"Prince Lucien, what happened here?!"
The explosion of light and the meteor-like barrage created by Dragonair's Draco Meteor had immediately drawn the attention of the patrolling knights.
Geralt was among them. Worried something had happened to Lucien, he sprinted toward the training grounds with several knights behind him.
"It's nothing," Lucien said with a light laugh, patting Dragonair's smooth head. "Dragonair just learned a powerful new move."
A new move…?
The two younger knights behind Geralt stared at the massive craters gouged into the earth and felt their throats tighten.
What kind of "move" could punch holes in the ground like that?!
Training ended successfully that day, and to celebrate Serperior's evolution, Lucien specially ordered a feast of all her favorite foods.
Around the table, his Pokémon were happily gathered, eating with bright, spirited eyes.
Lucien especially paid attention to Serperior.
Though she had lost her limbs after evolving, Serperior now used her vine whips to elegantly bring food to her mouth. Every gesture carried the refined air of nobility.
Serperior felt his gaze. She turned, meeting Lucien's eyes, her expression calm but softened by a gentle warmth.
Lucien smiled and shook his head.
"Don't mind me. Enjoy your meal. Elif has something to discuss with me, I'll be in my study handling some official business."
None of the Pokémon objected, they were far too focused on the feast.
Leaving the dining room to them, Lucien entered his study, where Elif was already waiting.
The old steward bowed deeply.
"Your Highness Lucien, just as you predicted, thanks to the Machoke and others, our town is now fully completed!"
"Not only that," Elif added with a hint of pride, "our craftsmen used the concrete crafted by the Conkeldurr to construct a great bridge across the river, linking both banks."
Lucien nodded approvingly. Excellent progress.
Then Elif carefully unfurled a large parchment map across the desk.
"This is the town map Lady Christina drew for you."
Lucien leaned closer. Every district was neatly labeled.
Lucien city now expanded in a circle outward from the city hall at the center, residential areas, commercial streets, barracks, gardens, plazas, and recreational zones formed the heart of the settlement.
Around them stretched brick kilns, farmland, pastures, orchards, and Pokémon ranches, forming a wide, productive ring around the whole town.
Thanks to Lucien and Elena's forward-thinking designs, the city preserved extensive green spaces, tree-lined paths, gardens, mini-parks, and beautiful, comfortable, and ideal habitats for Pokémon.
But the part that pleased Lucien the most was the underground water and drainage system.
Using Dugtrio and Diglett, the workers had carved advanced channels beneath the entire town, far more sophisticated than anything in this era.
The territory was now divided into two major districts:
East Lucien city , where Lucien currently lived.
West Lucien city, across the river on the plains, both sides connected by sturdy new bridges.
"Those who came from the capital have already begun moving into their new homes," Elif reported. "Our town is now ready to support a population of five thousand."
Lucien exhaled slowly.
From this point on, it would be up to the citizens to develop the town further.
From what he'd observed, many young men and women had grown close after spending time together here. Some had even held simple weddings, witnessed by their parents.
Lucien believed that before long, new life would be born in the territory.
Overall, Lucien city was thriving, and he was satisfied.
After a moment of hesitation, Elif stepped forward.
"Your Highness… should we consider building city walls?"
If war ever reached this region, a town without protective walls would be easily overrun by the forces of the First or Second Prince.
Lucien understood this issue well.
After all, this was still a medieval era, human warfare continued to rely on cold weapons, siege engines, and brutal infantry combat.
In such a world, a well-constructed city wall often meant the difference between survival and destruction.
In this situation, a sturdy city wall could often play a decisive role.
There was indeed related fortification technology in the territory's technology tree, but Lucien had never invested in it before.
"In that case, let them begin construction," Lucien said in a low, firm voice.
"Understood. I will have the construction teams continue building the castle and the city walls," Elif replied with a nod.
Lucien fell silent, deep in thought.
A month ago, his two brothers had already begun recruiting soldiers. Given the current pace, it was clear that war would erupt very soon.
They didn't have much time left.
After thinking for several moments, Lucien finally spoke:
"Elif, I may need to leave the territory for a while."
Elif froze, staring in shock.
"Your Highness, what are you saying?!"
"Have you ever heard of the legend of the Dragon God?" Lucien asked calmly.
"The… Dragon God?" Elif looked completely puzzled.
Lucien nodded lightly. "The Dragon God was said to be an immensely powerful magical beast. One day, it suddenly split into two, becoming two different dragon-type magical beasts. Their strength is overwhelming; either one could destroy a nation. And they grant their approval to those they choose, helping them ascend the throne."
"As far as I know, my eldest and second brothers have already received the approval of these two dragon beasts. With our current strength, we cannot match them."
Elif's expression stiffened. He suddenly recalled a secret rumor he had once overheard in the royal capital, about the two princes receiving help from a mysterious force.
"Your Highness…" Elif trembled slightly, uncertain what they could possibly do if those two dragons truly existed.
"Don't worry, Elif." Lucien continued, voice steady. "That legend is incomplete. It's missing a crucial part. In the true story, aside from the two dragons, there is a third dragon."
"Before I left the royal city, I began investigating. Not long ago, I finally discovered traces of it. Lacunosa Village, this dragon lives near Lacunosa Village. Only by gaining its approval can we obtain the power needed to oppose my brothers."
Hearing this, Elif's eyes widened.
He immediately remembered the secret mission His Highness had entrusted to Ivan, to gather intelligence!
"I will need at least a month," Lucien said. "Before I leave, I will arrange all future development plans for Lucien City. After that, everything will be in your hands."
War could break out at any moment.
The sooner they made contact with Kyurem, the better.
If the kingdom's army arrived at their doorstep, it would be too late.
"Your Highness… will it be dangerous?" Elif asked anxiously, worry written all over his face.
Lucien smiled lightly. "No need to worry. Victini will accompany me."
If the worst came to pass, they could always rely on Victini's powers to retreat safely.
Elif opened his mouth but couldn't form the right words. He knew His Highness had already made up his mind.
At last, the old steward bowed deeply and said only:
"Your Highness… please be careful."