Chapter 186: Return to Fruitvale Village Part Two

Outside Fruitvale Village, a caravan rolled into view.

Aven sat atop Rhydon, holding Petilil in his arms.

Beside him, Phyllis rode her Rhyhorn like a knight, clutching her Shinx.

"We're almost back to Fruitvale Village," Aven said, gazing toward the distant grasslands, a smile spreading across his face.

Phyllis nodded, her gaze drifting to the same horizon. Beneath her, the Rhyhorn shifted uneasily, sensing something.

Even the regular horses pulling the wagons had stopped, nervous and unwilling to move closer.

Suddenly, a Mightyena burst from the grass, startling Phyllis.

"That's one of Fruitvale Village's Pokémon," Aven said with a smile. Along the way, he'd already explained: once a magical beast was tamed, it became a Pokémon.

Just like Phyllis's Rhyhorn and Shinx—they were no longer beast, but Pokémon. So, when Aven referred to the creature as a Pokémon, Phyllis wasn't surprised.

She also already knew that many Pokémon would appear around Fruitvale Village. Though they didn't wear beast gear, they were just as friendly to humans.

Awoo~ Awoo~ Awoo~ Just then, a loud wolf howl echoed from afar as the Mightyena came running joyfully from the distance.

Seeing this, Aven jumped down from the Rhydon's shoulder to personally greet the approaching Mightyena.

Though the Mightyena looked fierce, once it reached Aven, it started wagging its tail vigorously, wearing a fawning expression, which greatly surprised Phyllis.

"How have things been these past few days?"

Aven smiled as he stroked the Mightyena leader's head. Clearly, the Mightyena had caught his scent and had come here specifically to wait for him.

Awoo~ Awoo~ Awoo~ The Mightyena nodded. Soon after, the nearby grass rustled as more than ten other Mightyena emerged.

This meadow had been developed around the abandoned orchard and was now home to many Pokémon Aven had brought back from the frontlines. After a period of adaptation, they had settled down here. Aven had assigned the Mightyena pack to maintain order in the meadow and patrol the area to prevent any Pokémon from accidentally entering human territory—or vice versa.

While Aven was catching up with the Mightyena leader, the others disembarked from the wagons and approached.

"Aven, are these the beasts that were corrupted by the gray mist?" Master Olai and Link came over, examining the Mightyena curiously.

Back at the castle, Aven had told them about the magical beasts that had been tainted by the gray mist. Due to the corruption, these beasts often looked different from ordinary ones.

"This one is the leader of the pack and has been with me from the beginning."

"As for the corrupted ones—see that one over there, with slightly grayer fur? That one was tainted by the gray mist."

"Although I've treated them, those that were affected by the mist haven't completely returned to their original appearance."

Aven explained this with a smile to the apothecary master. Afterward, he noticed the eager glint in Olai's eyes, as if he couldn't wait to dissect and study a corrupted beast right there on the spot.

"Master Olai, I won't interfere with your research, of course. But here in Fruitvale Village, if you want to study Pokémon, you must first get their consent," Aven reminded him.

Olai nodded sheepishly. Aven had stressed these many times during the journey. As eager as he was to begin his research, he would have to be patient.

Still, how could he get these magical beasts to willingly cooperate with his research? Maybe formulating special potions tailored to them could be a good start.

"This Mightyena is remarkably well-developed," said Link, squatting beside the Mightyena leader, clicking his tongue in admiration.

Under his touch, the Mightyena didn't shy away; instead, it squinted contentedly, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Link, you know how to care for Pokémon?" Aven asked curiously.

Link chuckled and shook his head. "Before becoming an apothecary, I actually aspired to be a knight."

"Although I never trained formally in handling a mount like a knight would, I was the one who took care of the beasts used in my teacher's experiments."

Aven nodded and smiled. "It seems you have a real talent for caring for Pokémon."

As he spoke, his eyes narrowed slightly. Indeed, raising Pokémon required a special kind of talent—not everyone could become a Pokémon Breeder. Perhaps he could mentor Link and help him become a true breeder.

"Lord Aven, sir."

Just then, Fessen arrived with his comrades.

These retired knights were immediately drawn to the Mightyena. Their eyes lit up.

