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

This time, since the primary purpose was the public exercises, the spirit beast class only lasted about ten minutes. Despite the short duration, the spirits were thrilled to learn directly from Alan. They eagerly returned to their masters to practice the floating movement technique that required human training.

The knights, who regularly trained their bodies, quickly grasped the technique with just a bit of practice. For those who needed more help, Chris-oniisama brought over five Segway-like devices from Berisario, making it easier for everyone to experience floating movement. Humans are land creatures, so having nothing under their feet is challenging for balance and can be frightening. However, having just a single board makes a significant difference.

"This is great. We need one with a cargo rack too."

"I want one!"

Even the royal brothers started wanting them. Prince Eldred raised his hand sharply, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Berisario can't keep up with production at the moment. There should be workshops in the central area that can make them. I'll leave these five here as samples, so you can make your own," Chris-oniisama suggested.

"Are you sure? It's a great business opportunity."

"It wouldn't be fair for only Berisario to profit. Besides, this is a military secret. You should create visually appealing versions for the Royal Guards."

"True."

"Let's make ones cooler than Berisario's."

Their competitive spirit flared. Soon, the imperial army might not have any foot soldiers during expeditions, switching to spirit vehicles and Segways. They'd be faster than walking, require less supply of fodder for horses, and increase the demand for magic storage cartridges. Oh dear, Berisario will end up profiting anyway.

Afterward, the usual training resumed with a thirty-minute delay. I was relieved that Alan-oniisama wasn't resented for being an arrogant kid but was instead accepted by the Royal Guards. They liked him so much that they requested his regular participation in their training.

Twice a week, Alan-oniisama would participate in training at the palace. It was clear they wanted to integrate him early on to make him a member of the Guards once he became an adult. Alan-oniisama hadn't expected to join the training so soon, though his demonstration aimed to secure a favorable position with the Guards. With fewer mandatory lectures in the latter half of the academy, Chris-oniisama and Alan-oniisama were busy commuting between the palace and the dormitory.

Meanwhile, I focused on developing a cartridge-type magic storage device with my magic tools instructor, Calder-sensei. He was an excellent researcher but struggled with direction when given too much freedom, leading to a decline in his research motivation despite having ample time and resources as an academy lecturer. My knowledge from my past life and Wiki helped set a clear goal, which revitalized him. Recruiting him to the Fairy Company was a stroke of luck.

Once given a specific target, Calder-sensei enthusiastically began experimenting with various methods. While he was full of ideas for achieving the goal, he lacked the vision for the final product. As soon as the academy's second term ended, he planned to move to Berisario, where we were preparing a lab near the Fairy Company with the necessary personnel and equipment.

Not attending many classes meant I still couldn't match faces with names of my classmates. But that was fine. The latter half of the term had more students trying to gain favor with me, making class unbearable. The winter social events likely made everyone painfully aware of their family's rank within the empire's nobility. No one dared to confront me anymore; instead, they approached me with respectful, albeit fearful, manners.

Most children of counts and above had private tutors, so many students didn't attend classes regularly. The academy's primary role seemed more like a rehearsal for the social world rather than education. By the second half of the term, attendance in classes was often around half.

I also spoke with Carla at the academy. If the lady had apologized, the Marquess of Norland would have quickly mediated with Berisario, but she couldn't stand that even her brother, the new Marquess, sided with Berisario over her. She stubbornly withdrew to her territory, so Carla moved to a townhouse in the capital.

Many students were relocating to the capital. Most of my friends were moving too, but I would stay in Berisario because Ruri was there, and I wanted to work with the Fairy Company.

When the academy ended and March arrived, Camille visited as promised. Only Mother and I were at Berisario's castle since Father and Chris-oniisama were handling work transitions, and Alan-oniisama was in the capital for Royal Guard training.

"Chris and Alan aren't both here?!"

"Is that surprising?"

Since the Eisdale and Fairy Companies were now close partners, Camille, as the company president and duke, came for business talks, so there was no need for strict security like when he brought cacao. Instead, a burly guard stood behind the seated Camille and Keith. On my side, Rex and Brad stood behind me.

"Of course, it's surprising. So, it's just you, Dia?"

"Of course not. Mother will be here soon."

"Oh, I see."

Upon hearing that Mother would be coming, the guards quickly tidied their hair and clothes. Even though she's married, her beauty still makes an impression. Camille and Keith, being young enough to be like father and son, remained unaffected.

