[After realizing that Diancie's problem couldn't be completely solved in the short term, you actually stopped being so anxious about it.]
[While reading books on Pokémon type attributes, you also studied breeder knowledge.]
[Thanks to your excellent memory, you absorbed all this very quickly.]
[In just a few days, you'd already designed a training regimen suited to Diancie's unique constitution.]
"Elias, will this really make me stronger?"
Training had just ended, and Diancie, catching her breath in small gasps, asked Elias.
Under his arrangement, these past days she had focused on practicing a single move at a time.
Or else he would find wild Pokémon for her to battle, honing her combat sense.
Back then, when she didn't even dare leave the underground, such training was impossible for her.
Even when her predecessor taught her, it was nothing more than showing the move once while she watched from the side.
After several days of that, the only thing she gained was a daily dose of admiration for her predecessor's power—no real progress at all.
But Elias's training method, although exhausting each time, was strangely fun.
Especially when she was completely drained, and he would place his palm on her body, releasing that green energy.
As it flowed through her, it carried a warm, cozy sensation.
Her fatigue would vanish instantly, and she couldn't help narrowing her eyes in comfort.
"Don't worry. It'll work."
While healing Diancie with the [Power of Viridian], Elias answered.
Noticing her doubtful gaze, he slowly raised his palm and held it out before her eyes.
"Elias?"
Diancie tilted her head, a trace of confusion in her tone.
"Compared to before, do you notice any change in me?"
Elias pointed at himself and asked.
Hearing this, Diancie scratched her head, unsure of his intention.
Does Elias… want me to praise him?
She studied him uncertainly.
But soon, she shook off the idea.
If it were her, maybe she'd think like that. But Elias… didn't seem the type.
Then what…?
Still puzzled, Diancie carefully looked him over again.
And when her gaze swept over his arm, her eyes suddenly trembled.
Elias's entire body had once been semi-transparent.
Faded, almost colorless—her eyes could pass right through him to the scenery behind.
But now—was it just her imagination?—today, the colors on Elias's body seemed deeper.
The form that had been easy to see through now faintly obscured the background.
Realizing this, Diancie's heart gave a little jolt.
She had two greatest wishes at the moment—
First, to become strong enough to create great diamonds on her own.
Second, for the Elias she raised to gain a real body, so she could feel his warmth with her own hands.
And what was happening to him now… clearly touched upon that second wish.
Her throat moved. After a tiny swallow, she reached out with her small hand and poked his arm experimentally.
But to her disappointment, it was still cold to the touch.
And different from real flesh—there was something odd and indescribable about it.
"This much change already owes to Diancie's effort," Elias said gently.
"So don't be discouraged."
Seeing her droop like a frost-bitten eggplant, Elias chuckled lightly and pinched her smooth cheek.
At his words, Diancie's fallen expression regained a trace of color.
Tilting her head, she blinked at him, and pointed at herself with a little finger:
"It has… something to do with me?"
She didn't quite understand why he said that.
"Mm. As long as Diancie grows stronger, my body will gradually solidify."
"What you see now—that's the result of these past two days of training."
Elias explained.
He had long noticed Diancie's desire for him to have a body.
Now that she knew his solidity was tied to her strength, she would surely be delighted.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Diancie's breath hitched.
"So if I become strong enough, Elias can have a real body?"
Her eyes shone like gems as she asked.
When Elias nodded, joy burst within her.
"I'll work hard to become stronger!"
She felt she now had yet another reason to push forward.
Watching her even more excited than he'd expected, Elias couldn't help finding it strange.
Does touching me comfortably mean that much to her?
Somehow, he felt Diancie might have another motive.
---
[In the days that followed, Diancie truly did as she promised—training harder than ever before.]
[And during that time, you went once more to the library.]
[But perhaps because the time was different than last, you did not encounter that woman called Cogita.]
[For some reason, you actually found yourself wishing to meet her again.]
[Meanwhile, after today's study session ended, two little Carbink came over.]
"Princess, Her Majesty the Queen says you should return."
One Carbink stepped in front of Diancie, bowing respectfully.
At those words, Diancie's cheeks, still flushed red from exertion, instantly fell.
Of course—her predecessor was summoning her.
She'd been away for so many days. It was only natural the Queen grew impatient.
But she hadn't had enough fun yet… she really didn't want to go back.
"Did predecessor say why?"
Diancie asked in one last struggle.
"The Queen says, while learning knowledge is important, you mustn't neglect combat training."
"That's likely why you're being called back this time."
The Carbink, already prepared for her question, answered smoothly.
As it spoke, it secretly studied her expression.
According to clan rumors, whenever the Queen was invoked, the Princess would always obey.
But to its surprise, instead of drooping, her eyes lit up.
Her predecessor was going to test her strength?
If it were before, Diancie would have been so frightened she couldn't sleep.
But now, she felt eager instead.
Not only did she have Elias's help to enhance her power,
but after days of training, she could clearly feel her own growth.
This time, even her predecessor surely wouldn't find fault.
"I understand. I'll return today."
Diancie nodded, her voice brimming with excitement.