Following Dianna's reasoning, she truly was cornered.
After all, the giant diamond had already undergone one violent fluctuation; similar incidents would likely recur often over the next few years.
Even if she managed to calm the Carbinks now, unrest would flare again whenever the diamond fluctuated later.
Handling one or two crises might be possible, but with each recurrence, the risk grew.
But…
"What if you promise the Carbinks that within a year, Diancie will be able to create another diamond?"
Just as Dianna frowned, trying to find a solution, Elias suddenly spoke up.
She froze, staring at him in disbelief.
In Dianna's gaze, Elias clearly saw concern.
She probably worried he was ill—otherwise, how could he suggest something so absurd?
"I'm serious," Elias said helplessly, meeting Dianna's eyes.
This time, Dianna's expression shifted slightly.
Elias hadn't changed his stance and appeared completely sincere.
Which meant… he truly had been thinking of a way to help her.
He wasn't simply saying this to reassure her.
But…
How could that possibly work?
"Elias, aren't you… overestimating Diancie a little?"
Even though it wasn't nice to talk about her junior that way, Dianna felt she had to be blunt.
She'd checked on Diancie two days ago. She'd certainly improved—but was still far from the level required of a queen.
Given four years and Elias's assistance, perhaps Diancie really would stand a chance at creating a giant diamond.
But within a single year was clearly impossible.
Elias wasn't surprised Dianna didn't believe him.
But he couldn't explain his reasoning yet.
Provoking Yveltal… he planned to handle that alone, without telling anyone else.
Involving others could lead to unnecessary casualties.
Besides, if Dianna and the others knew, they'd certainly reject his approach.
When Elias remained silent, Dianna seemed to realize something.
"Is it dangerous?" she asked cautiously.
"It won't affect Diancie's safety," Elias shook his head, using careful wording.
Dianna nodded.
Her instincts told her he wasn't lying, and Elias had no reason to deceive her.
Thus…
It had to be something he couldn't easily discuss.
Dianna quickly reached this conclusion.
Still, her brow furrowed in worry.
She couldn't believe Diancie's problems could be solved without some sort of price.
But if Elias didn't wish to explain, she couldn't press him further.
Just as Dianna opened her mouth again—
Bang!
The wooden door was thrown open again, this time with much greater force.
Elias and Dianna turned quickly, spotting Delphox, breathing heavily.
She appeared to have sprinted the whole way, needing a few breaths to steady herself.
Seeing Elias, Delphox's eyes lit up. She urgently pointed toward the doorway.
"Mm!"
Elias instantly understood her meaning.
The Carbinks had stormed Cogita's courtyard.
His expression shifted immediately.
At a time like this, they were clearly after Diancie.
A crowd of panicked Carbinks would place tremendous psychological pressure on the timid princess.
"Dianna, I need to go back first," Elias said without hesitation, preparing to leave.
Dianna nodded lightly, then spoke calmly. "Let's go. I'll come with you."
She was also worried about her junior.
Besides, as queen, she couldn't keep hiding.
That would be irresponsible.
...
At Cogita's own request, the cottage had been built near the edge.
On ordinary days, aside from Elias's visits, it was always peaceful and quiet.
But now…
The small courtyard was packed so tightly with Carbinks that it was hard to breathe.
Some Carbinks had even entered the yard itself.
Facing them was Princess Diancie.
"Your Highness, when will Her Majesty create a new giant diamond?"
"Your Highness, can the diamond still hold up? Will something happen to us?"
"Your Highness, please—"
Noisy questions rose from every direction, flooding Diancie's ears.
With each shout, Diancie shrank back further.
She didn't know how to explain, nor how to manage the chaos in front of her.
Even Cogita could only remain in her cottage, reassuring Diancie that she'd already gone to find Elias.
By now, Diancie had retreated into a corner, backed against the wall.
Looking at the anxious Carbinks, she desperately wished Elias were there.
"Elias… hurry…" she whispered.
Helplessness surged through her heart.
"Your Highness, we just want to know one thing!"
Perhaps realizing their approach wasn't working, an older Carbink stepped forward.
As it spoke, the surrounding chatter quieted slightly.
Meeting Diancie's eyes, the Carbink slowly asked, "Why hasn't Her Majesty acted to create a new diamond?"
"Is there some raw material we should gather?"
This question undoubtedly represented the majority's concern.
To them, the giant diamond was as vital as the sun itself—a treasure tied directly to life and death.
But considerable time had passed since the diamond's violent fluctuation last night.
Yet Queen Dianna not only showed no intention of creating a new diamond—she hadn't even appeared.
It was as if she'd vanished.
This filled every Carbink's heart with anxiety.
"H-Her Majesty has her… her reasons…" Diancie stammered.
Faced with their questioning, she struggled but couldn't clearly express herself.
She had no idea how to respond—her small face strained, tears threatening to fall.
Just as Diancie was about to collapse under the pressure—
Finally… a familiar voice echoed through the courtyard.
"The queen is unwell and can't create diamonds right now."
"Everyone, please return home."
Elias's voice, deliberately amplified by Telekinesis, instantly drowned out the murmuring, clearly reaching every Carbink's ears.
After speaking, Elias's lips curled slightly.
He knew these Carbinks wouldn't leave so easily.