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As the ceremony's start time drew close, more and more of Galar's favorite celebrities arrived until they were all there, minus only two. One of the two happened to be the shining star that they all aspired to reach, which wasn't like her. More than that though... [i]Nordy?[/i]

[b][color=silver]"Oi, we talked about the nicknames. Fio-- ugh."[/color][/b] Nordrin scrubbed a hand down his face as the Flying-type expert was swept up in Moira's entrance. The gym leaders' escalating arrivals and feats were driving the crowd into a near frenzy, and with Fiona's permission (whether he needed it or not), Nordrin turned away from the group and made to head inside. He passed Joseph and Thomas on the way into the stadium, bidding each of the other men a curt "hello" before leaving the group behind, the two milcery lagging behind, staring at all of the other pokemon. From inside, the chairman's assistant came stomping over to the group behind him, and Nordrin let out a quick, low whistle. [i]Guess we're in trouble.[/i]
[hr]
The ceremony was about as much as Nordrin expected. That wasn't to say he was bored by it or anything, quite the contrary: with Elijah and Victoria's absence, the chairman and the remaining major leaguers stepped up and made things even more exciting in the arena. It was downright inspiring, especially for this year's challengers. That was who this who shebang was really for after all. Personally, Nordrin didn't face many league hopefuls. Most trainers headed toward the Isle of Armor where they could face two minor league leaders on quick succession, or they sought out the more experienced Malik. The chef's reputation as a hard ass probably didn't help much either. Still, the couple of trainers he'd gifted his recommendation to were among the group venturing onto the pitch. Nearby, Zeke's Loudred was warming up for [i]something[/i].  

[b][color=silver]"Lait, Gateau,"[/color][/b] Nordrin summoned the amazed and dumbfounded Milcery to his side once more, this time recalling them to their pokeballs. Once safely inside so that they wouldn't be blown to pieces by the soundwaves, Nordrin tucked them into his breast pocket. As he'd thought, the noise was deafening so close. The chef grumbled a bit, rubbing his ears - but he couldn't really be upset with Zeke or his pokemon. Although Nordrin himself was far too busy with his restaurant to do so, he found it very admirable whenever his fellow leaders followed the careers of trainers they'd endorsed.

Once everyone gathered in the lobby, Nordrin joined them. He wasn't a total buzzkill, or at least he liked to think he wasn't. Tonight was one of the few nights a year he could get out and relax. Since pretty much everyone in Galar was in Motostoke or otherwise focused on the town, many businesses outside of it would be slow, High Steaks included. That being said, when Hestia give him that [i]look,[/i] Nordrin's expression visibly soured. Lucky for the Fire-type leader, he didn't get a chance to retort.

[b][color=silver]"Keep us updated, yeah?"[/color][/b] Nordrin said, nodding to Amaranth and Cereus. It was strange the champion hadn't shown up, but... well, the chairman had said it all already.

Then Zeke brought up meal plans and Nordrin scoffed.

[b][color=silver]"Why you lot are looking at me like I'm going to drag all your arses back to Hulbury I don't know."[/color][/b] Really, they did this so often he should expect it by now. [b][color=silver]"Tonight, any place in Motostoke would feed us for free. If you're looking for a place with good deserts..."[/color][/b] He paused, closing his eyes and scrunching his brows together. Thankfully, Motostoke was one of the region's larger cities, which meant there were more options. Nordrin's standards were absurdly high after all, so the more restaurants around the better chance there was for a least one establishment to satisfy him... but which one? Duke of Spice? Cafe Wonder? The Unovan Eatery? A Battle Cafe? [i]...eh, no, fuck those battle cafe bastards.[/i]

[b][color=silver]"I have a place in mind."[/color][/b]
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