The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!

"Dia, let's discuss the current situation seriously."

Chris-niisama's serious face was intimidating.

"In our country, except for Berisario, marquises and marquises are treated as equals. But in reality, it's different. Marquis Orlandi is under the umbrella of Marquess Corquette, and Marquis Johannes is indebted to his wife's family, the Marquess of Norland. Do you know why?"

"Is it because the marquises have more influence and wealth?"

"Why did they gain more influence?"

"Even though they surrendered and became part of the empire, the marquises, being the center of their ethnic groups, have to protect their people. Nowadays, they are also liaisons with the spirit kings."

"Yes, that's correct. In contrast, most marquis families prefer to maintain the status quo. They can't rise any higher in rank, and they already have enough territory. So, it's easier for them to seek protection from the marquises."

That is also a way to protect their own territory's people.

"Considering our family's status, the ideal match for Dia would be someone from a marquis family or higher, right?"

"Well, I suppose so."

"There are hardly any unmarried men of suitable age in the ducal houses, except for Derrick."

"He won't be getting married anytime soon. He loves all pretty girls too much."

It's said he never cheats or has affairs. Making a girl cry goes against his principles. But his relationships never last long, and he quickly finds a new girlfriend. Not ideal for a marriage partner.

"The marquises have agreed not to marry into your generation, Dia. So, while a match with a marquis family is desirable..."

"Chris-niisama, I understand what you're getting at."

For marquis families who prefer the status quo, the Fairy Princess is too much of a wildcard. If they were to get engaged to me, not just the groom but the entire family would become the center of attention. Not just in the empire, but in neighboring countries too. Both the royal family and key figures wouldn't leave them alone.

They would be thrust into the political center, given roles, and forced to engage with neighboring royalty.

"So, marrying into a marquis family is difficult."

"Not impossible, just challenging."

Hearing this from Father made my spirits sink. I had already noticed. People's attitudes towards me have subtly changed from yesterday to today.

"I'm feared, aren't I? Hearing that the spirit kings have gathered has made them think I'm even more dangerous."

"More likely, it was your demeanor at the ball yesterday. You appeared more mature and composed than even some adult ladies."

Oh no. I had gotten comfortable being ten and had forgotten to act like a child.

"When you get nervous, you lose expression. A perfectly beautiful girl with a polished smile and flawless movements conversing on equal terms with adults...that's quite intimidating."

If even Mother says so, I must have stood out significantly. That's why my classmates were so hesitant at today's party.

"Dia, when you walk, your head and shoulders don't move at all. Your waist stays at a constant level as you glide. You have the air of a martial artist."

Alan-niisama seems impressed, but is that really how a girl should be? I was trying to walk like a model from my previous life. How did it become a horror show?

"The timing was unfortunate. Too many things happened at once. The Moulding Marquis family is currently under house arrest, but they will soon be demoted, and their territory significantly reduced. Do you know why?"

"I heard Duke Powell's faction disbanded, but I don't know what happened after that."

They were supposed to investigate thoroughly to see if there were other issues, right? Duke Powell and Father had planned to look into everything.

"The rumor that Duke Powell abandoned the Moulding Marquis family spread quickly, and those who had been silent began reporting their grievances. They even extorted money from nobles within the Powell faction. They have no allies left. Depending on the outcome, their title might be stripped."

That kind of fallout was inevitable. Father's explanation makes it clear that this has nothing to do with me.

"Before their house arrest, Barney was loudly proclaiming at the academy how scary you were, how strange you were, how you weren't human."

"Oh..."

"I grabbed him by the collar and threatened to destroy his family if he insulted you any further. He quieted down, but it looks like the family is genuinely falling apart now."

Don't say "tee-hee," Chris-niisama. Weren't you and Father the ones making the most waves? The Moulding Marquis family brought this upon themselves!

"Right after that, it was the end of the year break. The rumor that angering the Fairy Princess was dangerous spread from returning students to the entire nobility. Then, at yesterday's ball, the Moulding Marquis family was absent due to house arrest. Now, the story is that they were ruined for crossing the Fairy Princess."

