The morning after Xiangling's visit, Liyue Harbor buzzed with excitement. Word of the strange new shop and its even stranger creatures had spread through the port city like wildfire, carried by merchants, sailors, and street vendors alike.
"Did you hear? The foreign merchant has animals that breathe fire without Visions!"
"My cousin's neighbor said there's one that looks like a rock but walks and growls!"
"They say the chef from Wanmin Restaurant bought one—a fire dog that helps her cook!"
By midday, a sizable crowd had gathered outside The Pokémon House, their curious faces pressed against the windows as they tried to catch glimpses of the mysterious creatures within. Shinzō had been prepared for interest, but the sheer volume of onlookers threatened to disrupt business entirely.
Inside, Shinzō calmly reviewed his inventory while Blaziken stood guard near the entrance, occasionally flexing its flame-wreathed wrists to the delight of watching children.
"Quite the commotion we've caused," Shinzō remarked to Desert Tyrant, who observed the growing crowd with suspicious eyes from the habitat portal. "Perhaps it's time for a more structured approach."
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. A Millelith officer stood outside, looking somewhat overwhelmed.
"Master Tatsunaga," the officer said with a respectful bow after Shinzō opened the door, "the crowd is becoming difficult to manage. We've had three minor disputes already as people argue about queue positions."
Shinzō nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate your concern, Officer. Perhaps we can find a solution that addresses the public's curiosity while maintaining order."
After a brief discussion, Shinzō stepped outside to address the gathered crowd. Blaziken followed, standing tall beside its trainer while Desert Tyrant remained partially visible in the doorway—a subtle reminder of the power these creatures possessed.
"Citizens of Liyue," Shinzō called out, his voice calm yet carrying. "I understand your excitement about Pokémon. Rather than having everyone crowd around the shop, I propose holding an informational seminar this evening at the central plaza. There, I can introduce you to the world of Pokémon and answer your questions collectively."
The announcement was met with enthusiastic agreement, though many still lingered, hoping for a closer look at the creatures. The Millelith established a proper queue, allowing a limited number of potential customers to enter the shop throughout the day while the rest were encouraged to return for the evening seminar.
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By sunset, the central plaza of Liyue Harbor had transformed into an impromptu lecture hall. Several hundred people had gathered—merchants, sailors, craftspeople, and even a few individuals whose fine clothing and dignified bearing marked them as members of Liyue's upper echelons.
Xiangling had set up a small stall nearby, her new Growlithe proudly demonstrating its ability to maintain a perfectly controlled flame beneath her cooking pots. The aroma of her special "Flaming Paw Jueyun Chili Stir-Fry" drew almost as much attention as the seminar itself.
"Welcome, everyone," Shinzō began once the crowd had settled. He stood on a raised platform that had been hastily constructed for the occasion, with Blaziken and Desert Tyrant positioned impressively on either side of him. "I am Shinzō Tatsunaga, proprietor of The Pokémon House, and I'm here to introduce you to creatures unlike any you've seen in Teyvat before."
For the next hour, Shinzō provided a comprehensive introduction to Pokémon. He explained the type chart, demonstrated basic battle commands with Blaziken, and outlined the ethical principles of Pokémon partnership. The crowd watched in awe as Blaziken performed a series of controlled Fire Punches, creating dazzling patterns of flame that dissipated harmlessly in the air.
"Unlike wild animals," Shinzō explained, "Pokémon are intelligent beings who form bonds with human partners. This relationship is based on mutual respect and cooperation. A Pokémon chooses its trainer as much as a trainer chooses their Pokémon."
Questions came rapidly from the audience:
"Do they require Visions to use elemental powers?" "How long do these creatures live?" "Can anyone become a trainer?" "Are they dangerous to children?"
Shinzō addressed each inquiry patiently, emphasizing that Pokémon possessed natural elemental abilities without requiring Visions, lived comparable lifespans to their human partners with proper care, and were generally gentle unless threatened or mistreated.
"As for becoming a trainer," he added, "The Pokémon House uses a special selection process to ensure compatibility between Pokémon and trainer. Not everyone will match with the same types or species—finding the right partner is essential for a harmonious relationship."
From the back of the crowd, a composed voice cut through the chatter: "And what safeguards exist to ensure these creatures don't upset the delicate balance of power in Liyue?"
The crowd parted to reveal a young woman in elegant attire, flanked by two attendants. Though she wasn't personally present, Shinzō recognized the emblem of the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing—this was a representative sent by Ningguang herself.
"A valid concern," Shinzō acknowledged with a respectful nod. "Pokémon are not tools for conquest but partners in daily life. Each Pokémon distributed from my shop is registered and tracked. Additionally, the bond between Pokémon and trainer is sacred—a mistreated Pokémon will not obey harmful commands."
The representative studied him with calculating eyes before asking: "And what brings you to Liyue Harbor specifically, Master Tatsunaga? Why introduce these creatures to our city first?"
Shinzō had anticipated this question. "Liyue Harbor is known throughout Teyvat as a center of commerce and cultural exchange. Where better to introduce something new than in a city already accustomed to embracing diversity? I believe Pokémon partnerships can enhance many aspects of life in Teyvat, from commerce to protection to simple companionship."
This answer seemed to satisfy the representative, who nodded slightly before delivering her message: "Lady Ningguang requests your presence at the Jade Chamber tomorrow at noon. A palanquin will be sent to collect you."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd—an invitation to the Jade Chamber was rare and significant.
"I would be honored," Shinzō replied with a formal bow.
As the representative departed, the seminar continued with renewed enthusiasm. By the end of the evening, Shinzō had distributed informational pamphlets, scheduled appointments for the coming weeks, and answered countless questions about Pokémon care and training.
"That went better than expected," Shinzō remarked to Blaziken as they returned to the shop later that night. "Though tomorrow's meeting with Ningguang will be the real test."
Desert Tyrant growled in agreement, its yellow eyes scanning the darkened streets protectively as they walked.
Back at The Pokémon House, Shinzō reviewed his appointment book—every slot for the next two weeks was filled. The system chimed softly, notifying him of reward chests earned from the day's successful transactions.
Congratulations on your successful transactions! You have earned 3 Standard Reward Chests.
The first chest contained a level 65 Gastrodon with the Storm Drain ability—a useful Water/Ground type. The second revealed a set of evolution stones that would prove valuable once Pokémon in Teyvat began reaching evolution stages. The third provided technical machines for teaching new moves to Pokémon.
"Tomorrow brings new challenges," Shinzō murmured, glancing toward the window where Liyue Harbor's lights twinkled below. "Ningguang didn't become Tianquan by being easily deceived. She'll have questions—difficult ones."
He settled into his chair, mentally preparing for the meeting ahead. The future of Pokémon in Teyvat might well depend on impressing Liyue's most powerful businesswoman.
High above the harbor, in her floating Jade Chamber, Ningguang studied the detailed reports her agents had compiled on Shinzō Tatsunaga and his mysterious shop. Beside these lay a sketch of Xiangling's Growlithe and notes on its observed abilities.
"Most interesting," she murmured, tapping her fingers thoughtfully against her desk. "Most interesting indeed."