When Aven finished arranging everything and finally returned to the castle, he suddenly noticed that a large crowd had gathered in front of the entrance. Leading them was none other than Thomas, the Minister of Construction.
"Greetings, Lord Aven."
Upon seeing him, Thomas and the craftsmen behind him hurriedly bowed.
At the same time, they were craning their necks and peeking around, as though searching for something. After a moment, disappointment quietly surfaced across all their faces.
"Thomas, what brings you all here today?" Aven asked, even though he already knew the answer.
Hearing this, Thomas rubbed his hands together excitedly.
"Lord Aven, I heard that a large number of Geodude and Onix have arrived in the territory again."
"So… I was wondering if we could perhaps meet them and try to select a few to join the Construction Department, to strengthen our construction efficiency."
After spending this period of time working alongside Pokémon, Thomas, this master architect had become increasingly aware of how tremendous Pokémon were for construction. At this point, the construction teams could no longer operate without their help!
"That is naturally fine," Aven replied.
"But according to the rules, you still need to earn their acknowledgment yourselves."
Aven nodded, then told Thomas the areas where the Ground-type Pokémon lived so he could find them on his own.
Hearing this, Thomas and the craftsmen immediately stood up. After entering the safari zone, they rushed toward the coastal mountain range.
Aven believed that it wouldn't be long before large numbers of Geodude and Onix appeared on construction sites throughout the Pokémon Domain, becoming a unique and striking scenery all their own.
Watching the craftsmen leave, the smile on Aven's face only grew. Pokémon gradually integrating into every aspect of human life—this was precisely what he wanted to see.
The changes within these craftsmen were the best proof of the Pokémon Domain's modernization and development as a true Pokémon world. A harmonious society where humans and Pokémon lived together was finally approaching.
"Next, I need to promote this concept throughout the entire Aspiration City." Aven thought deeply.
He walked toward his study, intending to further refine his proposal for the upcoming Pokémon League conference. Through his recent discussions with Captain Kevin, he had gained several new ideas.
According to the promise he had made earlier to the various noble lords, the matter of Pokémon Breeding Houses was not something he could truly exploit. Ultimately, management of the breeding houses would belong to the local lords—this had already been implemented in Keystone Town and the newly promoted town of Brambleford. (TN: Used to be a village)
However, those breeding houses within the lords' territories were essentially shops. The lords would simply purchase Pokémon food from the Pokémon Domain and resell them in their breeding houses. There were no significant technical issues involved.
But Pokémon food factories, fertilizer factories, and potion factories were completely different. These could not be operated merely with manpower—the key factor was technical knowledge.
Thus, Aven intended to focus on these areas: to take control of part of the autonomous power within these noble territories, preparing for a future in which he would fully take over regional autonomy and ultimately construct the framework of a Pokémon League system.
Still, from his conversation with Captain Kevin, he could sense some resistance. After all, nobles were not fools—they would weigh whether such a concession was worthwhile.
Once they lost control of the Pokémon food factories, fertilizer factories, and potion factories, it would be equivalent to carving out a portion of their land and forming a separate domain.
This sense of losing control over their own territory was like having outsiders suddenly move into one's home. Naturally, many lords found it impossible to accept—unless the "guest" was someone they could not refuse.
"It seems I still need to begin with Pokémon Centers."
"Pokémon food, fertilizer, and potions can all be purchased elsewhere, but Pokémon Centers are different."
"When one truly needs a Pokémon Center, the situation is almost always urgent. In such moments, time is what matters most."
"They cannot afford to travel to another territory for treatment. Therefore, establishing a Pokémon Center within their own lands becomes absolutely essential."
"Especially for territories near the Black Forest, which often face threats from magical beasts. A Pokémon Center would certainly save many more lives."
"In addition, Pokémon Centers can be built alongside Pokémon Battle Arenas. As Pokémon battles become popularized, Battle Arenas will inevitably become the most beloved sport, bringing massive financial revenue to local territories."
"And the territory's knights will certainly be injured during their training and battles. Pokémon Centers can eliminate their concerns and greatly increase their training efficiency."
Aven recalled how Captain Kevin had immediately agreed—his resistance toward Pokémon Centers had been extremely low. In fact, he seemed almost eager to establish one inside the Iron-Blood Fortress.