"Wait, Alan-niisama. It's not the Fairy Princess; it's Berisario they crossed, right?"

"That doesn't have as much impact as a rumor, does it? The end-of-year social season is in full swing, and everyone wants gossip. The Fairy Princess's story is convenient in many ways."

A ten-year-old, eerie, beautiful girl with the backing of the spirit kings who can crush a marquis family. A winter ghost story? If the subject changes to Berisario, it becomes just another political struggle, less exciting. Gossip? I'm just good gossip?

"Regarding the Johannes Marquis family, I share some of the blame. Seeing them try to gloss over the matter in front of me with the Marquess of Norland, I got a bit angry."

"But you didn't say anything, did you? It was the Marquess of Norland who got angry at the Marquise of Johannes and said she'd cut ties unless she apologized."

"Still, from a third party's perspective, it looks like the Marquess of Norland chose Berisario over her own daughter. No one from the Norland family greeted the Johannes family at the ball yesterday."

"Is the story about canceling the tea party with the Crown Prince also spreading?"

"Anyone who read that letter knows, right? It said they didn't want to make their daughter a candidate. That could be considered lèse-majesté."

That's true for me as well. Carla was particularly pitiful, as she liked the Crown Prince.

"I wouldn't know how to write a letter to your friend either, so I'd probably ask Nadia. Or I'd consult with the Marquess and Nadia to figure out the best way to withdraw without causing issues."

"Indeed, that letter was terrible. If Dia were a few years older, it would have raised suspicions about her relationship with the Marquis. Would you send such a letter on scented paper?"

Hahaha...

I don't know much about the Johannes Marquis, but he seemed like a young man popular with women. In adult friendships, maybe they enjoy that kind of suggestive exchange.

The timing was unfortunate. If Ruri and Amber hadn't shown up, Chris-niisama would have read the letter and responded immediately. But he couldn't ignore the spirit kings and couldn't leave the letter unattended, so he passed it to Father for handling. As a result, all the dukes and marquesses working together in the palace learned the letter's content.

"After two marquis families fell for angering the Fairy Princess, then the spirit king gathering incident, everyone thinks associating with you is high risk, high reward."

Chris-niisama's explanation was clear. My marriage has become an incredibly complex issue.

"Is finding a partner domestically impossible?"

"Not impossible. If you like the person and pledge your full support to their territory, many would gladly marry you."

"If a guy truly falls for you, he might convince his family to approve the marriage."

My brothers say this easily, but neighboring countries will undoubtedly find faults with any match. And,

"Doesn't the presence of the spirit kings make me an obstacle for the Starke Kingdom? If the populace learns what the spirit kings said, won't that be a problem?"

"There's a risk of aligning with Pendelus."

So, marrying me could bring assassination risks?

"Dia, what did you talk about with Camille? You went to the terrace together, right? And you talked today too."

"That's..."

"If your life is in danger or talks of marrying into another country arise, he wants you to come to Luftanen."

"Chris-niisama!"

"Oh, how wonderful. Camille is willing to marry Dia."

"We did discuss that, but mostly he scolded me."

"Scold you? Really?"

Mother, why do you look so pleased? Your eyes are sparkling, and your mouth is curling up.

"Then it's settled. If no strong candidate emerges in the empire, Camille will take care of you."

"Camille?! Since when?!"

"You be quiet. Dia, if there's someone you like, you have to act. Otherwise, another girl will take him. You must seize your happiness with your own hands."

That's true, but is Camille really serious? He mostly scolded me, so it didn't feel like a marriage conversation. I hadn't seen Camille as a romantic interest... I need to rethink this.

"Don't worry about Carla. The Norland family will take care of her."

"All it takes is a formal apology and reconciliation from the Johannes family. If they care for their daughter, the Marquis won't let this drag on."

"That's true."

I hope so. I want to be able to smile and talk to Carla again soon.

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Author Notes:

  This chapter turned out to be more about organizing the situation.

  Thank you for reading.

  Your typo reports are very helpful.

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