The incident involving Bella quickly became known to the Hill family. And because there were so many onlookers at the time, the entire internet was now abuzz with discussions about it.
Ryan was even dubbed the "bravest man" by netizens.
After all, knowing that the unknown Pokémon belonged to Julian, he still dared to poach it—if that wasn't bravery, then what was?
Moreover, many people had been speculating about the name of that unknown Pokémon, with a large number leaving comments on Julian's social media accounts like TikTok and Geek.
Julian responded on Geek.
> "Cosmog, a Legendary Pokémon. Personally, I prefer to call it Nebby."
He didn't mention that it would evolve into a First-class Legendary in the future, as there was no need for everyone to know about that.
However, some high-level officials in various countries were already aware of this. It wasn't because Duke had betrayed him, but because they learned about it through ancient stone tablets.
The entire evolutionary line of Cosmog, Cosmoem, Lunala, or Solgaleo was precisely recorded on one such tablet.
And this tablet was currently stored in the National Museum of Pampas.
In addition, Julian publicly announced that Nebby's name was indeed Cosmog.
When it came to matters related to Julian, high-level officials in various countries paid close attention. As soon as Cosmog appeared, some recognized it as the Pokémon recorded on the ancient stone tablet—one that could evolve into a First-class Legendary.
So right now it was like ten thousand Tauros were running around in the hearts of various leaders.
It really just never ended.
He already had the Black and White Dragons, and now there was another future First-class Legendary.
How the hell were they supposed to keep living like this.
The only consolation was that Cosmog was currently in its infant stage, and even if it could evolve into a First-class Legendary, it would require a significant amount of time and resources.
At the same time, conspiracies targeting Cosmog were gradually unfolding.
A future First-class Legendary in its infant stage—whether obtained by a country or an individual—meant securing the future for oneself.
Of course, the risk was also enormous. Failure meant certain death.
---
At Henry's home.
Seeing Alice hesitate several times, her delicate face clouded with worry, Henry sighed and said, "You don't need to plead for Bella. The fact that she's still alive is only because Julian showed mercy for my sake."
As for Ryan, he died—of a sudden illness.
The families who knew about this incident simply didn't believe it. But it had nothing to do with their own families, so many of them just watched the Hill family with schadenfreude.
Originally just a small-size family, the Hill family had suddenly risen to prominence by aligning with the Walkers, forcing some families to reluctantly share a portion of their interests with them.
While many felt resentful toward the Hill family, no one dared to voice their opinions openly because of the Walker family's backing.
Now, a member of the Hill family—and a direct descendant at that—had acted recklessly and provoked their very own patron. It was truly a masterclass in self-destruction.
There had been cases where family members, relying on their clan's influence, acted arrogantly outside, provoked the wrong people, and ended up dragging the entire family down with them—in severe cases, even leading to the family's complete disappearance.
Such incidents had occurred in Drakoria and around the world.
For this reason, most families restrained their own younger generation, especially the wayward ones. Yet there were always doting parents—and some people who are born to bring their families into the sinkhole.
Bella was exactly such a person.
Fortunately, Henry and Alice shared an exceptionally deep bond. For Alice, who had been in a vegetative state, Henry had remained unmarried all these years.
Thus, Julian only held Bella responsible and did not extend the blame to the entire Hill family.
The Hill family had already expelled Bella from the clan and forbidden any family members from secretly aiding her. Anyone caught doing so would also be exiled from the family.
Bella's mother—Alice's older sister—fainted upon hearing the news and, upon waking, rushed to beg Alice for mercy.
Alice had always been close to her older sister, and seeing her in such despair, she couldn't help but waver.
But before she could even speak, Henry refused outright.
Though a man of deep emotions, if forced to choose between family and love, Henry would undoubtedly choose family.
And Julian was not only the sole heir of the Walker family but also its most powerful member. Even though he wasn't the family head, his status had long surpassed everyone else in the Walker family.
Bella was merely the daughter of Alice's sister—and besides, she wasn't even dead.
"Aside from Bella, there are a few others in the Hill family. Talk to Father-in-law and advise them to rein themselves in. The reputation of the Walker family must not be tarnished by their actions."
Having climbed up by attaching themselves to the Walkers, the Hill family had become a force no one in Lake City—or even all of Drakoria—dared to provoke. Naturally, some members couldn't help but let this newfound status go to their heads.
It was like when an ordinary person suddenly became rich—they couldn't resist buying cars, houses, and all kinds of luxuries.
So during this period, the Hill family's reputation hadn't been great, though thankfully no lives had been lost.
Alice nodded silently, choosing not to bring up Bella's matter again. She simply held Jade a little tighter in her arms.
Henry sighed inwardly, walked over, and hugged Alice, saying, "Don't blame me."
"Mm!"
Alice nodded. She was a woman who understood reason.
---
Meanwhile, at the Walker residence.
Julian was busy educating Nebby about the downsides of junk food.
For example, gaining weight, going bald, reduced intelligence, and even becoming ugly.
But even after talking until his mouth felt dry, Nebby still insisted that junk food was delicious.
Though, to be fair, Julian also thought junk food tasted good.
"Nebby, Julian is telling the truth. Eating junk food really does make you fat. Look at me—my belly is sticking out already!"
Celebi patted its noticeably rounded stomach as proof.
Julian looked at Celebi a bit strangely. Could this guy really have eaten so much junk food that its brain was fried stupid?
In the past, Celebi never admitted to being "fat"—it always insisted it was just "plump."
Why would it suddenly call itself fat today and even blame it all on junk food?
Celebi expressed that if Nebby really developed a taste for fried chicken and similar junk food, given its appetite, even it and Jirachi combined wouldn't be able to keep up.
So of course it had to persuade it to return to a healthy diet.
As for junk food, better leave that burden to itself and Jirachi to handle together.
Jirachi also followed along persuading: "Yes, Nebby, children must not eat junk food, if you eat too much you won't grow tall or grow up"
Nebby eyed the two suspiciously, then turned to Julian as if asking whether they were telling the truth.
Julian nodded solemnly: "It's true."
Just imagine—when Nebby evolved into Lunala in the future, holding fried chicken in one hand and a burger in the other… What a strange sight that would be.
It was better to strangle that image in the cradle right now.
Just then, an advertisement blared from the television:
"Old Man Ken's Slowpoke Burgers—new item now available! To help teenagers grow healthier and stronger, Slowpoke Burgers are specially infused with Slowpoke tail—tasty, nutritious, and packed with essential growth-promoting elements!"
Nebby: "You even lie to children?"
Julian: "Smash that TV for me!"
Celebi: "Smash it!"
Jirachi: "I'll do it!"
Love: "What did you all just say?"
*****
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