When Serena caught up with the officers taking Coovers to Satoshi, they stopped at the town center to meet up with more officers patrolling the streets. The officers laughed and jeered, amused that their master's old enemy dared to step foot in Kanto, much less Viridian City. Serena pleaded with the captain to let her speak with Coovers, but the captain refused, opting to not let anyone speak with the prisoner before he was taken to Satoshi. It didn't help that as soon as Serena appeared, Coovers began screaming insults at her again, including vulgar remarks about her mother before the soldiers gagged him.

Eventually, another group of officers met up with them and reported that Satoshi was having a meeting with businessmen from Saffron City. The captain ordered the officers to go to Satoshi and inform him of capturing Coovers, so Serena and the other officers were forced to wait for Satoshi to meet them. A couple of hours later, Satoshi came with his escort. Coovers continued to give Serena a dark look until the officers forced him to look in Satoshi's direction. Satoshi raised his eyebrow and smirked at the sight of Coovers bound and gagged as though he were a lifelong rival from a rich and powerful house he was feuding with, beaten and bruised.

"Do my eyes deceive me? Coovers Woodward in the flesh?" Satoshi asked. "I struggle to believe you are here even as you stand before me."

"Your eyes do not deceive you, my lord," the captain said. "This is the same man who blew off your cousin Goh's leg with a cannon, along with killing many others and refused to pay his contribution when the quarrel with Unova was over. We arrested him here in the streets, where he was recklessly dueling as if he didn't care that we might recognize him."

"My lord, I must protest, for this man saved my life," Serena said.

Satoshi looked at Serena, confused, and asked, "Saved your life? What are you talking about, Timothy?"

"I took part in the duel the captain is talking about," Serena said. "A friend of Lady Sonia's cousin, Sir Faba, challenged me to a duel for reasons he refused to say. We were clashing swords until Mr. Woodward came and offered to fight in my stead, saying whatever I've done to offend my opponent should fall to him. Mr. Woodward and Lady Sonia's cousin fought until the officers came to arrest Mr. Woodward."

Satoshi turned to the captain and asked, "Is this true?"

"Yes, sir. We did find Sir James dueling with Coovers Woodward before we arrested him, and your page has said as much as to what started the duel," the captain said. "I should note that Coovers also claimed that the page had his purse."

"You have his purse, Timothy?" Satoshi asked.

"Nay, that is the one thing that was especially strange to me, my lord," Serena said. "He said I borrowed his purse, but I never met him before he came to my aid. He refused to let me pay him to express my gratitude, insisting I have his purse."

Satoshi raised his eyebrow as Serena told her story. He turned his gaze to Coovers and waved his hand to the officers to remove the gag. The captain removed the gag, expecting Coopers to shout at Serena again, but the Unova man glared at Satoshi and Serena in silence.

"Coovers Woodward, you have some gall to come into my domain, you greedy, warmongering liar," Satoshi declared. "Your deeds against my fleet and my dear cousin, Goh, are known to everyone in my house, court, and military. I can't imagine for the life of me why you would return to Kanto unless by chance you are not aware of how many enemies you have created. What's more, while I thank you for coming to my dear page's aid, you have proved your guilt in being greedy for money not just by refusing to pay your contribution but by claiming Timothy has your purse, expecting more money out of him than he would have given you out of gratitude from the bottom of his heart. What do you have to say for yourself, villain?"

"Satoshi, noble sir, I deny the names you give me. I merely did my duty as a sailor for my region, and though I admit it has made me your enemy, I have good and solid reasons not to pay," Coovers said before turning to Serena. "As for why I am in your region, it was against my will. I was working for a passenger ship sailing by the Kanto region when a storm washed me and this man to Fuchsia City. I saved him from the jaws of death and thought we had developed a bond where I would consider him my brother. It was only for his sake that I risked coming here. Yet, while he told me that he owes me his life, he did not hesitate to deny knowing me when your men arrested me. He even refused to give me my purse that I had given him this morning. If you had just hired Timothy Durbin to be your page, know that this wretch is the real greedy liar you accuse me of being."

Satoshi looked daggers at Coovers as his hands turned into balls of fists.

"I ought to have my men hold you down so I can beat you for making such an accusation against Timothy," Satoshi snarled. "Though now that I think about it, do you mean to tell me you've been here in Viridian City for days without my men catching you?"

"Timothy and I arrived here on a ship this morning. We went our separate ways so he could make his case with you," Coovers said.

"Ha! Now, there can be no doubt that you are lying," Satoshi said. "Timothy has been under my employment for days. He was here this morning when I gave him a ring to give to the woman of my heart. Captain, your men escorted Timothy to Lady Sonia's estate so he could gain an audience with Sonia 2 days ago. Didn't you?"

"Yes, sir. We did," the captain said.

