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After leaving the Royal Hospital, Kimia noticed it was still early in the day and turned to Lucas with a suggestion. "Prince Lucas, would you like to visit the Royal Pokémon Breeding Center?"
"Am I allowed to go?" Lucas's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Of course! You're a member of the royal family. You can visit the Royal Pokémon Breeding Center anytime you wish," Kimia assured him with a smile.
"Then let's go!" Lucas couldn't contain his enthusiasm.
"Follow me." Kimia took the lead, motioning for Lucas to follow.
"Wait a moment!" Suddenly, Lucas remembered something important. He waved his hand, and in an instant, Diancie and Munchlax appeared beside him.
Since he wasn't planning to return home anytime soon, he might as well summon them from the house. This way, Munchlax wouldn't complain about him coming home late.
"Munch~munch!"
Munchlax was overjoyed to see Lucas and was about to leap into his arms when he noticed Kimia and Flamel standing nearby. Immediately, the timid Pokémon hid behind Lucas, trembling slightly.
Lucas wrapped an arm around Munchlax reassuringly and made introductions. "Don't be afraid. That's Princess Kimia, and that's Flamel. I've told you about them before."
"Munch~lax..."
Only then did Munchlax offer a quiet greeting, barely audible.
Diancie, however, was much more confident. "Your Highness, Princess, how wonderful to see you again. Good afternoon to you, and to Miss Flamel as well."
Kimia returned Diancie's greeting warmly. "Good afternoon, Diancie. I'm delighted to see you again too."
"Good afternoon, Diancie," Flamel, typically reserved, replied in her characteristically brief manner.
Then, Kimia glanced at Munchlax and said kindly, "Munchlax, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kimia."
Munchlax ducked his head and shuffled further behind Lucas.
Lucas patted Munchlax's head gently and explained to Kimia, "Munchlax hasn't had much exposure to strangers, so he's a bit uncomfortable around new people."
Kimia nodded understandingly.
"Come on, Munchlax, here—hold Komala. There's nothing to fear, I'm right here." Lucas handed the sleeping Komala to Munchlax.
"Munch~"
Munchlax nodded and carefully took Komala into his arms.
"Shall we go?"
"Munch~"
Just before they set off, Munchlax tugged at Lucas's clothing.
"What is it?" Lucas bent down to ask.
"Munch~lax~munch..." I want to hold your hand
"You silly thing." Lucas shook his head with a helpless smile and gently took Munchlax's paw in his hand.
As they walked, Lucas and Kimia chatted amicably.
"Prince Lucas, your ability is truly remarkable no matter how many times I witness it," Kimia praised his talent for summoning Diancie and Munchlax.
Lucas responded modestly: "I only discovered this ability after waking up. It's not as impressive as you might think. I can only teleport Diancie, Komala, and Munchlax."
Kimia nodded thoughtfully. "There are indeed many special phenomena related to Pokémon that stem from the bond between trainers and their partners, such as Mega Evolution, which has become quite popular. Prince Lucas's ability might be similar in nature."
"Perhaps," Lucas replied vaguely, not wanting to elaborate further.
Kimia inquired further, "Did Prince Lucas catch Munchlax after awakening?"
Lucas shook his head. "Munchlax is actually my apprentice. He's learning cooking from me. The steamed buns and dumplings he makes are quite delicious."
Though surprised by this revelation, Kimia didn't find it particularly strange. The relationship between Pokémon and humans had always been complex, extending far beyond just trainers and battle partners.
Hearing his master praise his cooking skills, Munchlax puffed out his chest with pride. He walked with a spring in his step, completely forgetting his timidity from moments earlier.
Seeing this, Diancie gently tapped Munchlax, subtly hinting that he shouldn't get carried away and embarrass himself.
However, Munchlax couldn't grasp such a nuanced hint. He just stared at Diancie, his eyes full of indignation: ( ｀ ) = 3 Why did you hit me!
Lucas smiled and said to Diancie, "Don't be so strict with him."
Diancie could only think to herself: Yes, yes, yes! You're the loving father, and I'm just the stepmother!
Who am I doing this for, really?
