goldfish with a paper net several times, she immediately used her superpower and caught them every time.

Don't think I didn't notice!
After passing several stalls, we arrived at a shaved ice shop.

While it's unclear why shaved ice is still sold in Kitakami Township during winter, it doesn't seem particularly strange in the Pokémon world.

"Have you chosen your flavor yet, sir?"

"Hmm...not yet."

The shaved ice chef looked at the woman who exuded an air of nobility and felt a strange sense of admiration.

She actually spent five minutes thinking about choosing a flavor of shaved ice; this lady is definitely no ordinary person!

Qingyu glanced at Zhulan, who was deep in thought but unable to extricate herself from her dilemma, and a smile quickly appeared on her face.

Who would have thought that the Sinnoh champion, Cabbage, with her decisive and ruthless battle style, actually suffers from severe decision-making difficulties in real life...

However, that's precisely why she's so adorable.

"Let's get a few of everything. If we let her choose, we probably won't be able to eat until tomorrow."

Cattleya decisively chose to reach between the two.

With her extensive experience, she knew that sometimes it was absolutely necessary not to indulge Zhu Lan and to let her come to her own conclusions.

Just like now!
……

After experiencing the lively Yakumo Festival in a whirlwind tour, the three quickly walked through the entire commercial street and arrived at the Hoban Plaza, where a few people had already gathered.

"I didn't expect to finish visiting the festival so quickly."

A gentle breeze blows, and Bamboo Orchid's long golden hair sways in the wind.

Reaching out to smooth her slightly messy bangs, Zhu Lan revealed a smile that seemed to linger on her face.

"Yeah, time flies."

Qingyu also let out a sigh and began to recall the interesting memories from the masked festival.

Then, he suddenly realized—

It felt like it was all Cattleya doing all the work, while Zhulan and I seemed to have been standing in the back watching the whole time!

It suddenly gave me the feeling of two adults taking a child to a tourist attraction...

"It's nice to get out and relax once in a while!"

Just then, Gadriya also spoke up, leaving Qingyu speechless.

I originally thought I could leave some good memories in Beishang Township, but now it seems that this wish may not be fulfilled.

such a pity……

As Qingyu thought this to herself, she couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Then, all that could be heard was that Cattleya, who had been quite excited, suddenly yawned.

"Ugh... I'm so sleepy."

Seemingly because the festival had taken a toll on her energy, Cattleya soon became noticeably sleepy.

"No, I have to go back now."

Cattleya sighed, her gaze inadvertently glancing at Bamboo Orchid and Azure Feather.

She had a lot of fun today, so... one shouldn't be too greedy.

Now that I've had my fill, I'll leave the rest of the time to the two of them alone.

"Shilan, let's go!"

"Yes, ma'am."

Cattleya slowly walked back the way she came, but her castle steward, Shilan, did not rush to follow. Instead, she turned around and smiled at Qingyu.

"Miss had a lot of fun today. I haven't seen her so happy in a long time."

"Thank you very much, Miss Zhulan and Mr. Qingyu."

"I hope you two will have a great time at the upcoming Face Covering Festival."

After saying this, Butler Shi Lan gave a standard bow in farewell and quickly followed after the departing Cattleya.

"Cattleya is gone too..."

After watching her leave, Zhu Lan quickly turned her head and looked at Qing Yu.

"Well then, let's wait a little longer for the final fireworks display~"

"Let's find a good spot in advance."

After Qingyu finished speaking, she suddenly realized—

This situation... isn't it just a romantic getaway for two?
Watching Zhu Lan with a faint smile on her face and light steps, Qing Yu was stunned for a moment before quickly catching up with her and walking side by side toward the center of Baoban Square.

Baoban Plaza.

As its name suggests, the square was built by the residents of Beishang Township to commemorate Sanbaoban.

In addition to the three memorial stone tablets placed on the altar in the north of the square, it is said that the Three Jewels are also buried here.

Because this is the largest open space in Emerald Town, it's a great spot to watch the fireworks.

When Qingyu and Zhulan arrived, there weren't many people there yet.

"Although judging a Pokémon by its appearance isn't good, but..."

Zhu Lan's gaze swept over the three statues in succession, revealing a puzzled expression.

"No matter how you look at it, the Three Treasures don't really look like heroes, and I have a feeling that what they're wearing are... chains?"

(Past Events in Beishang Township)
Gazing at the statues of the Gouzan Dog, the Wish-Growing Ape, and the Jiji Chicken, Aoba quickly noticed their commonality—

The statue is almost identical to the three companions in the game, and even the poison chains on their bodies are perfectly replicated.

The three companions all have the characteristic of poison chains, which have a chance to inflict a poisonous status on the opponent when their attacks come into contact with them.

But beyond its gameplay, the poison chains also seem to hint at a possibility—

Perhaps the chains also represent that they are controlled entities.

So, who controls them?
The answer is very clear—

Tao Dailang possesses the characteristics of a poison puppet.

Judging from the storyline, Momotaro can indeed control humans or Pokémon affected by its venom, much like a puppeteer.

