A grand celebration banquet was being held within the Pokémon Domain Castle.
Aven was not particularly accustomed to such occasions, but he also knew that this was the best opportunity to strengthen ties between himself and the territory's officials.
After all, the reason the Pokémon Domain had developed so smoothly and prosperously was inseparable from the collective efforts of these officials.
"Your Highness Aven, what exactly was the evolution method you mentioned earlier for Rhyperior?"
Originally, Aven had intended to enjoy a relaxed dinner while casually chatting with everyone to build rapport. However, the moment Master Makin entered the banquet hall, he impatiently asked about Rhyperior.
The research into Alchemy of turning stone into gold—was something Master Makin had studied for a very long time. Even though he now had new research directions related to Poké Balls, he had never truly been able to let go of alchemy.
Now that he had personally witnessed Rhydon successfully evolving into Rhyperior, it reignited his hope for alchemy. If he couldn't figure this out, he honestly wouldn't even be able to enjoy his meal.
"The key to Rhydon evolving into Rhyperior lies in the armor it wears," Aven replied helplessly.
The atmosphere of this celebration banquet was very relaxed. After glancing around at the officials chatting and laughing together, Aven led Master Makin out to the castle garden.
At this moment, a large number of Pokémon had gathered in the garden, with all kinds of delicious food laid out before them.
As Pokémon were now the most important part of the Pokémon Domain, this celebration banquet naturally included them as well. Moreover, it was precisely because of their efforts that the territory had been able to develop so well.
At the same time, the castle garden was connected to the entire Safari Zone. Not only the Pokémon living in the castle, but all Pokémon throughout the Pokémon breeding zone were able to enjoy this celebration banquet.
Even the territory's residents had each received a silver coin as a reward. At this moment, the entire Pokémon Domain was immersed in a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.
When the Pokémon saw Aven arrive, they immediately surrounded him. Whether they were his own Pokémon or others', all of them showed great respect and fondness for him—after all, everything they had now was brought about by Aven.
"HEEEAAT~"
Heatran was also buried in its specially prepared delicacies, showing not the slightest trace of dignity befitting a guardian deity.
When it noticed Aven approaching, it didn't even lift its head. The food was simply too delicious—far tastier than slurping molten lava.
"Rhyperior, come over here for a moment," Aven called out.
Hearing Aven's words, Rhyperior—still sitting on the ground while hugging a pile of iron ore and eating—lifted its head. With a puzzled expression, it clutched the ore and walked toward Aven.
"Master Makin, take a look at these orange-red armor plates on Rhyperior."
"This is the key to Rhydon's evolution into Rhyperior. As long as we can identify the materials that make up this armor, then forge them under extremely high temperatures and pressure into protective gear that Rhydon can absorb, the evolution should be possible."
Combining Rhyperior's condition with what he knew about the special item known as Protective Gear, Aven summarized the evolution method.
He also had some guesses regarding the Protector item in the future world. Perhaps the very first researcher who discovered how to evolve Rhydon into Rhyperior had used a similar method to develop the Protector.
"Forge armor for Rhydon!" Master Makin's eyes slowly lit up.
Afterward, he began circling Rhyperior nonstop, occasionally knocking on the armor plates on its body, his face filled with excitement.
He had no doubt whatsoever about Prince Aven's words. Next, he would carry out research using this method and successfully create the Protector Gear!
"I'll be leaving it to you from here," Aven said.
"If you succeed in producing the Protector Gear, you'll definitely be recorded in history."
Aven patted Master Makin on the shoulder. He was becoming more and more accustomed to delegating tasks, and this feeling wasn't bad at all.
"Leave it to me, Your Highness Aven!" Master Makin saluted, suppressing his excitement.
After that, he immediately took Rhyperior to the smithy. Seeing that Master Makin was so eager to conduct research that he didn't even bother attending the banquet, Aven could only shake his head helplessly.
After chatting with the Pokémon in the garden for a while longer, Aven returned to the banquet hall, where many officials immediately came over to toast him.
By the time the banquet was halfway through, Aven was already feeling a bit drunk. He left the hall and went up to the castle's high platform, letting the cool breeze brush against him as he gazed out over the territory in the distance.
Compared to last spring, the Pokémon Domain had undergone earth-shaking changes yet again this year. After such a long period of land reclamation, there was no longer a single stretch of wasteland left.
Every parcel of land was either planted with fruit trees, sown with wheat and crops, or designated as construction land. Numerous villages had been established, and rows upon rows of residential buildings now stood proudly across the territory.
At the same time, through diligent labor, there was no longer a single serf in the Pokémon Domain. Everyone had relied on their own work to successfully rise to the status of free citizens.
Now that land reclamation was nearly complete, the territory no longer needed additional serfs. From this point onward, the Pokémon Domain would not have a single serf left. Aven had already begun implementing the abolition of slavery within the territory.
Furthermore, he would continue to promote the abolition of serfdom in other territories as well, with the ultimate goal of eliminating serfs entirely—not just in Aspiration City, but throughout the entire Sinnoh Region.
In the time to come, manpower would become an increasingly valuable resource. People would enter factories to work, producing more goods and creating greater value.
With the Pokémon Domain's current finances, it could fully support the wages of all workers. The value they created for the territory would not only be exchanged for food and supplies, but a substantial portion would be distributed directly to residents as wages.
Once residents had money, they would, in turn, spend it within the territory, investing more into trainers and fostering the emergence of even more trainers.
According to statistics from the Pokémon Breeding House, sales of various Pokémon-related products had increased noticeably recently. At the same time, goods in the commercial district market that clearly improved quality of life were also seeing rapid sales growth.
Without a doubt, this was a sign that the standard of living among residents was steadily improving. According to the city hall's statistics, the population of the Pokémon Domain had been growing continuously, with more and more civilians from other territories migrating here.
If this trend continued, it wouldn't be long before the residential districts of Fairhaven Town became fully occupied. Fortunately, the construction of Azure Town was nearly complete. By then, civilians arriving from other territories could settle in Azure Town instead.
In the future, Azure Town was destined to become the external gateway of the Pokémon Domain—and even of Aspiration City as a whole. Massive commercial exchanges would generate enormous profits and also require a vast labor force, keeping the entire market in a state of sustained growth.
"The development of the Pokémon League within the Pokémon Domain has matured. Next, it's time to truly promote it outward," Aven narrowed his eyes slightly.
At present, the Pokémon League in Aspiration City had also begun to take shape, but the relationships between nobles and territories were complex. It could only be promoted step by step.
This was precisely why the continued expansion of the Pokémon Breeding Zone, the Pokémon Breeding House, and the Trainer Association all existed—to serve this goal. Now, the role of the Trainer Association had fully manifested.
Once trainers made up the majority of Aspiration City's population or everyone became a trainer—the authority of lords and nobles would be reduced to the lowest possible level.
At that time, once the Pokémon League system was introduced, it would undoubtedly gain massive support from trainers. Sometimes, the collapse of a powerful force begins from within its own populace.
Compared to Aspiration City, coastal cities like Marina City and Meteor City—where Aven had fewer entanglements—were more suitable for fully implementing the Pokémon League plan. With the support of the city lord, it wouldn't be necessary to pay too much attention to the opinions of other lords.
In addition, modern civil initiatives such as expanding education, strengthening infrastructure, and improving residents' cultural literacy also needed to be put on the agenda as soon as possible.
Especially education and cultural development. Summer was approaching, and during this summer, the Pokémon Domain would hold its first official civil service examination. Anyone who had obtained the appropriate cultural certification would be eligible to register.
(End of Chapter)