"In that case, the most important next step is to cultivate a large number of Pokémon with healing abilities," Aven pondered.
This was also the greatest challenge in building Pokémon Centers. Even now, the Pokémon Domain had very few Pokémon capable of healing.
Of course, Kirlia needed no explanation. Beyond that, the strongest healer was Chansey. Then there was Vileplume, which had mastered the move Grassy Terrain.
Whether it was Heal Pulse or Grassy Terrain, both were extremely difficult to learn. Even though the Pokémon Domain had countless Grass-type Pokémon, none besides Vileplume had successfully comprehended Grassy Terrain.
In truth, the most feasible way to build Pokémon Centers was to obtain a large number of Chansey.
Chansey were naturally gifted in healing. Especially those with the Ability Healer—for them, learning Heal Pulse was hardly difficult.
Once equipped with Heal Pulse, a Chansey could treat most injuries, more than enough to serve as a Pokémon nurse.
However, Chansey were extremely rare. Unless one possessed specialized knowledge like the Joy family, it was nearly impossible to breed them in large numbers.
Aven frowned in contemplation. Despite the difficulty, he still wanted to acquire them. That meant he had to speak with Marquis Salt, the only person known to possess a certain number of Chansey.
What frustrated Aven was that the marquis only used Chansey for egg-laying—an utter waste. If even one learned Heal Pulse, its value would increase a hundredfold, a thousandfold!
"…But it's still incredibly difficult," Aven sighed.
Given the circumstances, he was left with his alternative plan: to research a way for Grass-type Pokémon to learn Grassy Terrain.
Although the healing effects of Grassy Terrain were weaker than Heal Pulse, it was more than sufficient for ordinary situations.
Moreover, he remembered that many Pokémon could inherit Grassy Terrain through breeding.
Once several Grass-type Pokémon who already knew Grassy Terrain were bred, their offspring could inherit the move as well.
"In addition, I need to find the method for evolving Gloom into Bellossom," Aven continued planning.
Bellossom evolved from Gloom using a Sun Stone, and Bellossom was also a Pokémon highly skilled in healing techniques.
Even more importantly, if a Gloom with its Hidden Ability evolved into Bellossom, that Ability would transform into Healer—the very same Ability as Chansey!
With the Healer Ability, Bellossom's talent for healing would rise dramatically. It would easily learn various healing moves, including Grassy Terrain.
"Lilli!"
Upon hearing this, Lilligant immediately stood up, indicating that she would handle this matter.
She was already planning in her mind—she would gather all the Grass-type Pokémon and put them through rigorous training.
She had already compiled the entire process of her own evolution, and she intended to share it with the Glooms so that they could successfully evolve into Bellossom!
Lilligant believed the Glooms would work hard—after all, becoming Bellossom was the lifelong dream of countless Glooms.
Furthermore, mastery over life energy also needed to be strengthened. This was the true foundation of healing power; with life energy, one could even heal directly with greater effectiveness.
In any case, she would help Aven accomplish this mission. She knew this was an essential piece of his future plans.
"Good. I'll leave this matter to you."
"Also, I think we can visit the Great Wetlands in the west."
"That place is a paradise for Grass-type Pokémon. In such an environment, Leaf Stones and Sun Stones are far more likely to appear."
Aven gently patted the golden flower atop Lilligant's head. Truthfully, he had long wanted to visit the Great Wetlands.
Previously, he simply hadn't been strong enough. But after the tremendous surge in power he gained during winter, he felt he could now move freely and safely throughout the wetlands.
"Lilli~!"
Hearing the words "Great Wetlands," Lilligant's eyes sparkled with excitement.
She was just as interested in this paradise for Grass-type Pokémon. If she hadn't already evolved successfully, she too would have gone to the wetlands to seek an evolutionary opportunity.
"Yes. Now that it is spring, it is the perfect time to enter the wetlands. If we wait until summer, the environment there will become far harsher," Aven decided.
Once the Pokémon League conference concluded, he would find time to head west. Whether it was the matter of Chansey or the Great Wetlands, both required his personal attention.
Unfortunately, the Marquis Salt had only sent a delegation to the Pokémon Domain this time—he himself had not come. Otherwise, Aven could have communicated with him ahead of time.
(End of Chapter)