"Pokémon League? Pokémon Breeding Zones? And industries built around the development of these Breeding Zones?"
The expressions of the gathered lords all turned serious at once.
"The construction of Pokémon Breeding Zones—on that matter, I believe I'm the one most qualified to speak."
At that moment, Earl Ruize suddenly spoke up, his mind involuntarily recalling the battles on the frontlines.
During the early stages of the war, if not for the Pokémon communities from within the Breeding Zones aiding them, the front-line fortress would never have lasted as long as it did.
Those Pokémon had fought fearlessly, with no thought for their own lives. Many of them had fallen in battle. Because of that, Earl Ruize had already resolved that, once he returned, he would further develop his own Breeding Zones and take proper care of those Pokémon who had fought so valiantly for the fortress.
As they listened to Earl Ruize's account, the other lords exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. The Pokémon truly had played a great part that winter, and thanks to their efforts, everyone now viewed the construction of Breeding Zones with new respect.
"Indeed, if the Pokémon Breeding Zones can truly be established everywhere, perhaps we'll never have to face another winter beast tide again," said Kevin with a faint smile.
He had personally overseen the establishment of the Breeding Zone at the Ironblood Fortress. The Pokémon there had learned to coexist harmoniously with humans, even assisting in defending against outside enemies.
As he thought of that, the image of the greedy Flygon appeared in his mind. That gluttonous creature could be managed perfectly well as long as there was enough Pokémon food to eat—it could even help keep order among the other Pokémon tribes!
Hearing the eastern and northern lords praise the Breeding Zones so highly, the lords of the western, and southern domains exchanged uncertain looks. Almost simultaneously, their gazes drifted toward Marquis Salt.
Aside from the plan to build Breeding Zones, one of the other resolutions from the earlier meeting had been to completely abolish the trade of magical beasts. That would inevitably impact their profits. Would Aspiration City truly abolish all magical beasts trading?
Although most of the city's magical beasts trading was concentrated in the Ironblood Fortress and the Gilded Fang Merchant Guild, the lands under Marquis Salt's control bordered the Marshlands—so his territory, too, had been involved in that trade, albeit only in minor ways.
"Your Highness Aven, is this truly Lord Azelf's will?" asked Marquis Salt suddenly.
He had referred to Aven as Your Highness, a title reserved only for those recognized as royal candidates—thus acknowledging Aven's right to lead them.
"Yes," Aven replied solemnly. "This truly comes from Azelf's will."
"When Azelf defeated Darkrai, part of that victory came from the will of every Pokémon that fought alongside us."
"To Azelf, Pokémon are also a part of Aspiration City itself. The combined willpower of every human and Pokémon here granted Azelf strength."
Aven's tone was calm yet firm as he met Marquis Salt's gaze. The other council members, recalling what Earl Ruize had said earlier, slowly nodded in agreement. Perhaps that was why Azelf had chosen Aven in the first place.
"Then there is no problem," Marquis Salt said after a moment, nodding lightly.
"I fully support the establishment of the Pokémon League!"
With that, he inclined his head in recognition. Seeing this, the other lords exchanged glances and nodded one after another.
Lady Mira, seated at the head of the table, observed silently, and as she saw that everyone was now in agreement, a soft, relieved smile appeared on her face.
"Then," she said warmly, "we shall begin the official vote for the establishment of the Pokémon League."
Unsurprisingly, the motion passed unanimously.
After all, the success of the Breeding Zones had already proven their worth and significance. The prosperity of Pokémon territories stood as undeniable evidence before them.
If their own territories could ride the momentum of this Pokémon League, their lands would surely flourish—and with them, all of Aspiration City would thrive.
"Good. The establishment of the Pokémon League has been approved unanimously," Mira declared with satisfaction. "Now for the next item of discussion: appointing Lord Aven as the Chairman of the Pokémon League."
Upon hearing this, Aven looked over at her in mild surprise. According to their earlier discussions, it was supposed to be Mira who would serve as the Chairwoman.
But before he could say anything, Mira smiled and shook her head.
"No, I really wouldn't be suited for this," she said softly. "The Pokémon League was your creation, Aven. You're the one who brought it into being—only you can truly lead it forward. No one else could take your place."
Aven looked at her seriously for a moment, then exhaled quietly. "...All right. I understand."
Seeing that he didn't object, Mira let out a subtle sigh of relief and turned to the other lords. "Then, let us proceed to vote."
Once again, there was no opposition. The motion passed unanimously: Lady Mira would remain as the ruler of Aspiration City, while Lord Aven would serve as Chairman of the Pokémon League. It was, without question, the most harmonious arrangement.
"Very well," Mira said, smiling brightly. "This motion is also approved. Now, let's move on to establishing the laws that will govern the Pokémon League."
Thus, the meeting continued in an orderly manner. One law after another was debated, voted on, and recorded into the annals of Aspiration City's history—destined to be remembered by future generations.
