By mid-June, through the joint efforts of the people and Pokémon alike, a brand-new town had risen upon Lucien's lands.
Its architecture carried a charming medieval elegance, rows of timber and red-brick houses stood shoulder to shoulder, and the tidy red-brick streets between them gleamed in the sunlight. It was humble, yet full of life and warmth.
Early that morning, Lucien received word from the old butler, Elif.
"Your Highness," Elif reported, "construction of the new town is halfway complete. Your personal residence has also been prepared, and most residents have begun moving in."
Lucien nodded with relief.
"Excellent work. It hasn't been easy."
After so many months of labor and planning, seeing the fruits of it all finally come together stirred a quiet satisfaction in his chest.
"Take me there," he said.
"At once, Your Highness."
Led by Elif, Lucien made his way into the new town.
The streets were already bustling, families carried bundles of belongings, children ran laughing through the alleys, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of freshly laid brick and timber.
True to his promise, every family within the territory had been assigned a home. Those with savings could purchase a shopfront along the main road to run their businesses, while the more skilled craftsmen, the blacksmith Morik and the carpenter Tucker, had each been granted extra space for their workshops.
Walking along the neat red-brick road, Lucien watched quietly.
Men and women wore new clothes woven from Mareep wool, their faces lit with disbelief and wonder.
Some former slaves stood before their doorways in silence, eyes glistening with tears.
For the first time in their lives, they had homes, real homes, of their own.
Further ahead, merchants busied themselves arranging wild berries, herbs, and mushrooms on wooden stalls, smiling broadly as customers passed by.
In the blacksmith's forge, Morik directed his apprentices to move the heavy smelting tools into place. Sparks leapt and hissed in the firelight.
Next door, Tucker stood amid a pile of freshly polished furniture, his broad grin brighter than the varnish on the oak tables.
Elsewhere, Dr. Lila and Petilil had transplanted their herb garden to a sunny plot near the town's edge. The new space was vast and well lit, Petilil's leafy tail swayed with delight under the unfiltered sun.
Even the Pokémon of the territory shared the joy.
Two Machoke stood beside the workers, beaming with pride at the buildings they had helped construct.
Snover tumbled and rolled with children in the town square, while a flock of Pidove fluttered down from the clouds, perching curiously on the rooftops to gaze at the lively streets below.
"Your Highness," Elif said apologetically as they approached the northern end of town, "your castle is still under construction. For now, please make use of this residence."
Lucien waved dismissively, his eyes drawn ahead.
A two-story mansion of wood, brick, and stone stood before them, modest compared to the royal castle of old, yet refined and stately in its own right.
A wrought-iron gate opened into a spacious courtyard, where a red-brick path led to the house. A fruit tree spread its branches beside an artificial pond, its surface sparkling like glass. Smooth pebbles from the nearby river lined the water's edge.
Lucien smiled faintly. 'It would be perfect for keeping a few Water-type companions,' he thought.
Inside, the floors were polished hardwood. A brick fireplace faced the entrance, and in front of it stood a sturdy wool-and-wood sofa. At the center of the room, a round table held a single vase with one Gracidea flower, Shaymin's favorite bloom.
To the east was the dining room, where his attendants had thoughtfully crafted chairs of varying sizes, one each for Dragonair, Minccino, Larvesta, and Servine, so that all could dine comfortably together.
Upstairs, the layout was more elaborate: bedrooms, a study for official work, and a library alcove lined with shelves awaiting books.
His own bedchamber was vast, nearly a hundred square meters, with a royal-patterned carpet covering the wooden floor. A canopy bed dominated the center, three meters long and draped in silken curtains.
At the foot of the bed was another fireplace for warmth during winter, and beside it, a wide window fitted with wooden blinds and heavy curtains for insulation.
It wasn't a castle, but it was a home, warm, elegant, and alive.
"Minccino, Dragonair, Servine, Larvesta, this will be your new home with Prince Lucien," Elif said with a proud smile, glancing at the Pokémon gathered around him.
The Pokémon were all delighted with their new home, their joy subtly reflecting Lucien's own mood.
Dragonair and Larvesta were ecstatic, gliding and fluttering about the room with uncontained energy. Servine, of course, tried to maintain its usual aloof composure, but the way its eyes softened as it inspected every corner betrayed its true feelings.
As for Minccino;
The little squirrels had already whipped out its magnificent, fluffy tail and begun dusting every surface with meticulous precision. Its chronic germophobia had kicked in full force, and the room was spotless in minutes.
Lucien couldn't help but laugh softly at the sight.
It was oddly reassuring; at least he wouldn't have to worry about cleanliness with this little perfectionist around.
After they had finished exploring every nook and corner of their new home, Lucien clapped his hands and said,
"Alright, you all play for a while. I have some business to take care of."
"Woo~!"
"Chiii~!"
The Pokémon answered in cheerful unison.
Lucien smiled, gave Dragonair an affectionate pat on the head, and turned toward the study where Elif was waiting.
"Elif," Lucien said once they entered the room, "report on the current state of the territory."
"Yes, Your Highness," Elif replied, bowing slightly.
"The construction of the new town is already halfway complete. The residential district, the market street, the public bathhouse, the town hall, and the barracks where Lord Geralt and the knights reside have all been finished. The academy, prison, and hospital are still under construction, but our builders will continue to expand the town as planned."
Lucien nodded, satisfied.
The progress was faster than he had expected.
He glanced at his Panel, glowing faintly before him:
[Lord: Lucien]
[Territory: Town (Unnamed)]
[Citizens (Humans): 299]
[Citizens (Pokémon): 123]
[Popularity: 80]
[Satisfaction: 9260]
[Technologies: Gathering, Fishing, Basic Metallurgy]
"As I thought," Lucien murmured. "Once people have proper homes and a safe environment, satisfaction rises quickly."
And satisfaction meant progress, unlocking new technologies and bringing his town closer to prosperity.
Outside the study window, the late afternoon sun glowed over red-brick streets bustling with life. Elif looked out at the town below, his weathered face softening with emotion.
"It's remarkable," he said quietly. "Who would have thought we could build a city here, in such a short time…"
Though still simple and young, the town was already pulsing with energy, a promise of what it could one day become.
But there was still one important matter left unsettled.
Elif turned back to his prince.
"Your Highness, since the city is nearly complete, it's time to give it a name. After consulting with several of your advisors, we've prepared five suggestions."
He handed Lucien a sheet of parchment.
Lucien glanced down and read the list aloud:
"Emerging City, Lucien City, City of Humans and Beasts, Hark City, and City of Light."
He blinked.
"Wait, who came up with 'City of Humans and Monsters'?"
"That was Lord Ryan's idea," Elif replied earnestly. "He said it symbolizes harmony between humans and magical beasts, though everyone else believes Lucien City is more fitting, since you led its creation."
Lucien stared at the parchment for a few seconds, at a rare loss for words.
Every option sounded… a little awkward.
Finally, with a resigned sigh and a wry smile, he said,
"Very well, then. Let's call it Lucien City."
...
Stones PLzzz
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