"I recall that this initiative of letting wild Pokémon watch movies and short films was originally proposed by Mr. Stone from the Hoenn region, correct?" Sitting at the front, Geeta spoke while casting a glance down toward Edward, her eyes carrying a hint of amusement.
The attending Champions all turned to look as well. Steven even gave Edward a big toothy grin, to which Edward responded with a shy smile. He knew what his big brother meant by that grin—this topic must have been submitted to the conference by his brother as well.
After all, if that issue wasn't addressed, the Hoenn region would likely face an inevitable disaster in the future. But Edward had no idea how the League had discussed it internally or what decisions had been reached.
"Would Mr. Stone be willing to share his thoughts on the matter?" Alder, sitting nearby, asked with a friendly smile.
None of the Champions or League Chairmans/womans objected, so Edward had no choice but to rise and voice his opinion.
"Based on the League's guiding principle of harmonious coexistence between people and Pokémon…" Edward began, explaining the reasoning behind his proposal. Of course, he left out the part where his real motivation was to harvest fear points. If he said that out loud, he'd likely be dissected in a lab. So instead, he elevated the discussion to a loftier and more respectable level.
In the world of Pokémon, the ultimate political correctness is always Pokémon welfare. Besides, Edward didn't think he was wrong. Considering that Pokémon possessed intelligence rivaling or surpassing that of orcas, their need for mental and emotional satisfaction was self-evident.
"I think Mr. Edward makes some valid points. Wild Pokémon are indeed highly intelligent beings. It only stands to reason that they would have entertainment needs as well," Lance said once Edward had finished. His public support left Edward a bit stunned.
They didn't even know each other. Lance was more acquainted with his brother, but since Steven had only recently become Champion, he probably hadn't had much interaction with the other regional Champions yet.
"I feel the same. And Director Edward is an exceptionally talented filmmaker. His works are genuinely delightful. Even a piece like Tom and Jerry is still full of charm and entertainment," added Cynthia, making her stance clear.
Edward blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected the somewhat aloof Sinnoh Champion to have watched Tom and Jerry.
With the endorsement of several Champions, the League Chairmans/womans also began to express their support. The Hoenn League Chairwoman, in particular, was especially enthusiastic, fully backing the initiative and even proposing that Edward's Tom and Jerry-style short be designated as the first official film shown to wild Pokémon in other regions.
Seeing the League Chairwoman's slightly upturned lips and recalling the recent "splitting tree trunks with their crotch" incident in Hoenn, Edward suddenly understood what her angle was.
Why suffer embarrassment alone when you can share it with others? One person being humiliated is just embarrassing. A whole group being humiliated together turns it into performance art.
If the spectacle of Machamps smashing trees with their crotches spread to the other regions, then as Hoenn's League Chairwoman, she wouldn't have to be ashamed anymore. After all, if everyone experienced it, it might even become a unique phenomenon.
But of course, this also meant that Tom and Jerry, produced by Edward's company, was going to become even more popular and widely known.
"Next, let's move on to the proposal about strengthening the security systems for rare historical artifacts held by regional Leagues," announced the moderator. With the previous matter settled, the conference began addressing the next topic.
Upon hearing this, Edward instantly sat up straight. This was the proposal he had asked his brother to bring up.
He knew it was impossible to directly request the League to simply lock up the Red and Blue Orbs. Something like that wouldn't be debated at the Pokémon High Council anyway—it would typically be handled internally within the Hoenn League. So, he had to take a different approach: advocating for stronger protection of important historical relics, hoping it would serve as a way to address the issue indirectly.
The existence of the Red and Blue Orbs posed a constant threat to the peace and stability of the Hoenn region. Even if Team Magma and Team Aqua had already been apprehended, other dark organizations would eventually rise up to try and steal the Orbs to awaken the legendary Pokémon. Destroying the Orbs outright might also trigger unknown consequences. Therefore, strengthening security was the only viable path.
For example, having his brother Steven carry them with him, or at least carry the keys to their containment, was one way to minimize the risk of them being stolen.
This proposal passed quickly. It wasn't seen as a major issue, and it also gave the League a chance to publicize their commitment to cultural preservation. Naturally, no one objected.
By the time Edward walked out of the High Council conference hall, the sky had already darkened. He looked around, feeling disoriented. He had eaten at the conference, used the restroom there, and had to constantly adjust his posture and facial expressions because television cameras were present.
If the cameras caught the heir to Hoenn's Devon Corporation yawning and looking half-asleep during the High Council, it could damage the company's image.
To avoid bringing trouble to his father—or forcing Devon's PR team to do damage control—Edward had to maintain a professional facade the entire day. But all he could think about was: "Four major points, each broken down into twelve subpoints, and each subpoint divided into four parts…" His head was spinning.
"No wonder Dad didn't want to attend this conference," Edward sighed. Then he saw the car parked near the entrance, where the old butler, Shita, was already waiting patiently.
Edward trudged over, exhausted, and climbed into the vehicle.
He was truly worn out—not physically, but mentally and emotionally.
"Young Master Edward, there's an energy drink in the back seat," the old butler reminded him gently. He knew well that the High Council was long and dull, and that it stretched over three full days. Edward would still need to attend the sessions tomorrow and the day after.
Previously, it had always been Master Joseph who went. But now, he had passed the responsibility down to Edward.
"Thank you, Grandpa Robert… I'll take a quick nap," Edward said wearily, sipping the energy drink. Just the thought of having to endure two more days of this long-winded and tedious conference left him feeling utterly hopeless.
"Young Master, usually the agenda on the second and third day is much shorter. Typically, it wraps up by noon," the butler offered in consolation.
Edward nodded. That was what they said, but even a single morning could be enough to drive someone insane.
Everyone knew the difference between a meeting where you could slack off and one where you had to constantly maintain your image. The level of exhaustion they caused wasn't even in the same category.
Still, Edward understood that the seat he now occupied was one many people dreamed of having.
The car hadn't started yet. Edward hesitated for a moment, about to ask what the delay was, when he heard a knock on the car window beside him.
He rolled it down—and there stood Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, with her golden hair glowing under the evening light. She looked at him with a gentle smile on her face.
Edward instantly understood. So that's why the old butler hadn't started driving.
What did Champion Cynthia want with him?
(End of Chapter)
(TN: I don't if I said it before but I'll use Tom and Jerry as the title instead of Persian and Rattata, not only because its sounds better but also because Tom and Jerry are the names of a cat and mouse which can also apply to both the persian and rattata.)