Lucas secretly sent Diancie a heart symbol with his hands, and Diancie relaxed. She turned her head slightly to the side, unable to suppress a small smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Lucas knew that Diancie had been specially chosen by the late King and Queen to look after him. Before coming to serve at his side, Diancie had undergone rigorous training in royal etiquette and protocol, which explained why she was more concerned with proper behavior than most Pokémon.
Since it was all done with his best interests at heart, Lucas respected Diancie's occasional strictness.
But equally, he adored Munchlax's innocent nature and didn't want it changed for anyone's sake.
Soon, Lucas and the others arrived at the Royal Pokémon Breeding Center.
Standing at the entrance, Lucas was awestruck.
"This is the Royal Pokémon Breeding Center?" he asked in disbelief. "Isn't it a bit... extravagant?"
What stretched before Lucas was an enormous breeding facility built into the side of a mountain, artificially simulating various ecological environments. The landscapes, waterways, and climate zones inside—completely different from the world outside—all constructed with seemingly limitless resources.
"Indeed it is. You can visit whenever you wish from now on, and choose any Pokémon you like from here," Kimia explained.
Lucas didn't particularly yearn to catch Pokémon. While he genuinely loved them, he was content simply to see them, interact with them, and enjoy their company, regardless of whether they were his own or not.
"Let's go in," Kimia suggested, taking the lead toward the entrance.
The breeding center was staffed with dedicated guards, and inside were specialized breeders responsible for caring for the Pokémon.
Upon seeing Princess Kimia approach, the guards immediately stood at attention and greeted her. "Your Highness, Princess."
Kimia acknowledged them with a nod and introduced Lucas. "This is Prince Lucas."
"Prince Lucas!" The guards promptly bowed respectfully upon hearing his name, while secretly studying this twin brother of Queen Anna.
Because Queen Anna was so renowned, people now subconsciously added a prefix whenever they mentioned Lucas—Queen Anna's twin brother.
As the guards opened the gates, Kimia led Lucas inside. They were greeted by a vast, verdant meadow where a group of Granbull had formed a circle.
"What are they doing?" Lucas inquired curiously.
"You'll see if we get closer," Kimia replied with a knowing smile.
As they approached, they heard powerful roars coming from within the circle. Lucas peered inside to discover two muscular Granbull locked in combat.
Or rather, they were engaged in a duel.
After speaking with the breeders who were observing the match, Lucas and the others learned the story:
It turned out that two male Granbull who had previously been good friends had both fallen for the same female Granbull, turning them into fierce rivals competing for her affection.
"Wow! Are Pokémon relationships always this intense?" Lucas walked away shaking his head, a drop of sweat forming on his brow.
Besides the Snubbull and Granbull who inhabited the meadow, Eevee and its various evolutions were also frolicking about. Among Eevee's evolved forms, the Fairy-type Sylveon was notably the most numerous.
According to Princess Kimia, Snubbull and Granbull were the preferred Pokémon used by the royal guards, all raised uniformly at the royal breeding center.
After crossing the meadow, Lucas and his companions arrived at a small bridge. Beneath it flowed a crystal-clear river, home to Azurill, Marill, and Azumarill.
Munchlax mischievously leaned over the bridge's railing, trying to reach an Azurill swimming below. Unexpectedly, the Azurill proved equally playful, shooting a jet of water that completely soaked Munchlax. Afterward, it swam a safe distance away and loudly mocked the drenched Pokémon.
Seeing this, Diancie pulled Munchlax back, took out a small pink handkerchief, and began wiping the water from his face while gently scolding him:
"Why did you have to provoke it?"
Munchlax obediently allowed Diancie to dry his face, then thoughtfully lifted up Komala, who had also been caught in the spray, indicating that Diancie should dry the sleeping Pokémon too.
Komala remained sound asleep, showing absolutely no reaction to being soaked.
After crossing the bridge, Lucas and the group followed a winding path that spiraled up the mountainside, leading from the base all the way to the summit.
Walking along this path, they could see into the dense forest where Ralts, Kirlia, and Gardevoir were gracefully strolling.
Kimia's Shiny Gardevoir had been born here, so its family resided in this forest. Kimia had released it temporarily to reunite with its relatives.
Soon, joyful laughter echoed from the Gardevoir in the forest.
Continuing forward, Lucas spotted two Grimmsnarl engaged in a romantic moment, while nearby, Impidimp, Morgrem, and Polteageist played merrily in the grass.
