The Berry Exhibition was scheduled to run for seven days. During this time, Cole visited nearly all the exhibition booths, forming connections with many cultivators and arranging tree trades with several of them.
The majority of these cultivators had modest backgrounds and sought investment opportunities at the exhibition. Trading for high-quality fruit trees with Cole presented a rare opportunity — few ever encountered such benefactors, with most facing circumstances similar to Jean's.
Among the attendees, Cole identified several cultivators with exceptional talent in growing berry trees who were held back only by their circumstances. He recommended all of them to Lysandre, earning their profound gratitude.
Through his conversations with Lysandre, Cole learned of plans to establish a vast plantation. This facility would not only cultivate various berry trees but also provide care for abandoned Pokémon from different regions. Talented cultivators and breeders would be offered positions with excellent compensation.
Upon hearing this news, Cole was struck not by Lysandre's wealth, but by his genuine kindness — unlike many wealthy individuals, he actively pursued meaningful charitable works.
Yet Cole struggled to comprehend what future events would transform this philanthropist into someone bent on world destruction.
For now, though, Cole enjoyed a sincere friendship with Lysandre and deeply admired him. Whatever the future held could wait.
Julia and Kiara made regular visits to his booth to share experiences. These days of mutual learning not only enhanced Cole's knowledge but also forged a close friendship with the sisters.
On the exhibition's sixth evening, just as Cole and Omura returned to their hotel, they received a summons from Officer Jenny to visit the police station.
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At the Lumiose City Police Station, an officer guided Cole to Officer Jenny's office.
"I imagine you can guess why I've called you here?" Officer Jenny said after welcoming him and offering him a seat.
"Is it about the drug trafficking organization?" Cole asked.
Officer Jenny nodded, "Indeed. I reported your achievements to my superiors and requested a reward for you. The approval just came through today, and I believe you'll be pleased with it."
"What kind of reward is it?" His curiosity peaked immediately. He'd expected money, but now it seemed something else was in store.
Officer Jenny gave a slight smile, "You'll have to wait and see, but I'm confident you'll appreciate it."
Seeing her mysterious smile, Cole grew even more curious. Could it really be something extraordinary? Would he deserve something so valuable?
After their brief chat, Officer Jenny rose from her chair. "Alright, come with me. I'll show you your reward."
She headed out of the office.
Cole quickly followed.
Officer Jenny led him through several corridors until they reached an open training area around a corner.
In the center of the space stood a large tree, pruned bare with its roots carefully protected for transplanting.
The tree towered at least ten meters high, its thick trunk covered in weathered bark — clearly an ancient specimen.
"This is..." Cole looked at her questioningly.
"This is your reward!" Officer Jenny pointed at the massive tree and handed him a document, "Take a look at this, and you'll understand!"
Cole accepted the document with confusion, but as he scanned its contents, his eyes widened in shock.
It was an inspection report for the tree, detailing its species, origin, age, energy rating, and other specifications.
This was no ordinary tree — it was a Berry tree with a Grade A energy rating.
"This... this is really my reward?" Cole stammered, overwhelmed.
Could such good fortune truly exist? Was this a trap or a dream? Did he truly deserve such a precious gift?
"Of course!" Officer Jenny laughed at his reaction, "I specifically requested this for you!"
The League had investigated his background and arranged this reward based on his circumstances.
After Officer Jenny reported Cole's achievements, headquarters' routine background check had revealed his exceptional talent in Berry cultivation.
By chance, his report caught the attention of Officer Jenny's superior — the current Champion of the Kalos region.
The Champion, who had recently discovered a wild Grade A Berry tree during an adventure, decided to give it to Cole as a reward.
Though the Champion had initially planned to donate the tree to the League's cultivation base, after reading Cole's investigation report, he changed his mind, impressed by the twelve-year-old boy.
The decision shocked not only Cole but even Officer Jenny when she first heard it.
A Grade A Berry tree was the equivalent of a family heirloom, yet the Champion had casually given it to a twelve-year-old boy as a reward — a truly bold decision.
Yet considering the Champion's character, Officer Jenny wasn't surprised anymore. Wasn't this typical of him? After all, she owed her own position as Lumiose City's Police Chief to his promotion.
Seeing Cole still looking incredulous, Officer Jenny continued, "The League investigated your background and discovered your talent in Berry cultivation. That's why they chose this special reward for you. Don't let their investment go to waste!"
Cole marveled at the Pokémon League's generosity — they had given him a precious Grade A Berry tree simply because they recognized his potential.
"Don't worry, Officer Jenny. I'll work hard and live up to the League's expectations." He promised.
"Very good." Officer Jenny nodded with satisfaction.
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