The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!
Chapter 113
The day to depart for Luftanen has finally arrived!
Although our travel luggage and gifts have been sent ahead by ship, the entire castle has been bustling since early morning to handle the last-minute preparations.
Perhaps it's because the Duke of Powell and the farewell party are coming to the castle.
I've been polished and primped by my maids since early morning, now shining and smooth. Since I’ll be meeting the Crown Prince of Luftanen and his fiancée, Lady Tatiana, I must ensure I’m presentable. My hair is in a half-up style, adorned with gold and pearl hairpins shaped like seashells. Luftanen is said to be hotter than Berisario, so I chose a refreshing dress with white and aquamarine tones. Even though water and wind spirits can keep my surroundings comfortable, the appearance of coolness is still important.
In Luftanen, their traditional attire consists of knee-length coats and boots, which seems hot just looking at it. Because it’s a country where nobles are expected to have spirits, their attire is designed to show they remain comfortable despite the heat.
Pride. Their traditional clothing is crafted for appearances. It’s mostly black, creating a stark contrast against the turquoise-green-based uniforms of Berisario’s knights.
"Ojou, it’s time to move to the courtyard," said Rex, who’s been eager since yesterday about joining me to Luftanen. Nelly has been tirelessly organizing my accessories and checking everything repeatedly. Calm down, Nelly.
Even though I told her to wear any dress she liked as a lady-in-waiting, she insisted on her maid outfit.
"I take pride in my work," she said with a smug face.
But I’d prefer if I could move around alone. I can handle things by myself. I’m not worried about myself; it’s the surroundings I’m concerned about. Rex can take care of himself, but there’s Nelly. Therefore, Brad is coming along as their guard. It’s unacceptable for the Fairy Princess to travel without any attendants, given the danger.
And sticking to me is Gemma, instructed by Chris-oniisama to keep an eye on Camille more than the Third Prince. Sweet brother, Camille has already gained the favor of many women. Gemma was there when I mistook Camille for a girl and has since been on the Camille bandwagon. Fearsome, Camille. He’s steadily increasing his female supporters.
I was the first in my family to reach the courtyard, which is already packed with people. Our accompanying servants, maids, secretaries, and diplomats are being transported to Luftanen one by one using teleportation magic. Since we can’t have too many Luftanen people teleporting into the courtyard of Berisario Castle, Keith and Camille are extremely busy. I offered to use teleportation magic to connect the spaces, but Luftanen side said it would cause too much shock and panic.
Two others with teleportation magic are among Luftanen’s top five trusted magicians by the royal family. They’ve been glancing our way frequently. Am I the type that magicians favor? Overflowing with magic power? Yes, I’m the Fairy Princess. Here’s your chance to see me up close. I smiled and nodded, and they hastily looked away or bowed deeply. You guys need to calm down.
"Dia… you’re really leaving," said Chris-oniisama, running up to me.
"Do you have your handkerchief? Are you feeling well?" Alan-oniisama followed.
Chris-oniisama, stop trying to subtly drag me back into the castle.
"Chris-oniisama, please don’t pull me."
"Oh, sorry. It was unconscious."
"Dia, don’t do anything reckless. If you have to, it's better to destroy part of the city than get hurt."
"Destroying the city is bad. Oh, everyone has arrived… what’s with this lineup?"
Why do the Empire’s dukes and marquesses always want to gather? Even the past and present marquesses are here. It’s just a wedding! Not mine, though. It’s not like a farewell for life. But since they’ve come all this way, I shouldn’t complain. Given that Duke Powell and my parents are here to see me off, it might not be an exaggeration.
"Dia, you look beautiful. Have you grown a bit taller?"
Smooth, handsome Paolo. Always with the compliments.
"Thank you. But is it okay for the commander of the Imperial Guard to be here?"
"At least let me see you off. Besides, I have something from His Highness the Crown Prince."
What’s this? A small baton? Only about ten centimeters long. A magic tool?
"It extends when you channel magic through it. If you hit someone with it, they’ll go flying, given your strength."
