Seeing Kale's disbelief, Aven know he need to show proof.
"Bibarel, use Rototiller on that empty patch over there," Aven instructed calmly, pointing at an open area in the distance.
"Bii Bii!"
Bibarel nodded happily. Ground type energy gathered around its body, and with astonishing speed, it dashed forward.
Wherever it passed, the earth behind it surged and turned, the land overturned and infused with fresh vitality.
Its pace was swift, and within moments, the empty plot of land was completely plowed, radiating faint traces of life force.
"Next, we do it like this…" Aven continued as he pulled out a large handful of wheat seeds.
He tossed them into the air, and immediately, the Petilil at his side glowed with a soft green light. With precise control, it guided the seeds gently into the freshly tilled soil.
"Lil Lil~!"
Petilil let out a soft cry, and at once, a faint green light spread outward, gently wrapping around the entire field.
In the very next moment, the soil of the newly titled patch began to stir, and countless tender shoots suddenly broke through the earth, growing at an incredible speed. Within the blink of an eye, a lush carpet of green sprouted across the field!
"The wheat… it sprouted!" Kale's eyes widened in shock.
He stared in disbelief at the wheat seedlings that had appeared before him in an instant, feeling as though what he was witnessing was far too surreal, almost dreamlike.
"This… this is the power of Pokémon!"
"The move Bibarel used is called Rototiller, which can bring vitality to the land," Aven explained calmly.
"And the move Petilil used is Grassy Terrain. With it, plants can grow at an astonishingly fast pace."
As he patiently explained to Kale, Aven suddenly thought of something else.
"Oh right, there's also this—Cherrim, use Sunny Day!"
Hearing her trainer's command, Cherrim immediately nodded. A soft, milky-white energy began to ripple across her body, quickly condensing into a blazing sphere of fire that floated upward, transforming into a brilliant sun that shone overhead.
"This is a weather-type move. You should be familiar with it, shouldn't you?"
Kale froze for a moment, recalling the sight of a Pelipper summoning torrential storms and fierce rain. He silently nodded, his thoughts clicking into place.
Gradually, he began to understand what Aven meant. With the aid of Pokémon's powers, the growth of crops could indeed be accelerated far beyond normal limits.
At that realization, his eyes lit up with sudden brilliance. His gaze fell on Bibarel in the distance.
That Bibarel was once a mount used by the knights of Marina City. Since it could use the move Rototiller, didn't that mean Aven possessed a method for teaching such moves?
This was no small matter. In Marina City, Bibarel were extremely common. If every single one of them could learn Rototiller, the city could instantly cultivate vast stretches of farmland!
And not only Bibarel—there were also countless Oddish, simple weed-like Pokémon that thrived around Marina City.
If both kinds could be trained, then the problem boiled down to only one thing: obtaining from Aven the teaching methods for Rototiller and Grassy Terrain, and letting those Pokémon assist in farming the land!
Kale slowly closed his eyes, and in his mind appeared the image of endless fields of golden wheat. When he opened them again, his gaze had become firm and resolute.
The next moment, the lord of Marina City suddenly dropped to one knee. Placing a hand solemnly against his chest, he lowered his head and declared,
"Lord Aven, I beg you—please lend your aid to the people of Marina City."
"So long as you are willing to punish the traitors of Marina City, drive out the wicked sorcerers, and bring prosperity and abundance to its citizens… so long as you treat them with kindness, I am willing to pledge myself to your command."
It was a perfectly formal act of fealty. If others were present, their jaws would surely have dropped to the floor—for the lord of Marina City was actually swearing allegiance to a frontier count!
But it was obvious why. After seeing the sheer might of the Pokémon Domain with his own eyes, he knew that Marina City would never be able to withstand the advance of its knights.
And after learning the truth about Paul's death and uncovering Hill's treachery, a fire of vengeance had been lit in his heart. As long as he could crush the traitors and the sorcerers, he was prepared to pay any price.
Above all, from Aven, he saw a hope for Marina City to escape its barren fate. He believed that Aven, who treated even serfs with dignity, would surely treat the people of Marina City with the same fairness and compassion.
For that reason, he was even willing to relinquish his title as lord and entrust Marina City's future entirely to Aven's hands. He truly believed that under Aven's rule, Marina City would be reborn, just like the newly flourishing Fairhaven Town!
"You trust me that much?" Aven stared silently at Lord Kale.
Indeed, he had intended to persuade Kale into cooperating with the clearing of the Black Forest, but he had not expected the man to make such a resolute choice so quickly—to directly swear allegiance!
To gamble Marina City's future on his shoulders… it was no different than a wager of everything. If the bet failed, the result would be utter ruin.
"I believe in what I have seen with my own eyes!" Kale said firmly.
"The commoners, the serfs, and even the children—all of their joy was genuine, born from their hearts. Such happiness cannot be faked!"
"Compared to the lord of Aspiration City and those other nobles, I choose to believe in you. I am willing to entrust Marina City into your hands!"
"Of course," he added with unyielding determination, "as my oath declares—if you fail to live up to my expectations, then I will take Marina City back with my own hands!"
Kale's eyes blazed with intensity, his expression solemn and steadfast. Once he had chosen his path, he would march forward without regret.
