my pokemon player.

When White heard Lane's supposed truth, he was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

“You really should enjoy yourself. Let Williams and his men fight this war.”

He naturally didn't believe Ryan was telling the truth. Although his young master kept clamoring to live the extravagant life of a nobleman, he hadn't taken any concrete action.

At first, the maids in the castle, upon hearing that Ryan was saying he would embrace Eevee on his left and a maid on his right, were filled with anticipation and secretly dressed themselves up, hoping to win Ryan's favor like in the stories described in novels.

As it turned out, Ryan only talked the talk. He was either busy training his Pokémon or trying to push government affairs onto White and the others. He rarely even had time to look at them, let alone show them any favor.

Some maids, unwilling to accept defeat, deliberately created opportunities to get close to Ryan. For example, one maid would pretend to fall and throw herself into Ryan's arms. Ryan did not avoid her; instead, he reached out and caught her, asking if she was alright.

Just as the maid was overjoyed, thinking she was about to cross social classes and become a viscountess, she was transferred away from Ryan's side by the butler Anderson that very day.

Although she didn't lose her job as a maid, she would never be able to get close to Ryan again.

With this maid as a cautionary tale, the other maids also knew that Ryan only liked to grumble a few words, but in reality, he had no interest in them.

Compared to the young and beautiful maid, Ryan seemed to prefer Pokémon, which led White to suspect that Ryan might have a hidden illness.

After several rounds of subtle probing, Ryan finally understood what he meant. She then angrily rebuked him, saying that she wasn't incapable, but simply not so desperate as to lay a hand on the maid beside her.

This was the first time White had been reprimanded by Ryan, but he was quite happy because he was certain that Ryan was alright and that the family bloodline would not be broken.

At the same time, White also witnessed Ryan's determination to realize his dream. Ryan would not indulge in pleasures until this chaotic era was completely ended and a world where humans and Pokémon coexisted in harmony was created.

Therefore, in White's view, Ryan's lie was more credible than the truth. He preferred to believe that Ryan found the war meaningless rather than that Ryan would relinquish command for the sake of enjoyment.

After all, if Ryan really wanted to enjoy himself, he wouldn't be sitting in his study worrying about government affairs right now. According to those visitors from the divine realm, their young master is a master of empty talk.

Just take that truth with a grain of salt; White won't believe a word of it anyway.

Of course, he would outwardly agree with what Ryan said.

“I will pass on your orders immediately. Baron Williams and Baron Karlov are both experienced lords. With them in command of this war, there should be no problem.”

Although White still didn't know the real reason, he was sure Ryan had his reasons for doing so, and he only needed to carry out Ryan's orders.

Hearing that White believed him so easily, Ryan said with some surprise:
"You believe that? That's not like you at all!"

White chuckled and said, "Didn't you just say that we also need to change our mindset?"

"Since this war is destined to be won, there's no need for you to personally take command. What was that saying from the visitor from the divine realm? Oh right, why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut!"

"Although I don't quite understand why they think killing a Blaziken is easier than killing a Tauros, it's a pretty apt description."

Ryan's eyes twitched violently upon hearing this, thinking to himself, "You'd never understand!"

Before Ryan could continue to complain in his mind, White continued, "Actually, even if you don't tell the truth, I can guess your good intentions."

"Hmm?" Ryan suddenly raised his head, looking at White, whose face was full of relief, with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

No, how am I being so well-intentioned?

Ryan was completely confused. He had just said that he was doing it for fun, which was indeed a joke, but it also carried a bit of sincerity.

He was genuinely too lazy to command the war and wanted to relax for a few days to bond with his Pokémon.

The reason he led his troops into battle in the past was simply because there were neither talented commanders nor high-level combat forces in his territory. To achieve victory, he had to personally take the lead.

Things are different now. With each victory and territorial expansion, he has more and more talented people under his command and his strength has grown stronger. Even if he doesn't personally lead the troops, he can still win this war.

