"Next, we must persuade the lords of every territory in Aspiration City to relinquish their autonomy, adopt the same system as the Pokémon Domain, and accept unified governance by standardized departments."
"This is also the most difficult step in the entire process of building the Pokémon League. Fortunately, with Fessen's help, we can start from Casston and gradually establish the system."
"Once we have Casston's example as proof of success, and once Casston Town rises and thrives under the new structure, the resistance from the other lords toward giving up their autonomy in exchange for development will be much smaller. The system can then be slowly expanded to all territories!"
"However, now is still not the time. Only when the power in my hands becomes strong enough can I fully implement this system."
"Whether it is evolving the Poipole into a Naganadel strong enough to serve as a Guardian Diety, or awakening Darkrai's consciousness—both are viable paths."
"Only after the Pokémon League possesses a Guardian Diety of its own will we be able to face any challenge without fear—even if it means opposing all the nobles of Aspiration City."
Aven contemplated silently. Although the Pokémon Domain was already the strongest territory in the entire Aspiration region, if all the noble lords united against him, the Pokémon Domain would still face immense obstacles.
Moreover, he still was not certain of the intentions of Aspiration City's most influential noble. Princess Mira might appear easygoing and personable, but regarding this matter, Aven truly could not predict which side she would stand on.
If Princess Mira and Azelf insisted on preserving the original order of Aspiration City, there was nothing he could do. He was not prepared to wage war against the entire city.
For now, all he could do was continue eating away at the old structure little by little—just like how he dealt with the Cass family. Even without Fessen's connections, the establishment of a Pokémon League branch in Casston would gradually erode the Cass family's authority.
Just like the question Baron Cass had asked Fessen: if the Pokémon League branch is established in the town of Casston, who will Casston answer to in the future?
The answer was obvious. The Pokémon League, backed by the Pokémon Domain, possessed strength the Cass family simply could not compete with. And with the establishment of the Pokémon Food Processing Factory and the Fertilizer Processing Factory, it would become even easier for the League to win over the common people.
Even if Casston remained the Cass family's territory in name, they would gradually lose their autonomy. The Pokémon League could then slowly implement its own system in place of the old one.
"During the upcoming conference, I must make every effort to establish the Trainer System."
Knock, knock, knock—
Just as Aven was deep in thought, a series of knocks suddenly sounded from outside.
Fessen had returned. Stepping forward, he reported, "Your Highness Aven, Captain Kevin has arrived. Additionally, they have brought Garchomp's tribe back with them!"
Hearing the words "Garchomp's tribe," Aven's face lit up with joy. He quickly rose and followed Fessen out of the municipal hall, making his way toward the northern gate of Fairhaven Town to personally welcome the Aspiration City Knights and the Garchomp tribe.
Captain Kevin was indeed swift and decisive. Once he made a decision, the knights of Aspiration City had rushed to the Pokémon Domain without stopping. They arrived only a single day later than Baron Cass, despite setting out much later.
"GAAAR—!"
Garchomp were visibly excited upon arriving in the Pokémon Domain.
Its gaze swept around restlessly, clearly waiting for Aven and Kirlia to appear.
Captain Kevin stood beside the Garchomp, his eyes resting on the town before him—Fairhaven.
The knights of Aspiration City had once been stationed not far from Fairhaven Town. They only withdrew when the land became Aven's territory. Now that they had returned, many of the knights wore nostalgic expressions, as if overwhelmed by how much things had changed.
"Hah… To think we're back again," sighed Knight Commander Hunter.
Last year during the winter beast tide, he and his knights had stationed themselves in Fruitvale Village for a period.
Now, seeing Fairhaven Town again, watching the trainers walking through the gate with their Pokémon, he felt a sense of familiarity.
Speaking of which, he himself was a registered trainer of the Pokémon Domain. He enjoyed the services of the Pokémon Breeding House, and he had long planned to visit it again soon.
With all the development that had taken place recently, he wondered just how much the Breeding House had changed. Would they have new training methods like the Rock Slide training program?
During these past months, his Pokémon had already reached a bottleneck in their growth. He felt that visiting the Breeding House would be a great opportunity to help them break through.
If that still didn't work, he felt that he might have to ask His Highness Aven for guidance personally. Just thinking about the powerful Pokémon Aven had raised made his heart burn with excitement.
Especially that Lilligant, he had watched that little Petilil grow with his own eyes, step by step. And now, she had already become a King-level Pokémon. Rising to that level in just a single year… her growth speed was simply terrifying.
Because of this, stories about Aven's unparalleled talent in raising Pokémon had already spread throughout Aspiration City.
Many knights whose Pokémon were stuck at a bottleneck had flocked to the Pokémon Domain; some even joined the territory solely for the chance to receive Aven's guidance.
"Gaaar!"
At that moment, Garchomp suddenly let out a low growl.
Sutter followed its line of sight and saw Aven approaching while holding a small white Pokémon in his arms.
Beside him were the unmistakable Lilligant and Kirlia. Though these two appeared delicate and gentle, their strength was easily comparable to an entire knight squad.
"GAAAR!"
When Garchomp saw Aven, it became even more excited and rushed forward without hesitation.
Aven chuckled softly, but as Garchomp approached, it hurried straight past him and stopped respectfully in front of Kirlia.
