[There's a brief, brief moment where Jacinthe's face starts to turn sour in genuine anger, and she starts to shake. She's really not sure who she's angry at, at this point; Corbeau, for depriving her of her rightfully earned and needed fun? (For being the only realist in this situation who's focused on doing his job?) At Gardevoir, for not seizing the chance to go after one of these poor schmucks and blast through the competition?
At this whole circumstance, for forcing her life into an uncertain and uneasy spiral--
Jacinthe's rage has always been stated to be something you never wanted to incur. Lebanne had always warned any visitors of that; that though she never showed it, her ire was the sort of thing that struck fear into the hearts of all of those who didn't play along. Her staff notoriously always fear it, and it serves Jacinthe well, and...
She hates that he's right. Her gaze averts, her look going to a very sour neutral before she finds herself nodding her head. How dare he. How dare he not--]
...You had better be correct, my friend. I cannot stand living like this.
[Gardevoir...almost seems impressed, but come on; she'll lead the way forward to keep her senses peeled and sharp as she floats along. Jacinthe is silent for a while as she follows, her gaze practically ice and fire all at once, but...
Once they reach the end of the gate, she speaks up.]
And if I want a match with you, once we get back to the base?
[If he deprives her of that, she's not sure what she'll do. But...it's an attempt...?]
[Given the way Lebanne's always walked on eggshells around Jacinthe, it stands to reason that her fury is something that he shouldn't want to mess with. Still, Corbeau doesn't back down - he's right and he knows it - so he waits impassively for her to come to a decision. The fact that she isn't immediately ignoring his demands for her own desires is probably a good thing? Yeah.
And she does see the reason in his words eventually, though he's never seen Jacinthe look so displeased. This must be how she felt when Team MZ nearly ruined her little tourney. Possibly even worse, given that she has to actually let go of her plans entirely.]
Then you'll have it. What, you think I'm not also itching for a fight?
[The smirk that tugs on one side of his mouth is a bit wry; he knows how that sounds after denying her her own fun, but it is the truth. After all, within the relative safely of the SBC, there's nothing else to worry about. Jacinthe can battle to her heart's content against her own underlings and Corbeau. And besides, Poison-types are good against Fairy-types, which might be enough for him to manage a win, assuming Gardevoir doesn't run rampant through most of his Pokémon.]
Stay close - and keep Gardevoir out; she'll be able to keep an eye on things better than we can.
[A third set of (psychic) eyes certainly doesn't hurt, anyway. He's assuming the Pokémon can Teleport out of danger if need be as well, which makes her more useful than any of his own Pokémon. It doesn't help that most of his are very large and are likely to attract unwanted attention, after all.]
[...She's not sure how she feels about this at all, the more she thinks about it.
The more Jacinthe thinks about this, the more that she sees how easily he was able to convince her to part ways with what she wants, and even if it is sensible, this is...strange. She knows he's strong too; he doesn't have the strength of being elite on his side, but his command of his Pokemon and organization are the reason she sought him out in the first place. To think that he wouldn't even back down in the face of her anger, in the face of her potential fury...
The sum she paid him barely even makes a dent into what she has on hand, after all. She could have easily just ran into the fray and enjoyed herself like always, but...
It's his words that actually see Jacinthe dumbstruck for a moment, because wait--]
--And you did not bother to tell me this, you cad?!
[SHE'S BEEN WAITING TO BATTLE FOR DAYS AND HE JUST DIDN'T BOTHER VERBING THE NOUN??? SIR. SIR. This is mostly Jacinthe being Jacinthe, granted, but--]
If I am not otherwise occupied in matters with the Society, please, feel free to ask me for a match! Nay, I demand it! Most of the rest of the Society can barely make my team break a sweat when they aren't otherwise occupied with training their perfect darlings--I would be more than happy to indulge you, you know! It would bring...
[Her enthusiastic steam dies down at that point, as she considers her words and...decides instead to pole-vault over to the other statement, okay, she totally didn't do something confusing with her face just then--]
Worry not, I shall. [Gardevoir seems to preen just the slightest bit at the praise with a smirk, but she's very focused on doing her job right now, taking the lead. Jacinthe will stick close to Corbeau, beaming at her partner.] I've certainly trained her well, wouldn't you agree? Why, she's often aware of what I wish for her to do before I even give her the command--be it in battle or anything else!
