Seeing Diancie seemingly trapped in a nightmare, Elias gently reached out and smoothed the faint crease between her brows.
Though Diancie seldom voiced her worries, Elias could feel the quiet heaviness she always carried.
Maybe she feared she wouldn't be able to shoulder the role of future queen, or maybe she wanted him to regain a complete body.
Whatever the reason, her heart often felt unbearably weighed down.
And that was exactly why he was fighting so hard to heal her.
...
The next morning.
Neither Diancie nor Fennekin managed to sleep well before being forcibly woken by Elias.
Cogita's voice last night had sounded like it could freeze the air; if he didn't return early, Elias suspected his life might truly be in danger.
He may be in Ghost Form, but with Cogita's personality, it wouldn't be surprising if she summoned a Dusknoir specifically to drag him back.
"Elias, can't you stay a little longer?"
After breakfast, Diantha tried one last time to keep him.
From last evening until now, it had been the most relaxing time she'd had in ages.
Even though she'd been tricked by that wretched little fox, the entire night still felt meaningful—her mood lighter than usual.
Seeing Elias about to leave made her reluctant.
"La-lu~"
Beside her, Ralts also let out a regretful sound.
She too wanted this human to stay longer.
"We rushed out in a hurry this time. Next time, we'll visit again," Elias soothed gently.
Hearing that Elias had no intention of staying, Diantha could only sigh softly.
She knew he lived with someone else in the forest.
She only regretted not meeting him earlier—if she had, she might've lured him into living at her house instead.
"Then be safe on the road~"
Clinging to her unrealistic hopes, Diantha waved goodbye.
This time, she didn't forget to firmly grab Ralts by the scruff.
Even with peripheral vision alone, she'd seen the sly gleam in Ralts's eyes.
If she didn't keep hold, that Pokémon would definitely sneak after Elias again.
Seeing Diantha's actions, Elias couldn't help but laugh.
This Ralts… really was unusual.
---
[After saying goodbye to Diantha, you headed back with Diancie and Fennekin.]
[Compared to yesterday, the forest had regained some vitality.]
[Not only Flying Pokémon, but even a few Rock-types had returned.]
[Most slow Pokémon likely didn't escape far to begin with.]
[Once you reached the cottage, Cogita's cold, expressionless face greeted you—just as expected.]
[She quietly sipped her tea while giving you a fierce glare.]
[But what truly surprised you and Diancie was the sight of Dianna sitting opposite her.]
---
Seeing the Pokémon whose appearance was almost identical to Diancie's—her body still faintly shimmering—Elias froze.
Her identity was obvious: Dianna, the queen of the Underground Kingdom.
By their agreement, she was supposed to wait for him and Diancie to visit her weekly.
So why was she here now?
Thinking this, Elias waved in greeting.
Compared to Cogita's blank expression, Dianna's eyes brightened noticeably—almost as if she wanted to leap straight at him.
Only when she noticed Diancie beside him did she stiffen awkwardly, her movements freezing mid-shift.
"Elias… why is Her Highness here?"
Diancie tugged Elias's arm with a troubled face.
Fighting with Cogita was bad enough—facing her terrifying the queen was far worse.
If Dianna made any demands today, Diancie wasn't sure she could refuse even one.
"You three take your time talking."
Rarely, after sipping her tea, Cogita didn't intend to stay.
Instead, she lightly tapped Elias's shoulder and briskly walked into the inner room.
Seeing this, Elias narrowed his eyes.
Given Cogita's personality, he definitely wouldn't be forgiven so easily for not coming home last night.
Which meant—this had to be at Dianna's request or something more urgent.
The thought made Elias's face grow solemn.
Even before Dianna spoke, he already had a vague idea what she came to say.
At that moment, Fennekin hopped into Elias's arms, curled up, and fell asleep with a contented sigh.
Diancie, meanwhile, nervously wrung her little hands, edging closer as she asked:
"Her Highness… it's not time yet."
"So why'd you come all the way here?"
Her voice sounded cheerful, but inside, she was panicking.
She wanted Dianna to leave as quickly as possible.
Dianna gave Diancie a brief surprised glance—
Then discreetly shot another look at the fox nestled in Elias's arms.
Gone for only a short while, and yet… an extra fox had appeared beside Elias.
This was the conclusion she reached.
For Diancie to fail even at guardingsomething like this, Dianna felt a deep sigh rising inside.
But criticizing her junior wasn't the purpose of today.
Her expression returned to its usual frosty calm as she looked carefully at Elias, then at Diancie.
Finally, she spoke, voice steady:
"The giant diamond in the kingdom will not last much longer."
"Diancie must begin her training in earnest."
That was why she'd rushed here.
The giant diamond was equivalent to the energy core of the Underground Kingdom—formed by countless mineral veins.
Its importance to the underground Pokémon was beyond question.
And creating such diamonds was the sacred duty of every queen.
But ever since Elias had saved her, Dianna knew she'd never again be able to create such a diamond.
Her injuries had weakened her far too much.
Without her former strength, forging a new giant diamond was nothing but fantasy.
Therefore, Diancie had to be the one to create the next giant diamond.
According to her calculations, the current giant diamond could last only five or six more years.
This period would be Diancie's window—to recover, grow stronger, and prepare for her role.
Thinking this, Dianna looked at Elias once more.
If Diancie were alone, she might worry about her abilities.
But… with Elias, the challenge was steep, but not impossible.
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
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