If that's the case, why does he still need to go out and command? He's not some reckless man who's keen on fighting and killing. Wouldn't it be better for him to stay in Guanhai City and take charge?
All that hard work in developing your territory, sheltering players from the storm, and helping them grow quickly—was it all for the sake of being able to relax and do nothing now?

When players are weak, it's understandable that they have to do everything themselves. But now that players are barely able to stand on their own, if they still have to personally intervene, then what's the point of their growth?

Besides, surely no one really thinks that his previous victories in the wars mean he has outstanding military command talent?
What a joke! In his previous life, he was just a wage slave living in a peaceful era. He only knew how to press F1+F3 when playing Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. He had no talent for war!

In the previous battles, he was either outmaneuvered by the unsuspecting or relied on the player's fearlessness, which made him the ultimate victor.

Even in the Battle of Guanhai City, where he had the highest level of involvement and contribution, he only gained a strategic advantage; on the battlefield, he still only knew how to charge forward.

The war that followed was destined to be a head-on battle, with neither side having time to formulate any major strategies, but certain requirements for tactics.

Therefore, knowing his own limitations, Ryan decided to hand over command to Williams and his men, as they were experienced lords with far more battlefield experience than he had.

Moreover, the main force in this war is still the players. If Ryan leads them into battle, since Ryan has the power to bestow titles, even the most unruly players will obediently follow his orders.

However, this command style can also restrict players, affecting their performance and boundless creativity, reducing surprises on the battlefield and lowering the game's playability.

So instead of letting Ryan lead them to charge aimlessly on the battlefield, it's better to give the players more freedom and let them do what they want.

Ryan himself stayed in the rear, overseeing the overall situation. Whenever a battlefield was in a losing position, he would ride his Dragonite around to turn the tide and show off his skills. This was much more enjoyable than the arduous task of leading troops into battle!

In short, the two reasons Ryan just gave were actually his true thoughts, but White didn't believe them at all.

Seeing that Ryan still wouldn't admit it, he assumed Ryan was just being modest and then said:
“Young Master Ryan, I guess you simply want to use this war to establish the authority of Baron Williams and his men, and completely change their mindset.”

"Just as you said, although we have won many victories in the past, many people still feel that we are the weaker party."

"In the end, it's because those previous wars were all won without your command, and they attributed all the credit for the victories to you."

"To be honest, that's what I think too. Even now, I still hold that belief. The territory can do without anyone else, but it can't do without you." "However, I also know that this kind of thinking is not advisable. It will make us dependent on you and put all the burdens of the territory on your shoulders."

“If you forgive my offense, if something unexpected happens to you, the entire territory could fall apart. That’s why you need to use this war to help Williams and the others build confidence.”

"You want them to understand that the territory is already very powerful, and that even without your command, we can still achieve final victory, thereby forming an invincible mentality and momentum."

"Am I right, young master Ryan?"

Meeting White's confident gaze, Lane blinked, then suddenly clapped his hands:

"Ah, yes, yes, you're absolutely right! That's exactly what I was thinking!"

"As expected of Uncle White, you really can see through anything!"

Upon hearing this, White's lips curled into a smug smile, then, as if remembering something, he said seriously:
“Young Master Ryan, I know you want to train Williams and the others to lay the foundation for future wars and more important responsibilities.”

"But no matter how excellent they are, they can never replace your role in the territory. You are the core and soul of the territory, and that will never change!"

White paused slightly, looked directly at Ryan, and said firmly:

"Therefore, please take good care of yourself, for your safety is a matter of life and death for the entire territory!"

"This is also why I still agree with your decision not to command this war, even though I know you are just giving me the runaround."

"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. Even if you are powerful, you may still encounter danger. Staying in the rear is undoubtedly the best choice!"

Upon hearing this, Ryan shook his head with a wry smile: "The way you're saying it makes it sound like I'm hiding in the back because I'm afraid of dying."