[have you considered that you are in fact a very simple creature, jacinthe. anyway come on, we're almost to the exit--]
[oh my god we're so dumb. verbing the noun on anything is apparently going to be a struggle.
But anyway, he allows Jacinthe to continue and then... abruptly switch topics... O...kay, not sure what that was about, but he'll let it slide for now. The important thing is getting out of here, and Gardevoir's doing a good job making sure that they can get out safely. Whatever gave Jacinthe pause is either something she'll bring up later (since he can't see her actually keeping quiet about something that's bothering her) or it really isn't important. That's all there is to it.]
She's certainly clever. Doesn't surprise me that she's always a step ahead.
[Mostly because Jacinthe seems pretty... easy to read even if you aren't a Psychic-type...]
[Huffs!!! Anyway please keep ignoring the fact that she almost had a genuine feeling in front of a cad, she cannot be perceived--]
Indeed, indeed! And once we are out, the most beautiful of battles shall commen--oof!
[Jacinthe, being the patron saint of not listening to her Pokemon, is promptly scruffed by her Gardevoir with her psychic powers pulling her back a bit--Corbeau thankfully just gets one of Gardevoir's hands in front of him and a quick look while she tries to concentrate...
Company. Two. One ahead, one behind.
Engage? Or escape?]
--Oh, good girl! [Jacinthe beams at her Gardevoir, though she looks to Corbeau briefly once Gardevoir makes it clear they're uh--surrounded, essentially.] The exit is so close--we could blast through them, if necessary. Though she can Teleport us away...
[Gardevoir looks back at that, though... ...Difficult. Not impossible. Need extra time to charge.]
[Oh, not good. Not exactly a surprise either, as this was going way too well. Corbeau pushes his glasses up as he considers before finally releasing Scolipede from his Pokéball.]
Get that Teleport ready, Gardevoir. Scolipede and I can buy us some time.
[The bug stamps his feet on the ground in agreement, charging forward on Corbeau's orders to engage the two ahead. Scolipede is his strongest (and favorite, but don't tell the others) companion and with Earthquake, taking on multiple enemies at once is easy. Well, unless they're Flying-types, but for now, Scolipede can draw their attention.]
You heard the man, my darling! I'll buy us some time too~
[Got it.
Jacinthe releases Aurorus from her Poke Ball as well to engage the ones behind them, and oh, what a show. Aurorus really just has one simple job; to unleash a freezing Blizzard upon any flying enemies that Scolipede might miss, working in tandem to not get him caught in the blast--she's absolutely delighted, laughing all the while, but...
She can't help but sneak a glance or two at Corbeau and Scolipede, seeing how well his friend moves in battle. It's a little awe inspiring--and thankfully, it doesn't take Gardevoir long before she holds out a hand to both of them, power at the ready.
Hang on tight.
It's an instantaneous move, once both Pokemon are returned and the two humans hold on--one second they're in the hell zone, and the next, they're in front of the SBC's base, no worse for wear in the slightest. Jacinthe isn't too unused to the slight disorientation, at least! ...Though she probably should've warned Corbeau about that, in hindsight--
And moreso when Gardevoir herself looks pretty dizzy from expending that much power, hang going to her head as she winces a bit. She needs some Pokeaspirin...]
Bien joué, everyone! I consider this mission a rousing success, and it couldn't have been done without any of your helps! [...She is going to go over and tend to Gardevoir a little, but Jacinthe will look to Corbeau with a smile.] Is your dear Scolipede in need of some assistance, or was he unscathed, my friend?
[With Jacinthe and Aurorus focusing on the enemies Scolipede can't hit, there's no reason not to go all out. If we've been forced into a battle, may as well make it fun, right? And it is fun - Scolipede looks like he's having a blast too, eagerly smashing Earthquake into Gunk Shot and X-Scissor to take down a Pokémon before Gardevoir gives the signal. Corbeau's manic grin settles into something a little more neutral as he recalls the bug and holds on tight.
...Right, in hindsight, he probably should have tried to prepare himself for the feeling of being yanked halfway across Lumiose. Ohhhhhhh Arceus, give him a moment—]
He's fine; nothing a Super Potion won't cure. Let's try to avoid needing to Teleport in the future, though.
