"Among the Knights Order, who possesses superior swordsmanship or extensive experience fighting magical beasts?"
Draconis asked Alfred, who was beside him, while reviewing the records of the territory's residents.
Upon hearing this, Alfred pondered for a moment before replying:
"Currently, there are only five knights left in the Knights Order. If we're talking about superior swordsmanship, I think Ryan is more suitable. As for experience fighting magical beasts… I believe Cleveland would be up to the task."
"He is a veteran who retired from the battlefield. Years ago, he participated in many campaigns with the King. One country incorporated captured magical beasts into its army, and Cleveland was involved in battles against that country and survived."
Cleveland… Draconis carefully searched among the 78 residents of the territory and quickly found the name of the retired veteran, Cleveland.
[Commoner Name: Cleveland]
[Age: 40 years old]
[Occupation: Royal Guard Knight]
[Special Abilities: None]
[Loyalty: 90 (Max 100)]
[Life History: In Kingdom Year 108, Cleveland was born into a Fishing family.]
[In Kingdom Year 125, Cleveland joined the Eindoak army and participated in wars.]
[In Kingdom Year 136, Cleveland retired. When he returned home, his parents had already passed away. With nowhere to go, Cleveland returned to the army to serve as a guard.]
[In Kingdom Year 148, he protected Third Prince Draconis and traveled with him to the fiefdom.]
Looking at this person's information, Draconis couldn't help but fall into contemplation.
Meanwhile, Alfred spoke with a look of regret:
"Alas, if only Lord Gerolt were still here…"
Hearing that name, Draconis was slightly startled.
"Gerolt?"
The original owner's memory did seem to contain this name.
Alfred couldn't help but sigh, his eyes filled with worry and regret:
"Lord Gerolt was the most formidable lord in the Knights Order. He once defeated countless terrifying magical beasts. But not long ago, Lord Gerolt, to protect everyone, single-handedly lured away a group of magical beasts that were attacking the convoy, and then he never returned…"
After Alfred explained, Draconis's memories of Gerolt became clear.
At that time, the convoy was passing through a vast forest when they unexpectedly encountered a group of Haxorus.
That group of Haxorus mistook them for intruders into their territory and led their Axew to launch a fierce attack.
To protect them, Gerolt single-handedly lured away that group of Haxorus, and then he never returned.
While Haxorus are generally docile Pokémon, they show no mercy to those who invade their territory, tearing intruders apart with their giant axe-like fangs that can cut through steel.
Facing such a terrifying group of Pokémon, that Gerolt must surely be in grave danger by now.
Moreover, Draconis searched but could not find his name in the Commoners list.
"Then it will be Ryan and Cleveland. I need them to thoroughly explore the area around the territory." Draconis paused and then asked, "Are there any people in the territory who are good at drawing? I need them to help draw a map of the vicinity, as well as the types of magical beasts in the surrounding area."
"Drawing…" Alfred thought carefully for a moment, then said, "There is one! It's a young girl who loves to draw. I remember her name is Christina. Her drawings look so real, even the King praised her artistic skills!"
Christina… Draconis searched among the names and quickly found hers.
[Commoner Name: Christina]
[Age: 19 years old]
[Occupation: None]
[Special Abilities: None]
[Loyalty: 80 (Max 100)]
[Life History: In Kingdom Year 129, Christina was born into a merchant family.]
[In Kingdom Year 143, Christina entered the Eindoak Academy to study painting.]
[In Kingdom Year 146, Christina became a Royal Court Painter.]
[In Kingdom Year 148, she accompanied Third Prince Draconis to the fiefdom.]
Court Painter? Draconis was a little surprised; it seemed this girl's painting skills were extremely high.
Since that was the case, he felt relieved.
Ryan and Cleveland would be responsible for exploration and combat, while Christina could draw a map of the surroundings and the Pokémon that inhabited them.
It was just a pity that Anna hadn't grown up yet.
Otherwise, with Zorua's Illusion ability, they would be perfect reconnaissance personnel.
Seeing that His Highness intended for these three to explore the surroundings, Alfred spoke up:
"Ryan and Cleveland are currently helping cut trees and build houses at the lumber camp. Christina is with the Gathering team, responsible for collecting Berries outside. If Your Highness wishes to see them, I will go and call them over for you."
Now with the Snover helping, the progress of work at the lumber camp had greatly accelerated.
Coupled with Dratini's ability to use Thunder Wave for Fishing, and the daily Berries from the three Snover, the food supply within the territory was temporarily not a concern.
Under these circumstances, temporarily assigning a few people to exploration would not have too significant an impact on the overall situation.
"Call them over!" Draconis nodded.
"Yes!"
Alfred left the tent, and before long, returned with the three of them to Draconis's side.
Draconis looked up; he recognized Ryan among the three.
Cleveland was a tall, weathered middle-aged man with a fierce scar on his face.
