Chapter 187: Chapter 187: Potion Economic Cooperative Plan
In the study, Aven was learning about the situation in Fruitvale Village during this period.
At the moment, besides the newly joined Phyllis, the room also held Fessen, Sutter, Peter, and the chiefs of the nine villages.
Peter was the first to report, mainly covering the matters related to the villagers and Pokémon of Fruitvale Village.
Over the past period, more villagers had gradually gained the recognition of Pokémon and registered as apprentice trainers. The patrol team had also been expanding in scale.
"Peter, thank you for your hard work," Aven said.
"The development of apprentice trainers and the patrol team is currently a key focus of our territory's construction."
"Now that the knight instructors are in place, I'll begin selecting qualified members from the patrol team for professional knight training."
"As I am now a lord, I have full authority to confer knighthood. It's time to start forming Fruitvale Village's own knight squad."
Hearing this, Peter's eyes lit up. After all, the patrol team had originally been established with the goal of forming a knight squad. Now that dream was finally coming true!
In this world, many men dream of becoming knights — and now, that dream was within his grasp.
"I'm sure the patrol team members will be thrilled when they hear this news."
Aven nodded and then added, "We'll discuss the selection of knights separately in a bit."
After Peter stepped back, Uncle Mike came forward to report on the financial situation of the territory.
With the continued expansion of the patrol team and the growing costs of sustaining the Pokémon, Fruitvale Village's finances were under significant strain. Without additional resources, the Pokémon would soon face a food shortage.
"I've considered this issue too," Aven replied.
"Spring is already here. Our next focus will be on berry cultivation and potion crafting."
"Phyllis, Uncle Mike — I'll discuss the detailed process with you both shortly."
Upon hearing this, Uncle Mike couldn't help glancing at Phyllis across the table. Aven had already introduced her to everyone before the meeting began.
There was also Master Olai, the renowned potion master who had recently joined Fruitvale Village. Uncle Mike had been both shocked and overjoyed by his arrival.
Unfortunately, Master Olai had no interest in meetings and had already taken Link outside the village to search for Pokémon corrupted by the grey mist.
Phyllis, noticing Uncle Mike's glance, returned a polite and obedient smile.
Seeing this, and then looking at Aven again, Uncle Mike gave a subtle nod — clearly reassured that Aven had a solid plan.
Once Uncle Mike stepped back, no one else raised objections.
Seeing this, Aven turned his gaze to the other eight village chiefs, who looked a bit uneasy.
Although the southeast corner of Aspiration City was vast, it only had nine villages dedicated to berry farming. Including Uncle Mike, all nine village chiefs were now present.
As Aven looked their way, the chiefs exchanged glances, uncertain as to why they had been summoned.
Just then, Raul stepped forward, seemingly having made a decision.
"Lord Aven," he said, "does your previous offer regarding relocating Stonefall Village still stand?"
Aven's eyes lit up at the question. Stonefall Village was exactly where he intended to establish a Pokémon breeding facility.
"We of Stonefall Village are willing to relocate entirely to Fruitvale Village," Raul continued.
"We hope you can allocate us a plot of land where our villagers can continue cultivating berries."
Upon receiving Aven's affirmation, Raul trembled with emotion and was about to kneel, but Aven quickly pulled him up.
"No need for such formality, Chief Raul."
"The land around Fruitvale Village is still mostly unoccupied. You may lead your villagers to select an area equal in size to Stonefall Village."
"Once you've chosen the location, report it to Clerk Fessen. I'll have Rhydon help you till the land and prepare it as a new orchard."
As Aven spoke, he couldn't help but marvel at how invaluable the move Rototiller had become.
Though the southeastern region of Aspiration City had ample space, very little of it was suitable for berry farming. Coupled with the invasion of magical beast, this territory has become sparsely populated.
But now, with Rhydon's Rototiller, even abandoned lands could be revitalized — a true miracle tool for farming!
"Once your village is rebuilt, your people will enjoy the same benefits as the residents of Fruitvale Village."
Raul beamed with joy upon hearing this and quickly left to inform the waiting villagers.
With the relocation of Stonefall Village confirmed, Aven breathed a sigh of relief and turned his attention to the remaining seven village chiefs.
In his mind, the current distribution of villages was far too scattered and difficult to manage.
He planned to relocate all villages around Fruitvale Village and expand outward from there — gradually forming a town with Fruitvale Village as its center.
The chief of Eastgate Village watched Raul leave and opened his mouth, then closed it again. Lowering his head, his eyes showed complex emotions.
Though he hadn't yet discussed this with his villagers, he could sense their reluctance in their averted gazes during everyday encounters.
Even Pete, whom he had watched grow up, was now part of Fruitvale Village's patrol team and clearly wouldn't return. Other villagers likely felt the same.
Those planning to return to Eastgate Village mostly clung to their land, hoping to rebuild their orchards there.
But now, Aven was offering a land-for-land relocation — they could keep their identity as a village, just in a new location. This greatly reduced the chief's resistance to the idea.
Moving closer to Fruitvale Village would bring numerous benefits — shared privileges, greater protection…
Most importantly, Aven was now the lord of the southeast corner. All land in the territory belonged to him. His word carried absolute authority.
If Aven truly wanted to relocate them, he could simply reclaim the land and order the move. Compared to that, his current approach was very merciful.
Having thought it through, the old chief took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Eastgate Village is also willing to relocate to Fruitvale Village. We request your grace in allocating us land."
"You've made a wise decision," Aven said.
"However, unlike Stonefall Village where all villagers agreed, I think you should go back and discuss this with your people first."
"I'll have Fessen accompany you. Have the villagers fill out a declaration of intent."
"If the majority agree to move, you'll receive the same treatment as Stonefall Village."
Aven nodded, but refrained from giving an immediate answer — he was determined to respect the villagers' wishes.
The Eastgate village chief bowed once more and, under the watchful eyes of the other village chiefs, slowly exited the room to consult his people.
The other village chiefs, witnessing this, also decided to return and discuss the matter with their villagers.
"Seems like this won't be a problem," Fessen said with a smile once the room had cleared.
Aven nodded. "Now that the relocation of Stonefall Village is confirmed, we need to accelerate the castle construction plan."
Fessen opened his notebook and made a special note of this key task.
"Lord Aven, are you planning to build the castle in Stonefall Village?"
At that moment, Phyllis couldn't help but speak up, her eyes fixed on the map of the southeast corner of Aspiration City.
Stonefall Village was located right on the border, dangerously close to the Black Forest. Even as a layperson, she could tell it wasn't a suitable place to build a castle.
She glanced at the two knights standing beside Aven — Fessen and Sutter. Surely, as knights, they must have noticed this too?
Yet, when she looked at them, their faces bore a mix of helplessness and resolve.
"Yes, I do intend to build the castle there," Aven confirmed.
Phyllis's eyes widened in disbelief.
"And it will also serve as a front-line defense against invading wild Pokémon," he added calmly.
As Aven finished, Phyllis felt her head spin.
A lord choosing to build his castle on the border as the first line of defense against Pokémon invasions?
Dear heavens, what kind of madness had she just heard?
"Alright, Phyllis," Aven said, gently shifting the topic.
"This isn't something for you to worry about right now. Let's talk about the berry and potion trade."
He moved to his desk, picked up a plan he had previously prepared, and handed it to the noble lady.
Suppressing her doubts and bewilderment, Phyllis took a deep breath, accepted the document, and began to read — only to freeze in surprise.
"Potion Economic Cooperative Plan"
(End of Chapter)