Because of her physical condition, ever since childhood, her strength had always been below average.
Only once—when she first lifted Elias, with his help—had she managed to save face.
It was something she'd never forgotten.
The feeling of being carefully protected had captivated Diancie so deeply, she couldn't let go.
From then on, she'd decided that no matter what happened, she would protect Elias…
But the deep-rooted perceptions formed over so many years persisted. That one incident had shaken her entire clan.
Yet, because her improvement afterward hadn't been particularly noticeable, her clansmen still saw her as Her Highness, the princess with limited talent.
By all rights, Diancie should have long since grown accustomed to being viewed that way.
But…
Seeing Dianna and Elias now questioned into silence because of her—
Diancie's chest tightened painfully.
She wanted to step forward and shoulder all responsibility.
But she knew she couldn't.
With her current strength, even with Elias's help, it would take at least four or five years before she could barely manage to create diamonds.
How could she possibly accomplish this now…?
Not far away—
Noticing the growing agitation among the Carbink, Dianna cast a worried glance toward Elias.
In a situation like this, she truly felt helpless.
Dianna silently decided that the instant anything seemed off, she would take Diancie and Elias and leave.
The situation was already precarious—if it escalated further, the Carbink would become restless.
Elias lowered his voice and spoke.
"Two years. The diamond still has at least two years left."
"In the first year of that time, Diancie will ascend the throne and create a new diamond."
His voice was firm, as if stating a fact already set in stone.
Reinforced by psychokinesis, his words drowned out all noise in the courtyard.
The Carbink fell silent without even realizing it.
When they regained their senses, they discovered something unbelievable—they'd actually been overwhelmed by a human's presence.
It was even more intimidating than when Dianna had spoken moments earlier.
"One year—how is that possible?"
"Sly human…"
Whispers still spread through the crowd, though they were far quieter than before.
"Human. How can you guarantee your words aren't merely cunning lies?"
The elderly Carbink who had spoken earlier asked again.
No matter how close this human was to Her Majesty, there was no reason to trust him.
Yet… inexplicably, it had asked anyway.
Its age was advanced even among Rock-type Pokémon.
It had already been living here long before Dianna ascended the throne.
Its lengthy life had given it uncommon insight.
Instinct told it that the human before them… might truly be the Carbink's hope.
Even the thought itself was hard to believe.
Hearing the question, Elias calmly glanced at the old Carbink.
Then, unhurriedly, he replied,
"Dianna's injuries were healed by me."
"Is that enough?"
As his words fell, a faint green glow rose from Elias's palm.
The aura of the Power of Viridian spread throughout the courtyard.
Sensing the rich, vibrant life force, every Carbink's eyes widened.
The Carbink who had spoken earlier stared at Elias in shock.
Even though it was a mineral Pokémon near the end of its lifespan—after inhaling the Power of Viridian, it actually felt a small surge of vitality returning.
A human with this kind of ability indeed had the potential to be trusted.
Diancie's talent might be lacking, but with his help, it wasn't impossible for her to create the giant diamond.
For a moment, the previously restless Carbink fell quiet.
"One year. If Diancie can't create a new diamond by then, I'll use all the Life Energy in my body to repair the diamond."
Elias repeated his promise.
In truth, the method he described wasn't feasible.
Neither the Power of Viridian nor Life Energy akin to Xerneas's could restore the giant diamond.
But unfortunately… the Carbink didn't know that.
The human in front of them had saved their queen once, and he'd just emitted a powerful aura of life.
To them, if the cost was high enough, repairing the diamond might indeed be possible.
And even if it failed… perhaps it could at least prolong the diamond's lifespan slightly.
"How can you guarantee you'll keep your promise?"
Below, a Carbink cautiously questioned him.
They regularly traded with humans for surface supplies.
Naturally, they understood that humans could be cunning and unpredictable—not straightforward like Pokémon.
They didn't trust empty promises like Elias's.
Yet…
"You can only believe me."
Elias replied without hesitation.
At that, several sharper Carbink exchanged uneasy looks.
Indeed—whether Her Majesty and Her Highness stepped down or not, it wouldn't change the fact that the giant diamond was nearing the end of its lifespan.
In just two short years, they… truly had no choice but to believe the human before them.
The initiative was already his.
By now, most of the Carbink had cooled their tempers, their agitation gradually subsiding.
Upon reflection, they realized there was no alternative.
Besides… their queen and princess stood beside this human.
After a long pause—
"We accept your terms. We trust you'll fulfill your promise."
Once the Carbink finished their discussion, the elderly Carbink stepped forward as their representative.
Compared to earlier, its attitude toward Elias now carried clear respect.
"Don't worry. I won't forget. Besides…"
"I'm even more confident Diancie can create diamonds on her own."
Elias nodded lightly.
Beside him, Dianna finally let out a long sigh of relief as the situation stabilized.
This crisis had at last been resolved.
Even she had been so tense that a thin sheen of sweat coated her palms.
One wrong move, and today could have escalated into massive upheaval.
If Elias hadn't been here, she might have preferred to stay hidden for the time being.
But that would only have delayed the unrest—not solved it at its root.
With that thought, Dianna edged slightly closer to Elias.
As queen and senior, her public image had always been one of strength and stability.
Only beside Elias could she feel the comforting reassurance of relying on someone.
As the Carbink dispersed, Diancie finally approached.
Even though the crisis had passed, unease still lingered on her small face.
"E-Elias."
"Within one year, if… what if I can't create diamonds?"
She asked, trembling slightly.
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T/N: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR HIGHNESS AND YOUR MAJESTY? FUCK i am not going back and changing allat okay dianna will be your majesty now