"Naa-naa~"
(Lord Chen Shi, welcome to our Diamond Kingdom.)
Led by the Carbink, the group arrived at the end of the passage.
The four of them looked up.
Before their eyes was an enormous underground cavern.
Diamonds covered the ground everywhere. Special crystals were embedded into the surrounding walls, emitting a gentle glow that illuminated the entire cavern.
Countless Carbink lived here happily.
The moment they saw the newcomers, many of them hurried over and gathered excitedly around their future princess.
"Naa-naa~"
(I'm fine. There's no need to worry. Where is Elder Diamond? I've brought some guests.)
The mutating Carbink spoke softly.
Only then did the other Carbink notice the humans following behind.
When they saw Chen Shi and the others, they instinctively took a few nervous steps back before staring at them with curious eyes.
The Diamond Kingdom was isolated from the outside world.
Most Carbink would never leave this place during their entire lives.
Now, their future princess had gone out once and returned with several two-legged creatures.
Naturally, they were curious.
Steven raised an eyebrow and laughed.
"We're being treated like zoo exhibits."
Neither Cynthia nor Chen Shi responded.
Instead, they continued observing their surroundings.
Diantha looked at the mutating Carbink.
"Have you noticed? That unusual Carbink seems to hold a very high position within its community."
Even now, Diantha and Steven still believed Carbink were merely a rather special species of Pokémon.
At that moment, the crowd of Carbink parted to create a path.
An elderly-looking Carbink slowly approached.
It first nodded respectfully toward the mutating Carbink before turning to Chen Shi and the others.
"Young humans, welcome to the Diamond Kingdom."
"Oh?"
Steven looked surprised.
"You can speak?"
Previously, he had met a few Pokémon capable of human speech, such as Chen Shi's Jirachi and little Rayquaza.
But those two were entirely different.
One was a Mythical Pokémon.
The other was a Legendary Pokémon.
Steven could understand why they could speak.
But this Carbink?
A Carbink speaking human language was genuinely surprising.
Elder Diamond smiled calmly.
"It's nothing special. I've simply lived long enough. The older you become, the more things you learn."
It did not continue discussing the topic.
"Please, follow me."
With that, Elder Diamond turned around and led them toward a campfire.
Several large stones were scattered nearby.
"Our conditions are rather humble. Please forgive the lack of hospitality."
"It's fine."
Chen Shi waved his hand and casually sat on one of the stones.
This place clearly lacked proper facilities for entertaining guests, so he had no expectations.
The other three sat down as well.
A smile appeared in Elder Diamond's eyes.
"Please wait a moment. I'll prepare some food."
"Please don't refuse. It is only proper etiquette."
Chen Shi had originally wanted to say there was no need to trouble themselves, but after hearing the elder's final sentence, he decided against it.
Soon, Elder Diamond left together with the mutating Carbink.
No one knew where they had gone.
Around the group, numerous Carbink remained gathered, observing them with curious eyes.
Chen Shi took out some Pokéblocks and offered them to the Carbink.
One particularly brave Carbink cautiously stepped forward.
Its round eyes remained fixed on the Pokéblock in Chen Shi's hand, filled with curiosity.
After approaching him, it accepted the Pokéblock and immediately brought it close to its nose, sniffing repeatedly.
Then it carefully opened its mouth and took a tiny bite.
"NAA-NAA!!"
The next moment, its eyes lit up like shining stars.
It looked as though it had just discovered the most delicious food in the world.
All hesitation vanished instantly.
It devoured the entire Pokéblock in just a few bites.
After finishing, it even licked its lips reluctantly.
Then it raised its head and stared at Chen Shi with hopeful eyes, practically saying:
"That was amazing! Is there more?"
"Looks like we've got another little foodie."
Chen Shi chuckled and shook his head.
He immediately took out most of the Fairy-type Pokéblocks from his backpack and handed them over to the Carbink colony without hesitation.
Very quickly, the pile of Pokéblocks vanished under a frenzy of eager Carbink.
The Carbink happily retreated to one side and enjoyed their treats.
As they ate, satisfied cries of "naa-naa~" echoed throughout the cavern.
Watching this scene, Jirachi giggled nonstop from Chen Shi's arms.
Soon, it jumped free and flew over to one of the Carbink.
Nobody knew what it said, but within moments, they were happily playing together.
"Little V, aren't you going?"
Chen Shi tilted his head and looked at Victini on his shoulder.
"Vini?"
Victini froze for a moment.
Its large round eyes turned toward Jirachi, who was already having the time of its life with the Carbink.
A trace of envy flashed across its face.
Truthfully, Victini wanted to play with them too.
But because of its timid personality, it merely tightened its grip around Chen Shi's neck.
It rubbed its head gently against his cheek but never gathered the courage to join the others.
Chen Shi picked it up and looked directly into its eyes.
"Don't be afraid, Little V."
"As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you."
"Vi... Vini~~"
Victini's eyes trembled.
It turned its head away slightly, unable to meet Chen Shi's gaze.
Chen Shi sighed inwardly.
He chose not to push further.
Instead, he released Togekiss.
"Chakkii?"
Togekiss looked at her Trainer in confusion.
Chen Shi placed Victini onto Togekiss's back.
Then he lifted Togekiss high into the air with both hands.
"Jirachi! Look over here! Let's play together!"
Hearing his shout, Jirachi and the Carbink all turned around curiously.
Chen Shi held Togekiss high above his head, excitement written all over his face.
His legs moved rapidly as he sprinted forward while shouting at the top of his lungs.
"The airplane is coming through!!"
Togekiss: ???
Victini sat on Togekiss's back in complete bewilderment.
Feeling the gentle breeze brushing against its cheeks, it suddenly burst into laughter.
"Vini!"
"The airplane! The airplane is fun!"
"Jirachi wants to ride the airplane too!"
Jirachi's eyes immediately lit up.
Clapping happily, it dashed after Chen Shi on its tiny legs while repeatedly demanding a turn on the airplane.
Behind them came a massive group of Carbink.
The little Pokémon chattered excitedly as they followed along.
Before long, an energetic little parade had formed.
Laughter and cheerful voices echoed throughout the cavern.
Not far away, Steven watched the scene with a complicated expression.
"How... childish."
Cynthia gazed at Chen Shi as he played freely with the Pokémon.
A gentle smile rested on her face.
Her eyes were filled with warmth.
"Yes."
"He really is childish."
"But..."
"That's exactly what I love about him."
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