"Chairman of the Pokémon League…" Aven murmured inwardly, feeling a strange emotion Aspiration within him. After all his efforts, the Pokémon League had finally stepped onto the stage of history.
…
The shores of Lake Valor—this was Aven's first visit here.
As he watched the Water-type Pokémon frolicking happily in the lake's clear waters, his eyes widened slightly in amazement.
There were so many of them—far more than he had ever expected.
It turned out that nearly all the Water-type Pokémon in Aspiration City lived here, clustered around Lake Valor.
After all, in the past, Aspiration City had treated magical beast with hostility. Any unregistered magical beast or those not wearing the required beast gear would be driven out on sight.
Thus, these Water-types had been forbidden from leaving the lake, which explained why so few were ever seen elsewhere in the city.
Lady Mira was crouched by the water's edge, scattering small handfuls of brownish-yellow feed into the lake. The Pokémon scrambled playfully to grab the food, sending ripples glimmering across the surface.
Watching the scene, Mira let out a clear, bell-like laugh. Resting her chin in her hands, she watched the Water-types with her eyes curved like crescent moons.
These Pokémon really loved the food Aven had made for them. From now on, they would be able to enjoy such delicious meals every day.
"She really does love Pokémon," Aven murmured quietly, standing on the shore.
But the next instant, his vision flickered—the air filled suddenly with a cascade of drifting flower petals falling into the lake.
"Lilli~!"
Lilligant puffed up her cheeks, raising her arms as countless petals whirled from her hands, fluttering in every direction.
"Lilligant, be careful while you're practicing Petal Dance," Aven called out with a smile. "Your Aromatherapy may clear confusion, but it still takes a little time before it works properly."
His gaze softened as he watched her training.
Lilligant's unique gift lay in her profound connection to flowers. It was likely because of that gift that she had learned Petal Dance immediately after evolving—a powerful Grass-type technique far stronger than Leaf Storm, though it often left the user confused afterward.
"Lilli~!"
Hearing Aven's reminder, Lilligant nodded eagerly.
She began to spin gracefully, a flurry of glowing petals forming around her as intense Grass-type energy gathered.
While she danced, she sneaked a glance at Aven—but then froze when she saw his eyes drifting toward the white-haired lady by the lake instead.
"Lilli, Lilli!"
'Hmph! I'm not dancing anymore!'
With a pout, Lilligant suddenly stopped. The petals around her lost their glow and drifted gently to the ground.
"Tired already, Lilligant?" Aven crouched down, examining her with a gentle smile. "All right, take a break."
Then he looked toward Mira, who was walking over with her silver hair fluttering in the breeze.
"Aven," she said softly, "thank you for helping heal Asha and Abo's injuries."
"It was nothing. Actually, it was mostly thanks to Lilligant." Aven smiled and shook his head.
He had come here today precisely to help treat the injured Water-types.
During the siege, the enemy sorcerers had deliberately targeted the lake's Pokémon, sending hordes of Ghost-types to attack Aspiration City.
When the battle between Azelf and Darkrai erupted, many of those Pokémon were caught in the crossfire. The nightmare energy had scarred their minds deeply.
"Aven… you said they were afflicted by nightmares?" Mira asked after a moment.
She couldn't help recalling the vision she had experienced during the illusion. If that had been a dream… did that mean it was real in some sense?
"Yes," Aven replied, nodding. "Darkrai is also known as the Nightmare Pokémon."
"It weaves dreamscapes from the memories of your deepest fears."
He spoke slowly, explaining the nature of Darkrai. "Though he is called the Nightmare God, he is not truly evil by nature."
"...The Nightmare Pokémon," Mira murmured.
If Aven was right, then what she saw back then—her most terrible memory—was her greatest fear manifested.
Yes… that memory had indeed filled her with dread. Especially the image of her parents, their bodies consumed by darkness and turned into stone…
Was it possible that she had chosen to forget those memories simply because they were too painful to bear?
"Mira, are you all right?" Aven asked gently, his voice filled with concern.
He still remembered seeing the tear stains on her cheeks when she had awakened from that dream. Clearly, she had confronted something painful deep within her heart.
Mira blinked, then shook her head softly. "I'm fine."
"Still… poor Darkrai," she murmured after a pause. "Is there any way to free him from the control of that black crystal?"
As she spoke, her gaze turned toward the small island in the middle of Lake Valor. It was glowing faintly with radiant, seven-colored light.
That island marked the boundary between two worlds—the place where Azelf resided, and one of the few locations where it could manifest physically in the real world.
"If even Azelf cannot help, then the only option left is to find the other crystals," Aven said, shaking his head slightly.
"Still, since I already promised Darkrai, I'll do my best to keep that promise." His eyes softened. "And if we could find Cresselia, the Lunar Pokémon, perhaps she could help as well."
(End of Chapter)