"Ahh, so satisfying!" After leaving the Diamond Domain, Erina stretched lazily and said, "Who would've thought there's a Pokémon like Diancie!"
Truly befitting of the "Diamond" Pokémon—her manner of speaking and personality were exactly like a noble young lady. Well, this was a face-off between two young ladies, a scene that would delight early spring.
"Miss Erina, did you know?" Hisako leaned in and whispered, "The young master mentioned that the current Diancie isn't in her complete form yet, so she can't create everlasting diamonds. But once she matures into her complete form, she'll be able to produce high-quality, permanent pink diamonds!"
"!"
The ahoge on Erina's head instantly stood on end. Her beautiful eyes widened as she murmured longingly, "Pink diamonds—"
Hisako: No woman can resist the allure of sparkly things. None!
Nearby, Hayashi watched them discussing diamonds and couldn't help but want to join in. But remembering Hisako's evaluation of him, he forcefully held back—was wearing ten finger-sized gemstones really that tacky?
"Young master, what are you doing?" Meanwhile, Hisako noticed Hayashi hadn't reacted for a while and shot him a disapproving look, hinting, "Hurry up and talk to Miss Erina about the pink diamonds!"
I, Hisa—ahem, I, Hisako Arato, am once again going all out today to support the young master and young miss's romance! This is so exhausting!
"Huh?" Hayashi snapped out of it and scratched his head. "Erina, do you want pink diamonds?"
Erina froze for a moment, then couldn't help but think: Diamonds are usually used for engagement and wedding rings, right? If I say I really want them, wouldn't that be hinting that I really want to marry him? No, no, I can't reveal that feeling!
So she turned her head slightly and said in a somewhat indifferent tone, "I-it's not like I want them that much."
Inside, Hisako was screaming like a wild beast: 'Miss Erinaaaa, do you even realize what you're saying!?'
Her heart was exhausted. Hisako's heart was truly exhausted. For heaven's sake, could you two just get married already and stop with this tsundere act!?
Hayashi rubbed the back of his head. "You don't want them? Alright then. I was gonna ask Arceus to make one for you..."
Hisako glanced at Erina, who was clenching her fists in regret, and sighed softly. "In the end, I'm the one who bears it all."
Shaking her head helplessly, she approached Hayashi and asked, "Young master, can Arceus still make pink diamonds?"
Hayashi replied matter-of-factly, "Arceus is the creator deity, so there's no reason he can't do what other Pokémon can."
Hisako nodded in sudden understanding, then glanced at Erina, who was all ears listening to their conversation, and said helplessly, "Since creating a pink diamond isn't too difficult for Arceus, why not get one for Erina?"
"Huh? But didn't Erina say she didn't want one?"
"You're so dense! Whether she wants it or not is her business, but whether you give it to her is yours!" Hisako had no choice but to resort to twisted logic. "She can refuse it, but you can't not offer it!"
At the same time, she thought tearfully in her heart, 'Waaah, I'm sorry, Hayashi! It's all Erina's fault, aaaaaah!'
...
...
With Hisako's assistance, Hayashi managed to get a roughly five-carat pink diamond from Arceus for Erina. Then, under Hisako's "strong insistence," he personally placed it on Erina's middle finger.
Quick, say thank you, Hisako!
This resulted in Erina happily admiring the pink diamond on her finger all the way home, occasionally making a rather silly expression that made Hisako want to sigh.
Hisako: Without me, your relationship progress would be at least two seasons slower!
This just goes to show how crucial a reliable wingman is in a frustratingly slow romance anime!
"Hehe, looks like Erina really likes this pink diamond, huh?" Hayashi said smugly, leaning in. "Big Sis Arceus mentioned that this diamond contains Fairy-type energy. It can purify minor toxins, relieve mental fatigue, and even improve skin quality."
Come to think of it, wouldn't Fairy-type energy be the perfect assistant for all-nighters, the ideal companion for cultivation, and the best killer for sudden death?
Hisako covered her face with her hands: 'Young master, personally I don't think Erina likes it because of its effects.'
Erina maintained a reserved smile and said, "Well, I only like it... moderately."
Hisako used her other hand to cover her face as well: 'Miss Erina, this really isn't the time to be tsundere!'
Fortunately, Hayashi's intelligence surprisingly kicked in at this moment. He raised an eyebrow and said, "No worries, next time I'll get you an even better ring—one you'll like even more!"
