[No date written... No date written...]
The four words echoed in Hichugiskhan's ears. The simple-minded man couldn't have imagined that this successor had learned so many tricks while on the outside.
"You've been planning this... since seven years ago?!"
Back then, when setting the terms, he had practically dissected every word several times, fearing Setsuna would leave a textual trap, but turns out she tampered with the date.
Seven years and another seven years, he had had enough of being the Duke. If he waited another seven years... he would truly be bald, and no retirement delay should be like this.
"Oh my, just kidding, how could I do that? In a few days, I'll return to Zou to take the throne. Don't worry anymore."
Seeing Hichugiskhan on the verge of breaking down, Setsuna suddenly shifted the topic, not dragging it out another seven years by using time as a justification. After all, no matter how, Hichugiskhan couldn't wait seven more years; it was too long for him.
"Hmm?"
Even if he's an honest person, he's learned to be savvy now and feels there's a hidden meaning in Setsuna's words. She can't possibly be taking the throne so straightforwardly.
After all, if she could play tricks on the document, how could she concede so easily?
"You see, it's written on the document. I said it was just a joke. You're an elder; you wouldn't take it so seriously, right?"
Even if she could delay it seven more years with this method, she would still have to face reality after seven years. She needed a one-time solution until another suitable successor appeared.
"You wouldn't mind if I stayed at your place for a few nights, would you?"
To prevent her from running away, he decided to stay over at Setsuna's house for a few days. Though abrupt, preventing the successor from absconding left him no choice but to take this desperate measure.
Having a Life Card doesn't mean he can find her. Right now, he doesn't trust Setsuna's moral integrity, thinking she's entirely capable of a bizarre family vacation event abroad.
"No problem, no problem, I'll have someone prepare a room for you right away."
"No need, I'll just set up a tent."
In the end, Hichugiskhan refused the room arranged by Setsuna and set up a tent at their doorstep. As the former Duke of Zou, now the Regent King, he was forced to act as a Door God.
"Be be, lube be..."
When Hichugiskhan followed Setsuna back to her place in Kuri, Ludicolo was playing with two children by the river. Playing with fire and water has always been a concern for adults, but these two children were different; they were experts at playing with electricity and Aura.
With the companions like Ludicolo, a Water-type Pokemon, the risks posed by most natural environments could be ignored, but that's only in the Inner Sea; the Outer Sea remains off-limits.
In New World's strange climate and sea currents, even a small Water-type Pokemon could easily be knocked out by the sea waves if not careful, not to mention keeping an eye on the kids beside.
There's a small amusement park here, its style reminiscent of Shampodi Islands' Soap Bubble Park, all thanks to Mandfeish. To please his wife, he had sunk his lifetime savings into building this park.
The construction team was also from Hundred Beasts Fruit Company's inner circle. With more experience, they've built similar parks in Grand Tesoro and the New Fishman Island's plaza.
Even Wano Kuni now boasts a mini version. This team, in fact, has become professionals in this field.
The yard is simply planted with flowers and grass, inhabited by various types of Pokemon. The beautiful scenery and complete facilities make it a dream retirement spot.
Hichugiskhan even had thoughts of settling here post-retirement. However, all this hinged on Setsuna honestly succeeding the throne.
...
"Mom, why has Grandpa Hichugiskhan been at the door all this time?"
"Yeah, it's been several days. Isn't he going home at night?"
The two watched, leaning by the third-floor window, observing Hichugiskhan camping outside.
"It's his persistence in achieving a certain goal. You'll understand one day."
Without doing this, Hichugiskhan feared Setsuna might flee, but truly staying at someone else's house felt intrusive to him, leaving him no choice but this last resort. Yet over a few days, things developed positively and finally approached the official succession day.
On this morning, Setsuna didn't pull any strange stunts but returned to Zou with her family and Hichugiskhan.
Under the gaze of Fluffy Kingdom's residents, Setsuna officially donned the crown symbolizing Zou's monarchy, albeit the resized version, as Hichugiskhan's original crown didn't fit her.
"Shishilian, leading the Fur Race Firearms Team, pledges allegiance to you."
Lions, zebras, and foxes, three of the Fur Race stood at the forefront.
Shishilian, the Firearms Team's captain, together with the zebra Giovanni and the fox Concelot were known as the Musketeers, the elite of the Fur Race.
"BB Black Buck, leading the White Whale Forest Knight Group, pledges allegiance to you."
A gorilla from the Fur Race performed the same action, and the formal handing over of the two armed forces signified Setsuna's official ascent as Duke of Zou.
"Moo~"
The timely recognition sound from the Elephant Master accompanied by the people's cheers resounded. Over the years, Setsuna remained a nominal duke, but the changes she brought showed her impact constantly, and her reputation soared to the top.
Thus, Hichugiskhan claimed others couldn't undertake this task.
Everything was now settled, allowing Hichugiskhan to finally relax.
Setsuna didn't indulge in a new reign with new ministers. Despite years of encouraging birth rates, the Fur Race's total population was less than 30,000, negating the need for such complexities.
Leveraging the assistants trained by Hichugiskhan, she quickly organized a team and began handling Zou's affairs.
But just as Hichugiskhan was resting for a few days, planning to begin a leisurely life, Shishilian came knocking.
"Shishilian? Do you have some business?"
"Uh... I've come under the Duke's orders to deliver a new appointment letter to you..."
This was Setsuna's reason for returning to take the throne; postponing indefinitely wasn't feasible. She resolved to tackle the root issues by, for instance, changing Zou's governance system.
According to the different types of Fur Races living on Zou, she subdivided them into several clans, each electing one councilor through self-vote. These councilors constituted the Elders Council.
These individuals served as official Fur Race officials, aiding the "king" in managing significant issues. Only in matters they couldn't resolve would the king need to make a decision personally.
Due to Hichugiskhan's prestige, experience, and qualifications, he naturally became the Governor of the Elders Council, leading him to be reinstated just after shedding the Regent King title.
...
"Setsuna!... No, Duke! You need to explain to me, what on earth is this?!"