This development exceeded Aven's expectations. Meeting Kale's gaze, countless thoughts flashed through his mind, before finally settling into a confident smile.
"I understand. Marina City—leave it to me without worry."
"In the creation of the Pokémon League, Marina City will have its place. And you shall walk this path alongside me!"
Taking a deep breath, Aven suddenly produced a Poké Ball. With a burst of white light, the imposing figure of Empoleon emerged.
"EMPO!"
As soon as it appeared, Empoleon's eyes swept cautiously across its surroundings.
In the blink of an eye, it caught sight of Kale kneeling on one knee before Aven, and its expression immediately darkened.
With swift motion, Empoleon moved in front of Kale, one arm shielding him while the other pointed menacingly at Aven.
Though it did not fully understand the situation, it sensed danger. And to Empoleon, no one was allowed to harm its master.
"Lil!"
"Ralts!"
Petilil and Ralts instantly grew alert, their eyes narrowing as they fixed on the Empoleon.
"Lass~"
At the same time, Froslass's ghostly figure slowly manifested, her gaze filled with gravity as she faced the powerful foe before her.
The Odd Keystone hanging at her neck began to float upward, and in that instant, a terrifying aura burst forth from her body.
"Empoleon, stop!"
Everything happened in the space of a heartbeat. Kale snapped back to his senses and hurriedly shouted to restrain his Pokémon.
But before his words had even fully left his mouth, he felt a crushing pressure descend upon him.
"Empo-!"
Empoleon's body shuddered violently under the force, grunting as it was forced to retreat several steps.
Its gaze hardened as it locked onto Froslass. This was no ordinary opponent—this was power equal to its own!
It was clear now that the snow maiden-like Pokémon before it also possessed king-level strength, perhaps not even weaker than it had been at its peak.
"Empoleon, are you alright?" Kale quickly rushed to steady his staggering Pokémon.
Then, turning around, he looked in astonishment at the Froslass hovering calmly beside Aven. Another king-level Pokémon—it was truly one as well!
The sight triggered another shock through him. In his mind resurfaced Hill's words: it had been a Froslass king-level Pokémon that had instantly slain his Staraptor and Weavile.
But after a brief daze, Kale's heart gradually calmed. He recalled the images of Fairhaven Town, and strangely, he no longer felt so resistant. After all, this was the man to whom he had just pledged loyalty.
This time, the last trace of doubt in his heart vanished without a shadow. Swearing fealty to someone weaker was difficult to accept, but surrendering to a stronger one—that was instinct.
With Froslass and so many other powerful Pokémon at his side, Aven truly was far stronger than him. Kale's hesitation was gone.
"So long as you treat the people of Marina City well, I will serve under your command," Kale repeated firmly, kneeling once more and performing the act of allegiance again.
Empoleon, seeing this, hesitated. Realizing things were not as it had assumed, it fell silent and obediently stood behind Kale, continuing to guard its master quietly.
"I accept your oath. Rise, Lord Kale," Aven said, personally helping him up.
Though events had not unfolded exactly as he planned, this outcome was also satisfactory. Now he and Kale shared the same goal, not merely an exchange of mutual benefit.
"Ralts~"
Seeing this, Ralts finally let out a sigh of relief.
The red gem on its head glowed briefly, then dimmed away. It had already checked Kale's sincerity—and found it genuine. With that, it could rest easy.
But when it turned its gaze toward Petilil, it noticed an unusual wave of sour, envious emotions radiating from her.
Following Petilil's gaze, Ralts saw that she was glaring intently at the floating Froslass, her tiny lips pressed tightly together.
Clearly, the overwhelming aura of the king-level just now had stirred jealousy in her heart. And seeing the way Froslass had stood protectively, she clenched her fists tightly.
"Lil! Lil!"
King-level, huh? I'll reach that level soon too!
Petilil's eyes flashed fiercely as she turned toward Empoleon in the distance.
Her round eyes spun thoughtfully before she ran quickly toward it, life energy welling up around her small body as she began healing its wounds.
"Leon?"
Empoleon blinked in surprise as it felt the soothing energy flow through its body, its injuries rapidly closing. The wariness on its face softened.
It called out twice, expressing genuine gratitude toward Petilil. This kindness—it would not forget.
"Lass~"
Froslass, meanwhile, seemed rather pleased with herself.
Through her recent study of the Odd Keystone, she had finally managed to draw out a trace of Ghost-type energy.
For now, she could only use it to release king-level pressure, and true combat still carried the risk of losing control.
But even so, it was a great leap forward. If she continued her research, perhaps she truly could one day master the Ghost energy completely.
"To recover so quickly… what incredible healing ability!"
Kale's eyes shone with heartfelt admiration as he watched Empoleon's injuries vanish in moments.
Now he finally believed the old man's words—Pokémon Centers truly could heal any wound, just like Petilil had just demonstrated.
At once, another thought struck him: when the time came, he must beg Lord Aven to establish a Pokémon Center in Marina City as well!
Yes—along with a Breeding House and a Battle Arena too!
For the first time, he felt grateful for the decision he had just made. Under Lord Aven's leadership, Marina City was destined to grow richer and more prosperous.
And surely, the same bright smiles he had seen on the faces of Fairhaven Town's people would one day bloom on the faces of Marina City's citizens as well.
(End of Chapter)