[He may be looking a little paler than usual, but it's fine...... he's fine....... Is it really any surprise that Corbeau himself is also weak to Psychic-type attacks—]
[Jacinthe recalls Gardevoir into her Poke Ball to give her some much needed rest; she supposes that she may need a bit or to sit out the battle if Corbeau is still up for it, but seeing him so manic on the field was certainly an experience. Hopefully she can do the same.
But oh, there is the fact that he somehow looks even paler than usual, and though Jacinthe chuckles a bit, her brows knit just the slightest bit in worry.]
Oui, oui. We'll have to ensure that we are out much earlier, then, yes!
[But much like the heathen with no sense of personal space she is, Jacinthe is going to go over and try to help steady Corbeau a bit, reaching out and mostly just making sure the damn man doesn't fall over. I'm so sorry???]
You certainly look worse for wear, my friend. Please, you may lean on me, if you wish; I can find you somewhere to sit down and gather your bearings. Perhaps even have one of the servants bring you some tea, that usually helps...
Thank you, for your hard work. [That's almost warm, the way she says it.] You two were truly a vision in that battle, though!
[Corbeau waves her off, same as he would any concern from the Rust Syndicate. (Philippe would be just as worried, no doubt.)]
I'm fine, just unaccustomed to traveling like that. Just give me a moment to sit down.
[He's steady enough, he just needs a minute until everything feels like it'll stop spinning...]
You don't have to thank me, though. Just doing my job.
[And then, after a brief pause as he considers...]
I'll give you a battle that'll make up for the ones you missed tonight. Sound good?
[He's not exactly sorry about getting in the way of her fun back there, but he can acknowledge that it sucks to be told you can't do something you really want to do. Especially when it's a bit of normalcy in an otherwise hellish and unpredictable, turbulent time.]
[Jacinthe pouts a bit, not quite backing off just in case, but...]
You really are a stubborn man sometimes, my dear Corbeau...you're in my employ, and I should at least try to take care of you too. Can I not show you due appreciation for your quick thinking?
[Let her fret! She sucks at it but let her, it's his stupid fault for not letting them battle but he's at least willing to make it up to her. Something comes slightly more alive in her dazzling eyes when he says that, her look shifting to one of delight.]
It truly is not often that I get to face a true challenge; I believe you and your dear partners will prove a most splendid dance for my darlings to take part in.
So you better give your all, [And it's here that Jacinthe smirks the slightest bit.] or I'll be quite disappointed.
[Ah, finally a chair! He is sitting his ass down until the world stops spinning.]
Hah, then I'll live up to those high expectations of yours. Count on it.
[He does have the type advantage against her, after all... so no wonder she'll enjoy it, since she's fighting a difficult and uphill battle even without considering his own skill as a trainer. Mega Scolipede oughta put her in her place. For about five minutes, maybe.]
[She'll gladly let him rest for a bit, but once he's ready, the battle will most certainly be on; Jacinthe outright looks excited, a grin on her face that's practically thrilled and has a little less of that perfectly noble demeanor that she normally has. Gardevoir seems to have recovered as well, but the battle itself is nothing short of stunning. Perhaps even moreso because Gardevoir faints early into the match, but...
Jacinthe doesn't give in, even when the tide turns against her. She's smart enough to exploit the weaknesses she sees in Corbeau's Pokemon; Roserade may be quick, but most of Corbeau's Pokemon are quite lumbering and prone to falling into the Stealth Rocks that her dear Carbink makes, and while it eventually does get taken out, the damage is done. Mawile, Aurorus, and her dearest Clefable manage to clean up, and...
She's not even mad that she won. Why, she's the most happy that she's been in a while, absolutely jubilant as she thanks Corbeau for the battle. At least she has someone to take the edge off of the things she misses about the world she created.
...At least she doesn't feel so alone anymore, and that's more than enough.]
[Corbeau knows better than to underestimate an opponent. You never know exactly what they'll end up doing, even if you have full knowledge of their Pokémon, moves, and their general battle strategies. Battles are unpredictable, which is why he likes them so damn much. They're a welcome relief from the uphill battle he's fighting in making Lumiose a better place. Their unpredictability is welcome because it keeps him on his toes in the best way and it makes him work, win or lose.
