"Ah!"
Startled, Diancie jolted upright, instinctively shrinking back when she realized the human girl was talking directly to her.
Even after all this time, her courage hadn't improved much. Being suddenly addressed by a stranger still sent her fight-or-flight instincts into overdrive.
But when she caught sight of the book in the girl's hands, she froze mid-motion.
Elias… he'd been struggling all day to find anything useful.
Compared to the piles of flimsy, worthless volumes scattered around them, the book this human held looked far more credible.
Maybe Elias needs that one…
With that thought, Diancie cast a quick glance toward him.
When Elias met her gaze and gave a small, reassuring nod, relief bloomed in her chest.
Thank goodness I didn't run off right away!
Encouraged, she looked back at the girl standing before her.
Young, stylishly dressed, and clearly not intimidating—Diancie relaxed a little. Someone this cute and polite definitely wouldn't bully her the way Cogita did.
While Diancie's mind wandered, Diantha was quietly studying her in return.
Even with that hooded cloak, Diancie's disguise was… let's say, less than convincing. One look was enough for Diantha to realize she was facing a Pokémon.
And not just any Pokémon—a rare, stunning one she'd never seen before.
At first, the discovery sparked genuine excitement. After all, aside from acting, Diantha's greatest passion was Pokémon.
But then her focus shifted entirely.
Just moments earlier, her Ralts had sensed a faint, magnetic pull nearby—something powerfully alluring to Psychic types.
That subtle energy was coming from right beside this Pokémon.
Her vast experience immediately told her what that meant:
Objects that drew a Psychic Pokémon's attention were usually rare artifacts—items that could enhance psychic power or boost growth.
Her heart quickened. Such treasures were almost impossible to find. She'd searched for ages and still hadn't located one suitable for her Ralts.
And now, by sheer chance, she might have found it.
Could it really be on this Pokémon?
Diantha's mind whirred.
"Hello," she greeted with a gentle smile, stepping forward.
Noticing the stack of books beside Diancie matched the subject of the one she'd brought from home, she offered it out casually. Building rapport first was always smarter.
Hearing her voice, Diancie snapped to attention.
"H-Hello, do you need something?"
Her voice trembled, eyes darting to the book in Diantha's hands.
It almost looked like the human intended to give it to her—but when Diantha didn't move, Diancie froze, unsure how to respond.
"My name's Diantha," the girl said with a polite bow. "May I get to know you?"
Her tone was soft, careful. She had no intention of revealing her goal just yet.
Diancie, oblivious to any hidden motive, answered instinctively, "I'm Diancie."
Her gaze drifted right back to the book.
She didn't want to talk much—she just wanted to get that book and be done with it.
Her single-minded stare didn't escape Diantha's notice.
So this Pokémon really was interested in these books. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gathered such a messy pile.
Still, Diantha knew most of the library's books were shallow nonsense. Compared to the volumes in her family's private collection, these were practically junk.
If this Pokémon liked reading, though… perhaps that could work to her advantage.
"Do you want this book?" Diantha asked directly.
She'd already checked—there were no obvious artifacts or jewelry on Diancie.
But Ralts's reaction wasn't mistaken.
Now that they were closer, Ralts's face was flushed pink, gripping Diantha's hand tightly, trembling with excitement.
No doubt about it—something valuable was right here.
Diantha decided to take a straightforward approach.
"Yes."
Although Diancie was still wary, her answer came quick and honest.
She didn't really understand this human's intentions—she just wanted that book. Get it, then leave. Simple.
"If you want it, let's trade," Diantha said, her smile warm and voice calm.
Beside her, Ralts had begun searching the air with her psychic senses, eager to pinpoint the source of that mysterious pull.
The Pokémon clearly wanted the book; with a bit of luck, Diantha could secure the artifact in return.
As a noble of Kalos, she'd never been short on wealth. If needed, she could always offer money—or even give the book away, then compensate later.
Across from her, Diancie's eyes lit up at the word trade.
"What do you want?" she asked eagerly.
She hadn't expected this human to be so generous.
Though Diancie rarely liked dealing with humans, this one didn't seem bad at all.
If she managed to get the book, Elias would surely praise her for it!
Just then, Ralts tugged gently at Diantha's skirt, lifting one small hand and pointing at a spot right beside Diancie.
There.
Diantha's breath hitched in relief—finally, they'd found it.
"If you're willing to trade, my Pokémon will show you what she wants," Diantha said, placing Ralts carefully on the table.
Diancie nodded without hesitation.
She didn't really own anything valuable anyway—just a few gemstones and minerals.
This human could have whatever she liked, so long as Diancie got that book!
"Sure! Go ahead and let her point!" she said brightly, waving her small hands.
Given permission, Ralts toddled closer to Diancie.
Under the expectant gazes of both girls, Ralts reached toward the air beside Diancie—
And grabbed at the empty space with both tiny hands.
"Ralu~ (I want this one!)"
Diancie: ???
---
Diancie: I let my guard down for one second and almost lost my family.
bonus chaps
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