The Golden Throne

Chapter 3: Empire in seclusion

The sound of a teaspoon dinging against a wine glass sounded across the entire banquet room. It successfully caught everyone's attention.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, sirs and madams, boys and girls, I, Captain Wilson would like to invite all of you to celebrate the S.S Supremacy's 15th anniversary of good travel, good company and world-class service," the Cruise's Captain announced. It was day three of their voyage and coincidentally the same day the S.S Supremacy set sail for the first time 15 years ago.

The Captain, Staff Captain and Hotel Director invited Hilbert to their table in acknowledgment of Hilbert's reputation. Their table was situated outdoors- on a private deck beyond the banquet room. There, one could see the full moon in its awe inspiring beauty. It cast a pale luster onto the surface of the ocean. The table was lit by a dim yellow emerging from a thin white candle. A tranquilizing tune hung in the air as a violinist and a cellist was the entertainment for their table. "So Mr. Black, what are you planning to do once you reach Kanto?" The Captain asked.

Hilbert was gazing at the sea, observing the way it reflected the moonlight. He wondered what kind of Pokemon lurked in the dark waters. He noticed that the horizon to his left was barely visible. As if dark clouds were forming. It took him a few seconds to realize the Captain was speaking to him. "Oh sorry I got a bit distracted," Hilbert admitted sheepishly. "I'm looking forward to challenging the Gyms there. Also, there's a Professor named Oak that I'd like to meet."

"Ah yes," the Captain nodded approvingly. "The old Professor is a respected man in the region."

"I heard," Anna, one of the officers chimed in, "that there is a very successful Pokemon Academy in Kanto."

"Maybe you can drop by at the place. The headmaster's a good friend of mine- I could hook you up with him if you like. Besides he might want you to teach the students a thing or two," Captain Wilson said with a chuckle.

"I'll... add that to my list," Hilbert said, considering the prospect. It still hasn't fully dawned on Hilbert that he was a Pokemon Master now- That people expected a lot of things from him.

A sailor came rushing to the table. He bowed to the guests before turning to the captain. "Captain, we're 50 leagues from the Odaran Empire. The officers await your order. Should we dock there to restock supplies?"

"Ah excuse me for a moment," the Captain apologized to everyone on the table. "No, I've decided against it. We'll be reaching Kanto in two days time and we have enough to hold out for that long. Tell them we won't be making any stops. You're dismissed, sailor."

"Yes Captain," The sailor left as quickly as he came.

"Ah, the Empire!" The Hotel Director said in excitement "It's been so long since we've stopped by there, haven't we? My my that region offers the best sights one could ever hope for," the plump man uttered as he smiled satisfyingly to himself.

"Indeed," the Captain agreed. He took a sip from his leppa berry wine. "But not this time. We have to reach Kanto as soon as possible. If you haven't noticed, there's a storm brewing," he pointed to the west: far in the horizon, a wall of dark clouds was forming.

"It's a shame," the Hotel Director muttered with a sigh. "I hear Eburo's Dusk will be spectacular this year."

"What's Eburo's Dusk?" Hilbert asked with raw curiosity. What is this Odaran Empire anyway? The prospect of unknown lands never failed to thrill him.

"It's a festival the people of Odara celebrate in honour of a hero named Eburo. It's quite a tale but frankly I can't fully remember how it goes. Oh but good gracious me it is a grand festival I bet you!"

Hilbert nodded as he listened. He reached for a greenish beverage and brought it to his lips.

"Are you sure you can handle that?" The Captain asked Hilbert, gesturing to his drink.

"Why? What's wrong?" Hilbert muttered, putting the drink back on the table. "Is it alcohol?"

"No, no," the Captain chuckled. "It's Persim berry juice. Not everyone can handle its strong taste. And those who do often take it to help them sleep at night."

"I'm always up for new things. As long as it isn't illegal," Hilbert winked and took a sip. Immediately, his face cringed at the strong flavour, but he forced it down anyway. "Bluergh," he stuck out his tongue. The adults on the table laughed.

"Odara is the world's last empire. Its roots go back generations, with a monarchy that endures to this day," the Captain finally continued. He loved teaching younglings about the history of the world. "It has a complicated history- It's been in many wars, you see. The last great war was decades ago when Odara attempted to invade Kanto. But the past is the past and it's a peaceful nation now. I heard the current Emperor- Emperor Symeon, is a fine young man and has just proclaimed the independence of a vassal province."

"Interesting," Hilbert thought to himself. He never knew that empires from antiquity still existed in the modern age. The surprises the world threw at him were endless.

"Monsieur,"A man called out in a Kalosian accent. He was wearing a chef hat and sported a Dali mustache. "Tonight's main course will be roast Ducklett and buttered Crawdaunt."

A waiter placed two silver trays on the center of the table, revealing the delectable dishes. Hilbert caught a whiff of the sizzling buttered Crawdaunt. It had the smell of a perfect blend of berries and spices that married so well, Hilbert knew an explosion of flavors was waiting for his mouth. Saliva began to collect at the bottom of his tongue.

"Well," Captain Wilson announced "A toast to good health and safe travel. Bon appe'tit!"

***

Hilbert took a quick shower and got into a white T-shirt and his boxers. He then slumped to his bed. His eyelids felt incredibly heavy. An effect of the strange drink he had earlier, no doubt. As he placed his Pokebelt and bag onto his desk he couldn't help but think about the empire they had talked about during dinner earlier. He's never heard of the Odaran Empire before.

"Huh... an empire in seclusion eh?" He yawned. He glanced at his Pokemon in their respective Pokeballs. "Maybe next time guys."

And with that, he shut his nightlight and was soon engulfed in sleep's embrace.