Not only Lysandre, but even Diancie and Fennekin were startled by Elias's sudden icy reaction.
Seeing Elias's expression harden, Diancie's heart warmed slightly, and she felt her nose tingle with emotion.
She'd always known Elias was strong.
Yet it was only when something concerned her safety that he'd become like this.
Thinking that, she reached out her little hand and softly clutched at the hem of his shirt.
It seemed that by doing so, she could feel safer.
Unlike Diancie, Fennekin pressed her lips together with a bit of envy.
Though also a Pokémon, she'd left her group very early.
Growing up alone, she had only herself to depend on when danger came.
If she could win, she'd strike back—but if not, she could only flee and hide, just like she'd done facing Yveltal.
It'd be nice if I had a ghost companion like that…
Thinking this, Fennekin narrowed her eyes slightly.
Diancie wouldn't lose much by sharing him a little, right?
...
Not far away with Elias's Aura Sphere aimed straight at him, Lysandre quickly regained composure.
One wrong answer and he could say goodbye to all his dreams right here.
Yet, strangely, he didn't feel panic at all.
Rather, the stronger Elias seemed, the more he desired cooperation.
In Lysandre's eyes now, Elias himself had become even more valuable than Diancie.
"Sir, I can't explain the exact method clearly right now," Lysandre began carefully.
"But if you're truly interested, look into the great disaster that occurred in this region over a thousand years ago."
"The details of a certain 'Ultimate Weapon' mentioned there—I promise it won't disappoint you."
Lysandre took two deep breaths as he spoke.
The Ultimate Weapon was a genuine historical event that had occurred in Kalos, though very few knew of its existence.
If not for his unique status and meticulous research, even he might not have given it a second thought.
Hearing Lysandre's words, Elias clenched his fist slightly.
The man wasn't lying.
Even monitoring with Aura confirmed no sign of deceit.
Quietly committing the name "Ultimate Weapon" to memory, Elias slowly withdrew his hand.
"Shalour City. The library at the city center."
"If you wish to meet, wait there at the end of each month. I'll come find you."
Whether Lysandre was truthful or not, Elias had still decided to offer a way to contact him.
If what Lysandre said could truly help, it would be fantastic news.
Although Dianna had recovered considerably, her strength still wasn't what it once was.
Creating giant diamonds was now nearly impossible for her.
Once the diamond's lifespan ended, Diancie would still inevitably inherit her role as queen.
But even aside from these external pressures, Elias sincerely wished for Diancie's full recovery.
Thus, he couldn't possibly ignore Lysandre's words.
Having secured Elias's contact info, Lysandre seemed delighted.
"Sir, I promise you won't regret this," Lysandre assured confidently.
---
[Shortly afterward, you, your Pokémon, and Lysandre left the forest together.]
[At the forest outskirts, you parted ways after confirming your agreement.]
[Although delayed slightly beyond your original plans, you still set off towards Diantha's estate to keep your appointment.]
---
"Elias, my body's already feeling much better, so you don't need to worry so much."
Diancie gently tugged Elias's clothes, softly reassuring him.
Ever since separating from Lysandre, Elias had been deep in thought.
This worried her somewhat.
While she did hope for her full recovery, she didn't want Elias troubled by her condition.
"Mm, I'm alright."
Elias gently rubbed Diancie's soft cheek, smiling warmly.
Indeed, whether Lysandre's words were true or not, he'd eventually find out.
Moreover, he remained confident he could heal Diancie even without Lysandre's help.
In Elias's arms, Fennekin subtly glanced at Elias and Diancie.
Unlike before, her eyes no longer held envy or internal conflict.
Instead, a cunning glint now replaced it.
...
Shalour City wasn't particularly large.
Not long afterward, Elias arrived at the location Diantha had given.
Situated at the edge of the city, it offered clear views of golden beaches and gently rolling ocean waves.
Houses here undoubtedly enjoyed beautiful sea views.
"Elias, over here!"
Just as Elias began searching for Diantha's villa, a familiar voice called out.
Turning his head, Elias saw Diantha standing by the entrance of a villa.
She seemed to have been waiting for quite some time; under the scorching heat, her little face had become flushed.
Seeing Elias arrive as promised, Diantha felt indescribably joyful.
Usually, she spent most of her days in solitude.
Rarely did guests visit—and especially one she was so interested in—so excitement naturally welled up in her heart.
Without waiting for Elias to approach, Diantha hurried forward herself.
Yet upon noticing Diancie beside him, she faintly pursed her lips in displeasure.
Of course, that annoying one still followed along.
After deliberately ignoring Diancie, Diantha's gaze eagerly shifted back to Elias.
However, before she could properly feel happy, her expression froze once more.
Why is there another one?!
Spotting Fennekin squinting lazily in Elias's arms, Diantha felt a tightness in her chest.
Diancie alone was already too many—now there was another Pokémon?
Fortunately, at least Fennekin seemed fairly normal…
Having reassured herself, Diantha put her smile back on, preparing to greet Elias—
But once again, she didn't manage a word.
Before she could speak, a figure had already lunged straight onto Elias.
Even worse, this particular figure was extremely familiar to her.
"La-lu!"
Completely abandoning her usual calm demeanor, Ralts eagerly teleported directly onto Elias.
She had long overheard Diantha's call and knew Elias would visit today.
Just recalling the human who fed her delicious Psychic energy caused her breath to quicken in excitement.
Now feeling that familiar aura, Ralts comfortably squinted in delight.
Her only complaint was that there was already another Pokémon curled up in his arms.
Facing this sight, Diantha's expression immediately stiffened.
For the first time, she actually felt a trace of anger towards her own Pokémon.
Don't get mad… She's your Pokémon... yours…
Grinding her teeth, Diantha resisted the urge to grab Ralts by the neck and pull her straight off Elias.
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl