Ever since he first crossed into this world, Lucien had already heard the name of the Pokémon Master Aaron from Elif.
Even though they lived in the same era, Lucien truly had not expected to meet Aaron so soon.
At the very least, should it not have waited until steam-powered ships were developed and the Great Age of Discovery officially began?
Aaron and Lucario were figures from the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.
In that story, Aaron went to the Tree of Beginning to stop a war, but he never returned.
Lucario, meanwhile, was sealed inside a staff. Only thousands of years later, when Ash arrived, was the seal broken, and together they uncovered the truth buried in the past.
It was precisely because of this story that countless viewers had fallen in love with Lucario.
And now, Aaron and Lucario were standing right in front of him.
Lucien felt an unmistakable sense of unreality.
"However, since Aaron and Lucario are here, that means the events of the movie have not yet happened," Lucien thought. "War has not broken out in Cameron Palace, and Aaron has not sacrificed himself at the Tree of Beginning."
Lucien looked at Aaron and spoke calmly.
"You should have already met my father."
"Yes," Aaron replied respectfully. "Your father requested that I visit Lucien City and see what kind of changes have taken place under your rule."
"Have you seen it?" Lucien asked.
Aaron recalled everything he had witnessed along the way and nodded slightly.
"I have. It is just that I still do not quite understand how you managed to make Pokémon live alongside humans in such a way."
Lucien did not answer immediately. Instead, his gaze shifted to the Lucario standing beside Aaron.
"How long have you and Lucario been together?"
Lucario was momentarily startled.
Aaron glanced at it and answered, "Nearly ten years."
Lucien smiled faintly.
"Then I believe you already have the answer."
Aaron froze briefly.
Lucien continued.
"Humans and Pokémon are both part of this world. In Rota, you have also learned to use Pokémon power to accomplish tasks."
"Humans discovered long ago that Pokémon possess tremendous strength. They can bring profound changes to human life. Learning to make use of that power was inevitable."
"The difference is in how it is done."
"Your side relies on force, restraints, and coercion."
"Here, we chose a different path. One that benefits humans and Pokémon alike."
"A mutually beneficial coexistence."
As an Aura Guardian, Aaron was exceptionally perceptive. Combining Lucien's words with his own relationship with Lucario, understanding dawned quickly.
This was a path they had never truly considered before.
"Your Majesty," Aaron said sincerely, "you are young, yet remarkably far-sighted."
Lucien smiled. Seeing a familiar figure from his previous world brought him genuine comfort.
"Just call me Lucien," he said, then asked, "How are things in Cameron Palace lately?"
"Under Queen Rin's governance, things remain stable," Aaron replied.
Lucien nodded thoughtfully.
The Kanto Continent. That likely referred to what would later be known as the Kanto and Johto regions.
Many Pokémon lived there that did not exist in Unova.
Miltank, whose milk could strengthen the human body. Chansey, gentle and kind, perfect for assisting Nurse Joy. Mr. Mime, excellent at household work.
Originally, Lucien had planned to wait until steamships were completed before beginning large-scale exploration and introducing these Pokémon to Unova.
But now that Aaron was here, that plan could change.
Through Aaron, he could reach the Kanto regions far earlier than expected.
With enough Poké Balls and diplomatic backing, introducing Pokémon from that land would not be difficult.
More importantly, with Dragonite and Kyurem, the distance between the two continents could be crossed within a single day.
The more Lucien thought about it, the more tempted he became.
Still, he restrained himself.
Aaron had just arrived after a long journey. It would be rude to push such matters immediately.
Lucien looked at Aaron and Lucario.
"You have traveled far. Stay in the city today and rest well. Elif, arrange accommodations for our guests."
"As you command, Your Majesty," Elif replied.
He stepped forward and said politely, "Sir Aaron, please follow me."
Aaron nodded. He truly was tired.
He bowed to Lucien, then followed Elif with Lucario to their quarters.
"Sir Aaron," Elif said along the way, "many shops in Lucien City sell food specially prepared for Pokémon. I believe you and Lucario may enjoy them."
Food specially prepared for Pokémon?
Aaron glanced at Lucario, then nodded. "We will take a look."
Soon, they arrived at their lodging.
"Please rest well," Elif said. "If you need anything, the maids are at your service."
"I understand," Aaron replied.
Elif then withdrew.
Back in the room, Aaron intended to rest properly. However, he noticed Lucario repeatedly glancing out the window.
Aaron immediately understood.
It must have heard about the Pokémon food and wanted to try it.
Seeing this, Aaron could not help but smile helplessly.
"Lucario," he said, standing up, "let's go for a walk through the city."
Lucario was stunned for a moment, then asked through Aura, "Sir Aaron, do you not need to rest?"
Aaron shook his head gently. "Do not worry. More than resting, I want to see for myself how humans and Pokémon live together in this place."
"Yes, Sir Aaron," Lucario replied.
Compared to Rota, Cameron Palace, the streets of Lucien City were clean, beautiful, and grand.
The roads were paved with neat red bricks, and flower beds lined both sides, planted with all kinds of flowers. Small Pokémon lived among them, giving the city both the bustling vitality of a royal capital and the gentle breath of nature.
Residents strolled leisurely along the streets. Now and then, tired commoners sat beside the flower beds to rest.
As for Pokémon, people showed no fear at all. Instead, there was a relaxed familiarity, as if they were interacting with fellow humans.
In the past, when Aaron and Lucario walked through Rota, the gazes of commoners would inevitably gather on them.
Here, people merely glanced their way, offered a friendly smile, and continued with their own business.
"So this is what coexistence between humans and Pokémon looks like," Aaron murmured thoughtfully.