Hearing this, Hisako couldn't help but lower her hands and immediately gave Hayashi two enthusiastic thumbs up: 'Well said, young master! Full marks for that performance—I'm not worried about you getting arrogant!'
Erina pressed her lips together, revealing a faintly happy smile, and said, "Then I'll be waiting."
Hisako tearfully covered her mouth: 'Miss Erina, you finally didn't act tsundere at this crucial moment! I—I'm so moved!'
If the old master knew about Hisako's tireless efforts, he'd definitely give her a raise—she really has it tough!
...
...
Kanto Region, Professor Oak's Laboratory.
"Let! Me! See! It!" Professor Oak struggled desperately to rush over to Erina, wanting to examine the Fairy-type pink diamond ring personally crafted by Arceus on her finger. But with both his own Dragonite and Erina's Dragonair blocking him, the professor could only shed tears of frustration.
The unattainable ring!
"At least try to stay calm, Professor!" Hayashi said helplessly, watching the overly excited Professor Oak. "It's just a ring, isn't it?"
"Just a ring?! How can you say that so casually?!" Professor Oak felt his blood pressure spike as he indignantly retorted, "This is a crystallization of Arceus' power! The ultimate research material!"
"Then should I ask Arceus to make one for you too?"
Professor Oak's face lit up with joy.
"Actually, never mind. No matter what, you're a man, and giving a man a ring just feels too weird."
Professor Oak's expression fell into disappointment.
"How about giving you a jade pendant instead?"
The professor brightened again.
"But that seems like too much trouble..."
Oak despaired.
"Maybe I should just give it to you?"
Oak rejoiced.
"On second thought, forget it."
Oak mourned.
"Give it?"
Oak delighted.
"Not give it?"
Oak grieved.
"Give? Not give? Give? Not give?"
After cycling through several expressions, Professor Oak finally snapped. "Tell me, are you doing this on purpose?! Just to mess with this old man?"
"Of course not!" Hayashi confidently averted his gaze. "As Arceus' good friend, Ho-Oh's caretaker, the buddy of 'Can't Fly' and 'Will Bite,' and big brother to Diancie—how could I possibly find your expression-switching so amusing that I'd deliberately tease you?"
"I'd believe anyone else wouldn't, but I believe you would."
"Darn it, Professor Oak, you've gotten crafty!"
"Only because I've been tricked by you too many times!"
"Tch—"
Hayashi pouted, "So what if I tricked you by saying 'this isn't spicy,' 'this really isn't spicy,' and 'this absolutely isn't spicy'? Even though you ended up crying from the heat, didn't you still endure the pain and eat it all in the end?"
"Proves you actually like spicy food, you masochist!"
After Dragonite released him, Professor Oak gave his old partner's belly an annoyed pat and said, "Listen here, buddy, I'm your trainer, right? How could you help someone else restrain me?"
"Roar—"
Dragonite scratched its head sheepishly.
Sure, you're my trainer, but that guy over there is my Pokéblock supplier! So sorry, old pal—you wouldn't want me to go hungry, would you?
Thankfully, Professor Oak couldn't understand Dragonite's words, or he'd have made the same weird expression as Hayashi. This Dragonite is filial in all the wrong ways!
"Fine, keep your secrets," Professor Oak grumbled, glancing at Hayashi. "So you came back just to show off that ring?"
"Not really," Hayashi shook his head. "Erina told me Dragonite was running low on Pokéblocks, so we came to deliver more. Visiting you was just a bonus."
Professor Oak: "?"
Dragonite happily rushed over and enthusiastically hugged Hayashi, patting his back while making excited "woo-woo" noises: "Ahhh, you're practically my brother from another mother! I love you so much!"
Professor Oak: "?"
Should I leave? Why do I feel like the third wheel in my own home?
Professor Oak huffed, "And what about me? Remember Dragonite but forget this old man? Couldn't even bring me a gift?"
Hisako, stifling a laugh, chimed in, "Don't listen to him, Professor Oak. Young Master is just teasing you. Of course we brought you something."
"Oh?"
Professor Oak perked up, rubbing his hands together. "Well then, let's see this gift!"
"Ta-daaa—"
Hayashi pulled his right hand from his pocket, proudly holding up a small tuft of white fluff. "Plucked straight from Ho-Oh's belly!"
Professor Oak (horrified): "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HO-OH?!"
Hayashi: "Ehe?"