1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 67

Concerned about the troubles that had befallen Calyrex's steeds, Alice, Elena, and I decided to seek counsel from the village mayor. With a sense of urgency, we made our way to his residence, hoping to find answers. As we approached the mayor's house, we heard the same women who had been conversing outside now addressing us.

"The mayor's not home at the moment. He went to have a look at the fields in the Giant's Bed," one of the women informed us, her voice filled with empathy for our situation.

"Indeed, if you're in a hurry to find him, you can head over to the Giant's Bed," the other woman chimed in. "The fields in the Giant's Bed are located to the northwest of the village. Just make your way through Frostpoint Field and keep heading to the right."

Grateful for their assistance, Alice, Elena, and I exchanged nods of thanks with the two women before setting off in the direction of the Giant's Bed. As we continue our journey, we can't help but notice the intriguing sight of Regi Temples dotting the landscape. These ancient structures beckon with their enigmatic allure, promising secrets and adventures of their own. However, we understand that finding the mayor remains our top priority, so we resist the temptation to explore these mysterious temples for now.

Our determination leads us deeper into the Giant's Bed until, at last, we stumble upon the mayor himself. His dejected demeanor is evident as he gazes upon the desolate fields before him.

"Alas, this field is no good either," the mayor laments, his voice heavy with despair. "The soil is barren... No crop could possibly grow here now. Perhaps the lands of the Crown Tundra truly are beyond hope..."

Summoning our courage, I speak up, addressing the downtrodden mayor. "Um... Mr. Mayor?" I venture, and he turns around, surprised to see us. "What's this? Oh, our dear visitors! What brings you here?"

Alice steps forward to explain our purpose. "We've come to seek information about the loyal steeds of the King and the Queen of Bountiful Harvests," she says earnestly, her eyes filled with determination.

"Hmmm? Well, this is hardly the place for a story-telling. Come to my home in Freezington. It's better to have a nice chat in the warmth, after all!" the mayor suggests with a warm smile.

We gladly accept his invitation and follow the mayor back to his house. Inside, the cozy ambiance welcomes us, and the mayor kindly prepares some Tapu Cocoa for us to drink. As we sip the warm beverage, the mayor begins to speak.

"By the way, have you seen what's happened to the statue of the King of Bountiful Harvests? Its head has become massive!"

I nod in agreement. "Yes, that's how the king was supposed to look."

"Hmm? Now that you mention it, it does resemble the design on our town's souvenir shirts," the mayor muses. "But you speak as if you've seen the king with your own two eyes!"

"Well..." I begin, knowing that if we claim to have seen the King and the Queen, the mayor might not believe us. "That statue's been broken since I was a child," he continues, clearly recalling its state from his own past.

"Oh...so can we learn about the loyal steeds?" Elena asks, hoping for a lead.

The mayor ponders for a moment before responding, "I don't know why you'd be interested in such things, but... an old book I read long ago said that the king and the queen's loyal steeds were particularly fond of certain special vegetables. But my memory isn't what it used to be. I can't recall what exactly the steeds so desired! I think it's best that you search on the bookshelf over there if you want to find out any more."

Determined to uncover the secrets of the King and Queen's loyal steeds, Alice, Elena, and I meticulously search the bookshelf and manage to locate some relevant books. We decide to start with the first one and begin reading.