"There you have it. Testimonies proving Timothy has been my valuable page since before you stepped foot here," Satoshi said.

Coovers looked at Satoshi and then at the captain, confounded that they took Serena's side. He tried to think of how to counter their case, but there was no way he could say anything to make his case creditable. Serena looked at Coovers sympathetically, imagining his frustration. She wanted to reveal her identity out of hope that Coovers could confirm that her brother was alive and the real Timothy was the one he went to Viridian City with. It wouldn't have been the most tactful way to tell the truth, but it was tempting for no other reason than to ease Coovers's mind for what it was worth.

"My lord, Countess Sonia approaches!" an officer shouted.

All eyes turned to the officer pointing past them and then in the direction he was pointing. Satoshi's face lit up at the sight of Sonia, who walked toward everyone with three of her attendants following. Serena's heart ached from how the man she loved stared at another woman. Then she noticed that Sonia's eyes were fixed on her, and she had an annoyed expression. Serena grew uneasy as she wondered if Sonia had heard about the duel, and that made the countess upset with her somehow.

Sonia kept her eyes on Serena until she noticed Satoshi standing beside her. Though they had never met, Sonia had heard enough about Satoshi's appearance on top of his high-class blue suit that he was the duke. Sonia put on a wooden expression to show neither friendliness nor disrespect to the region's ruler. She and her attendants walked until they were a few feet away from Satoshi, Serena, Coovers, and the officers, and Satoshi walked over to kiss Sonia's hand.

"Sonia, my dear, it's taken too long for us to meet face to face. You truly are an angel walking on this Earth," Satoshi said.

"My lord, what do you want, except for the one thing you cannot have that I can help you with?" Sonia asked before she turned to Serena with another annoyed look. "Timothy, you broke your promise. And why are you back in your uniform?"

"Back in my uniform?" Serena asked in confusion.

"Gracious Sonia," Satoshi began, not paying attention to Sonia's focus on Serena.

"My lord, let me stop you there," Sonia said. "If you're just going to repeat the same old things, then it will be as pleasant to my ears as hearing howling after listening to beautiful music."

"Oh, why are you so cruel, dear Sonia?" Satoshi asked.

"I am not cruel, my lord. I am being consistent," Sonia said.

"Consistent in what? Being horrible?" Satoshi asked. "I have breathed from my soul the most faithful, devoted offerings possible, but they've only been shut down without any hesitation or remorse. What else can I do?"

"Do whatever pleases you, my lord. Only accept that your dream to win my heart is dead on arrival before I go mad," Sonia said. "Now, if you don't mind, I must speak privately with Timothy."

Satoshi looked at Sonia in confusion until he noticed her looking at Serena anxiously. He turned to Serena, who grew uneasy from Sonia paying attention to her. The woman in disguise tried to keep a straight face, pretending nothing was going on, but her silence only further implied what she didn't want Satoshi to discover. The man Serena loved furrowed his brow as he put the pieces together, and he stepped between Sonia and Serena in jealousy.

"Very well, you cold-hearted beauty. If you wish to never see me again I shall begrudgingly respect your wishes," Satoshi said. "Only know that I leave you alone, taking Timothy with me. Whatever has been going on between the two of you is over, for I care about him, too. If you'll excuse us, I have a prisoner who needs to be judged. Timothy, to me."

"I remain at your side, my lord. I'd cheerfully, readily, and willingly die a thousand deaths if it would bring you peace," Serena declared.

Satoshi smirked, pleased that Serena took his side without hesitation. He turned around to walk in the direction of his estate, with Serena and the officers following behind him with Coovers. Sonia ran to Serena and grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to stop walking.

"Timothy, what are you doing?" Sonia asked.

"I'm following my master, who I love more than I love my eyes or my life, far more than I'll ever love a wife," Serena answered.

Sonia looked at Serena, crushed, and asked, "More than you could ever love a wife? How can you say that to me? Were you deceiving me when we last saw each other?"

"How could I deceive you? Everything I said when we had tea was the honest to God truth," Serena asked.

"Then perhaps by some strange misfortune, you've forgotten your own actions even when it hasn't been that long," Sonia said before turning to one of her attendants. "Fetch the priest who was with us earlier."

One of the attendants took a bow and raced toward the chapel. Sonia grew anxious again, fearing the person she loved went back on their vows that disregarded their places in society. Serena took the opportunity to yank Sonia's grip on her arm while distracted. Sonia turned to Serena in shock as Serena jogged to catch up with Satoshi. The countess's shock turned into frustration, and she stormed to catch up with them, her attendants following her again.

"Timothy, husband, I command you to stay!" Sonia shouted.

Satoshi, Serena, Coovers, and the officers stopped in their tracks. They paused momentarily, wondering if they heard Sonia right before they turned to face her again. Satoshi stared at Sonia and then at Serena, who looked at the countess in disbelief.

