In the resplendent and magnificent castle hall, candles burned atop a golden trident candelabrum, casting light onto the exquisite carvings on the walls.
On the stage stood a golden throne, with a red carpet stretching from the platform all the way to the grand entrance. The enormous castle hall, adorned with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, echoed the grandeur of a European medieval banquet hall.
The hall was already filled with nobles, conversing among themselves while frequently glancing toward the far wall.
There stood the chief knight in full armor and Aven in simple commoner attire, leaning against the wall and talking quietly.
Compared to the lavishly dressed nobles adorned in gold and silver, the two at the wall appeared completely out of place.
Johnson watched this scene with a complicated expression.
When they departed, he hadn't expected Aven to dress like this—especially after having explained the importance of appropriate attire in the days leading up to the ceremony. Aven had agreed at the time.
For nobles, wearing attire befitting their status was essential—it helped them blend into noble society.
Yet on the very day of departure, Aven had refused the noble attire, simply stating, "This is fine."
Johnson hadn't understood then and had tried to persuade him several times. But now, after observing the knights' reactions, he suddenly felt like he understood a little—though not entirely.
"I didn't expect you to dress like that for your ennoblement ceremony."
"Are you trying to prove something? That you don't want to join the noble circle?" Kevin joked, memories of the frontlines flickering through his eyes with a touch of nostalgia.
Though Aven didn't look much like a noble, his plain appearance made Kevin feel even more familiar with him.
"Is there anything wrong with how I'm dressed?" Aven smiled.
"This was the outfit I wore when I earned my honor, so naturally, I should wear it to receive it."
He had considered integrating into noble society, becoming part of the elite class.
But upon deeper reflection, he realized that wasn't what he wanted. The life of a lofty noble was too exhausting.
He simply wanted to be with his Pokémon and build a world where humans and Pokémon could live in harmony—a world without oppression, a Pokémon alliance.
With that conviction, he stood in opposition to this world's noble class, making the idea of blending in meaningless.
"Hm. Like a knight's armor, this is the honor of an apothecary?" Kevin mused, clearly moved.
At that moment, the hall suddenly fell silent. All the nobles turned their attention toward the stage entrance.
There, clad in knightly armor, the guardian knight entered holding a platinum scepter symbolizing power and a noble medal symbolizing honor.
Accompanied by other knights, Lady Mira appeared, white-haired with a silver crown on her head and wearing an elegant, floor-length white gown.
This was Aven's second time seeing Lady Mira. Compared to the first time, she was far more formally dressed, exuding a commanding presence that briefly left Aven dazed.
"Greetings, Lady Mira!"
As Mira stepped onto the stage, the nobles placed their hands over their chests and bowed gracefully.
Mira gave a slight nod, her gaze scanning the crowd.
Suddenly, she paused, her eyes locking onto the only person still standing—Aven, in his commoner's outfit and simple white lab coat, standing out starkly amid the noble gathering.
Aven, momentarily mesmerized, realized her gaze was on him and offered an apologetic smile, making Mira blink in surprise.
"Now… let the ennoblement ceremony officially begin!"
With Mira's signal, the herald loudly declared: "Aven, step forward!"
Instantly, all eyes turned toward Aven, filled with envy, jealousy, admiration, and other mixed emotions.
Taking a deep breath, Aven walked down the red carpet toward the stage. His simple white coat now symbolized honor, and many of the surrounding knights looked at him with admiration.
Reaching the stage, Aven knelt on one knee and performed the oath of fealty as Johnson had taught him, lowering his head in solemn anticipation.
The knight attendant presented the scepter on a tray, which Mira lifted high.
"To the sun that gazes upon the splendid world; to the stars that watch over the sleeping world.
To Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie—embodiments of willpower, emotion, and wisdom.
May light be with you; may unwavering kindness banish all darkness.
May you always follow your heart, without fear, without hesitation, without confusion."
Mira solemnly lowered the scepter, resting it upon Aven's shoulder.
"Now, as the Lord of Aspiration City, I confer upon you the title of Earl of the Borderlands, granting you dominion over the southeastern corner of Aspiration City and the duty of defending its borders."
"I, Aven, swear in your name," Aven said firmly. "As long as you treat your people with kindness, I will serve you faithfully."
Mira blinked in surprise—Aven's oath was clearly different from other nobles.
She closed her eyes, releasing an invisible wave of energy. The legendary Azelf could discern good from evil, and from Aven, she felt unmistakable goodwill.
"Treat your people with kindness…" Mira whispered, a smile forming on her face. This was exactly the will of Azelf that she had to uphold.