Upon hearing this, White hurriedly explained, "I absolutely did not mean that. Your bravery has already been proven in the previous battles!"

Ryan waved his hand casually: "Don't be nervous, I was just joking. Besides, what you said makes a lot of sense. It is indeed safer to stay in the rear."

In fact, Ryan knew better than anyone how important he was to the territory.

If anything were to happen to him, not only would all the players disappear, but Mewtwo, Celebi, and other Pokémon might also leave this place of sorrow after avenging him.

If only the original inhabitants like White remain in the territory, no one can guarantee they won't have other ideas. Coupled with the covetousness of other nobles, the territory will most likely collapse.

Therefore, after White's suggestion, Ryan had another reason to stay in the rear. He still valued his own safety, and even though he had the Rainbow Feather that could revive, he couldn't use it easily.

"But I won't stay in the rear forever. If this war encounters any obstacles or crises, I will still take action."

Ryan abruptly changed the subject, saying that this war was of utmost importance and he absolutely could not allow it to fail!

White nodded slightly: "Understood, we will do everything in our power to prevent you from having a chance to make a move!"

He secretly vowed that unless they encountered a being like Mewtwo, they would fight to the death to win and would not give Ryan an excuse to participate in the war!

When you relay the orders to Williams and the others later, you can remind them to give it their all!
Thinking of this, White looked up at Lane and asked, "Is there anything else you need?"

Ryan leaned back in his chair and said calmly, "That's all. Since I've handed over command of this war to Williams and the others, I won't interfere unnecessarily."

"Let Williams and the others handle the rest. I just want the final result!"

"Oh, and don't forget to remind them to listen to the thoughts of the visitors from the divine realm; they might gain something unexpected."

White nodded in deep agreement. Although those visitors from the divine realm spoke and acted strangely, their talent in warfare was truly remarkable.

Not only are they fearless of death, but they also always come up with ingenious ideas that can achieve surprising and effective results.

The only problem is that they've always been capricious and fear no one except Ryan, so they probably won't obediently follow Baron Williams' orders.

Forget it, I'm not the commander of this war, why think so much? Let Baron Williams worry about it.

White leaned down at Ryan and said, "Yes, I will relay your orders and reminders as they come."

"As for the 'return gift' to Lion's Nest City, I will immediately arrange for messengers to spread it quickly throughout the entire Southeast Province."

Ryan picked up his teacup, took a sip of black tea, and a faint smile played on his lips.

"Yes, we can use a more 'enthusiastic' wording to let Marquis Cross feel the sincerity of our territory."

"As ordered!"

Just as White was about to turn and leave, Ryan's voice came through his ear again:
"Wait, take these three challenge letters with you too, don't offend my eyes."

White was a little puzzled by what Ryan said, not understanding why Ryan insisted that he take the three challenge letters, but he still obeyed the instruction and went to the table to take the challenge letters.

As soon as his hands touched the challenge letter, his expression changed drastically; the weight and thickness were clearly wrong!
He held up the animal skin scroll and glanced inside. Sure enough, he saw the papers rolled up inside. He knew without a doubt what they were—more government affairs that Ryan hadn't dealt with.

When exactly did this kid stuff all these government documents in there? How come I didn't notice anything?
White looked at Ryan, who was pretending to savor his tea with his head down and didn't dare to lift his head, and sighed with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

Well, well, Ryan's had it tough too. Lord Nord's affairs will inevitably affect his mindset and emotions. It's normal that he doesn't want to deal with government affairs right now. I'll help him one more time. After all, he calls me uncle.

So White didn't say much, but bowed again, walked steadily out of the room, and gently closed the door.

The moment the door closed, White clearly heard a cheer from inside.

He shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips, then, clutching the heavy stack of challenges and official documents—stuffed with his own agenda—he walked away down the corridor. (End of Chapter)