Lucien's thoughts drifted back to the Fire Stone he had once found near the hot springs.
The world of Pokémon was rich in natural treasures. Beneath the soil lay not only iron and coal but also a vast array of unique, mysterious ores, Evolution Stones of every element, Everstones, Moon Stones, Dawn Stones, and more.
Each of these stones shared a deep connection with Pokémon.Some held the power to awaken new potential, while others could trigger evolution, transforming a Pokémon's very form and nature.
Lucien glanced toward Snivy, who stood quietly beside him."Don't worry, Snivy. Tomorrow I'll ask the miners if they've come across any Everstones. If we find one, you won't have to endure unwanted evolutions anymore."
"Snivy…"
Snivy looked up at him and nodded softly, a rare gentleness flickering in its golden eyes.
The night passed peacefully, moonlight spilling through the window and across the sleeping territory.
By dawn, Lucien was already on his way to the lord's hall, as was his daily routine.
Inside, Elif, Geralt, and several other key retainers were waiting for him.
As soon as Lucien entered, Elif stepped forward with his usual composure.
"Your Highness, the spring harvest is nearly complete," he reported. "As you instructed, we've already stored a portion of the grain to be used as seed."
Lucien nodded approvingly.
Seed preservation was no small matter, he knew that much.
During harvest, the farmers had to carefully remove weeds and diseased plants, keeping only the healthiest, fullest heads of grain to ensure future crops would grow strong.
Afterward, the seeds needed to be dried under the sun, turned daily to prevent dampness and mold.
Lucien didn't have to give these orders himself.
The ancient farmers of this world possessed wisdom that rivaled even the agricultural records he recalled from his past life.
"Excellent work," Lucien said. Then, turning to Geralt, he added, "Geralt, have the miners bring me a sample of each ore they've unearthed. I want to examine them personally."
Geralt tilted his head, curious. "Your Highness?"
Lucien smiled faintly. "A good lord should understand every aspect of his domain. Only after identifying the ores can we decide how best to use them."
Geralt's expression softened with admiration.
After these months together, he had come to respect this young prince deeply.
Compared to the rulers of the Royal City, His Highness Lucien was a leader who combined kindness, wisdom, and courage.
"As you command, Your Highness," Geralt said, bowing before heading out to fulfill the order.
Lucien dismissed the rest with a wave. "Good work, everyone. Let's keep moving forward."
He still had his own duties, training Dratini and Snivy, and later, visiting the mines.
As Geralt departed, Elif lingered for a moment longer, a small smile forming on his face.
"By the way, Your Highness," he said, "the boat you requested has already been completed."
Lucien blinked. "So soon?"
Elif chuckled. "It's only a small vessel, suitable for short crossings. The construction was simple, so it didn't take long."
"Is that so?" Lucien's eyes brightened. "Then let's go see it."
"At once, Your Highness."
The two of them made their way to the riverbank.From a distance, Lucien could already see a small wooden boat tied to the dock, the sunlight glinting off its smooth surface.
Further along the river, several other fishing boats bobbed gently in the water.
Shirtless men cast wide nets into the current, their laughter echoing faintly across the waves.
Lucien watched the scene quietly and noticed that their occupations, once marked as "Unemployed" on his system interface, had changed.
They were now listed as Fishermen.
Elif followed his gaze and explained,
"These men were fishermen back in the Royal City. When they saw the boatbuilders at work, they decided to return to their old trade."
Lucien's lips curved into a smile. "Good. Then they can sustain themselves without relying on the monsters for everything."
It was progress, small, but meaningful.
"Your Highness," Elif said softly, "do you plan to cross to the other side today?"
Lucien nodded.
Elif had expected as much.
At the water's edge, a sturdy worker already waited with an oar in hand, bowing as Lucien approached.
"Your Highness Lucien!"
"Take me across the river," Lucien said calmly, stepping forward.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The boatman quickly untied the rope as Lucien climbed aboard with Dratini and Snivy at his side. With steady strokes, the oars sliced through the current, and the small wooden craft began gliding toward the opposite shore.
Gentle ripples spread out in concentric rings, shimmering beneath the morning light. Lucien gazed across the expanse of water, silently estimating its width, no less than twenty meters.
Beneath the clear surface, he could faintly make out the silhouettes of fish and a few Water-type Pokémon darting gracefully through the depths.
A school of Magikarp glimmered like bronze coins, while a few Basculin and Goldeen swam lazily nearby. Along the banks, a cluster of Psyduck waddled about in confusion, scratching their heads and quacking softly. Farther out, several curious Buizel poked their heads above the surface, their round eyes following the boat as it passed.
'So many Pokémon living here...' Lucien thought, eyes narrowing with interest. 'This river is far richer in life than I expected.'
Before long, the boat brushed gently against the far bank.
The boatman steadied the vessel and bowed. "Your Highness, I'll wait for you here."
Lucien nodded in acknowledgment, then stepped onto the soft, grassy shore.
Turning back, he looked across the wide river toward his own territory.
From this distance, he could see everything clearly, the fishermen casting nets, farmers bending over rows of wheat, women washing clothes by the stream, and children laughing as they played with their Pokémon companions.
The land was full of life, sunlight, and the sound of progress.
Across the water, Elif, who was watching from the dock, cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Your Highness, please be careful!"
Lucien waved a hand in reassurance, smiling faintly."Don't worry, Elif!"
He turned and began walking deeper into the plains with Dratini and Snivy by his side.
The land here was vast and fertile, a sea of waving grass under the clear blue sky. All around, wild Pokémon moved freely among the fields.
Rattata darted between patches of tall grass, Cottonee drifted lazily on the wind, Petilil and Roselia bloomed among the flowers, and in the distance, elegant Sawsbuck and Blitzle grazed together peacefully.
Lucien slowed his pace, quietly observing the scene.
A few bold Sawsbuck lifted their heads as he approached, but instead of running, they watched him curiously.
Lucien reached into his pocket, taking out a handful of ripe berries.
"Here, you like these, don't you?"
One of the stags hesitated for a moment, then cautiously trotted forward. With surprising delicacy, it plucked a berry from his hand and began to chew.
Lucien chuckled softly as the Pokémon's eyes lit up in delight. Soon, the others followed, circling him and bounding lightly across the grass.
"As expected," Lucien thought, amused. "Feeding a Sawsbuck is the quickest way to earn its trust."
But before he could take another step, a low rumble echoed across the plains.
The Sawsbuck froze, ears twitching. Then, as if struck by instinctive fear, they turned and bolted in all directions.
Lucien frowned and looked up.
A huge armored beast was charging toward them, dust billowing in its wake.
Its metallic hide gleamed under the sunlight, and its horn glowed faintly red from the friction of its run.
"Rhyhorn!" Lucien realized.
The massive creature had locked onto him, the only human standing openly in the plains.
"Snivy, Magical Leaf!"
"Snivy!"
The Grass-type Pokémon sprang into action. Energy flared around it, condensing into a flurry of glowing green leaves.
They shot forward like blades, cutting through the air in swift arcs.
The storm of leaves struck Rhyhorn's armor with a chorus of metallic clangs. Despite its stony hide, cracks appeared where the attack struck true, slicing across its body in glittering lines of green light.