"Indeed. Swablu has already evolved to its final stage, but it still needs more training. I want them to master Perish Song," Lucien said thoughtfully.
Perish Song was a very special move. A Pokémon sings a melody infused with the power of death; any Pokémon that hears it will fall into a critical state after a set period of time.
If used on a battlefield, it could drastically weaken an enemy Pokémon army.
"Yes, Your Highness," Geralt replied, committing Lucien's instructions to memory.
Lucien continued, "And Aron path does not end at Lairon. Above Lairon, there exists a form called Aggron."
Altaria could theoretically reach a Mega form, but that was temporary and required a Mega Stone, something that, in this era, likely didn't exist.
King AZ of Kalos had not yet activated the Ultimate Weapon, so the energy that shaped Mega Stones was absent from the world.
"We will maintain the current pace of training," Geralt said. As commander of the knights, that responsibility rested with him.
Lucien nodded, then addressed everyone gathered in the hall.
"That concludes today's reports. Keep up your efforts."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Everyone withdrew in an orderly fashion.
Lucien sat on his throne, lost in thought about the future.
Even though the territory was thriving, it was still far from meeting the requirements for entering the Industrial Age.
"One hundred thousand satisfaction points, at least fifty thousand subjects, and public morale above ninety…"
Only the last requirement had been achieved.
"The most urgent task is population growth," Lucien concluded.
Several strategies surfaced in his mind.
The people could marry and have children, but children took many years to grow.
He could continue using newspapers and commerce to attract merchants, civilians, and scholars from other territories.
He could accept refugees displaced by war and incorporate them as new citizens.
But to reach fifty thousand people, it would take several years.
Then Lucien remembered something important.
Pokémon also counted as his subjects.
That meant increasing the number of Pokémon within the territory could directly boost his population total.
The question was: which Pokémon were small, peaceful, easy to raise, and useful to humans?
A long list came to mind:
Flabébé, Floette, Lilligant, Skitty, Sylveon, Teddiursa, Pichu, Eevee, Vulpix…
Flabébé and Floette could tend flower fields.
Lilligant could grow herbs and help cultivate farmland.
Skitty could accompany the elderly and keep them emotionally healthy.
Each of them had practical value.
"I should try this," Lucien thought.
But population growth also required infrastructure.
More houses. Better food distribution. Public facilities and services.
And, something Lucien City lacked almost entirely, entertainment.
"The territory has grown to the point where entertainment is nearly nonexistent. It's time to give everyone places to relax and enjoy themselves."
In ancient Rome, nobles built the Colosseum to satisfy their entertainment needs and to display the empire's military might. Slaves fought wild beasts for the amusement of nobles and knights.
Lucien recalled the structure of the Roman Colosseum in his mind. Perhaps he could redesign it into a Trainer's Arena suited to the culture and customs of the Pokémon world.
With this idea, Lucien summoned Elena, the castle's designer, and explained his concept.
"Hmm… an arena where Trainers command Magical beasts to battle while spectators watch for entertainment," Elena murmured thoughtfully.
Lucien nodded. "Exactly. What I envision is an open-air arena like this."
He placed a rough sketch, his adaptation of the Colosseum's outline, in front of her.
"Some Magical beasts moves could damage a roof, so I chose an open-air format. The central area below is the battlefield. The surrounding circular stands are for spectators," Lucien explained.
Elena's eyes immediately lit up as she studied the grand design.
"This is incredible! Your Highness, your imagination truly knows no bounds!"
Lucien paused, helpless. "So… is it feasible?"
"Of course!" Elena replied quickly. "Trainer battles will become wildly popular. People will flock here to watch!"
In fact, Elena had a feeling that if this building were completed, it would become a landmark remembered for generations.
"Good," Lucien said. "When matches are held, people from other territories will visit Lucien City. They'll stay in inns, buy local goods, it'll boost the entire economy."
"In that case," he concluded, "you'll oversee construction. Elif and the workers will support you completely."
"Rest assured, Your Highness. I, Elena, won't disappoint you!"
She already had ideas forming, mortar foundations, tiered concrete seating, structural reinforcements…
"Oh, one more thing," Lucien said suddenly.
"What is it, Your Highness?" Elena asked.
"The arena doesn't need to be too large," Lucien said. A huge structure would take too long and consume too many materials. It would drain manpower and slow the territory's growth.
If he remembered correctly, the largest Roman Colosseum could hold more than ninety thousand people. Lucien City's version didn't need anything close to that scale yet.
"Make it big enough for ten thousand spectators. When our population grows, and the treasury is overflowing, then we'll expand."
Elena thought for a moment, then nodded. "Understood, Your Highness."
She accepted the assignment and left to begin preparations.
Lucien returned to his room on the top floor of the castle.
He intended to continue working through official documents, but suddenly, a wave of noise rose from downstairs.
"Nini?" the Pokémon looked toward the sound, confused.
Lucien was equally puzzled.
