Planning the internal territorial layout of a city, determining land use ratios, functional zones, and a coherent road system, was a daunting task even in Lucien's time.
Though this world still resembled the medieval age, the existence of his "Cheat" meant Lucien could think further ahead than anyone else.
Beyond residential districts, he envisioned dedicated commercial zones, schools, farmland, orchards, and wide pastures.
He also factored in the construction of underground sewers, future industrial workshops, and a system of irrigation channels and waterworks.
Most importantly, he planned to include areas designed specifically for Pokémon habitation, because his goal was a city where humans and Pokémon could truly coexist.
It would be a long and intricate project.
Lucien spent the entire afternoon discussing his ideas with Elena.
When she first heard him say "a city where humans and monsters coexist," Elena froze in astonishment.
"Your Highness… are you truly planning to build a city where humans and monsters live together?" she asked in disbelief.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"
Elena quickly shook her head. "No, I'm just… amazed by such a bold vision."
Over the past few days, she had gradually shed her old fear of monsters. But even so, this idea, this dream, seemed far ahead of its time.
Still… what a magnificent dream it was.
Her eyes sparkled.
'If such a city were built… it would overturn the very foundation of the world.'
Lucien smiled faintly, as if reading her thoughts.
"Yes," he said softly. "I want to shatter the old beliefs. Humans and monsters are not enemies. They are companions, partners. Together, we can build something greater."
He leaned back slightly, his voice calm but resolute.
"Grass-type monsters can help cultivate fields and speed up crop growth, multiplying harvests. Fire-types can refine ores, their flames purifying what forges cannot. With their help, we can advance faster than any kingdom in history. You've seen the results yourself."
Elena closed her eyes, envisioning it, a thriving town where monsters wandered freely among people, helping with work, harvest, and trade.
"Your Highness," she murmured, her cheeks slightly flushed, "do you think I'll ever have a beautiful, elegant monster of my own? Like your Dratini… or Anna's Zorua?"
Lucien chuckled. "That depends on fate," he said. "Perhaps tomorrow you'll meet one meant for you."
"I'll be looking forward to that day," Elena said earnestly. Then, after a moment's thought, she straightened and declared, "Your Highness, let me help you! I want to build this city with you!"
As an architect who pursued art and innovation, she couldn't possibly let such a revolutionary project slip away.
Watching Elena leave, Lucien exhaled quietly.
The old butler, Elif, stepped forward with a cup of tea.
"Your Highness, please rest for a while," he said kindly.
Lucien accepted it and took a sip. The warmth spread through his fingers.
"Elif," he said after a pause, "have you ever heard of a place called Lacunosa?"
"Lacunosa?" Elif frowned, thinking carefully before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I don't believe I've ever heard that name."
As Lucien expected. He gave a small nod.
According to his memories, Lacunosa Town was a border settlement on the northeastern edge of Unova, but in this era, it was likely just a nameless village.
Since most of their people had come from Aindok, deep in the kingdom's heartland, it was only natural they wouldn't know such a remote place existed.
He would have to wait for another opportunity to confirm its location.
Three days later, Ryan, who had set out on his mission, returned to the territory.
He strode into the lord's hall with a wide grin, a large sack slung over his shoulder.
"Your Highness, I've brought back the monsters you requested!"
Ryan swung the large bundle off his shoulder and dropped it onto the table with a dull thud.
With a clattering sound, several small turtle-like Pokémon rolled out of the sack, their crimson shells riddled with holes, their limbs quickly retracting inside.
It was Shuckle!
One… two… three… four… five… six… seven… eight…
"Eight in total? That many?" Lucien blinked in surprise, staring at the Shuckle that had tucked their heads deep into their shells, trembling slightly.
Ryan scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh, they're really easy to find, Your Highness. These little guys like to hide under rocks. Just flip one over and, well, there's usually a Shuckle underneath. They don't even try to run, they just pull in their heads and freeze."
Lucien sighed softly. "Poor things."
He carefully picked up the Shuckle one by one, placing them in two neat rows across the table. Then he cleared his throat and spoke gently:
"Hello, Shuckle."
None of them moved.
"First, I owe you an apology for Ryan's… overly enthusiastic approach," Lucien continued with a small smile. "We didn't bring you here to harm you. We'd like to invite you to stay in our territory, to live with us."
Still, the Shuckle remained motionless.
Lucien leaned forward slightly, his tone patient and kind. "If you choose to stay, we'll make sure you have food and safety. You won't have to hide under rocks anymore, and you won't have to fear other monsters."
He then glanced toward Snivy and Dratini, who were standing nearby. His eyes wordlessly conveyed what he wanted.
Snivy folded her arms and sighed but nodded, while Dratini immediately brightened and slithered forward with enthusiasm.
"Woo~!" Dratini chirped cheerfully, trying to talk to them.
Snivy eventually joined in, speaking curtly but helpfully.
The =Pokémon began to chatter back and forth, and even though Lucien and Ryan couldn't understand the words, they could sense the meaning, reassurance, friendliness, and safety.
Ryan, watching in awe, whispered, "Your Highness… can monsters from different species actually understand each other?"
Lucien smiled. "Apparently so. Isn't it fascinating?"
He had originally thought about letting the Minccino group handle this introduction, since they were gentle and social, but the opportunity had come suddenly.
After a few more rounds of Dratini's soft encouragements and Snivy's firm reassurances, the Shuckle finally began to stir.
Cautiously, one by one, they peeked out of their shells, small eyes blinking nervously as they took in their surroundings.
When their gazes finally met Lucien's, he reached into a nearby box and set down a handful of sitrus berries on the table.
"To express my apology," Lucien said warmly, "these berries are for you. Please, eat as much as you like."
The Shuckle froze, glancing between the berries and the human who offered them.
"Shuckle?" one of them murmured softly, as if asking if it was really okay.
Dratini bobbed her head eagerly. "Woo~!"
Encouraged by her tone, the Shuckle hesitated only a moment longer before beginning to move again.
They extended their soft, pale tentacles, delicately grasped the pomelo fruits, and slowly pulled them through the holes in their shells, tucking them inside to eat later, safe and hidden.
That was Shuckle's special habit, storing fruit within their shells, letting it ferment slowly with time until it became a delicious, energy-restoring juice.
...
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