While Diancie attempted to create a Sacred Diamond, Chen Shi was nowhere near as optimistic as Elder Diamond.
Elder Diamond was right about one thing—Diancie did possess the ability to create Sacred Diamonds.
But could the current Diancie actually accomplish it?
Chen Shi had his doubts.
Someone else shared the same opinion.
Mew.
Perched on Chen Shi's shoulder, it casually glanced at Diancie before letting out a quiet chuckle and shaking its head almost imperceptibly.
She hadn't even grasped the true essence of life yet.
And she wanted to create a Sacred Diamond?
Keep dreaming.
Long ago, the first Queen Diancie had once told Mew something.
As the cornerstone of the Carbink race's survival, a Sacred Diamond could only be created by a Diancie who had comprehended the essence of life.
Otherwise—
No matter how beautiful the result appeared—
It would merely be an ordinary gemstone with no real purpose.
"......"
Sure enough.
The moment Diancie successfully turned the diamond projection into a physical object, Elder Diamond rushed forward and stared intently at the crystal in her hands.
Its eyes were filled with anticipation and excitement.
But only moments later—
The excitement vanished.
Its eyes widened in disbelief.
It had discovered the truth.
This was not a Sacred Diamond.
It was merely an ordinary red diamond.
"How..."
"How could this happen?!"
Elder Diamond could scarcely believe its own eyes.
It carefully examined the diamond again and again.
But the conclusion never changed.
It was just a normal gemstone.
Diancie stood frozen in place, holding the diamond.
Her eyes were filled with confusion.
"Why?"
"I've already become Diancie."
"Why can't I create a Sacred Diamond?"
She couldn't accept the failure.
Unwilling to give up, she immediately tried again.
Once.
Twice.
Again and again.
But even after exhausting herself completely and draining every ounce of energy from her body—
Every diamond she created remained nothing more than an ordinary gemstone.
Eventually, Diancie collapsed onto the ground.
Lost.
Hopeless.
For years, she had believed that becoming Diancie would allow her to create a Sacred Diamond.
She believed it would save the Diamond Kingdom.
Everything she had done was for that goal.
Yet now—
After receiving Xerneas's horn fragment from Chen Shi.
After finally becoming Diancie.
She discovered she still couldn't create a true Sacred Diamond.
Without one...
What would happen to the Diamond Kingdom?
The question weighed heavily upon every Carbink and Elder Diamond alike.
The joy that had filled the cavern moments ago had vanished completely.
In its place remained only a suffocating gloom.
At that moment, Diancie sank into endless self-blame.
Her once-brilliant eyes were clouded with tears.
Large droplets rolled down her cheeks and fell onto the ground.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
"It's all my fault."
"It's because I'm useless."
"I failed everyone's expectations!"
"I couldn't create a Sacred Diamond."
"I've let Elder Diamond down."
"I've let Lord Chen Shi down."
"And I've let all the citizens of the Diamond Kingdom down."
"I'm a complete failure!"
Her voice trembled with sobs.
Her small body shook from guilt and sorrow as she continued blaming herself.
Elder Diamond and the surrounding Carbink wanted to comfort her.
But none of them knew what to say.
They could only remain silent.
Unable to bear seeing Diancie like this, Cynthia tugged gently on Chen Shi's sleeve.
"Help her."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Steven and Diantha also looked toward Chen Shi.
Their eyes carried a trace of hope.
None of them knew how to help Diancie.
But they knew one thing.
Whenever there was a problem—
Chen Shi always seemed to have an answer.
"......"
"Enough!"
Chen Shi suddenly barked.
The sharp rebuke startled everyone.
Then he walked directly over to Diancie and looked down at her.
"Do you think saying these things helps?"
"Do you think crying solves anything?"
"If you take all the blame upon yourself, will the Diamond Kingdom suddenly escape its crisis?"
"I'm telling you right now."
"No."
"It won't."
Diancie slowly raised her head.
Through tear-filled eyes, she looked at the man standing before her.
"Lord Chen Shi..."
"I'm sorry... I..."
Her voice was thick with tears.
Every word broke apart from sobbing.
Her guilt now mixed with panic.
She wanted to explain herself.
Wanted to say something.
Anything.
But the words refused to come.
Chen Shi sighed softly.
Then he crouched down until they were eye level.
"Don't cry."
"This isn't entirely your fault."
"You already tried your best."
"Everyone has seen your effort."
"Everyone has seen your determination."
"Maybe this is simply a trial."
"A challenge fate has placed before you."
"Your kingdom has survived countless hardships."
"It won't fall because of a single setback."
"You are their princess."
"You are the hope of the Diamond Kingdom."
"You cannot give up."
"Lord Chen Shi..."
"I can't..."
"I really can't..."
Diancie lowered her head again, unable to meet his gaze.
Chen Shi spoke gently.
"There is nothing you can't do."
"You need to believe in yourself."
"After all..."
"You are the new Queen Diancie."
Then he pointed toward the surrounding Carbink.
"Look at them."
"Look at your people."
"Are you really going to give up?"
Hearing his words, Diancie hesitated.
Then slowly—
Very slowly—
She followed the direction of his finger.
She saw Elder Diamond.
Although traces of disappointment and worry remained on its aged face—
Its eyes were filled with hope.
As if silently telling her:
Child... don't give up.
Then she looked at the countless Carbink.
Every one of them stared at her with wide, innocent eyes.
They looked toward their princess.
Toward the person they respected most.
There was no blame in those eyes.
No resentment.
Only trust.
Dependence.
Hope.
A hope that she would stand back up again.
At that moment—
Diancie broke down once more.
The tears she had been holding back surged forth like a flood.
But this time—
They were different.
These were not tears of guilt.
They were tears of gratitude.
From the Carbink, she felt unwavering trust.
Unconditional faith.
Complete dependence.
Those pure emotions struck her heart more deeply than anything else ever could.
"I understand, Lord Chen Shi."
"I'll stand up again."
"I promise."
Diancie sniffled and nodded firmly.
Chen Shi smiled and gently rubbed her head.
Then, in the most serious tone he had used all day, he said:
"Diancie."
"Remember this."
"The only one who can nurture life..."
"...is yourself."
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