"Did you just call him husband?" Satoshi asked.

"Aye, I did," Sonia said. "We went to the chapel today to elope, and now I am Sonia Durbin. Then, Timothy left, claiming that he wouldn't take long to go to the Elegant Elephant Inn to tell his dear friend, Coovers, the news."

Coovers turned to Serena and asked, "Timothy, is this true? You were going to tell me that you married this woman?"

Sonia turned to Coovers, surprised that her husband's friend was there and held by Satoshi's men. Serena's eyes widened, and her mouth dropped as it hit her that her brother married the woman Satoshi tried to woo on top of being a friend of his enemy. Her shock turned to fear as Satoshi walked to face her with a jealous glare.

"Are you Sonia's husband?" Satoshi asked.

"N-no, sir. Not me. There has to be a misunderstanding," Serena said.

"Oh, poor Timothy. Your fear is so great that it makes you disguise your true feelings," Sonia said. "But don't be afraid, my love. Reach out and accept your good fortune. Be the person you know you are, and then you will be as powerful as the person you fear as the new count of Viridian City."

Serena's fear grew as Satoshi continued to look daggers at her. A minute later, Sonia's attendant came back with a priest. Sonia's face lit up as her attendant guided the priest to her. She took the priest by the hand and turned to Satoshi and Serena with a confident smirk.

"Father, we wanted to hide it, but the time has come earlier than expected to reveal the truth," Sonia said before pointing at Serena. "What do you know has happened between this man and me?"

All eyes turned to the priest in anticipation. Serena mentally prayed that the priest would deny knowing her or having anything to do with her or Sonia. The priest looked at Sonia and then at Serena before he smiled and turned to Satoshi, Coovers, and the officers.

"The countess and this man made an oath of eternal love, which was confirmed by joining hands, proved by a holy kiss, and strengthened by an exchange of rings," the priest said. "I witnessed and approved all of this in my official capacity as a priest. They are indeed united in matrimony before God."

Serena's heart sank with Sonia's last piece of evidence delivered. More than ever, she wished Timothy or a look-alike Sonia mistook Serena for was there to prove her innocence. Satoshi's officers stared at Serena, shocked that a page appeared to have conducted a scheme against their master. Coovers stood puzzled, wondering what prompted his friend to suddenly marry a countess, much less one the duke had eyes on. Serena begrudgingly looked at Satoshi to see the look of betrayal in his hazel eyes. The duke took a deep breath through his nose to keep himself from screaming in rage before he spoke venomously.

"You treacherous snake. How quick were you to go behind my back?" Satoshi said. "I suppose this is what I get for relying on a new page to do something I should have done myself. Either way, you are discharged. Take your wife and enjoy the fine life you crave. Only stay where you and I will never meet again."

Serena felt her heart break as though it was a ball of glass smashed by a sledgehammer. Whether Satoshi saw her as a man or a woman, she couldn't bear the idea of the man she loved casting her out of his life. Satoshi turned to begin waking to his estate, but before he could take a step, Serena wrapped her arms around him from behind, holding him back.

"Filth, release me, or you'll spend your first night as a count in the dungeon," Satoshi said coldly.

"My lord, please. I promise I'm not the person she says I am," Serena begged with tears in her eyes.

"Oh, don't promise or deny our love in any way, Timothy," Sonia said. "Keep a little faith. Faith in me. In us, even though you're so afraid of -"

"Help! Help!"

All eyes turned to the south side of the street to find Faba running toward them. The Alolan knight ran frantically with his face full of fear and his hand on his left cheek which was red and swollen. He was followed by James, Nando, and Jessie. James had a vertical cut on his forehead, and Jessie put pressure on the cut with her handkerchief. Sonia's eyes widened at the sight of her cousin injured while Satoshi furrowed his brow and shook off Serena's hold on him to face the knights and their companions.

"What is the meaning of this?" Satoshi asked.

"Sir, he's a madman! A madman, I tell you!" Faba squealed. "Sir James and I went to face him for being a dishonorable scoundrel, but he retaliated by beating me and cutting Sir James with his sword!"

"Who? Who has done this to you?" Satoshi asked.

"It was your servant, Timothy," James said.

"Timothy?" Sonia asked before turning to Serena. "Darling, is this true?"

Faba turned to Serena, and he screamed in a high-pitched voice.

"You! How could you have gotten here before us?" he squealed. "You weren't chasing us when we ran from you!"

"What are you talking about? I have done no harm to you apart from hitting you in the groin during our duel," Serena said.

"Bah! Again, you deny any wrongdoing when it's convenient for you!" James shouted. "You didn't hesitate to start another fight against us, disregarding our superiority against you!"

