The Fire Stone was a mineral infused with fiery energy. A mystical gem that could trigger the evolution of certain Pokémon—and besides that, it held other special uses.
Raven recalled something from the system's technology archive:
[Bathhouse: Unlocks the method of constructing a bathhouse, fueled by coal, Fire Stones, and other ores. Requirement: 1000 Satisfaction.]
A Fire Stone constantly released fire energy from within. The stronger the stone, the higher the heat it emitted, which in turn could raise surrounding water temperatures.
Raven silently marked this hot spring in his heart. He would send people later to properly survey and mine the Fire Stone vein.
Not long after, Lyon came rushing back, clutching a bundle of candies.
"Your Highness Raven, do I just… give these to the beast?" he asked nervously, eyes bright with anticipation.
"That depends," Raven replied calmly. "It's not about you deciding—it's about the beast's temperament. Even if it doesn't work the first time, if you keep trying, letting it get used to you, the odds will grow."
"I see…" Lyon murmured, then clenched his fists, looking toward the Simisear soaking in the hot spring.
Never mind—he'd try it right now!
He stepped carefully forward. The Simisear had been reclining comfortably, eyes half-shut in bliss, when it suddenly heard footsteps.
"Simisear?"
It opened its eyes to see Lyon's beaming face.
"Hey, Simisear! Want to try these candies? They're really tasty!" Lyon said, mimicking the way Raven often spoke to Dratini.
"Simisear…"
The Simisear glanced at the candy clutched in the human's hand but made no move.
"Huh?" Lyon blinked, then looked helplessly toward Raven.
Raven sighed. "…Try unwrapping it first."
"Ah!" Lyon smacked his forehead. In his excitement, he hadn't even taken off the wrapper.
Quickly, he peeled it open, revealing the glistening crystal candy inside, radiating a rich sweetness.
"Simisear…"
The Simisear's eyes locked onto it instantly. A strand of drool dangled from its lips.
"Here, eat it!" Lyon said, holding the candy out.
Unable to resist, Simisear snatched the candy and popped it into its mouth.
The unfamiliar sweetness melted across its tongue, and a blissful expression spread over its face.
"Simisear~!"
"Now, try inviting it," Raven prompted.
"Yes!" Lyon straightened, then said earnestly, "Simisear, would you like to come with me? Back to my place? I've got lots more candy waiting for you!"
Raven: "…" Why does this sound like some shady street-seller's pitch…
The Simisear hesitated, blinking at the human. For a moment, it seemed tempted. But in the end, it shook its head and refused.
Disappointment flashed across Lyon's face.
"Don't be discouraged," Raven said evenly. "This is only your first meeting. It doesn't know you yet. Keep bringing candy, keep talking to it. Once it's familiar with you, it may well agree."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Lyon quickly steadied himself.
He looked at Simisear again, determination burning in his chest. He wasn't the type to give up easily. Since this beast wasn't hostile, then one day, with persistence, he would win it over.
Just as His Highness had said—live with it, and one day he'd even cook meals over its flames.
After leaving the hot spring, Raven returned to the large tent serving as the lord's hall.
He summoned the old butler, Aelif.
"Aelif," Raven asked, "do we have anyone in the territory who knows how to make bricks and mortar?"
The butler thought for a moment. "Your Highness, I recall several blacksmiths with some knowledge of such work."
"Bring them to me."
"At once."
Soon after, Aelif returned with three burly, bearded middle-aged men.
Raven's gaze swept over them. From left to right: Glo, Rune, and Morik.
Aelif introduced them. "Your Highness, these three are master craftsmen. Back in the capital, they forged the soldiers' swords and the farmers' tools."
Raven nodded, then asked directly: "Which of you knows how to make bricks and mortar?"
"I do," said Morik, raising his hand. He hesitated, then added, "But our territory lacks the materials. Bricks require clay, and mortar requires limestone."
Clay and lime, huh…
"The fire, you don't need to worry about. I'll handle that. So, if you have the materials, you can make bricks and mortar?" Raven pressed.
"That's right!" Morik confirmed.
Raven nodded. He thought of the mountain where Aron dwelled—the mineral resources there were rich. With luck, they might find both clay and lime.
At that moment, Glo spoke up. "It would be easier if that beast were here."
"Beast?" Raven raised a brow.
Glo explained, "Yes, my lord. A magical beast that can conjure concrete out of thin air with its power. We humans learned the technique from it."
Raven's mind immediately supplied the answer—the ConstrucPokémon line. Timburr, Gurdurr, Conkeldurr.
Pokémon that loved building. Workers by nature. The evolved form could even mix rock and fighting energy to forge unyielding concrete with its bare hands.
If he could recruit one, this territory's construction speed would skyrocket.
"I see. I'll send someone to search for it later," Raven said, then added, "For now, I have another task."
The three leaned forward eagerly.
"I've had scouts survey the nearby mountains. They found traces of what may be a large mineral vein. I need you three to investigate."
If they could locate clay, brickmaking could begin immediately.
Of course, that would also depend on Lyon's success with Simisear.
A Fire-type Pokémon capable of breathing out searing flames—perfect for firing bricks.
And Raven already had an idea. He smiled faintly to himself.
Candy as wages. A simple salary, but one that beast would never refuse.