On the Brave Area path, a constant light misty veil shrouds the road leading to the place where the Hisuian Lilligant resides, the stage battlefield.
To celebrate the festival, nearly all the members of the Diamond Clan embarked on this path. Everyone was in high spirits, chatting and laughing along the way, eager to witness theHisuian Lilligant's energetic dance.
Leading the way was the former Warden, Suya. Despite her advanced age, she moved with steady and swift steps, a testament to her years of caring for Lilligant.
Following closely behind her were three candidates for the position of Warden. Each had a bouquet of flowers pinned to their heads and carried scented sachets, walking right behind Suya.
The Hisuian Lilligant would personally pick the flowers from the chosen ones, which would then be planted around the Diamond Settlement as a symbol of good fortune.
Other members of the Diamond Clan had stalks of rice from the Golden Lowlands tied to their arms.
"Summer, do you know why we tie a stalk of rice to our arms?" asked Adaman, who was at the end of the line with Summer, followed by their Pokémon, Leafeon and Thwackey.
"Could it be that Lilligant has the power to make crops flourish?"
"Haha, you really know your stuff!" Adaman laughed and patted Summer's shoulder. Their two-and-a-half-day journey had strengthened their bond, and Adaman now considered Summer a close brother.
"The Lilligant dances with joy, and her magical scales are carried by the wind to the Golden Lowlands below."
"These scales make plants grow abundantly, ensuring our annual harvests and securing our livelihood."
"This Flower Festival might as well be called the Harvest Festival. But since we're expressing our gratitude to the Queen, calling it the Queen's Festival might be more appropriate." Adaman pondered aloud.
"The Flower Festival is just fine," Summer interrupted, feeling Adaman's thoughts were heading in a strange direction.
"Who do you think will become the next Warden?" Adaman changed the subject.
"Arezu," Summer replied without hesitation.
"That was quick. But it's no surprise, since you watched her collect each piece for her sachet step by step. Supporting her is natural."
"Who do you support, Adaman?" Summer asked back.
"Don't forget, I'm the leader of the Diamond Clan. I can't show favoritism." Despite his words, Adaman thought agreeing with the same answer would be boring, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
After a brief chat, the two caught up with the group, arriving at the stage battlefield before noon. Suya stood before the crowd and took out a pure white flute, known as the Divine Flute, a mystical instrument for communicating with the Queen (Hisuian Lilligant).
Suya placed the flute to her lips and gently played a familiar tune. The lively melody pierced the misty air, and a strong wind arose, dispelling the surrounding fog as the Queen began to dance.
If Lilligant is the epitome of graceful beauty, then Hisui Lilligant is the embodiment of vibrant beauty.
She wore a pale green skirt, her short green hair neat and tidy, topped with a lively pink flower crown. Her slender, leaf-like hands moved rhythmically, her long legs possessing a perfect curve, exuding both beauty and strength, making her a natural dancer.
"Queen, this is probably our last meeting. After this festival, the young will take over the position of Warden." Suya's voice was calm but tinged with reluctance.
Lilligant did not respond but raised her hands and began to dance. Her graceful movements were filled with the sorrow of farewell. Suya silently watched the entire performance, then turned around and called the three candidates forward to present their offerings.
Only then did the Diamond Clan notice that Suya's face was already streaked with tears. Being the Warden had occupied most of her life. She was reluctant to leave Lilligant, but she resolutely gave up the position for the Queen's better care, as she was old and needed the young to take over.
Meili was clever and brought unique experiences to Lilligant but treated the role more as entertainment. Arezu had the strongest sense of responsibility and desire to be the Warden, putting in significant effort but never truly understanding Lilligant's preferences. Mai was self-deprecating, seeking others' approval, thinking becoming Warden would attract attention but never considering the hardships involved.
Each had asked Suya about Lilligant's preferences, receiving the same answer: misty flowers, silverglow flowers, and dewdrop flowers—one out of three was correct. Only those who truly contemplated the answer and made an effort deserved to become the next Warden.
The three stepped forward, untied their sachets, and presented them. The Mountain Queen sniffed each one carefully without showing favoritism.
Then she bent slightly and picked the flower from Arezu's head, a dewdrop flower that should not be in season, a miracle crafted by Summer.
"Ah, the Mountain Queen chose me. I'm so happy," Arezu said, tears of joy streaming down her face.
Seeing the Queen's choice, Meili pouted as his sachet of ten mixed flowers was not chosen, while Mai lowered her head, clenching her teeth, thinking, "Why? I worked hard too."
"Don't be upset. Smell Arezu's sachet yourselves. She submitted an outstanding answer!" Suya, her expression calm again, told the two who were not chosen.
Misty flowers, silverglow flowers, and the unexpected dewdrop flower. It seemed Arezu realized her shortcomings and combined her sense of responsibility, making her the best successor.
The two didn't smell the sachet. Few earned the stern Suya's approval, and her words meant Arezu's sachet outshone theirs, so they decided not to do something pointless and embarrassing.
"It seems the result is clear," Adaman emerged from the crowd, handing a pure white flute to Arezu. "This is the Divine Flute. Leave your sound for the Queen."
Arezu solemnly took it and placed it to her lips. Suddenly, the sound of Thwackey's drum echoed in her mind, and she began to play.
Lilligant listened carefully, memorizing Arezu's tune. She then moved to the center of the stage and began to dance. The flute's melody was beautiful, and the flowers offered were perfect. This was the best offering the Queen had received since inheriting the throne, and she treated it with utmost seriousness.
Lilligant lifted her legs, raised her arms, and spun elegantly on one leg like a ballet dancer, leaping, gliding, and twirling. Her dance was inspiring, clearing all gloom and bringing endless victory.
"Ah, it's the Dance of Victory. How nostalgic," Suya couldn't help but shed tears again, grateful to witness the Dance of Victory once more in her lifetime. "Thank you, Arezu."
Lilligant's dance captivated Arezu, Meili, and Mai, dispelling any ugliness in their hearts. The Diamond Clan was equally entranced.
It's said that Hisui Lilligant emits a scent from her flower crown that encourages her companions. Now Summer wanted to add that her dance was equally inspiring, making her the finest dancer on this land.
(End of the Chapter)