"A Wicked Ghost, Scene 5, Take 1—action!" Edward called out calmly as the crew and actors fell into their roles.
Even though Zoroark had just used its illusion to turn into a beautiful girl for what looked like a confession scene—when it was actually just a question—Edward remained composed. His heart didn't waver. After all, he knew Zoroark's true identity. No matter how unconventional he might be, he wasn't about to catch feelings for a Pokémon.
As for Edward's answer…
"I believe you." That's all he said.
After all, there was no reason not to believe it. The event Zoroark described had happened so long ago that verifying it would be impossible—only Zoroark itself would know the truth. The Hisui era was far too ancient for any real evidence to remain. Still, Edward personally leaned toward believing it.
And maybe because he did believe, Zoroark had begun taking on that same appearance whenever it interacted with him: golden hair, clear blue eyes, a fair face with a dusting of freckles—not unattractive at all, but strangely charming.
"Boss, from now on, just call me Shizuka~" Zoroark had said happily.
Edward nearly blurted out, "Are you related to Nobita? Do you know a certain blue robot cat who carries universe-breaking gadgets?"
He didn't know what kind of game Zoroark was playing, but he didn't really care.
Currently, they were filming a segment Edward had modified on the fly. In this scene, a supporting character, terrified by the deaths of his companions, hides inside his house. He even hires two 8 Gym Badge–holding trainers to protect him.
This was the first time that Edward's horror films featured trainers officially recognized by the Pokémon League. He placed high expectations on this scene.
The purpose was, once again, to reinforce the idea that evil spirits were unstoppable. But Edward wanted to explore a new angle—filming from two perspectives.
From the supporting character's point of view, Chu Renmei arrives and directly attacks him. But from the two trainers' perspective, the victim simply seems to have a sudden psychotic breakdown. Then, they helplessly watch as he's dragged away by some unseen force. They try to help, but they're powerless. All they see are bloody handprints left behind as the door slams shut—and blood seeps out from beneath it.
This scene would deepen the perception of Chu Renmei's invincibility and perfectly align with Edward's vision: a ghost that cannot be countered—at least not by Pokémon.
"Should I add a scene where Chu Renmei rips a Machamp in half?" Edward scratched his head, an idea forming.
If it worked, Chu Renmei's terror would hit a whole new level.
Of course, it might be tricky to get it past the censors.
But Edward decided to include it anyway. At this point, even Pokémon couldn't do anything. Xiao Ming had already taken his Pokémon underwater to place a bracelet on Chu Renmei, triggering her wrath—so a full rampage wasn't unreasonable. After all, Chu Renmei was completely irrational in her later killings, and only true love could move her.
Inspired, Edward quickly jotted the idea down, but for now, he focused on the task at hand.
"Zoro—" Edward began to call out, but saw Zoroark approaching him with a grin, hands clasped behind its back and a mischievous sparkle in its eyes.
Edward twitched at the sight. Still playing games? Oh well—this guy was never serious anyway. Let it have its fun. It'd probably get bored of it in a few days.
"Ahem… Shizuka, can you make it so that Miss Diantha can only be seen by one camera, while the other camera shows nothing?" Edward asked, clearing his throat.
All of Chu Renmei's shots were performed by Diantha herself. Even the lake-drowning scene—she insisted on doing it without a stunt double. Edward had to admit, this actress didn't become a superstar just because she was a Champion. A lot of other celebrities would use doubles just to avoid getting wet. Some even used full stunt doubles for entire dramas, only appearing to swap heads in post-production.
"Of course I can. Buuut~" Zoroark rubbed its hands together with a greedy smile.
Edward wasn't surprised. Zoroark was always like this. If it ever stopped asking for a bonus, that would be the real shock.
"No problem. Bonus it is." Edward waved generously, and Zoroark got right to work.
Edward observed the results and was quite pleased.
Technically, the scene could've been filmed twice—once with Diantha in it and once without—but Edward was a perfectionist. Using Zoroark's illusions gave better continuity and saved time. Since Zoroark was working overtime, paying it extra seemed only fair.
Edward reviewed the camera feed—it looked great.
"Cut!" Edward called out, but he wasn't fully satisfied.
He summoned the two trainer actors over. Their acting was too stiff. Their eyes were glued to Diantha. Edward wanted blank stares—lost, frantic, disoriented expressions. Not laser-focused gazes.
As a result, that scene took the entire afternoon to complete—and only barely passed.
Edward wore a deadpan expression. They'd likely need to reshoot tomorrow. The two actors were visibly nervous—his expression didn't inspire confidence.
Still, Edward didn't scold them. They weren't bad actors; it was just their first time working with a star like Diantha. Nervousness was to be expected.
They did pass in the end—but Edward's standards were high, which was why they had to redo it so many times.
"Boss, there's a representative from the Pokémon League's Department of Affairs waiting outside," Zoroark said, walking up.
Edward nodded. It was probably someone Kode sent to finalize the hiring paperwork.
Since Kode's foundation operated under Edward's company, he had to sign off on all hires.
Edward walked over and, sure enough, it was the League rep there for contract signatures. He focused particularly on the contract for a Nurse Nightingale and signed after verifying everything.
The salary was high—above average—but given her résumé, it was well-earned.
"Edward, your company's Pokémon-to-human staff ratio has now met the League's tax reduction threshold," the official said with a smile.
(End of Chapter)