"If only Rota could be like this as well," Lucario said quietly.
"It will be," Aaron replied softly.
This journey to Lucien City was not merely a visit. It was a chance to learn, so that he could bring these ideas back to Cameron Palace and offer guidance to Queen Rin.
For example, learning how to harness Pokémon power and apply it to both military affairs and daily life, thereby strengthening the nation as a whole.
If they could truly make use of Pokémon as skillfully as Eindoak did, then perhaps the looming war would no longer be so frightening.
"Come take a look. Snacks made with fresh sweet honey."
A shout suddenly broke Aaron out of his thoughts.
He looked up and realized that they had unknowingly entered the commercial district.
Shops lined the streets on both sides. Bakeries, tailor shops, restaurants, inns, barbershops, and bathhouses stood shoulder to shoulder. People moved through the streets in a steady flow, and among them were countless Pokémon.
Several children stood in front of a bakery's glass window with their Pokémon, staring at the beautifully shaped, soft, sweet bread inside with longing expressions.
Nearby, a group of noblewomen sat in front of a shop with their Lillipup and Skitty, chatting leisurely while shop assistants gently combed the Pokémon's fur with wooden brushes.
This place was unbelievably prosperous.
In Rota, such a scene would likely only appear during major festivals.
When Aaron noticed flying Pokémon taxis passing overhead from time to time, he immediately understood why.
With such convenient transportation, citizens of Eindoak could travel freely between cities.
No wonder the economy here was so vibrant.
"Sniff, sniff."
Just as Aaron was marveling at the scene, Lucario suddenly twitched its nose, clearly catching a scent in the air.
Aaron was momentarily surprised. Then he felt a surge of joy and excitement ripple through Lucario's Aura.
"Lucario? Did you notice something?"
"Sir Aaron," Lucario replied, unable to hide its excitement, "it smells really good."
As it spoke, its eyes drifted toward a specific direction.
Aaron followed its gaze and saw a shop at the end of the street.
The storefront looked warm and welcoming. Hanging above it was a wooden sign carved in the shape of an Eevee's head, with six simple characters beside it.
Pokémon Snack Shop.
A large crowd had gathered in front of the shop. Not only humans, but Pokémon of all shapes and sizes as well.
Despite their differences, every pair of eyes was fixed on the shop interior.
Behind the glass display window were rows of delicately crafted snacks.
The enticing aroma Lucario had sensed was clearly coming from there.
"Let's go take a look," Aaron said.
Lucario's eyes immediately lit up.
They made their way to the shop entrance, where they heard the shop assistant calling out enthusiastically.
"Do not miss out. Delicious snacks specially researched by His Majesty Lucien for Pokémon. We have Pokéblocks, Poffins, and soufflés. I even heard that Lord's Kyurem, the Divine Dragon at His Majesty's side, loves them."
"What? Snacks even Kyurem likes? Give me one."
"I want one too."
"I was here first."
The crowd grew even more excited.
"Everyone, please do not rush," the shop assistant said helplessly. "There is enough for everyone. Line up properly and take it one at a time."
"Sir Aaron," Lucario said hesitantly as it looked at the long line, "maybe we should forget it…"
Sir Aaron held a noble status. When had he ever stood in line like this before?
"Do not worry, Lucario," Aaron said gently, shaking his head.
He joined the queue behind the crowd, waited patiently, and after some time purchased a Pokéblock and a Poffin. He placed them into a paper bag and handed it to Lucario.
"Sir Aaron…" Lucario had watched the entire process, and its heart was deeply stirred.
"Try them," Aaron said calmly. "I have heard these are foods made especially for Pokémon."
Lucario nodded. It took a Pokéblock and placed it into its mouth.
In an instant, an intense and layered flavor spread across its senses.
Lucario's pupils contracted, and a bright light burst from its eyes.
This was unbelievably delicious.
It had never tasted anything like this before.
Lucario ate with clear delight, while Aaron stood quietly beside it, watching with a gentle smile.
After a long while, Lucario finally came back to itself and hurriedly spoke.
"Thank you, Sir Aaron."
"There is no need to thank me," Aaron replied softly. "Just as His Majesty Lucien said, there is no master and servant between us."
He paused briefly, then continued.
"We are friends who live and walk together."
"Sir Aaron…" Lucario's eyes grew moist.
"Finish eating," Aaron said warmly. "Once you are done, we will return and rest properly."
"Yes, Sir Aaron."
＊
Inside the castle, Lucien was reading a book titled Annals of the Continent. Its author was a traveler said to have journeyed across many lands.
One of the book's central ideas was that the world consisted of far more than a single landmass.
The Pokémon world from thousands of years ago appeared to differ greatly from the one Lucien remembered.
Now, he was carefully searching for clues about other regions within its pages.
"Your Majesty," Elif asked hesitantly, "do you truly intend to travel to the Kanto Continent?"
Lucien nodded.
"I have read that many Pokémon not found in Unova live there. They possess remarkable abilities and could play an important role in the kingdom's development."
He continued calmly.
"Furthermore, with Kyurem, I can travel between the two lands in less than a day."
All he would need was a sufficient supply of Poké Balls to bring Pokémon from the Kanto region back to Unova.
After a moment's thought, Lucien added, "Prepare five hundred Poké Balls for me."
"I understand, Your Majesty," Elif replied softly before turning to carry out the order.
Left alone, Lucien continued studying the illustrations of distant lands in the book, his thoughts growing deeper.
"Not only Kanto," he murmured to himself, "but also Galar, Paldea, Hoenn, Kalos, and Sinnoh."
He paused.
"No. At this point in time, Sinnoh should still be known as the Hisui region."
...
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