"Didn't hesitate to start a fight? I find that hard to believe," Sonia said. "Given your actions not 2 hours ago, it is more plausible that you started whatever quarrel led to Timothy hurting you. For that matter, you foolish knights have some nerve to start another fight after I rebuked you for attempting to take my Timothy's life. Furethermore, Timothy and I are married, so you will show respect for the new count of Viridian City."

"You're what?!" Jessie screamed.

"Cousin, have you gone mad? You're so infatuated that you would marry this wicked man?" James shouted. "If you had only let us make our case, you would realize that you taint your family name with the idea of marrying him."

"The only wicked men I see are you lot. I wouldn't dream of considering Timothy to be of any fault," Sonia said coldly.

"But, it's true, my lady. Sir James and Sir Faba have told us that the duke's servant has been a lying, treacherous, violent rapscallion," Jessie said.

"Indeed, I tried to convince Sir James and Sir Faba that fighting wasn't the answer, but they felt it their duty to fight on your behalf," Nando said. "If I may say so, most high countess, I feared that Timothy was not who you think he is and wished you had let Sir James and Sir Faba explain their actions before saying your wedding vows."

"Well, I don't know about my ex-servant being violent, but labeling him as lying and treacherous lines up," Satoshi said

"Oh, for heaven's sake, will these accusations never end!" Serena shouted before pointing her finger at Faba with an annoyed glare. "You were the one who challenged me to a duel without cause! I tried to be reasonable, but you disregarded my attempts without a second thought. I have not damaged your face nor cut Lady Sonia's cousin, but I applaud who did, considering it punishment for your reckless desire to claim my life! I swear on my brother's soul that I hope someone knocks some sense into you before things get worse for you by my hand, Mr. Woodward's, or anyone else!'

Sonia looked at Serena in confusion and said, "I thought Serena's your only sibling."

Serena's face fell, and she froze in place, realizing her mistake. She opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn't think of a story about having another sibling. James and Faba smirked, thinking Sonia caught their enemy in a lie. Satoshi, however, turned to Sonia with his face fallen, as though saying Serena's name made him forget everything else.

"Did you say Serena?" Satoshi asked.

"Aye, I did," Sonia said.

"And didn't you say your married name is Durbin?" Satoshi asked.

"Yes. What of it?" Sonia asked.

Satoshi's eyes widened and he looked down in thought. Sonia, Jessie, Faba, Nando, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and Satoshi's officers looked at the duke in confusion. Coovers watched Satoshi with a feeling of hope that knowing who Timothy's sister is might work to his friend's advantage despite thinking he was betrayed. Serena didn't know whether to be hopeful or concerned with how the man she loved would react.

Finally, the edges of Satoshi's lips curled up, and he chuckled with his mouth closed before he burst out laughing with his head up. Everyone around him was taken aback by his laughter, and some bystanders looked at their ruler, thinking he had gone mad. But Satoshi paid no mind, for he was lost in his own world where he felt his jealousy and desire for Sonia disappear. After a minute, Satoshi turned to Serena and smiled as though he was laughing with an old friend.

"Of course. It all makes sense now. Your last name is Durbin, so you must be Timothy Durbin, twin brother of Serena, the girl who helped me all those years ago," Satoshi said. "I feel so foolish for not realizing this sooner. I've been so lost in my little world revolving around Sonia that your name didn't trigger my memory, and put together that sweet Serena's brother is my new page. Now that I think about it, you described her appearance the other night, wondering if I remember her. Didn't you? Is that why you asked what I would do if Serena was in love with me? Does the Serena I know, by some miracle, feel that way even if I don't deserve her?"

Serena stammered, dumbfounded by how Satoshi put the pieces together. Then she chuckled sheepishly, thinking of how Satoshi's accusations weren't entirely off. Satoshi's smile grew, interpreting Serena's reaction as his page being shocked that he figured out his scheme for his sister. The next thing Serena knew, the man she loved put his hands on her shoulder and looked at her with excitement and hope in his hazel eyes.

"Timothy, please, tell me where your sister is," Satoshi demanded. "On my honor, I will forgive your transgressions against me. I'll even give you all my wealth as a wedding present. Only please tell me where Serena is. If she is unmarried and remembers me fondly, I want nothing more than to see her again. Nothing else matters to me. Not even if your bride was single and loved me more than I loved her."

Serena's eyes widened, and her cheeks heated up. The fact that the man she loved unknowingly confessed his desire to be with her made her heart race with joy. She wanted to remove her disguise and reveal that she was the person Satoshi wanted, expecting him to pull her in a tight hug. Yet, even as the duke forfeited pursuing Sonia, doubt festered in the honey-blonde woman's mind, thinking Satoshi might go back on his declaration out of anger for deceiving him.

