I see you like your gift. It’s a thought he doesn’t voice, though its written all over his face, amusement hardly concealed in his expression as he watches Volkner enthusiastically fiddle and spin his new hat. It grows greater at his displeasure towards Riley’s jest, taut lips barely withholding a snicker. “You really never wear shorts and sandals at all? I can understand where you’re coming from, though. I don’t really get hot either, and when I do, I just take off my jacket.”
At his question, Riley lets out a thoughtful hum. “I’m in no rush, frankly. Ah… this is a little embarrassing, but even though I’ve been in Sinnoh for a while now, I haven’t taken the opportunity to properly explore the region.” Battling and training had taken precedent in his mind back then, and he had spared little thought for anything else, including visiting more cities. Riley starts looking a little sheepish. “So if you don’t mind, I’d be happy to have a tour of the place. It’d be a pleasure to be shown around the city by the gym leader himself, especially since I’ve heard that you pretty much singlehandedly renovated the place.”
“I don’t wear shorts in general. and sand’s annoying as shit. I might live in an area with a wonderful beach, but it doesn’t necessarily mean I have to enjoy all of the components. sun’s nice, heat’s nice, sand’s the devil incarnate.” Volkner jokes, laughing a little. in fairness, when it got into weird areas, or if you just fell into sand and it got onto you, you could literally be finding sand a week or two later. not something Volkner enjoyed.
pleased by the other’s willingness, he begins to walk casually, implying his guest follow him. he’d go at a very slow pace, not for Riley’s sake, but his own. energy was hard to come by sometimes, and though he was admittedly eager to show off his city, he was still rather tired today.
“let’s take a trip to my second proudest invention. the roads in my city are largely composed of solar panels. energy is never a problem here.” though there were some issues with practicality, a road made of highly valuable tech probably had some problems with upkeep and maintenance.
“we’re pretty comfortable in that regard, using more pure sources of energy.” he gestures as he walks. “I believe you’re more familiar with mining, natural minerals and rocks, slightly, correct?”