After all, in the truth of history, it was the three treasures who were misled by Tao Dailang to steal the mask, which led to the tragedy.

Thinking of this, Qingyu sighed.

It remains to be seen whether this trip to Beishang Township will bring the truth to light, clear Egui Peng's name, and ensure that the culprit, Tao Dailang, receives the punishment he deserves.

"At times like these, don't think about unhappy things."

Seeing Qingyu's gloomy expression, Zhulan suddenly smiled and pointed to a spot not far away.

Qingyu's gaze unconsciously drifted over.

With a series of "whoosh" sounds, fireworks, like dazzling shooting stars, instantly rose into the sky, blooming in a variety of colors against the night sky.

The light streamed down from the sky, quickly unfolding into beautiful patterns.

Under the dazzling light, cheers soon erupted from the bustling commercial street not far away, as people jogged toward the open square where they were.

“My grandma tells me every year that people who see fireworks will be blessed with good luck.”

"So I want to share this year's good luck with you."

Amidst the grand fireworks display, Zhu Lan turned her gaze from the distance to Qing Yu, and they calmly met eyes.

In her bright, amber eyes, Qingyu saw not only the reflection of the colorful fireworks, but also an inseparable tenderness and affection.

"Sometimes, the encounters between people may indeed be guided by fate."

"Although it's strange, but..."

"Just like the encounter between humans and Pokémon, there may be romantic coincidences, but the budding and growth of the bond cannot be separated from each other's active choices."

"I think people should be the same way."

After listening attentively, Qingyu nodded and responded with a smile:
"Every ordinary day we live may be a series of miracles."

"Perhaps it is a series of coincidences that have allowed us to enjoy the same fireworks display in Beishang Township at this very moment?"

Zhu Lan smiled gently and tucked a strand of golden hair that had fallen beside her ear.

"I really like this way of putting it."

"Perhaps it is precisely because of these coincidences that the world has so many different colors."

Qingyu's lips curled up slightly, but she didn't respond. Under the fireworks, she and Zhulan smiled at each other.

Tourists who came to watch the fireworks gradually gathered around, and soon the originally empty square became very crowded.

As a result, the distance between the two gradually closed.

It wasn't until their shoulders touched that Qingyu quickly noticed that her left hand was being gently held.

Palms pressed together, a slight warmth transmitted through the skin.

"There are too many people."

A faint sound reached her ears, and when Qingyu turned around again, she found that Zhulan was already watching her.

"So, this time I'll hold on tight to you."

Whether it was Qingyu's imagination or simply the crimson fireworks tinging her delicate face, she was unsure.

Qingyu was momentarily captivated by the sight, and it took her a while to come to her senses before she smiled slightly.

"Me too."

As Zhu Lan just said, any bond should be the result of a mutual choice.

With both hands gripping tightly, time slowly slipped through their fingers.

Until the fireworks show quietly came to an end.

The bustling crowd quickly dispersed, but the distance between the two did not quietly widen as the fireworks disappeared.

……

"Fireworks are truly amazing; you never get tired of watching them no matter how many times you see them!"

A little further away, after watching the fireworks display with Ziyu and Pipa, Nemo looked like she still wanted more.

"etc……?"

"Is that Teacher Qingyu over there?"

Regaining her senses from the dazzling festival fireworks display, Nemo quickly noticed Qingyu and Zhulan, who remained in the same spot, moving in the opposite direction from the crowd.

Just as she was excitedly about to go up and say hello, she was stopped by Ziyu and Paipa at the same time.

"Nemo, you have to be mindful of the atmosphere at times like this. Teacher Yu definitely doesn't want us to disturb them!"

Zi Yu released her grip, crossed her arms in front of her chest, and revealed a meaningful smile.

"So, I don't think this is good!"

"All right……"

Although she didn't quite understand why, Nemo listened to advice and gave up the idea.

however……

As she turned around, ready to go back to the shopping street for another stroll, she noticed something amiss.

In a corner of Baoban Square, a strange figure wearing a green cloak, a ghost mask, and the body of a child stood in the shadows, seemingly observing the two people in the center.

"That is……"

Nemo squinted, as if intending to observe more closely.

I feel like I've seen that little kid somewhere before.

As she moved, Papa and Ziyu looked in the same direction.

"A ghost! A ghost!!!"

Zi Yu's legs went weak with fear, and her voice trembled.

Unlike the thick-skinned Nemo, she clearly remembered the image of the "ghost" in the Northland Township propaganda brochure.

Exactly the same as what they see now!
"Boni?!"

Zi Yu's voice seemed to frighten the "ghost" who was secretly observing, and it immediately took off running towards the back mountain.

At the same time, Qingyu and Zhulan were also drawn to the sound.

When Qingyu saw the familiar figure fleeing, her eyes widened instantly.

It's an ominous and treacherous thing!

Sorry for the long wait. I really didn't know where to stop writing this part, and it was also quite difficult to write, so I wrote it all in one go, which is a bit late. Anyway, here's the update!
Today's update is 1.3 words! Such a diligent author, won't you give me some votes?
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(End of this chapter)