Jessie, James, Faba, Nando, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and Satoshi's officers remained confused, having never heard any mention of Satoshi's page having a sister or that he might be in love with her. Sonia and Coovers, on the other hand, looked at Satoshi in sympathy. In their eyes, the woman he wanted to see drowned in the ocean, and her brother was struggling to tell him because it was so painful for him. With a sigh, Sonia took Serena's hand and stepped between her and Satoshi, giving the duke an apologetic look.

"My lord, I wish to speak on my husband's behalf," Sonia said. "I'm afraid Serena has -"

"Sonia!"

All eyes turned to the direction Jessie, James, Nando, and Faba came from to see Timothy racing toward them. The real Timothy ran to his wife with a bright smile, not noticing the group of people stupified by his sudden appearance. Timothy stopped in front of Sonia and placed his hand on her cheek before planting a kiss on her lips.

"So sorry I took so long, darling," Timothy said. "I looked for Coovers but didn't find him at the inn. I looked around the area to see if he was nearby when your cousin and his friends approached me. I admit I might have gotten a little carried away in defending myself when they attacked me again. Please, forgive me, dear."

Sonia was too stunned to respond. Reason suggested that this was the Timothy she married, given that he wore the clothes she last saw him in and his kiss was familiar. Still, Sonia was bewildered that there were two Timothy Durbins at once. Timothy's smile turned to a confused frown, wondering why Sonia looked at him as though she wasn't sure who he was. Then, he looked past her and saw Coovers and his face lit up for a moment before he realized that Coovers was not wearing his disguise and several officers were standing beside him on opposite sides. Timothy rushed to his friend with a worried look, not noticing Coovers being as confused as Sonia.

"Coovers! I was looking for you at the inn, but you weren't there," Timothy said. "What happened?"

Coovers stared at Timothy silently for a moment before he asked, "Are you truly Timothy? The one I survived the shipwreck with and came to Viridian City with this morning? The one I lent my wallet to?"

"Of course I am," Timothy said looking at his friend as though he told an odd joke. "Who else would I be?"

"Well, it's just that I'm seeing two Timothys who are identical in every way apart from their clothes," Coovers said before turning to Serena. "Did you split into two people when last we saw each other, or did you have an identical brother with the same name?"

Timothy looked at Coovers, confused, before he turned to where his friend was looking. His face fell as he looked at the person who matched his facial appearance to a tee. Serena looked back at Timothy with tears coming from her eyes, for she was now sure of the truth. Timothy slowly walked to Serena in puzzlement while everyone else watched, eager for answers.

"Who are you?" Timothy asked. "I do not have the power to split myself unless I gained the ability and didn't know it. I also don't have a brother with the same name and appearance as me, but I had a sister who could mimic my appearance perfectly."

"And I had a brother who could mimic my appearance perfectly," Serena said. "Did you lose your sister in a storm in the sea?"

"I did," Timothy said. "We were performers traveling to Alola from Kalos, our home region."

"So were we. My father died when we were very little. I inherited his hair, while my brother inherited our mother's," Serena said.

"I inherited my mother's brown hair and my father's green eyes, while my sister had my father's honey blonde hair and my mother's blue eyes," Timothy said. "But your eyes are green like mine. You can't be who I hope you are unless..."

Serena smiled, tears still running down her face. She removed her contacts, revealing her ocean-blue eyes, then took off her wig, letting out her honey-blonde hair. Timothy's eyes widened, and he paused before taking off Serena's fake goatee. The twins stood still for a moment before Timothy smiled with tears in his eyes.

"Serena," he said.

"Timothy," Serena said.

Timothy and Serena were silent for a moment before they chuckled in relief. Then, their mouths quivered, and they hugged each other, crying. Sonia watched them with both hands covering her mouth and tears running down her face. Coovers put the pieces together with the misunderstanding and then smiled warmly, happy for the twins. Jessie, James, Nando, Faba, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and the officers, however, were flabbergasted, thinking they saw a man magically transform into a woman.

"What the devil is going on?!" James shouted. "Has going two days without any wine or ale led me to hallucinate?! How are there two Timothy Durbins, and one of them is a woman?!"

Timothy and Serena broke their hug and chuckled as they wiped the tears from their eyes and turned to face James.

"This is the real Timothy Durbin," Serena said, pointing at her brother. "I'm his twin sister, Serena. We were street performers disguising ourselves as each other for our acts before we were separated from a shipwreck. I thought my brother was dead, and so I disguised myself as a man to get a job, taking Timothy's name in his memory. I'm the page who was visiting your cousin on the duke's behalf."

"And I came to the city this morning with my friend before I married your cousin," Timothy added.

"So, you admit to being a liar just as we accused you of being," Faba said, angrily pointing at Serena. "As a knight, this makes it my right to discipline you for tricking your superiors."

