Could this truly reassure the entire Pokémon League? Thus, allocating funds naturally became imperative.
However, the Pokémon League is an immense organization. With various regions and a vast number of employees, expenses are incurred in numerous areas.
Moreover, the Environmental Improvement and Maintenance Department frequently operates in locations seldom visited by ordinary individuals, such as the depths of Petalburg Woods or the central mountain ranges dividing Johto and Kanto.
These expansive areas demand significant resources for environmental maintenance and improvement.
Consequently, this department has consistently faced financial shortages.
Often, even after injecting billions in funding, the effects are barely noticeable.
Nevertheless, the steady increase in wild Pokémon populations, the picturesque natural landscapes, and the lush greenery are all testaments to this department's achievements.
"If it's them..." Edward pondered, stroking his chin. He believed that these individuals could facilitate the smooth implementation of his plan. After all, Edward's intention wasn't anything extravagant—just to have the Environmental Improvement and Maintenance Department staff play movies and short films for wild Pokémon during their fieldwork, without impacting the ecological environment.
Of course, in exchange, Edward would donate funds to this department. However, the specific amount would need to be determined after discussions with the League's office.
"Headmistress Lillian, I'll be taking my leave now." Edward smiled, ruffling Ruckus's head, and glanced at Greeny. Wait, he couldn't see Greeny at the moment.
That's because Greeny was enveloped within Kirlia's psychic barrier, now filled with dense spores, obscuring Greeny's figure. Meanwhile, Kirlia and the other Pokémon were tidying up the damaged television.
After departing from the Rustboro City Pokémon Care Center, Edward took the old butler's car to the League's office, intending to finalize this matter promptly.
Upon entering the League office's main building, Edward's first impression was the crowd. The entire building was bustling with people—citizens handling affairs and League staff mingling together. Occasionally, small Pokémon flew overhead, carrying document bags back and forth.
"Hello, may I assist you with any services?" A professionally dressed woman approached, smiling at Edward.
"Hello, I'd like to inquire about the office of the Wild Pokémon Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department," Edward politely asked. Upon hearing this, the woman didn't respond immediately but instead took another look at Edward.
"Sir, may I ask the purpose of your visit to the Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department?" the staff member inquired courteously. Edward then explained his idea, causing the woman to pause momentarily.
Nonetheless, she provided Edward with the specific office floor location and enthusiastically escorted him to the elevator, leading him directly to the fourth floor, where the Environmental Improvement and Maintenance Department was situated.
"Minister Yanister, there's a gentleman here interested in discussing a donation," the staff member said, introducing Edward to a middle-aged man.
Yanister looked up, and Edward couldn't help but notice the man's distinctive hairstyle—a symbol of strength. However, Edward quickly averted his gaze, realizing that staring at someone's bald head wasn't polite.
"Sir, are you interested in making a donation? Our Pokémon Environmental Improvement and Maintenance Department has a dedicated public account. You can directly..." Yanister warmly began explaining to Edward. Nearby, employees passing by curiously glanced at Edward and Yanister but soon returned to their tasks.
"Mr. Yanister, I have a small proposal," Edward said with a smile, sharing his idea.
Yanister listened attentively. Initially, upon hearing that Edward wanted to leverage a donation to have their department undertake a task, Yanister felt a bit displeased and was prepared to decline. These businesspeople always seemed persistent.
However, upon learning that Edward's request was merely for field staff to play his provided short films and movies for wild Pokémon within their capacity, Yanister's expression changed.
He looked at Edward with a peculiar expression, momentarily at a loss for words. After a while, he managed to say, "Mr. Edward, your idea is quite unique."
Yanister had encountered individuals attempting to use donations to engage in business with their department, such as offering free Pokémon feed in exchange for distribution assistance and activity funding. However, he later discovered that some of these feeds contained additives that could lead to Pokémon developing exclusive preferences, prompting him to reject such offers.
But someone like Edward, proposing to show movies and short films, was unprecedented. After all, wild Pokémon typically couldn't comprehend human audiovisual works.
"Are there any other conditions?" Yanister couldn't help but ask.
"None. In return, I will annually donate funds to support the Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department," Edward replied, shaking his head. His intention was simply to entertain Pokémon and earn some fear points.
"Well..." Yanister hesitated. While Edward's conditions differed from others, asking their department colleagues to carry projection equipment into the wild added to their burden.
"How about five hundred million per year?" Edward tentatively offered.
He had previously reviewed the total box office earnings of "Dead Silence," which had reached nine hundred million League currency, with the potential to surpass one billion. According to estimates, after its theatrical run, it could achieve a box office of 1.5 billion. After deducting theater shares and other expenses, his profits would still be substantial. Moreover, Edward's puppet theater had also generated some revenue.
"Ahem..." Yanister coughed, surprised by the offer, and promptly extended his hand.
"Pleasure doing business!" Yanister immediately agreed.
Five hundred million! That amount could enable them to plant numerous trees, clean up wild areas multiple times, assist injured wild Pokémon, and cultivate more berry trees. Carrying projection equipment? He'd be the first to do it.
He'd head to Mt. Chimney right away to show movies!
Edward also signed a simple contract with the Hoenn Region's Environmental Maintenance and Improvement Department.
As for other regions? They weren't included in the contract.
After all, investing five hundred million into the Hoenn Region barely made a ripple. Spreading it across the entire League would be negligible.
(End of Chapter)