Christina, on the other hand, was a serene and beautiful blonde girl.
"Your Highness, why have you called us?" Ryan, among the three, asked with curiosity.
The other two also cast their gazes this way.
Cleveland and Christina had never spoken to His Highness before today. Their hearts were now filled with confusion, unsure of what His Highness wanted from them.
Under the gaze of the three, Draconis slowly began, "I have a very important task for the three of you. This matter concerns the future of everyone in the territory."
Hearing this, the three were slightly startled.
Draconis did not keep them in suspense but spoke:
"I need the three of you to form an investigation team, responsible for exploring the area around this territory, as well as some farther places—Christina, I need you to depict all of this in the form of a map. Not only that, every magical beast you encounter along the way must also be recorded and brought back for my inspection."
Christina, suddenly called by name, was a little slow to react. Listening to the request, she quickly responded, "Yes… Yes!"
"Cleveland, you possess extensive experience fighting magical beasts. I hope you can protect Christina. Ryan, I need you to use your martial arts to assist Cleveland," Draconis said.
Cleveland could understand exploration, but recording every magical beast they encountered left him very puzzled.
Did His Highness intend to capture them, bind them with chains, and forcibly compel them to work?
Just like those magical beasts in the Royal City.
That wouldn't be a problem, but what was problematic was bringing along a helpless young girl.
Cleveland knew the terrifying nature of some magical beasts, but recalling His Highness's actions these past few days, Cleveland felt that His Highness wasn't that kind of person.
There might be some intention he wasn't aware of.
Compared to him, Ryan was much more direct.
"Is Your Highness planning something?" he asked.
Draconis nodded, his expression serious:
"To be frank, our current charcoal reserves are only enough for everyone for at most one month, and it's only December now, not even the coldest time."
"The temperature won't gradually rise until late February. During this period, if it doesn't snow, it's fine. But once a Blizzard hits, and our charcoal runs out, we will have no means of heating whatsoever."
"In extreme cold, adults like us might be able to endure it with our physical strength, but children and the elderly might not."
"Therefore, I am sending you out this time to ask you to find magical beasts that can breathe fire. I want to use their power for heating."
Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly startled.
"Your Highness intends to use the power of magical beasts?"
Draconis nodded, earnestly saying, "Our human strength alone is not enough, so we must rely on the power of magical beasts!"
Just like those three Snover? Cleveland thought.
"But Your Highness, with our current strength, even if we find fire-breathing magical beasts, we may not be able to control them," Cleveland calmly stated.
"You don't need to worry about that. As long as you find the corresponding magical beasts, I have my own methods."
Hearing this, Ryan was already completely excited.
"I know, just like Anna and her little magical beast!"
These days, he often saw Anna training outside with her little magical beast.
Anna could even command that little magical beast to attack.
And that was something only a magical beast tamer could do.
Controlling powerful magical beasts and making them fight for oneself—Ryan also wanted to possess such power!
"Don't worry, Prince Draconis!" Ryan flexed his wrist, "Mission accomplished, guaranteed!"
Draconis didn't know what Ryan was thinking, but seeing him agree, he nodded:
"Additionally, besides fire-type magical beasts, I hope you can also help me find some other magical beasts."
With that, he handed Christina the drawings of "magical beasts" he had sketched on parchment beforehand with a quill.
The three looked closely, only to see the parchment filled with bizarre creatures, their appearances barely discernible.
How… how abstract! Christina widened her eyes, unable to help but think.
No, I mustn't be so rude to Prince Draconis!
Draconis, however, didn't notice their reactions.
He looked at the Pokémon he had drawn from memory, silently recalling their abilities.
Mareep, an Electric-type Pokémon whose wool can be used to weave clothes, and female Mareep can produce Mareep Milk. If electricity is invented in the future, they can also help generate power for the territory.
Pansage, Pansear, Panpour.
All three are very common Pokémon in the Unova region. The Grass-type Pansage has leaves on its head that can relieve fatigue and can also use Grass-type energy to tend to crops.
Pansear, a Fire-type Pokémon, is good at roasting Berries with the fiery tuft on its head. Temperatures can reach over 300°C, making it extremely suitable for firing bricks, cement, and charcoal.
As for the Water-type Panpour, the water in the tuft of hair on its head is full of nutrients. If poured on plants, they will grow vigorously.
Muk, which likes to eat trash, can serve as the territory's garbage disposal station.
Conkeldurr, this Pokémon makes concrete. With them, the territory can directly use concrete to build houses.
Petilil, this Pokémon has leaves on its head that can relieve fatigue and restore spirits, which can be used to make refreshing tea.
In addition, there is Combee, which can brew honey.
And Shuckle, which can help ferment and brew Berry Juice and wine.
Given their location in the Unova region, some Pokémon might not be present.
Therefore, Draconis did not draw the patterns of Miltank, Chansey, Wooloo, or Garganacl on it.