He walked onto the terrace of his room, and the moment he saw the scene below, he froze.
A sea of humans and Pokémon filled the courtyard, bustling with excitement.
"Your Highness Lucien!"
The moment Lucien appeared, everyone in the territory erupted with joy.
Today was not only important to Lucien. It was important to all of them.
Their prince, the one who had led them from confusion and hardship into prosperity on this unfamiliar land, finally had a magnificent castle of his own, just like any true king.
They cheered out of genuine happiness, because in their hearts, their Prince Lucien deserved nothing less.
And it was not only humans. Many Pokémon who had once suffered under human enslavement in the royal city were cheering as well.
Machamp, Conkeldurr, Machoke and others stood among the crowd, waving vigorously. Their faces were full of bright smiles that bore no trace of the fear or timidity they once carried.
"Sister, this is wonderful!" Lena tugged at her older sister Celina's sleeve, her voice trembling with joy.
Celina nodded softly. Since arriving in this territory, they had never once experienced the discrimination they once knew.
No one treated them as ominous symbols. No one feared or rejected them. On the contrary, people thanked them deeply whenever they healed the injured.
All of this was because of Prince Lucien.
He offered them a home. He gave them safety. He provided them with work.
Compared to the eldest and second princes, and even the old king, Celina felt that Prince Lucien was the only ruler who truly understood compassion.
If only Prince Lucien could become the next king of the kingdom, she thought.
Then, both humans and Pokémon suffering across this land could finally be freed.
The people celebrated loudly.
Suddenly, Lucien received a system notification.
[Popularity +5. Current Popularity: 100, maximum reached.]
[Tip: When Popularity is full, all citizens of the territory work with unified hearts. Their work efficiency increases greatly.]
Lucien was momentarily surprised, then quickly understood.
His people had gathered spontaneously, celebrating the completion of the castle.
As their lord, he needed to say something.
He raised his hand slightly. Immediately, the lively crowd quieted.
His gaze swept over the familiar yet diverse faces, both human and Pokémon.
Lucien announced in a clear, resonant voice:
"Thank you all for your hard work. Today is a meaningful day for every one of us."
"The completion of this castle means that Lucien City is now truly established, and before long, the name Lucien City will spread across the world."
"Here there is no oppression. Here there is no enslavement. In this place, humans and magical beasts can live happily together."
Below, smiles blossomed across the faces of the humans.
The Pokémon also smiled warmly and nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.
Lucien continued.
"From today onward, let us continue to work together to build our Lucien City, to build our shared home."
"I declare that humans and magical beasts will stand united from this day forward."
...
Night fell. The sky glittered with countless stars, and gentle moonlight washed over the land.
Thanks to the light from Ampharos, even in the deepest night, Lucien City remained brightly illuminated.
Because of Lucien's declaration earlier that day, the people of Lucien City gathered together and, after some discussion, decided to mark today as Thanksgiving. It would be a day to express gratitude to Prince Lucien and to celebrate the friendship between humans and Pokémon.
Every street and plaza in the city was filled with people sharing a feast and celebrating the holiday.
Lucien stood on the terrace of his castle, looking down at the brilliantly lit city below.
Kyurem stood quietly beside him.
Dragonite and the Minccino had already run off into the streets, eager to play with the other Pokémon.
"I sense it," Kyurem's voice echoed suddenly in Lucien's mind.
Lucien turned. "What is it?"
"A very mysterious power." Kyurem looked down at the joyful humans and Pokémon below. "This power is the bond between you and them. It flows from their hearts and gathers around you."
Lucien was taken aback. "What kind of power?"
"The power of faith," Kyurem replied. "The trust and affection these humans and Pokémon have toward you. Their belief in you strengthens constantly, and that power gathers here. It nourishes my physical form, just as human faith strengthens Zekrom and Reshiram."
"The stronger their faith, the stronger those two dragons can become. I can also absorb this power as nourishment to restore my body and gain strength."
Lucien stood frozen for a moment.
The power of faith exists in this world too?
He thought carefully, and the answer clicked immediately.
Of course it does. Emotions themselves are a source of power in the Pokémon world.
"Will this power help you?" Lucien asked.
"Very much," Kyurem answered.
"In that case, take it. Use all of it," Lucien said with a smile.
Kyurem was momentarily stunned.
Lucien continued, sincere and warm. "Kyurem, thank you for leaving your seclusion to help me. If we speak honestly, in terms of strength alone, Dragonite and I would never have qualified to earn your recognition, yet you still allowed us to pass your trial."
Lucien looked directly at Kyurem. "I have admired you since long before we met. Even though you act cold, you have a heart that is strong and kind. I have always believed that."
Kyurem was silent.
Its expression did not change. Its aura remained icy and ancient.
Kyurem stared at Lucien for a long moment.
Without a word, it turned its massive body and walked away from the terrace. Its heavy footsteps echoed softly as it returned to its room.
Only a faint telepathic message lingered in Lucien's mind.
"It is late. I will rest now."
...
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