"T-the giant diamond can't hold on anymore?!"
Before Elias could respond, Diancie's pupils shrank, her voice trembling as she repeated Dianna's words in disbelief.
Seeing that Dianna didn't seem to be joking, Diancie's heart instantly sank.
Her small face, which had previously shown hints of annoyance, was now as pale as snow.
Although she'd known this day would eventually come, Diancie hadn't expected it to arrive so quickly.
Thanks to Elias's presence, her confidence had indeed grown immensely in many ways.
But…
That didn't extend to her confidence about becoming queen.
Even now, Diancie still didn't believe she could rule the Carbink Kingdom, much less create a giant diamond.
Even though…she'd recently managed to drive away even Yveltal.
"Y-Your Highness… can't you still create another diamond?" Diancie nervously rubbed her cheeks, her voice shaking as she cautiously asked Dianna.
Facing such sudden, overwhelming pressure, Diancie felt genuine fear gripping her.
But Dianna merely shot her a quiet glance.
Without needing any words, Diancie immediately realized how foolish her question had been.
If Her Highness still could make the diamond herself, she wouldn't have come looking for Diancie.
In other words… she had less than five or six years left.
By then, she would have to become a true queen, creating a giant diamond capable of sustaining the entire underground world.
Thinking this, Diancie trembled slightly, unconsciously pressing herself closer to Elias.
Even though his body was ice-cold, she still felt that being close to him was the only way she could find reassurance.
Next to her, Elias wasn't particularly surprised by Dianna's announcement.
The only issue that could make Dianna hurry over here was, of course, the giant diamond.
However…
Unlike Diancie—
When Elias heard that only five or six years remained, though he frowned slightly, he didn't show any panic.
He knew Diancie was still just a child. Right now, she was undoubtedly terrified and would be closely watching his reaction.
If he showed even the slightest hesitation, Diancie would surely lose confidence as well.
With that thought, Elias gently reached out, firmly grasping Diancie's small, soft hand.
The comforting touch quickly had an effect; Diancie's trembling gradually eased.
"Over the next few years, I'll make sure Diancie trains hard."
"When the giant diamond finally runs out, Diancie will definitely be ready to create a new one," Elias calmly reassured Dianna.
As he spoke, he lightly squeezed Diancie's hand again, silently urging her not to worry.
In truth, Dianna's news didn't contradict his current plans.
Diancie's slow growth was directly connected to her inherent physical issues.
If he wanted her strong enough to create the giant diamond within five or six years, resolving her health issues was the necessary first step.
In other words…
Once he successfully healed Diancie's body through the two paths he'd settled on last night, the problem of creating the diamond would also naturally be solved.
On the other side—noticing Elias and Diancie's small, reassuring interactions, Dianna felt both comforted and annoyed.
As Diancie's Queen, she naturally wanted someone genuinely kind and caring by her successor's side.
Elias might be a ghost, but he undoubtedly fulfilled this role well.
His calm personality was often very helpful to Diancie.
Yet as someone who also harbored deep affection for Elias, seeing their intimacy just now darkened Dianna's mood considerably.
She also wished she could take Diancie's place, have her own hand held gently by Elias…
Taking a deep breath to suppress her dissatisfaction, Dianna changed the topic.
"It's good to be confident, but don't place too much pressure on yourselves either."
"For now… you and Elias should stay in the human world to research. Don't return to the kingdom just yet."
The last part was clearly addressed to Diancie.
In truth, Dianna didn't truly believe Diancie could produce a diamond within just five or six years.
No one knew Diancie's physical issues better than her.
She was fully aware that those weren't wounds that could be healed overnight.
This was exactly why she didn't want Diancie returning to the kingdom anytime soon.
Even just the Carbinks' hopeful gazes would place enormous pressure on Diancie's shoulders.
Feeling her queen's genuine concern, warmth flooded Diancie's heart.
Her resentment towards Dianna for competing over Elias quietly faded away.
"Don't worry. I'll keep a good eye on her," Elias reassured warmly, patting Diancie's head.
He also didn't want Diancie burdened by too much responsibility; many difficult choices could simply be made by him instead.
Listening to Elias and Dianna discuss her future so confidently, Diancie felt the anxiety in her heart dissipate significantly.
Yet she knew that things would no longer be easy from now on.
After all, the giant diamond supported the entire underground kingdom.
If it collapsed, not only the Carbink Kingdom would be buried beneath the ruins—all surrounding mineral veins could be severely damaged as well.
No matter what, she had to become strong enough within the next five years.
If she didn't, it would truly spell disaster.
---
[After finishing the conversation, Dianna reluctantly left.]
[It was clear she'd wanted to linger here a bit longer.]
[But once news of the giant diamond's impending collapse spread, the entire kingdom would inevitably descend into brief panic.]
[As queen, Dianna needed to return immediately to keep order.]
---
"Elias…"
Only once Dianna was gone did Diancie dare to approach, carefully tugging at Elias's sleeve.
Noticing her small action, Elias gave her a curious glance.
"Elias… do you really think I can do it?"
Gathering her courage, Diancie finally asked.
She hadn't dared ask earlier, fearful Dianna might use it to pressure Elias—or worse, use it as an excuse to separate them.
Hearing her hesitant question, Elias immediately recalled his plans.
"Don't worry. You definitely can," he reassured confidently, eyes narrowing slightly.
But as he spoke, an imperceptible gleam flashed in his eyes.
He'd already decided to start with Yveltal and Xerneas.
Compared to other legendary Pokémon, those two showed up in Kalos far more frequently.
With a little luck, Diancie's treatment might not prove that difficult after all.
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
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