"I accept your oath."
Mira helped Aven to his feet and took a shield-shaped medal from a tray.
This gold medal bore the insignia and design of an Earl—on the front, a depiction of Azelf. On the back, the words "Southeast Corner" and a map outline of the territory, symbolizing Aven's domain.
It was the symbol of his new identity as Earl of the Borderlands.
"Though this is a bit late... thank you, Aven. I look forward to working with you in the future."
With deep sincerity, Mira fastened the noble medal to Aven's chest.
"It's my honor to assist you, my lady," Aven bowed. "I shall fulfill my oath—to defend the border, defend Aspiration City, and defend you."
As the ceremony concluded, thunderous applause filled the hall.
Next came the celebration banquet. As music played, the nobles began their revelry.
"Aven, there you are."
On the castle balcony, Kevin approached with a glass of red wine, finding Aven leaning against the railing.
"Kevin, why aren't you at the banquet?" Aven asked without turning.
On the railing, the Petilil held a berry in both hands, happily munching.
Kevin joined Aven at the railing. "That's my line. You're the guest of honor tonight."
"I don't like those kinds of scenes. I'd rather be with my Pokémon."
Aven tossed a berry into the air. The Froslass appeared midair, catching it joyfully and floating around him.
Since Pokémon weren't allowed at the banquet, Aven had left them in the castle courtyard—right below the balcony.
"You really are unique," Kevin said after a pause.
"I actually feel the same way. I wanted to talk to you about something important."
"Oh? About what?" Aven asked curiously.
"About Lady Mira. About Aspiration City. About your goals."
"My goals?" Aven looked puzzled.
Kevin set his wine glass down and said seriously, "That's right. Have you heard of the King's Selection?"
Aven paused, then shook his head.
"Do you know how the lord of Aspiration City is chosen?"
Aven nodded—one must earn Azelf's recognition.
"Exactly. And it's the same for other cities like Heart City and Wisdom City. Their lords must be recognized by Mesprit and Uxie."
Kevin nodded and continued, "So, do you know why Lady Mira is referred to as 'Her Highness'?"
Aven had always wondered that. This ancient Sinnoh region had many cities but no unified nation, and therefore no king.
Suddenly, realization dawned. Kevin had mentioned the King's Selection—could Mira be a candidate?
"Exactly. The lords of Aspiration City, Heart City, and Wisdom City are all considered candidates for the throne."
"Candidate for the throne…" Aven echoed. "Then how does one become the true king?"
Kevin looked toward Lake Valor, his voice rising with excitement. "According to legend, whoever controls the three Lake Guardians will control all of Sinnoh!"
"But it's not just legend—one must gain the recognition of all three to become the true king."
Under the starlit sky, Aven looked up in wonder. He hadn't expected this to be the King's Selection.
…
Meanwhile, Master Olai was suffering.
The healing potion based on Oran Berries—like a nightmare—haunted him.
No matter how much he studied it, he couldn't reproduce the effect. Dark circles now loomed under his eyes.
"Master Olai, Master Olai!"
Downstairs, a frantic voice called. Heavy footsteps pounded up the wooden stairs.
Reaching the lab door, Link saw his teacher's grim expression.
"Sorry, Master Olai, I forgot you were working on a potion," Link flinched. His teacher looked furious.
But as soon as he saw the envelope in Link's hand and heard, "It's news about Mr. Aven," Olai immediately stood up and snatched the letter.
Link sighed in relief. As obsessed as his teacher was, Aven's news always took priority—even during experiments.
The last time they learned Aven had gone to the frontlines, Olai nearly packed up to follow him.
Truly obsessed—this potion had become a mental shackle.
"What does it say, Master?"
Link watched his teacher closely—something felt off.
Olai stood frozen, eyes vacant, holding the letter like he'd turned to stone.
"A potion that cures Gray Mist Corruption… My god, he did it. He really did it!"
Olai snapped back to reality, muttering in disbelief, his eyes wide.
"Gray Mist Corruption?"
Link was stunned, then his eyes widened too.
He remembered five years ago when the Knights brought in a beast cloaked in gray mist —feral, murderous, terrifying.
His teacher had poured himself into researching a cure but had failed. The beast died.
Now someone had succeeded?
Link massaged his forehead, already predicting his teacher's next move: madness.
"Link, get ready. We're going to the castle!"
Olai's voice rang out urgently as he rushed to pack up potions and supplies.
Link glanced at the letter again. The name on it—Aven.
So, Aven was at the castle now. No wonder his teacher was so excited—he couldn't wait to see him.
(End of Chapter)