Seeing this, Aven's expression turned into one of unsurprised amusement. Ignoring Garchomp, who had suddenly transformed into a very well-behaved creature before Kirlia, he approached Captain Kevin.
"Captain Kevin, welcome to Fairhaven Town. You should take this time to enjoy the town for a while."
Kevin laughed heartily. "I've been wanting to see Fairhaven Town for a long time, especially the Pokémon Battle Arena. I heard you can freely enjoy battles there?"
"That's right. Once you're registered as a trainer, you can battle freely in the Battle Arena," Aven replied with a nod. "And the Pokémon Center's medical services in Fairhaven Town are excellent. Even if your Pokémon are injured in battle, they can be treated very quickly."
Aven then glanced at the excited knights behind Kevin. Compared to the workshops in the eastern district, it was obvious that the Trainer District appealed far more to them.
When the Breeding House had first been established, these knights had been its biggest supporters, they were practically the first group of beneficiaries, and they had given the Breeding House plenty of free publicity.
"In that case, I definitely have to give everything a proper try," Kevin grinned. "And of course, I must also experience the services of the Breeding House."
The two continued chatting as they walked into town, while Garchomp and its tribe followed Kirlia toward the Pokémon Breeding District.
After entering the workshops of the eastern district, Aven gave Kevin a brief introduction to the Pokémon Food Processing Factory and the Fertilizer Processing Factory, instantly catching Kevin's attention.
Especially the Food Processing Factory, now that their Pokémon had tasted Pokémon-Domain-made food, they no longer wanted anything else. This was one of Kevin's main reasons for coming here.
He wanted to establish a long-term partnership: from now on, he wished for all the Pokémon food for the Aspiration City Knights to be supplied by the Pokémon Domain, and he had no intention of purchasing food from other sources anymore.
"I'm planning to build Pokémon Food and Fertilizer factories in the Northern Domains."
"That way, if Ironblood Fortress ever requires supplies, they can purchase them directly from the nearby factories."
Kevin's eyes brightened. "Why not just build the factories directly in Ironblood Fortress?"
His idea was simple, if the factories were built in Ironblood Fortress, then the Aspiration City Knights could obtain Pokémon food at any time.
And with the fortress being so vast, the area previously owned by the Monster Beast Guild had never been renovated. It was the perfect location for constructing the factories.
"Building the factories in Ironblood Fortress…?"
"That is possible," Aven replied, "but you know well that the processing techniques for the food and fertilizer must remain strictly confidential."
"So, if the factories are to be built in Ironblood Fortress, I have one condition."
"The land where the factories are built must be purchased outright by the Pokémon Domain. Furthermore, within that land, the factories must possess complete autonomy."
"Not even the lord of the territory may interfere with the operation or internal management of the factories. Of course, taxes will still be paid as usual."
Kevin froze for a moment. Aven's conditions were unlike anything he had encountered before.
From the wording alone, it almost sounded like granting the factories territory equivalent to a feudal domain, except that the landowner was not a noble, and the factories would not be subject to the lord's authority.
In essence, Aven was carving out a small piece of territory to form an independent micro-domain. Although very small and without noble privileges, its autonomy exceeded even that of feudal nobles.
But thinking of Aven's concerns, Kevin found it reasonable. After all, the factories could bring enormous financial profit to any territory. Under such circumstances, granting autonomy seemed justifiable.
Besides, it did not matter much to Kevin himself—he was not the lord of Ironblood Fortress. Everything depended on Princess Mira's approval.
And because of that, he felt no pressure at all in considering Aven's request. As long as it benefited the Aspiration City Knights, he believed it would ultimately be a good thing.
Soon, they passed through the eastern district and entered the northern area, where large groups of trainers and Pokémon filled the streets—immediately putting the knights at ease.
"Rhyy… RHHYY!"
Beside Kevin walked his Rhydon. The war-loving Pokémon looked at the many strong Pokémon nearby and started to growl excitedly.
It could already sense the presence of powerful opponents. It had long heard rumors of the Battle Arena, and now it was itching for a fight.
"The Battle Arena is that building over there," Aven pointed with a smile.
As they approached, they could hear the booming echoes of battle from within. Even the Pokémon could sense the waves of energy.
After a while, they spotted two Rhyhorn carrying a heavily injured Mightyena out of the arena, rushing toward the Pokémon Center bearing the red cross symbol.
It was clear that the Mightyena had taken serious damage during battle and was being taken for treatment.
Kevin followed them out of curiosity and soon saw a Chansey glowing with soft pink energy.
With Chansey's Heal Pulse, the Mightyena's injuries rapidly mended, and Kevin couldn't help but stare, eyes shining with amazement.
"Your Highness Aven, could we also build a Pokémon Center in Ironblood Fortress?"
He turned to look at Aven expectantly. A Pokémon Center capable of healing humans and Pokémon alike would be invaluable on the frontlines—especially for the Knights. It could greatly reduce casualties.
"A Pokémon Center? Certainly," Aven replied with a smile. "But the conditions will be the same as those for the factories."
Kevin nodded without hesitation. "That much I'm perfectly fine with."
After all, while the Pokémon Center charged fees, its true value lay in the rare Pokémon capable of healing injuries.
If all it cost was a piece of land, most lords would certainly agree to it. Healing Pokémon were far too rare and precious.
(End of Chapter)