Night fell, and although every household lit kerosene lamps, the territory was still wrapped in layers of darkness.
But outside Lucien City, Megan's ranch shone as bright as day.
The brilliant light radiating from Ampharos's glowing tail illuminated the entire pasture.
"So bright!" Megan couldn't help but exclaim. "It's like daytime!"
Ampharos stood proudly in the field, tilting its head to admire the shining orb at the end of its tail. Its expression was full of joy.
"Ampha~!"
"Just like the Pokédex describes," Lucien thought to himself, though he couldn't help regretting one thing: the territory currently had only one Ampharos. Large-scale deployment was impossible.
However, seeing the radiant light and thinking back to the newspaper he had just created, Lucien suddenly had a brilliant idea.
The headline for the first issue of the Royal Gazette was settled.
Since this era had no electricity and no electric lamps, Ampharos could serve as living light sources, helping people during the night.
The next morning, Lucien called for Christina, the editor-in-chief of the Royal Newspaper, and shared his idea with her.
Under Lucien's direction, the printing process progressed rapidly.
Three days later, the first issue of The Royal Gazette was officially released.
The Newspaper Debuts
"A newsstand? What's that?"
"A newspaper? What's a newspaper?"
Seeing the curious crowd gathering around, the newsstand worker explained cheerfully:
"This is something His Highness Lucien created to entertain everyone and let you understand more about what's happening in the territory, along with knowledge about magical beasts!"
"The Royal Newspaper publishes new issues regularly, each with different content. If you're interested, you can buy a copy."
"If you want a long-term subscription or don't want to walk all the way here, you can pre-order for a small fee. We have dedicated delivery workers who will bring it to your door."
"If you can't read, the delivery person can even read it aloud to you."
This last detail was something Lucien personally insisted on, considering the literacy level of his people, a "newspaper reader" profession was essential.
"That's incredible! How much does it cost?" a resident asked.
"Three copper coins per issue!" the worker said, holding out three fingers.
The price was equivalent to a loaf of black bread, very affordable for commoners who now had stable incomes.
"I'll take one!" a man said eagerly.
"Here you go!" The worker handed him a neatly folded square paper. "Would you like the reading service?"
The man, who had never learned to read, ran his fingers over the smooth surface.
"So soft… this is paper?!"
"Yes," the worker said with a grin, then lifted another copy and began reading aloud.
The First Issue
"First, the contents of the front page."
"July 20th, Kingdom Year 149, Celebrating the establishment of the Royal Newspaper Office. His Highness Lucien delivers an important message to all citizens."
Hearing their prince's name, people nearby hurried over.
The delivery worker continued reading:
"My dear citizens, thank you for your hard work over the past year. Because of your effort, Lucien City has become what it is today.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you.
Let us continue building a prosperous and powerful home together."
"Heavens! His Highness Lucien is thanking us?!"
People were stunned, and then deeply moved.
In truth, they were the ones who owed Lucien their thanks. His policies had given them food, warmth, safety, and hope.
Soon, the crowd's astonishment transformed into excitement and pride.
Having such a benevolent lord was a blessing worth eight lifetimes.
The worker continued:
"Next is page two: Magical beasts Knowledge Corner."
"Mareep is an Electric-type magical beasts. Its wool is excellent for making clothing and carpets.
But once Mareep evolves into Flaaffy, and Flaaffy evolves into Ampharos, it no longer produces wool."
"But the orb on Ampharos's tail gives off an incredibly bright light at night, far brighter than a kerosene lamp. With an Ampharos around, no one ever needs to fear the dark again!"
Beneath this section of the newspaper was a clear illustration of Ampharos lighting up the night sky, making the information easy for every commoner to understand.
"This magical beast can do that?"
Such thoughts instantly surfaced in the minds of the crowd.
Some residents even began considering raising a Mareep of their own.
After all, merchants in the city were already buying Mareep wool by the cartload.
Wool while young, lighting while grown, Mareep truly was extraordinary.
Soon, a wave of enthusiasm for raising Mareep swept across Lucien City.
...
"Your Highness Lucien, the newspaper has become incredibly popular throughout the city!" Elif reported with a beaming smile. "Every morning, people line up at the newsstands for the newest issue. Many households have even subscribed to regular delivery!"
"Good," Lucien said, nodding in satisfaction.
Whether it was editors, delivery workers, newspaper readers, or newsstand owners, all of them provided new jobs for the residents. This alone helped boost the territory's economy.
However, Lucien's mind was on something else entirely.
Early this morning, he had entrusted a very special sheet of paper to the Zack caravan.
By his calculations, they should be arriving soon.
Right on time, a guard hurried inside.
"Your Highness Lucien, a merchant who calls himself Zack requests an audience!"
"Let him in," Lucien replied.
Moments later, a familiar figure rushed inside, clutching a pristine white sheet of paper. His expression was filled with excitement and disbelief.
"Your Highness, what is this?!" Zack exclaimed.
"Paper," Lucien replied simply, then smiled. "Tell me, how much do you think this kind of paper would sell for in other cities?"
Zack gulped, staring at the sheet in his hands.
The paper was pure white, smooth, durable, and clearly valuable. To nobles and scholars of other towns, this would be a rare treasure.
Zack was certain: some lords would pay hundreds of gold coins for a single blank sheet like this.
He gave his honest estimate.
Lucien wasn't surprised. Pure white paper required a more refined process. Compared to the slightly yellow, cheaper paper used by commoners in his territory, this high-grade version was crafted specifically to drain money from wealthier nobles.
"In that case," Lucien said, "I'll entrust all sales of this premium paper to you. You set the price. We split the profits, thirty percent for you, seventy percent for me. Agreed?"
Zach's face lit up with joy.
"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness Lucien! I will not disappoint you!"
...
Stones Plzz
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