"So, how was the second half of the academy term?" Camille asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You made a public appearance at the ball, right? Surely some boys tried to get close to you."

"Hmm..."

I tilted my head, thinking. I had lunch and tea with some friends, but otherwise, I was too engrossed in making textbooks and magic tools to notice anyone else.

"Is Dia oblivious, or are the empire's boys fools?"

"Even if she didn't notice, their parents would have urged them to court her."

Hey, I can hear you.

"So, what about the reactions from Bejaia and Starke?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Really?"

"They wouldn't make a move in such a short time."

Having spent the entire year-end and New Year together at the castle, both Camille and Keith had become very casual in their interactions. Still, this was supposed to be a business meeting, right? Not that I mind since it makes talking to them easier.

"Is the aftermath of the civil war not settled yet?"

"Are they paralyzed by mutual restraint?"

"The Eastern Alliance nations might start moving..."

They began discussing matters on their own, ignoring me. Since I decided to observe them as potential partners, I took this opportunity to watch them closely.

Camille, who I initially thought was a cute girl, had grown sharper eyes and taller. His healthy tan made his eyes look almost black indoors, though they appeared dark brown outside. He would likely become even more handsome as he grew older.

But I know the truth. Romantic feelings will eventually fade. After marriage, a husband becomes family, and looks will decline with age. Couples like my parents, who remain affectionate, are rare. It's not wise to use them as a standard. More important than appearance is finding someone fun and easy to talk to.

"Dia?"

"Yes?"

"Is something wrong?"

Oh, I got lost in thought.

"Are you done with your discussion?"

"Yes, sorry. We're finished. So, how much do you know about Luftanen?"

"History and economics?"

"No, not the formal stuff. When you visit in May, I'd like to know your preferences for food, clothing, and sightseeing."

Oh, yes. I want to enjoy some sightseeing and delicious food!

"I know a bit. Luftanen's cuisine uses different spices from the empire, right?"

"That's correct. Are there any foods you can't eat or dislike?"

"I can't handle very spicy food."

It makes me sweat and even brings tears to my eyes.

"Really? That's surprising. Should we prepare something mild for you?"

"I'm not completely averse to spice. They don't make special meals for me at home."

Hey, stop smirking, both of you! If you have something to say, say it!

"So, you don't like being called a child."

"Wha... not really."

Of course, I do. I'm over thirty inside, yet I'm treated like a child by boys younger than me. Camille, when is your birthday anyway?

"That's age-appropriate behavior. You're still only ten."

"I'll be eleven by the time I visit Luftanen."

"Sure, sure."

"Why are you acting all mature? You're not much older than me."

Just as I answered in frustration, the door opened. Camille and Keith's swift change in demeanor was impressive. I couldn't see the door from where I sat, but it must be Mother. They stood up to greet her as she approached.

"Sorry for being late. How are you, Camille and Keith?"

"Long time no see. We've been well."

"I'm glad to hear that. I was worried since I heard you were busy. Let's sit and talk. I heard cheerful voices earlier."

The atmosphere in the room shifted with Mother's arrival. She wore a spring-like chiffon pleated long skirt that reached her ankles, with a waist-cinched jacket and a large-collared blouse—practical work attire. The aquamarine skirt darkened towards the hem and was embroidered with small flowers. The jacket was elegant yet not too formal.

I wore a similar skirt with a waist-length jacket. Don’t picture an eleven-year-old Japanese girl—think European. I looked like a middle schooler with a sophisticated and somewhat sensual presence. My silver hair and purple eyes made me a beautiful girl, even if I say so myself. People often commented on my presence rather than transparency. I wanted to be described as elegant or delicate, but instead, they said I was sharp and had

 precise movements. Too much exercise, maybe?

"When Dia visits Luftanen, we want to ensure she enjoys the local cuisine. How about you, Madam? Any preferences?"

"Since it's a special trip to Luftanen, I'd like to try the local dishes. The joy of travel is in discovering new flavors."

Ah, I should have said that. I was too honest.

"And Dia? What did she say?"

"I mentioned that I can't handle very spicy food. So, Camille offered to prepare a special menu for me."

Hmph, I raised the bar for you. That’s my payback for treating me like a child.

"Oh, you shouldn't make such demands. Camille, you don't have to."

"It's no trouble."

He smiled warmly, a beautiful, relaxed smile. What happened to that suspicious smile?

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Author Notes:

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