"I'd advise against that, Sir Faba," Nando said. "Liar or not, she's the sister of a count now, which makes her a lady of the court by marriage. They both outrank you now. To say nothing of how Timothy has proved perfectly capable of fending you and Sir James off. Go after his sister, who he thought was dead, and your swollen cheek may be the least of your worries."

"Er, well, they are not officially recognized as members of the court yet, so logically, we still have time to challenge them to a duel," Faba said nervously. "Better yet, I'll sue both for assault and battery if there's any justice and law in Kanto. I struck him first, but that shouldn't matter."

"It does matter, you imbecile. You attacked me, so I have the grounds to sue," Timothy said.

"But you are the one who harmed me and Sir James, so I automatically win," Faba claimed smugly.

Timothy, Serena, Sonia, Jessie, James, Nando, the priest, the attendants, and the officers looked at Faba as though the grown man had suddenly started babbling like a 4-year-old. James rolled his eyes while Jessie pinched the bridge of her nose before giving Faba a stern glare. She put James's hand on her handkerchief to have him put pressure on his wound while she stormed in front of Faba and pointed at him like a teacher disciplining her delinquent student.

"Now, listen here, you self-entitled dolt! I've had enough of you making dimwitted statements while thinking you are entitled to respect or my lady's hand in marriage!" Jessie barked. "My James has his moments of stupidity, but at least he has his drunkenness as an excuse and is working to overcome his addiction! You, on the other hand, are stupidity personified! I tolerated your presence because your biggest crime was being someone James could get drunk with when you weren't bothering my mistress! Now, you've been causing fights because you can't get your way causing more harm for yourself and your friends! If that cut inflicted on my husband leaves a scar, I'll never forgive you, you gullible, scrawny jackass!"

Faba gasped in a high-pitched voice and said, "Sir James, are you willing to let your woman speak to me like that? I thought she had better sense than to speak to a knight like that."

Jessie clenched her teeth and made a fist, ready to punch Faba on his uninjured cheek. Before she could take a step toward him, James stood between Jessie and Faba, giving the latter a sullen look.

"If Jessie wasn't afraid to speak to a knight like that, she wouldn't have been rightfully rebuking me for years," James said. "And now that she's let it out, I may as well say I agree with my wife. You are a dimwitted fool who I tried to set up with my cousin because of your wealth. I see now that I was a fool to encourage you for so long, and I will not tolerate you speaking so condescendingly about Jessie."

Faba's mouth dropped, flabbergasted. Jessie crossed her arms and gave her husband a smirk of approval. The Alolan knight stepped back in shock, feeling James's words hit him like a ton of bricks before turning to Nando, who struggled not to laugh.

"And what of you, fool? Do you think of me as stupid? That I'm a bigger fool than you?" Faba said.

"If you ask my honest opinion, sir, then I say asking if you're a fool so that you may be aware may be the smartest thing you've ever done," Nando said. "As I've said to Giovanni not too long ago, I am a fool by choice for my occupation while you let delusions of grandeur give material to mock you. Furthermore, adding to Sir James talking about your wealth, allow me to give advice from one fool to another. Money can buy you many things, but unfortunately, smarts isn't one of them, and he who exalts himself will be humbled."

Faba gasped in a high-pitched voice again as he felt his reality continue to shatter. Jessie covered her mouth as she snickered while James pointed at Nando as he nodded at Faba as if to say, "There you have it." After a few seconds, Faba shut his eyes and clenched his teeth while his face turned red with rage.

"Fine!" he barked. "Mock me all you want, but don't come crying to me if your superiors are fed up with your antics and cast you out with no wealthy dolt to help you out! You've tainted your family with servants and paupers anyway, so there's no reason for me to stick around with you lot!"

Faba straightened his jacket and stormed away with his head held high in an attempt to show his superiority by not marrying a lady-in-waiting or a street performer. Unfortunately for the Alolan knight, Nando mimicked his stomping with a goofy pouting face, making Jessie and James giggle. As they made fun of the witless, condescending knight, Timothy and Serena stared at the group, having watched the entire interaction.

"Do you have any idea of what is going on there?" Timothy asked.

"Honestly, brother, I barely know those people more than you, Serena said. "I'd like to compare stories with you to figure out their issue with me, you, both, or whatever."

Timothy scoffed with a smile, looking forward to him and his sister exchanging stories. Then the twins noticed Sonia still staring at them from the corner of their eyes and turned to face her. Sonia still covered her mouth as she stared at Timothy and Serena with tears in her eyes. Serena frowned in guilt and sympathy as she walked to Sonia and took her by her hands.

"I'm very sorry about all this deception and confusion, my lady. It was never my intention to cause you any sort of emotional harm, least of all not when I was going through the same thing you were by believing my brother was dead," Serena said. "I wanted you to fall for the duke instead of me believing he can give you the love you need after losing so much. I don't know how I can make amends for causing so much trouble, but I assure you that the real Timothy is a good man and will prove to be a fine husband."

