The method by which the Valande Knight acquired the Holy Grail is considered 'taking a shortcut'.
Don't forget, the first Holy Water produced by the Holy Grail of Woodland after it was unearthed was meant for President Natalie to drink. It was merely gifted to Valande by Natalie, and Valande's protective heart just happened to be sufficient to earn the Holy Grail's recognition.
This was a low probability event.
In this regard, perhaps Kudell's earlier consolation wasn't completely baseless after all.
If Natalie had drunk from the Holy Grail, her condition probably wouldn't have gotten this bad.
But after this is all over, I have to make a trip to the Ancestor Woods myself and see that Holy Grail of Woodland with my own eyes. Ah, if I had known there was a Holy Grail buried beneath the Transia Lands, I wouldn't have had to travel all the way to the Antani District to search for the legendary Holy Grail of the Elves.