And Jacinthe certainly doesn't take it easy on him. Gardevoir is the biggest threat, and he feels like he's secured the win when Gyarados manages to take her out early, but Jacinthe's SBC isn't for show. Hell, he knew she was a skilled battler, having seen her fight a certain trainer earlier, but being up against her even with a type advantage...
It's thrilling. He loses, but it's a hard-fought battle and he can only thank his Pokémon for the fantastic performance and accept his loss with grace. To Corbeau, battling isn't about winning or losing. Sure, it's nice to win, and he would like to climb further in the Z-A Royale's rankings, but it's a form of stress relief, and something his Pokémon all greatly enjoy. So even though that loss will sting for some of them, it's still a damn fun time.
And some small part of him wonders if maybe he was a little too harsh on Jacinthe, given how much fun this actually was.]
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sranks2025-10-22 06:33 pm
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[There's a brief, brief moment where Jacinthe's face starts to turn sour in genuine anger, and she starts to shake. She's really not sure who she's angry at, at this point; Corbeau, for depriving her of her rightfully earned and needed fun? (For being the only realist in this situation who's focused on doing his job?) At Gardevoir, for not seizing the chance to go after one of these poor schmucks and blast through the competition?
At this whole circumstance, for forcing her life into an uncertain and uneasy spiral--
Jacinthe's rage has always been stated to be something you never wanted to incur. Lebanne had always warned any visitors of that; that though she never showed it, her ire was the sort of thing that struck fear into the hearts of all of those who didn't play along. Her staff notoriously always fear it, and it serves Jacinthe well, and...
She hates that he's right. Her gaze averts, her look going to a very sour neutral before she finds herself nodding her head. How dare he. How dare he not--]
...You had better be correct, my friend. I cannot stand living like this.
[Gardevoir...almost seems impressed, but come on; she'll lead the way forward to keep her senses peeled and sharp as she floats along. Jacinthe is silent for a while as she follows, her gaze practically ice and fire all at once, but...
Once they reach the end of the gate, she speaks up.]
And if I want a match with you, once we get back to the base?
[If he deprives her of that, she's not sure what she'll do. But...it's an attempt...?]
no subject
And she does see the reason in his words eventually, though he's never seen Jacinthe look so displeased. This must be how she felt when Team MZ nearly ruined her little tourney. Possibly even worse, given that she has to actually let go of her plans entirely.]
Then you'll have it. What, you think I'm not also itching for a fight?
[The smirk that tugs on one side of his mouth is a bit wry; he knows how that sounds after denying her her own fun, but it is the truth. After all, within the relative safely of the SBC, there's nothing else to worry about. Jacinthe can battle to her heart's content against her own underlings and Corbeau. And besides, Poison-types are good against Fairy-types, which might be enough for him to manage a win, assuming Gardevoir doesn't run rampant through most of his Pokémon.]
Stay close - and keep Gardevoir out; she'll be able to keep an eye on things better than we can.
[A third set of (psychic) eyes certainly doesn't hurt, anyway. He's assuming the Pokémon can Teleport out of danger if need be as well, which makes her more useful than any of his own Pokémon. It doesn't help that most of his are very large and are likely to attract unwanted attention, after all.]
no subject
The more Jacinthe thinks about this, the more that she sees how easily he was able to convince her to part ways with what she wants, and even if it is sensible, this is...strange. She knows he's strong too; he doesn't have the strength of being elite on his side, but his command of his Pokemon and organization are the reason she sought him out in the first place. To think that he wouldn't even back down in the face of her anger, in the face of her potential fury...
The sum she paid him barely even makes a dent into what she has on hand, after all. She could have easily just ran into the fray and enjoyed herself like always, but...
It's his words that actually see Jacinthe dumbstruck for a moment, because wait--]
--And you did not bother to tell me this, you cad?!
[SHE'S BEEN WAITING TO BATTLE FOR DAYS AND HE JUST DIDN'T BOTHER VERBING THE NOUN??? SIR. SIR. This is mostly Jacinthe being Jacinthe, granted, but--]
If I am not otherwise occupied in matters with the Society, please, feel free to ask me for a match! Nay, I demand it! Most of the rest of the Society can barely make my team break a sweat when they aren't otherwise occupied with training their perfect darlings--I would be more than happy to indulge you, you know! It would bring...
