6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 22 Steelhaven Kingdom

As Ash, Lillie, and Golly approach the Steelhaven Kingdom, the landscape begins to change. The rough, earthy terrain they've grown accustomed to gives way to a more structured, industrialized environment. Towering steel structures rise from the ground, reflecting the harsh sunlight, while the air takes on a sharp, metallic scent that lingers in their throats.

The ground beneath them transitions from rocky paths to smooth, paved roads that glisten in the light, their surfaces meticulously maintained. Every detail of the kingdom seems to be crafted with precision, a testament to the influence of Arceus' Iron Plate, which is said to have shaped the very foundation of Steelhaven.

"This place feels so different," Lillie remarks, her voice tinged with awe as she takes in the sleek, polished surroundings. "Everything is so orderly, almost... mechanical."

Golly nods, her eyes scanning the horizon where more steel towers loom, each one identical to the next. "Steelhaven is known for its discipline and efficiency. The entire kingdom is built on the principles of strength and structure, and it shows in every aspect of the environment."

Ash observes the Pokémon that inhabit this kingdom, noticing how they, too, seem to embody the kingdom's values. A group of Magnemite floats by, their movements synchronized in perfect unison, while a pair of Beldum hovers just above the ground, their metallic bodies reflecting the light like mirrors. In the distance, he spots a sturdy Aggron standing sentinel, its steel armor glinting under the sun as it surveys the landscape.

"Even the Pokémon here seem different," Ash comments, his eyes narrowing as he watches the precise movements of the steel-type Pokémon. "They move like they're part of the machinery."

Golly agrees, her tone serious. "Steelhaven's Pokémon are deeply integrated into the kingdom's infrastructure. They're trained to maintain the order and efficiency that defines this place. Everything here has a purpose, and nothing is left to chance."

As they continue to explore, the trio takes in the meticulously organized landscape. The roads are lined with perfectly symmetrical trees, their leaves a dull gray-green, as if they've absorbed some of the kingdom's metallic essence. Small patches of grass peek out from between the stones, their color muted and subdued, as if they, too, have been shaped by the steel around them.

The deeper they venture into Steelhaven, the more apparent the kingdom's rigid nature becomes. Every corner, every structure seems designed with a specific function in mind, leaving little room for anything beyond the strict order that governs this land.

Lillie sighs softly, feeling the weight of the kingdom's atmosphere. "It's so... lifeless. Everything is perfect, but there's something missing."

Ash nods in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, it's like everything is too controlled. We'll need to keep our eyes open here."

With that, they press on, their senses heightened as they delve deeper into the steel-bound world of the Steelhaven Kingdom.

As the trio makes their way through the meticulously organized streets of Steelhaven, Golly begins to share the history of the kingdom, her voice taking on the tone of a storyteller recounting a legend passed down through generations.

"The Steelhaven Kingdom has a long and storied past, but the tale that resonates most with its people is the story of Princess Turandot," Golly begins. "She wasn't the first ruler of this kingdom, but her story is the one that shaped the region into what it is today."

Lillie listens intently, intrigued by the name. "What's so special about Princess Turandot?"

Golly continues, "Turandot was a princess known for her intelligence and beauty, but also for her cold heart. She declared that she would only marry a suitor who could answer three secret riddles. Many princes from across the land came to try their luck, but all failed, and their failure cost them dearly."