Before leaving the Southeastern Knight Patrol Camp, these men had all served as patrol knights. Naturally, they were no strangers to Mightyena, a staple patrol beast.

During the journey here, Aven had already explained: as long as they earned the approval of the magical beasts here, they could tame one and become a apprentice trainer.

Though they didn't fully understand what that meant yet, if it meant they could bond with a magical beast again, it also meant they could once more become knights.

Whether knights or old soldiers, all of their eyes now shone with renewed hope. Life suddenly seemed full of possibilities again.

"We're home now."

At Aven's words, everyone grew visibly excited.

Even Master Olai felt a surge of emotion at the word "home," his eyes softening.

Led by the Mightyena leader, the group began to cross the meadow and head toward Fruitvale Village.

Along the way, everyone was amazed by the number and variety of magical beasts living in the grasslands.

The retired knights, in particular, watched closely, analyzing the beasts and calculating their combat power.

The results left them stunned. If they counted all the beasts present, Fruitvale Village's current strength was staggering!

"Torterra, long time no see."

At the far entrance of the meadow, Aven spotted Torterra lazily sunbathing.

When it saw Aven, Torterra opened its eyes and greeted him warmly. But as soon as it noticed the equally enthusiastic Rhydon behind Aven, its expression turned dark.

"Lil~ Lil~" "Cher~ Cher ~" Petilil and Cherrim also waved to Torterra in greeting.

As the leader protecting many Grass-type Pokémon, Torterra commanded great respect from them.

After the greetings, they exited the meadow and saw Fruitvale Village and the surrounding grasslands in the distance.

Aven glanced around, but unfortunately didn't spot Vileplume. After all these days, he wondered how the newly evolved Pokémon was doing.

"So, this is Fruitvale Village?"

"It definitely looks different from other villages."

Sitting atop her Rhyhorn, Phyllis kept observing the village ahead.

Though it looked somewhat rundown, and the villagers wore coarse linen clothes, their spirits were completely different from those of the civilians in the city! From time to time, she even saw magical beasts running across the fields, followed by villagers with cheerful expressions.

Of course, not everything was pleasant. A lingering stench drifted through the village—something quite unbearable for a viscount's daughter like herself.

She knew the smell came from Gloom. And here in Fruitvale Village, Gloom held a very peculiar status. So, she didn't voice any complaints and instead tried to adapt.

If she wanted to live in Fruitvale Village, become an official here, and eventually rise to the position of finance minister for the southeastern territory, she would have to overcome every challenge!

"You'll come to love this place," Aven said to Phyllis with a smile.

He was quite pleased with her reaction. For a noblewoman to live in Fruitvale Village, enduring the stench from Gloom was the first trial she had to pass.

Of course, the situation wouldn't last forever. As the Glooms began to learn the Sweet Scent move, the foul smell would eventually be replaced by a sweet scent.

Even he, who wasn't bothered by the current odor, would certainly prefer the fragrance of flowers.

As the group continued, they soon arrived at the village entrance, where Uncle Mike, Sutter, Peter, and others were already waiting with the villagers.

When Aven's figure came into view, Uncle Mike walked up with a smile.

This man, once an adventurer in his youth and now a berry farmer in his later years, had many emotions swirling in his heart. The events of the past few months felt like a lifetime ago.

"Hello, Uncle Mike."

Aven stepped forward to greet him. Though he was now a Frontier Earl, Uncle Mike would always be like a father to him.

"Good, good, good. Our family has produced a Earl," Uncle Mike said with tears of joy, overwhelmed with pride.

"Lord Aven, welcome back to Fruitvale Village," Sutter said as he stepped forward, kneeling on one knee in the knight's salute to a noble.

"Rise, Sutter. You've worked hard during this time."

Behind Sutter were Peter, Simon, and the rest of the patrol team.

Last came the other village leaders and villagers, who all knelt in unison—performing the formal act of fealty from subjects to their lord.

"Everyone, please rise."

"The future of this land depends on all of us working together."

Though somewhat unaccustomed to this, Aven held back his feelings and projected the image of a strong lord—something crucial for the development of the territory.

Watching this, Phyllis nodded slightly. She was quite satisfied with Aven's performance. A lord should carry himself like a true lord.

(End of Chapter)