"Indeed, dear Sonia. My sister may be living, but I vowed to be there for you for the loss of your brother, and may the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if I don't fulfill my vow to the end," Timothy said.

"I beg of you, my lady, don't be furious with us," Serena said.

Sonia didn't say anything for a moment, making Timothy and Serena uneasy. Then suddenly, Sonia gave Serena a smile that stretched from ear to ear, and she hugged her tightly. Serena stood taken aback as the countess hugged her before looking back at her while holding hands.

"How can I be upset when my husband has his sister back?" Sonia asked. "For that matter, how can I be upset knowing I have a sister-in-law?"

Serena remained shocked momentarily before she smiled and hugged Sonia back. Her body eased up in relief as she let it sink in that the countess was part of her family. The women broke their embrace and stared at each other, smiling, before Sonia looked past Serena and then gave her a smirk.

"But you know, Serena, I'm not the only one you should be apologizing to," Sonia said.

Serena looked at Sonia, confused, before it hit her. Her eyes widened, and she hesitated before slowly turning to see Satoshi standing a few feet away. Serena grew uneasy, afraid of what the ruler of the Kanto region might do, until she realized Satoshi was looking at her in awe with his mouth slightly open, as though he were looking at an angel. Timothy and Sonia looked at each other and smiled before they backed away just as Satoshi walked toward Serena until they were only two feet apart.

"Serena," Satoshi said softly. "All this time, after years of wanting to see you again, you were here as my employee from right under my nose. I can scarcely believe you're such a good actor that I couldn't have any idea."

"My lord, please understand that I had to do what I thought was necessary to survive after thinking I had no male relatives left," Serena said. "If nothing else, I wanted to see you again and be there for you every day, even if you saw me as nothing more than a lowly page. I often wanted to tell you the truth whenever we were alone, but I was afraid of how angry you would be or if you would be disappointed with seeing the woman I have grown to be. I'm deeply sorry."

"On the contrary, madam, I should apologize," Satoshi said. "It couldn't have been easy to hide who you are while helping me attempt to woo another woman. I beg you to forgive me and tell me it's not too late to make amends."

Serena frowned and asked, "Do you truly mean that, my lord, or are you only saying that because your first pick has been taken?"

Satoshi pulled his head back and laughed as though Serena meant it as a joke. Timothy, Sonia, Coovers, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and the officers gave disapproving looks while Jessie, James, and Nando still made fun of Faba. Serena winced, thinking Satoshi was making fun of her, until Satoshi took her hands and held them up, giving Serena a smile that made her heart skip a beat.

"She could be single and more in love with me than I was in love with her, and I wouldn't care," Satoshi said. "I was certain someone as benevolent as you already found someone to marry, and so was beyond my reach even if I went back to Kalos and searched the entire region for you to ask for your hand. Now that you are here before me, I feel a semblance of hope to be with someone who has been my first choice for as long as I can remember."

Serena's eyes widened, and her cheeks turned pink.

"S-surely, my lord, you don't mean a commoner like me," she said.

Satoshi chuckled as though the answer was obvious.

"Serena, you heard me talk about you when it was just us on your second night in my house. Who else could I be referring to?" Satoshi said. "Now that I think about it, your actions since you started working for me make sense. You were devoted to pursuing my happiness even if I had my eyes on someone else. Not only that, but you showed more of your talent as a performer than you did when we were children, and your singing and playing the piano have become addictions for me. If nothing else, I'm thankful that your identity is revealed because now I can see that the girl I remember has grown as beautiful as she is kind, just like I knew she would be."

Serena's cheeks went from pink to beet red. Her heart raced as Satoshi made his declaration with his hazel eyes gleaming at the sight of her. The next thing she knew, the ruler of the Kanto region got down on his knees. He hung his head while holding Serena's hand with both hands like a slave, begging his mistress to grant him forgiveness for disobedience.

"Serena, I am not worthy that I should ask this after what you've been through these last few days, but if there is anything I can give you in exchange for your hand in marriage, name it," Satoshi vowed. "Jewelry, my house, my stepfather's fortune, my domain, just say the word, and it'll be yours."

Serena put her free hand on her mouth as a new set of tears ran down her face. Even if Satoshi wasn't offering her a ring, it filled her heart with joy that the man she loved deeply wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Serena knelt and lifted Satoshi's head by his chin so they were at eye level while she gave him a loving smile.

"My lord, if you really mean it, the only thing I want is your heart," Serena said.

It took Satoshi a moment to process what Serena said before he gave her a toothy grin. He rolled up his sleeve to reveal the blue ribbon tied to his wrist, surprising Serena as he untied it. Satoshi tied the ribbon around Serena's wrist, then took Serena's hands and gave her a toothy grin.

