He was just about to say something when a soft hand reached out from beside him and gently held his hand.
Cynthia's fingers squeezed his palm.
Ash immediately understood.
Leave this to her.
Ash naturally stepped back a little.
Negotiation time, Champion steps up!
"We have already felt the sincerity of Captain Adaman and Captain Irida."
Cynthia did not deliberately push the two boxes of gold back: "To be honest, one hundred ounces of gold is far beyond our originally expected task reward, but since you have already prepared it, continuing to refuse would seem too courteous."
"Therefore, we accept these gifts."
Irida and Adaman both revealed smiles.
The two teams were willing to offer such high rewards to genuinely express gratitude.
If Cynthia kept refusing, it would make both parties uncomfortable.
"However, if there are other Kings that need governing in the future, you don't need to prepare such a large reward every time."
Cynthia continued, "We are willing to help Hisui return to normal, not just for money."
They do indeed need money.
After arriving in this era, eating, purchasing items, and crafting various tools all require expenses.
Just a few days ago, they spent 90% of their savings at the Ginkgo Guide, which is the most realistic example.
They might not be that wealthy, but surely can't be without money.
But the true reason for Ash and Cynthia to help the King was never for the gold bars.
They need to search for Plates.
They can't just stand by and watch as irrational Kings continuously harm Pokemon and humans.
Thus, even if similar situations arise again, there's no need to strip the teams' warehouses each time a resolution takes place.
"Alright."
Adaman nodded decisively: "Since that's what you say, if there is truly a need for assistance in the future, I won't be that calculative with you all."
Irida also did not object.
The matter of rewards was temporarily resolved.
The atmosphere in the room finally reverted from the previous comfort back to seriousness.
Cynthia kept the Soothe Bell, then looked at Irida.
"Captain Irida, Captain Adaman told us yesterday that you've been busy with matters at the Cobalt Coastlands recently."
"You specifically rushed back today, not just to deliver the Soothe Bell and rewards, right?"
"Of course not."
The smile on Irida's face gradually faded; she even cast a discontented glance at Adaman: "Your mouth is really fast."
"What's there that can't be said?"
Adaman shrugged: "Anyway, you came over today to seek their help."
Irida didn't continue to bicker with Adaman.
She looked at Ash and Cynthia and slowly spoke.
"Something happened at the Cobalt Coastlands."
Ash and Cynthia's expressions simultaneously turned serious.
They had already guessed yesterday.
It wouldn't be a minor issue that could make Irida, the leader of the Pearl Clan, busy enough to specially return to Jubilife Village.
"You previously investigated the King's situation, so you should know that there hasn't been a New King at the Cobalt Coastlands until now."
"We know."
Cynthia nodded: "The previous King of Cobalt Coastlands has passed away, and the New King hasn't formally assumed the position yet."
"That's right."
Irida sighed lightly: "Actually, currently Palina, the Warden at Cobalt Coastlands from the Pearl Clan, is already nurturing a New King."
"There are two Growlithe with the potential to become a King, but whether they can become Kings depends on who can evolve into Arcanine."
Hearing this familiar name, Ash revealed obvious surprise in his eyes.
Cynthia was similarly a bit stunned; they certainly knew this name as Growlithe and Arcanine in the modern world were not particularly rare Pokemon.
But after coming to the Hisui Region for so long, they really hadn't seen Growlithe in Obsidian Fieldlands and Crimson Mirelands.
Initially, the two thought that this time period might not have such a species.
It seems now... they just live in different areas.
"Captain Irida, I have a question, how exactly is the King selection determined?"
Both Wyrdeer and Ursaluna clans seem to be random, or they are chosen because of something distinctive.
For Kleavor and Lilligant's King and Queen, it should be whoever is strongest, right?
Given that, why there are two Growlithe as candidates for King at Cobalt Coastlands?
Doesn't the Growlithe clan have any Arcanine left?
"Different from ride Pokemon, the King selection… is actually hereditary. Unless the previous King didn't leave descendants, typically the next King is chosen from the offspring."
"Kleavor and Lilligant's parents still live, but the King of Cobalt Coastlands... perished in the seawaters around Firespit Island to protect its own child."
"The previous King left only one descendant, theoretically only he has the potential to become the New King, but… he seems to have become exceptionally timid after witnessing his father's death right before his own eyes."
"Nevermind fighting and evolving… even encountering a slight disturbance or seeing any source of water would make him tremble with fear… alas."
"Thus, Palina could only choose another highly potential Growlithe along with the King's offspring for nurturing. Pokemon already evolved into Arcanine are not eligible for succession to the throne."
While speaking, Irida couldn't help but shake her head in sigh.
A father's death happening right under his child's nose, especially because of saving the child, indeed is a severe blow for any child.