[Her enthusiastic steam dies down at that point, as she considers her words and...decides instead to pole-vault over to the other statement, okay, she totally didn't do something confusing with her face just then--]
Worry not, I shall. [Gardevoir seems to preen just the slightest bit at the praise with a smirk, but she's very focused on doing her job right now, taking the lead. Jacinthe will stick close to Corbeau, beaming at her partner.] I've certainly trained her well, wouldn't you agree? Why, she's often aware of what I wish for her to do before I even give her the command--be it in battle or anything else!
[have you considered that you are in fact a very simple creature, jacinthe. anyway come on, we're almost to the exit--]
no subject
It's not like you asked either!
[oh my god we're so dumb. verbing the noun on anything is apparently going to be a struggle.
But anyway, he allows Jacinthe to continue and then... abruptly switch topics... O...kay, not sure what that was about, but he'll let it slide for now. The important thing is getting out of here, and Gardevoir's doing a good job making sure that they can get out safely. Whatever gave Jacinthe pause is either something she'll bring up later (since he can't see her actually keeping quiet about something that's bothering her) or it really isn't important. That's all there is to it.]
She's certainly clever. Doesn't surprise me that she's always a step ahead.
[Mostly because Jacinthe seems pretty... easy to read even if you aren't a Psychic-type...]
C'mon, we're almost out.
no subject
[Huffs!!! Anyway please keep ignoring the fact that she almost had a genuine feeling in front of a cad, she cannot be perceived--]
Indeed, indeed! And once we are out, the most beautiful of battles shall commen--oof!
[Jacinthe, being the patron saint of not listening to her Pokemon, is promptly scruffed by her Gardevoir with her psychic powers pulling her back a bit--Corbeau thankfully just gets one of Gardevoir's hands in front of him and a quick look while she tries to concentrate...
Company. Two. One ahead, one behind.
Engage? Or escape?]
--Oh, good girl! [Jacinthe beams at her Gardevoir, though she looks to Corbeau briefly once Gardevoir makes it clear they're uh--surrounded, essentially.] The exit is so close--we could blast through them, if necessary. Though she can Teleport us away...
[Gardevoir looks back at that, though... ...Difficult. Not impossible. Need extra time to charge.]
What say you, my dearest protector?
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Get that Teleport ready, Gardevoir. Scolipede and I can buy us some time.
[The bug stamps his feet on the ground in agreement, charging forward on Corbeau's orders to engage the two ahead. Scolipede is his strongest (and favorite, but don't tell the others) companion and with Earthquake, taking on multiple enemies at once is easy. Well, unless they're Flying-types, but for now, Scolipede can draw their attention.]
no subject
[Got it.
Jacinthe releases Aurorus from her Poke Ball as well to engage the ones behind them, and oh, what a show. Aurorus really just has one simple job; to unleash a freezing Blizzard upon any flying enemies that Scolipede might miss, working in tandem to not get him caught in the blast--she's absolutely delighted, laughing all the while, but...
She can't help but sneak a glance or two at Corbeau and Scolipede, seeing how well his friend moves in battle. It's a little awe inspiring--and thankfully, it doesn't take Gardevoir long before she holds out a hand to both of them, power at the ready.
Hang on tight.
It's an instantaneous move, once both Pokemon are returned and the two humans hold on--one second they're in the hell zone, and the next, they're in front of the SBC's base, no worse for wear in the slightest. Jacinthe isn't too unused to the slight disorientation, at least! ...Though she probably should've warned Corbeau about that, in hindsight--
And moreso when Gardevoir herself looks pretty dizzy from expending that much power, hang going to her head as she winces a bit. She needs some Pokeaspirin...]
Bien joué, everyone! I consider this mission a rousing success, and it couldn't have been done without any of your helps! [...She is going to go over and tend to Gardevoir a little, but Jacinthe will look to Corbeau with a smile.] Is your dear Scolipede in need of some assistance, or was he unscathed, my friend?
no subject
...Right, in hindsight, he probably should have tried to prepare himself for the feeling of being yanked halfway across Lumiose. Ohhhhhhh Arceus, give him a moment—]
He's fine; nothing a Super Potion won't cure. Let's try to avoid needing to Teleport in the future, though.
