Later that evening, Kale gathered all nobles and officials in the city to formally announce Marina City's inclusion in the Pokémon League.
He also explained the League's system, as well as the plans for the Pokémon Breeding Zone, Pokémon Breeding House, Pokémon Food Plant, Fertilizer Plant, and Potion Plant.
"Your Highness Aven… can Marina City really develop the way you described?" the nobles asked with astonishment.
Although the Pokémon Domain had indeed developed in such a manner, they had not witnessed the process themselves, so they were still filled with uncertainty.
"Of course it can. But it's still too early to talk about all that. Right now, our priority is spring plowing," Aven said with a smile.
At the mention of spring plowing, the nobles exchanged glances. They knew all too well what Marina City lacked most. If the food shortage was solved, then Marina City's biggest obstacle would be removed.
Next, Kale had the scribe explain the domain's current situation, along with a map showing the vast areas of uncultivated land.
"Don't worry. I brought plenty of farmers, iron tools, and seeds."
"With the help of Pokémon skilled in agriculture, cultivating the wastelands of Marina City won't be difficult."
Aven continued confidently, "The most important step now is to establish the Agriculture Department so that arrangements for spring plowing can begin immediately."
At the mention of the Agriculture Department, both nobles and officials froze for a moment.
Although the nobles had already been somewhat prepared, hearing that Marina City would adopt the same laws as the Pokémon Domain and that the administrative system would be rebuilt made their expressions shift subtly.
The establishment of a new system would inevitably weaken the power of the old aristocracy—a change not easily accepted.
However, none of them voiced any opposition during the meeting. It was clear that Kale had prepared them thoroughly beforehand, and Aven was relieved to see this.
With this level of cooperation, implementing the Pokémon League system in Marina City would be far easier. Compared to the Pokémon Domain, Marina City was a much more suitable location for initiating reforms.
The city was far removed from Aspiration City and other domains. Even if the noble system in Marina City were abolished, other lords would have difficulty learning of it and even less ability to intervene.
Moreover, the nobles of Marina City had already been weakened twice—first by Hill's rebellion, and then by Kale's return.
Many aristocratic families had been devastated, leaving them with no strength to resist the combined authority of Aven and Kale. They could only quietly accept the coming transformation.
Thus, the reforms of Marina City could begin silently.
The City Hall, Agriculture Department, Construction Department, Trainer Administration, Pokémon Management Department, Education Department, departments that had never existed in Marina City—would all be established.
"The original positions of Marina City's officials will not be abolished."
"But some responsibilities will be reassigned."
"For example, the City Hall will still be under your management, Scribe, but agricultural affairs will be transferred to the Agriculture Department."
"And for the treasurer, Marina City's finances will remain under your control, but the finances of the Pokémon Breeding Houses will be independent and calculated separately."
Aven and Kale had already discussed these adjustments beforehand. The final structure mirrored the administrative system of the Pokémon Domain almost completely.
"As you command, Your Highness Aven!" The scribe and treasurer both bowed deeply, clearly relieved.
Since the newly arrived officials from the Pokémon Domain all belonged to brand-new departments, there was little direct conflict with Marina City's original officials—though it was undeniable that the latter's authority had been drastically reduced.
But the officials had already mentally prepared for this and found Aven's arrangement acceptable. Some even felt that being assigned more specialized duties made their work easier.
"Alright, back to the main topic. Spring plowing is the most important matter in Marina City right now. It will require cooperation across multiple departments."
Aven, Kale, and the officials drew up development plans for Marina City. Once the Bibarel and serfs arrived, vast sections of inland territory would need to be converted into farmland.
The forested regions would be transformed into Berry orchards. Berries were the key ingredient for Pokémon food, fertilizer, and potions. Marina City must plant them extensively; otherwise, the factories would never develop.
Then there was the establishment of the Pokémon Breeding Zone. Many Pokémon groups had arrived with them, and these would be the first inhabitants of the zone.
In addition, numerous Pokémon already lived within the chaotic areas of the city. They would eventually be relocated to the Breeding Zone—a massive project in itself.
Of all the tasks, the one Aven cared about most was the construction of the Water Pokémon Breeding Zone.
He had long planned for this. Marina City had several large natural bays, each perfectly suited for developing such zones.
As the Water-type Pokémon groups grew stronger, the breeding zone could expand until the entire coastline of Marina City fell within its range.
With Water-type Pokémon guarding the sea, the domain's maritime resources could finally be utilized. The ocean's resources were practically infinite, and Marina City's fishing industry would flourish rapidly.
In fact, Marina City sat beside a massive natural granary, the sea, but they had long been unable to harvest it due to countless limitations.
Once the Water Pokémon Breeding Zone was built, the fishing industry alone could supply a large portion of the city's food needs.
Even better, the seafood caught could be transported to other domains as special products of Marina City. After all, no Marina City could develop without a thriving fishing industry.
Another few days passed, and the Bibarel finally brought the farmers over the Coastal Mountains and into Marina City.
"Finally, we've arrived. Next, we need to settle both the Pokémon and the farmers."
Aven and Kale returned to the Pokémon Domain at the earliest possible moment.
He arranged for the Pokémon tribes migrating to Marina City to be settled directly on the side of the Coastal Mountains. The plan was to gradually establish a Pokémon Breeding Zone here, with the Pokémon Breeding Houses to be constructed right beside the breeding district.