"Serena, you have my heart now and always," Satoshi said. "And my name is Satoshi if you don't mind."

Serena's face lit up, and she squealed, "Oh, Satoshi," as she lunged into Satoshi's arms. Satoshi laughed as he hugged Serena back before they leaned in for a kiss. The priest, the attendants, and the officers watched the ruler of the region kiss his page, baffled, while Coovers smiled for his friend's sister. Jessie, James, and Nando stopped making fun of Faba and turned around to find Satoshi and Serena kissing. They stared in shock before they looked at each other, wondering what they missed. Timothy and Sonia smiled as they watched with Sonia's arm wrapped around Timothy's waist. Then Timothy remembered that Coovers was still arrested and cleared his throat to catch Satoshi's attention.

"Excuse me, my lord, but what do you plan to do to Coovers?" Timothy asked.

Satoshi and Serena stopped kissing, and Satoshi's face soured. He and Serena got on their feet while holding hands, and the duke turned to face Timothy.

"He will stand trial and likely be imprisoned for his crimes against me," Satoshi said. "His warmongering and greed are too great of an offense to me to let him go."

"He may be your enemy, my lord, but he is my friend and saved my life. What's more, his refusal to pay what the Unovian fleet agreed to pay was partially because he needed the money for his wife, who was bearing their triplet sons," Timothy said. "If money can satisfy the issue, take me as an employee to work to pay for whatever Coovers owes on top of what I owe him for lending me his purse."

"Timothy, don't be so rash," Sonia said, stepping in front of him worriedly. "You're a count now. I'd be more than happy to use my fortune to satisfy your friend's debt."

Timothy smiled and put his hand on Sonia's cheek in appreciation. Satoshi's frown deepened until Serena stepped before him with a pleading look. The duke hesitated, struggling between pride and love, before he sighed in defeat.

"Very well. I cannot refuse you when the love of my life wishes for me to accept your offer. If nothing else, she has you back thanks to your friend, so I suppose that's enough to free him and send him back to his homeland," Satoshi said before turning to Coovers. "That being said, I cannot forgive you for everything you've done against me when you sailed for the Unova fleet. Once you leave, I never want you to see you anywhere near Kanto ever again."

"I understand, my lord. You have my word that you'll never see my face again," Coovers said.

Ash nodded and shook Coovers's hand to ensure they had an accord. While they shook hands, Serena hugged Satoshi from behind and kissed his cheek to show her appreciation. The officers let Coovers go, and Coovers walked to Timothy for a hug. Before she turned to Satoshi, Sonia hugged Coovers next to show her appreciation for saving Timothy's life.

"Well, my lord, I suppose we're going to be in-laws very soon," Sonia said.

It took Satoshi a moment to realize Sonia was right before he laughed while Serena squeezed him from behind.

"I guess we are. Fate is a fickle thing," Satoshi said.

"Indeed, it is," Sonia said. "On a separate note, I hope you don't mind if Coovers stays with us before he sails home."

"Are you sure that's okay, my lady?" Coovers asked.

"Of course. It would be my pleasure. Far as I'm concerned, you brought Timothy to me, so you deserve fine hospitality that the Magnolia, er, Durbin house can provide," Sonia said.

"And I want to give you a proper farewell since we're never going to see each other again," Timothy said.

Coovers looked at Sonia and then at Timothy before me, smiled, and nodded in acceptance. Timothy and Sonia's smiles grew before they turned to Satoshi in anticipation. Again, the duke hesitated while his fiancee hugged him in bliss until he gave in.

"If that is what you want, then I leave the responsibility of him sailing to Unova to you," Satoshi said. "In the meantime, I suggest we move on to settle accounts with Coovers Woodward so we may focus on more important matters."

"Of course. We should make our payment. The sooner, the better," Timothy said. "Sonia, dear, should we head to your, er, our estate to make the settlement?"

"Yes, we can discuss what Coovers owed and make our payment right away," Sonia said before her smile disappeared. "Although, my steward, Giovanni, is in charge of managing my finances, and recently he's been acting very strange. I ordered Jessie to have Cousin James fetch a doctor for Giovanni, but I don't know what's happened since then."

Jessie, James, and Nando's faces fell, and they looked at each other in unease. They turned to walk away, trying to act casual, but all eyes turned to them upon Sonia, revealing she left Giovanni in their care. Sonia was confused with Jessie, James, and Nando's behavior until she realized they were hiding something. She furrowed her brow and loudly cleared her throat, making her servants and cousin freeze. Jessie, James, and Nando squirmed as they slowly turned to face everyone. Satoshi, Serena, Timothy, Coovers, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and the officers looked at the trio curiously while the countess glared with her hands on her hips.

"Jessie, Nando, Cousin James, where is Giovanni?"