[He may be looking a little paler than usual, but it's fine...... he's fine....... Is it really any surprise that Corbeau himself is also weak to Psychic-type attacks—]
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But oh, there is the fact that he somehow looks even paler than usual, and though Jacinthe chuckles a bit, her brows knit just the slightest bit in worry.]
Oui, oui. We'll have to ensure that we are out much earlier, then, yes!
[But much like the heathen with no sense of personal space she is, Jacinthe is going to go over and try to help steady Corbeau a bit, reaching out and mostly just making sure the damn man doesn't fall over. I'm so sorry???]
You certainly look worse for wear, my friend. Please, you may lean on me, if you wish; I can find you somewhere to sit down and gather your bearings. Perhaps even have one of the servants bring you some tea, that usually helps...
Thank you, for your hard work. [That's almost warm, the way she says it.] You two were truly a vision in that battle, though!
no subject
I'm fine, just unaccustomed to traveling like that. Just give me a moment to sit down.
[He's steady enough, he just needs a minute until everything feels like it'll stop spinning...]
You don't have to thank me, though. Just doing my job.
[And then, after a brief pause as he considers...]
I'll give you a battle that'll make up for the ones you missed tonight. Sound good?
[He's not exactly sorry about getting in the way of her fun back there, but he can acknowledge that it sucks to be told you can't do something you really want to do. Especially when it's a bit of normalcy in an otherwise hellish and unpredictable, turbulent time.]
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You really are a stubborn man sometimes, my dear Corbeau...you're in my employ, and I should at least try to take care of you too. Can I not show you due appreciation for your quick thinking?
[Let her fret! She sucks at it but let her, it's his stupid fault for not letting them battle but he's at least willing to make it up to her. Something comes slightly more alive in her dazzling eyes when he says that, her look shifting to one of delight.]
It truly is not often that I get to face a true challenge; I believe you and your dear partners will prove a most splendid dance for my darlings to take part in.
So you better give your all, [And it's here that Jacinthe smirks the slightest bit.] or I'll be quite disappointed.
no subject
Hah, then I'll live up to those high expectations of yours. Count on it.
[He does have the type advantage against her, after all... so no wonder she'll enjoy it, since she's fighting a difficult and uphill battle even without considering his own skill as a trainer. Mega Scolipede oughta put her in her place. For about five minutes, maybe.]
no subject
[She'll gladly let him rest for a bit, but once he's ready, the battle will most certainly be on; Jacinthe outright looks excited, a grin on her face that's practically thrilled and has a little less of that perfectly noble demeanor that she normally has. Gardevoir seems to have recovered as well, but the battle itself is nothing short of stunning. Perhaps even moreso because Gardevoir faints early into the match, but...
Jacinthe doesn't give in, even when the tide turns against her. She's smart enough to exploit the weaknesses she sees in Corbeau's Pokemon; Roserade may be quick, but most of Corbeau's Pokemon are quite lumbering and prone to falling into the Stealth Rocks that her dear Carbink makes, and while it eventually does get taken out, the damage is done. Mawile, Aurorus, and her dearest Clefable manage to clean up, and...
She's not even mad that she won. Why, she's the most happy that she's been in a while, absolutely jubilant as she thanks Corbeau for the battle. At least she has someone to take the edge off of the things she misses about the world she created.
...At least she doesn't feel so alone anymore, and that's more than enough.]
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And Jacinthe certainly doesn't take it easy on him. Gardevoir is the biggest threat, and he feels like he's secured the win when Gyarados manages to take her out early, but Jacinthe's SBC isn't for show. Hell, he knew she was a skilled battler, having seen her fight a certain trainer earlier, but being up against her even with a type advantage...
It's thrilling. He loses, but it's a hard-fought battle and he can only thank his Pokémon for the fantastic performance and accept his loss with grace. To Corbeau, battling isn't about winning or losing. Sure, it's nice to win, and he would like to climb further in the Z-A Royale's rankings, but it's a form of stress relief, and something his Pokémon all greatly enjoy. So even though that loss will sting for some of them, it's still a damn fun time.
And some small part of him wonders if maybe he was a little too harsh on Jacinthe, given how much fun this actually was.]