After that, the farmers were brought to a nearby village, where they would temporarily take up residence. Their task would be to begin reclaiming the surrounding wasteland and planting crops.
This was a process the farmers were already very familiar with. Among them were several who had come from the very first batch of farmers to join the Pokémon Domain and they were here as managers to oversee the newly arrived serfs.
"Your Highness Aven, is it truly possible to turn this barren, unsuitable land into usable farmland?"
Many of Marina City's lords had rushed over as well.
Though they did not doubt Aven's words, they still felt somewhat uneasy. After all, the soil in Marina City was entirely different from the fertile land of Aspiration City.
"Bibarel, begin!"
At his command, dozens of Bibarel broke into a run simultaneously.
As they charged forward, the earth began rolling over and overturning rapidly, breathing new life into the desolate ground. Before everyone's eyes, the barren soil was being plowed apart layer by layer.
When the land was ready, Aven took out a large quantity of Berry seeds and had Lilligant control them, planting them neatly into the plowed earth.
Immediately after, Lilligant used Grassy Terrain, stimulating the seeds with grass energy. In an instant, sprout after sprout began to emerge from the soil, each one pushing upward with vigorous vitality.
From afar, the lords and villagers watched with wide eyes, stunned speechless. After a brief moment of disbelief, exhilaration surged across every face.
What they were witnessing seemed nearly miraculous — yet it also strengthened their resolve. This confirmed it beyond all doubt: the land of Marina City could indeed grow crops!
With this, the people of Marina City no longer needed to fear famine. By their own hands, they could secure enough food to fill their stomachs and live wealthier, more stable lives.
"Thank you, Your Highness Aven," Kale murmured, feeling his eyes inexplicably grow wet.
Ever since he became the lord of Marina City, he had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to solving the people's hunger. And now, at long last, a true solution had appeared.
Because of this, he felt that everything he had endured had been worth it. Aven was indeed the one who could bring Marina City a future. Under his guidance, Marina City would undoubtedly grow stronger and flourish.
"Now is not the time to relax. We still have much to do."
Aven patted Kale's shoulder lightly.
Once the wasteland was successfully reclaimed, the next step was sowing seeds. The commoners of Marina City were not skilled at planting, so they could only follow the farmers and learn slowly.
In the following days, the entire Marina City became bustling with activity. Many citizens left the town and devoted themselves to land reclamation. Though the work was hard, everyone felt genuinely fulfilled.
At the same time, Marina City's knight order fully mobilized as well, gathering all wild Pokémon within the territory and relocating them to the Pokémon Breeding Zone, greatly increasing the region's safety.
"GAAAR!"
Inside the Breeding Zone, Garchomp let out a series of thunderous roars.
It had followed Aven to Marina City as well. The entirety of the Coastal Mountains fell under its domain, and indeed, this entire region could be considered part of Garchomp's natural territory.
With a king-level Garchomp asserting dominance here, along with the enormous numbers of its tribe, the Breeding Zone stabilized very quickly. Thus, the first stage of Marina City's Pokémon Breeding Zone was successfully established.
Construction on the Pokémon Breeding House was also underway. Of course, implementing the Trainer System across Marina City would still take a long time; everything they had accomplished so far was just the very beginning.
To the north of the Coastal Mountains was a bay that curved inward toward the coastline like a crescent. The surrounding land enclosed it from all sides, leaving only a narrow gap that opened out into the sea.
This bay lay on the northern side of Marina City. If one followed the coastline upward, passing beyond the mountains, they would reach the Black Forest on the eastern side of Aspiration City.
If they continued sailing along the outer coast of the Black Forest, they would eventually reach Meteor City further north — making this route another excellent sea path.
At the moment, several Floatzel silhouettes could be seen moving through the waters of the bay. These Floatzel belonged to Marina City's knight order. When Marina City's knights were defeated at Fruitvale Village, it was these very Floatzel who had carried them away across the sea.
This bay served as one of the knight order's stationed outposts — originally established as a defense point against the threat from Aspiration City.
However, because the knight order had guarded this place so strictly, no other Pokémon lived here. Their task now was to introduce more Pokémon into the area and gradually turn it into a Water-Type Pokémon Breeding Zone.
"Come out, Tentacruel."
Upon arriving at the bay, Aven released Tentacruel.
He intended for Tentacruel to accompany Empoleon and the Floatzel out into the deeper sea, searching for colonies of Tentacool.
Compared to Floatzel and Empoleon, who were more suited to living in freshwater or coastal shallows, Tentacool colonies thrived far better in the open ocean.
No matter the era, Tentacool could almost always be found throughout oceans across the entire world. Because of that, searching the deeper seas made finding them much easier.
Once they found a colony, Tentacruel could attempt to subdue some of them and bring them back to the Water Breeding Zone, gradually establishing its ecosystem little by little.
Splash—
Once in the water, Tentacruel's many tentacles swayed and rippled vigorously.
"Tentacruel, don't swim too far. Stay close to Empoleon and the Floatzel," Aven reminded seriously.
Splash—
Tentacruel slapped its tentacles against the surface in acknowledgment, then followed closely behind Empoleon as they headed toward the deeper ocean!
(End of Chapter)