The Porygon2 provided a different focal point, and Elisabeth shifted her attention towards it instead of the man next to her.

Eavesdropping wasn't her intent, but one of the two names she recognized; she avidly kept up with the news, and Eva Morales was a name with too many publications not to be familiar. League business, not Silph Co., then.

Elisabeth was a nosy person, typically, but had a firm policy when it came to people she liked: don't pry where you aren't wanted. It was one that a certain Cillian Quinn would become familiar with months from now, given voice on Slateport beach in a future where she did her best to block out memories like this one.

People with things to hide could understand the need for discretion better than most.

"That might be the shortest phone call I've ever heard from you," she said instead as the car rolled to a stop.

The seatbelt clicked and released.

"If you need to step out while the food arrives, though, I won't be offended."

Her easy answer revealed its genuine nature.

It wouldn't be the first time she was pushed aside for work, and she suspected it wouldn't be the last.

Pre-DotDD ✿ Sleepless in Slateport ✿ Outfit ✿ FERNANDO SILPH