Beyond the jungle, on the hillside, stretched a magnificent field of flowers. Above it fluttered Flabébé, Floette, Cottonee, Whimsicott, and Swirlix, while Florges and Slurpuff gracefully wandered through the blooming bushes.
Flamel's Florges originated from this beautiful flower field, so she too had released her Pokémon to visit its family.
Faintly, Lucas heard a metallic clanging sound from deeper within the flower bushes. Moments later, a weeping Klefki emerged, carrying a damaged hammer.
Close behind, a Mawile approached menacingly, advancing toward Klefki step by step, causing the key-ring Pokémon to cry even harder.
Lucas glanced at Kimia and asked, "Shouldn't we intervene?"
Kimia smiled and shook her head. "No need. Klefki probably tried to bully Mawile and failed, receiving a well-deserved lesson instead."
Good grief! A classic case of picking the wrong opponent!
The flower field was alive with activity. Munchlax couldn't resist the temptation and ran over to join the other Pokémon, playing happily among the blossoms.
"Munchlax, we're going ahead!" Lucas called out, waving.
"Munch! Munch!" Understood!
Munchlax responded enthusiastically.
Lucas turned to Kimia. "Let him play here while we continue on."
The group proceeded forward, and soon Lucas could see waterfalls cascading down in the distance.
These falls weren't as magnificent as those at Lake Nebel, but considering they were man-made, they were truly impressive.
These waterfalls served as the water source for the entire breeding center.
Passing by the pool at the base of the waterfall, Lucas observed Popplio, Brionne, and Primarina playing joyfully in the water.
The Azoth royal family specialized in breeding Fairy-type Pokémon, explaining why most of the Pokémon in this center were connected to the Fairy type.
Sure enough, a flock of Swablu and Altaria soared gracefully from above the waterfall.
The breeding program for Swablu and Altaria was actually relatively new, as neither naturally possessed the Fairy type.
However, since Mega Evolution had gained popularity, research into Mega Altaria's Fairy-type attributes had become increasingly significant, prompting the Azoth royal breeding center to introduce Swablu and Altaria to their program.
Currently, the royal breeders were diligently studying the Fairy-type genetic traits latent in Swablu and Altaria.
"Swablu ~ Swablu ~"
"Altaria~"
The Swablu and Altaria flew overhead in perfect formation, elegant and beautiful, resembling drifting clouds in the sky.
"Sprit~ Sprit~"
"Tisse~"
Just as the Swablu and Altaria flew away, a group of Spritzee and Aromatisse glided by.
Kimia waved at the passing Spritzee and Aromatisse, and several of the perfume Pokémon fluttered down toward her.
Kimia extended her arm, and the Spritzee landed comfortably on her arm and shoulder, clearly familiar with her presence.
Kimia smiled at Lucas. "When I'm exhausted from royal duties, I come here to walk around and spend time with the Pokémon. My fatigue immediately vanishes, and I feel completely refreshed."
"Spritzee~"
The Spritzee affectionately nuzzled against Kimia with their wings.
"I completely understand!" Lucas nodded emphatically. "I always want to hug Munchlax or Komala when I'm tired too."
Kimia raised her arm, and the Spritzee immediately flapped their wings, chirping melodiously as they soared back into the sky.
The group continued their ascent toward the summit when suddenly a cluster of Carbink appeared on both sides of the mountain path, hiding in the grass and behind trees, quietly observing them.
"Could it be... are they... watching Diancie?" Lucas asked curiously.
"Very likely!" Kimia nodded. "Diancie is the princess of the legendary Diamond Domain and the natural leader of Carbink."
"Come over here!" Diancie called out to the Carbink. Having once been a Carbink herself, she felt a special connection seeing them now.
Responding to Diancie's invitation, the Carbink gathered around her, all chattering excitedly at once.
Unfortunately, no one present could understand their conversation except Diancie herself.
Shortly after, Diancie rejoined the group, and the Carbink disappeared back into the vegetation.
"What did they say to you?" Lucas asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Nothing special—they just came to pay their respects," Diancie replied simply.
"Well, well! My Diancie is quite the celebrity!" Lucas teased.
"Stop it," Diancie responded bashfully, giving Lucas a playful swat.
Soon, the group reached the summit, but to their surprise, the peak was barren and completely covered in ice.