Would this make the entire League feel reassured? Either way, allocating funds was inevitable. The Pokémon League was simply too vast.
With numerous regions and an immense workforce, money was needed everywhere. The Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department, in particular, often ventured into remote locations—places that ordinary people rarely visited. These included the depths of Petalburg Woods or the mountain ranges separating Johto and Kanto. Such expansive areas required significant resources to maintain and improve.
This perpetual need for funds left the department constantly underfunded. Billions would be poured into their efforts, yet barely a ripple of change could be seen.
Still, their work bore fruit. The steady increase in wild Pokémon populations, the flourishing greenery, and the picturesque wilderness were all testament to their contributions.
"If it's them…" Edward rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He figured that these individuals might just help him implement his plan smoothly. After all, his proposal wasn't overly demanding—simply to let the department staff screen his short films and movies on large screens while working in the wild. This would have no impact on the environment.
In return, Edward was willing to donate to the department.
The exact amount, however, would depend on the negotiations with the League's office.
"Director Lillian, I'll be heading out now," Edward said, smiling as he ruffled Rufflet's feathers. He glanced over at Kirlia but realized that Ralts—no, Kirlia—was now obscured. It was entirely encased within a Psychic Barrier, inside which spores had densely filled the space, hiding its form.
Meanwhile, Kirlia and the other Pokémon were busy cleaning up the broken television.
Leaving the Verdanturf Pokémon Care Center, Edward rode in his butler's car to the League's local office. He was eager to finalize this matter promptly.
The first thing Edward noticed upon entering the League's building was the sheer number of people. The large structure was abuzz with activity, bustling with members of the public and League staff alike. Small Pokémon flitted about the air, carrying folders and documents to and fro.
"Hello, sir. How can I assist you today?" A neatly dressed woman approached Edward with a professional smile.
"Hello. Could you point me to the office of the Wild Pokémon Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department?" Edward asked politely. The woman paused briefly, giving Edward a second look before replying.
"May I ask what your business is with that department?" she inquired. Edward outlined his proposal, and the woman was momentarily stunned. Nevertheless, she provided directions and even escorted Edward to the elevator, leading him to the department on the fourth floor.
"Director Yapin, a generous gentleman wishes to discuss a donation," the staff member said, introducing Edward to a middle-aged man.
Edward's attention was drawn to the man's head—it bore the unmistakable gleam of a "hairstyle of the strong." He quickly averted his gaze; staring at someone's bald head would hardly be polite.
"You're here to donate?" Yapin greeted Edward warmly. "Our department has a dedicated public account for donations. You can—"
Edward smiled and interrupted, "Director Yapin, I have a small proposal to accompany my donation."
Intrigued, Yapin listened as Edward elaborated. Initially, Yapin was skeptical—used to dealing with businessmen who attached strings to their contributions—but his expression shifted as Edward laid out his simple request.
All Edward wanted was for field staff to screen his short films and movies in the wild, within their capacity, using equipment he'd provide.
Yapin stared at Edward, his expression a mix of surprise and bemusement. After a moment's pause, he finally said, "Mr. Edward, your idea is… certainly unique."
Yapin had dealt with all sorts of donors, some offering "free" Pokémon feed in exchange for promoting their brands—feeds that, upon investigation, contained addictive additives, potentially altering Pokémon habits. Such deals were promptly rejected.
But Edward's idea of screening movies? That was a first.
"Are there any additional conditions?" Yapin asked cautiously.
"None at all," Edward assured him. "In return, I'll provide annual financial support for your department."
"Hmm…" Yapin hesitated. Though Edward's conditions were simple, transporting and setting up the equipment in the wild would add to the workload.
"How about five billion PokeDollars annually?" Edward offered.
Yapin choked, coughing in surprise. He looked at Edward in disbelief, then extended his hand decisively.
"Deal!" Yapin declared.
Five billion! That amount could plant countless trees, clean up endless wilderness trash, aid injured wild Pokémon, and grow more berry trees. Carrying projection equipment? Yapin would gladly be the first to do it himself.
Edward quickly signed a straightforward agreement with the Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department of the Hoenn region.
What about other regions? They weren't covered in this contract.
After all, five billion allocated solely to Hoenn would barely make a dent in its environmental needs. Spread across the entire League? It would be insignificant.
But it was a start.
(End of Chapter)