[It doesn’t have a date… It doesn’t have a date…]
These words echoed in Hitsugisukan’s ears. His simple-minded self had never imagined that this successor of his would learn so many tricks outside.
“You planned this… seven years ago?!”
Back when they were drafting the agreement, he had dissected every single word, paranoid that Setsuna might leave a trap in the wording. In the end, she had played a trick with the date instead.
Seven years and another seven years. Hitsugisukan had enough of being the Duke. Waiting another seven years? He would truly go bald by then—there was a limit to delayed retirement.
“Ah, come on, it’s just a joke! How could I possibly do such a thing? In a few days, I’ll return to Zou Island and take over. No need to worry,” Setsuna suddenly shifted the topic seeing that Hitsugisukan was on the verge of collapse.
She decided not to use time as an excuse to delay for another seven years. After all, no matter what, Hitsugisukan couldn’t possibly wait that long—it was simply too long for him.
“Hmm?”
Even though he’s an honest person, he’s learned to be more shrewd now. He sensed there was more to Setsuna’s words. There was no way she would so obediently take up the throne.
After all, if she could pull a stunt with the date on the agreement, how could she suddenly be so cooperative?
“See? It’s written right there on the agreement. It was just a joke. You’re a senior, so you wouldn’t be so petty, would you?”
Even if she could use this method to buy another seven years, she’d still have to face reality eventually. She needed a permanent solution—one that would last until a suitable heir appeared.
“You don’t mind if I stay at your place for a few days, do you?”
To prevent her from running away, Hitsugisukan decided to stay at Setsuna’s home for a while. Although it was a bit rude, in order to prevent the heir from running away, he could only resort to this.
Having a Vivre Card didn’t guarantee he could find her. Hitsugisukan no longer trusted Setsuna’s integrity, convinced that she might even pull off something ridiculous like taking her entire family on a vacation.
“Of course not! I’ll have someone prepare a room for you right away.”
“No need. I’ll just pitch a tent.”
In the end, Hitsugisukan declined the arranged room and instead set up a tent right at their front gate. Once the former Duke of Zou Island and now the regent, he had been reduced to acting as a literal door-god.
“Ludi~colo~! Ludi~colo~…”
When Hitsugisukan followed Setsuna back to her residence in Kuri, Ludicolo was by the riverside playing with two children. The activities—playing with fire and water—were things that usually worried adults. However, these two kids were different; they were experts in playing with electricity and aura.
With a Ludicolo—a unique Pokémon—keeping them company, most natural environmental dangers could be ignored. Of course, this was only true within the inland sea. The outer seas were a different matter entirely.
The bizarre climate and sea currents of the New World were challenging enough that even small Water-type Pokémon could get knocked out by a stray wave if they weren’t careful, let alone having to keep an eye on children at the same time.
There was also a small amusement park here, it’s design bearing a resemblance to Sabaody Archipelago’s Bubble Park. This was all thanks to Mandrell, who, in an effort to please his wife, spent his entire life savings building the amusement park.
The construction crew that completed it was from Beasts Fruits’ own team. Having gained expertise, they later built similar amusement parks on Tesoro’s Gran Tesoro and the New Fish-Men’s plaza.
Even Wano Country got a miniature version. Over time, this team had become specialists in such projects.
The courtyard has a simple flower garden and various types of Pokémon live there, with its picturesque scenery and well-equipped facilities making it a dream-like retirement spot.
Hitsugisukan couldn’t help but imagine settling down here after retirement—but only if Setsuna would obediently take over the throne.
…..
“Mom, why is Grandpa Hitsugisukan still at the entrance?”
“Yeah, it’s been days. Doesn’t he go home at night?”
The two children were leaning against a third-floor window, watching Hitsugisukan camp outside.
“This is his determination to achieve a goal. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
If he didn’t do this, Hitsugisukan was afraid that Setsuna would run away. Yet, moving directly into her house felt like an intrusion, so this was his compromise. Luckily, things were gradually moving in a positive direction these past few days, and the day for Setsuna to officially inherit the throne was fast approaching.
On the morning of the big day, Setsuna refrained from any strange behavior. She brought her family and Hitsugisukan back to Zou Island as promised.
As the residents of Mokomo Dukedom looked on, Setsuna officially donned the crown symbolizing Zou Island’s royal authority. It was a redesigned version since Hitsugisukan’s old crown didn’t fit her.
“Shishilian, leading the Musketeer Squad, pledges loyalty to you.”
At the forefront stood a lion, a zebra, and a fox Mink.
Shishilian was currently the captain of the Musketeer Squad. Together with the zebra Mink Giovanni and the fox Mink Concelot behind him, they are known as the Musketeers, the elite among the Mink elites.
“BB Blackback, leading the Whale Forest’s Guardians, pledges loyalty to you.”
A gorilla Mink performed the same gesture. The official handover of the two Mink armed forces marked Setsuna’s formal ascension as the Duke of Zou Island.
“Mooo~”
Zunesha’s timely voice of approval echoed, accompanied by the cheers of the people. For years, Setsuna has only been a nominal duke, yet the changes she has brought about continuously demonstrate her influence, and her reputation has already reached its peak.
That’s why Hitsugisukan often said that no one else could do this job.
Now, with everything settled, Hitsugisukan finally felt at ease.
Setsuna didn’t create dramatic changes like a new ruler often does. Even though Minks have been encouraging childbirth over the years, their total population remains under 30,000, so there wasn’t a need for such complex restructuring.
With the help of the assistants trained by Hitsugisukan, she quickly formed a team and began managing Zou Island’s affairs.
But just as Hitsugisukan had settled into a leisurely lifestyle after a few days of rest, Shishilian showed up at his doorstep.
“Shishilian? What brings you here?”
“Uh… I come bearing a new appointment letter, by the duchess’s orders…”
This was the reason Setsuna had returned to take up the throne. Letting the status quo drag on indefinitely wasn’t an option, so she decided to address the root of the issue—by reforming Zou Island’s system of governance.
Based on the different Mink species living on Zou Island, she divided the Minks into several clans. Each clan would vote internally to select a representative, and these representatives would form the Elder Council.
These individuals could be considered the Mink officials, assisting the “King” in handling major issues. Only when they are unable to make a decision would the King need to personally step in.
Due to his prestige, experience, qualifications, and expertise, Hitsugisukan was rightfully appointed as the governor of the Elder Council. Having just rid himself of the position of regent, he was once again being reinstated.
…..
“Setsuna!—No, Duchess! You owe me an explanation! What is this madness?!”
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