"So, I should use physical attacks?"
"Considering the damage to the surroundings, we thought it’d be best to infuse it with your elemental powers when you strike."
"Um, my magic might be strong, but my physical strength is average."
"Really?!"
Why the surprise? Did you think I was a gorilla? I have no combat experience. I’m just a regular noble lady who’s learned a bit of self-defense. The Crown Prince is guilty too. I was going to bring him a souvenir, but now I might dump seaweed in his office.
"Yeah, if anything happens, just hit Camille with it."
"Hitting the Duke is problematic."
"Self-defense is permissible."
I’m going to ignore Chris-oniisama and Paolo. Others genuinely worried for me, telling me not to overdo it and to teleport back to the Empire if I sense danger.
"Shall we go then?"
"Yes."
Finally, it’s our turn. Keith is teleporting my parents. As for me, Camille extended his hand.
"If you’re ready, let’s go."
"Yes."
But before I could take his hand, Chris-oniisama grabbed it from the side.
"In the Empire, it’s inappropriate to touch an unmarried lady so freely. Rumors in Luftanen could become problematic."
"You asked me to protect her. You should know I need to stay close."
"Stay close but don’t touch."
Arguing like this will only cause rumors in both the Empire and Luftanen. Chris-oniisama is complaining quietly, and Camille is retorting with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. Please, don’t fight over me. It’s scary!
"If you don’t mind, shall we go together? That should put Chris at ease."
Don't make Duke Powell go out of his way!
"Thank you. I’d be happy to."
Camille will still teleport us, but having an escort is proper. I placed my right hand on Duke Powell’s arm and my left hand lightly on Camille’s outstretched arm. The Duke firmly gripped his arm.
In such situations, the person in danger often remains calm. I’m confident of victory. It’s those who can’t accompany us, especially my brothers, who are more anxious. Seeing their worried faces,
"I’ll cause a ruckus!"
I said, finally making them smile. After teleporting to Luftanen, Duke Powell was stifling laughter, and Camille looked exasperated.
The short moment of transit didn’t make me feel like I was in another country, but here we are in Luftanen! The sunlight is strong. The sky’s color isn’t much different. It’s a bright, dry heat, and the wind feels pleasant. But all the wind and water spirits are working their magic, so it’s still hot. Good job, spirits!
Luftanen’s buildings remind me of Thailand. Not that I’ve been there, but from photos of temples and hotels. The roof shapes and layers are reminiscent of Thai architecture.
The town around the royal palace on East Island has a large population, so there are buildings up to five stories tall. But on North Island, there’s plenty of land, so even noble buildings are mostly up to three stories. The large overhanging roofs and numerous openings, with ponds in courtyards, are distinctive. Commoner buildings also have courtyards with ponds, surrounded by greenery and wide terraces.
We arrived at a plaza near the immigration office building close to the port. Being a trade city, the customs offices, warehouses, and various government buildings exude a sense of history and solidity. Of course, such buildings lack terraces and balconies integrated into the rooms.
"This way…"
Before Camille could finish, a loud cheer enveloped us. Turning around in surprise, I saw a huge crowd behind the fence separating the plaza from the street. The first thing I noticed was the high proportion of black hair. Even in this bustling port area with many foreigners, most people had black hair.
It’s unexpected. Instead of feeling nostalgic, I felt more out of place. Eleven years in this world, surrounded by various hair colors in Berisario, seeing almost all black hair felt strange.
But that thought was fleeting. The cheers weren’t just for Camille. They were welcoming us too.
"Is that the Fairy Princess!?"
"She’s so cute!"
"Wow. She looks like she might disappear."
"She seems so quiet."
Ah… They’re here to see me, the Fairy Princess. As expected of the spirit nation Luftanen, they’re more interested in me than the spirit beasts around us. But I’m sorry, I have no disappearing tricks, and I’m not quiet. Sorry to disappoint with my misleading appearance.
"Fairy Princess!"
"Camille-sama!"
"The Empire’s people are all beautiful!"
When my mother waved, the cheers grew even louder. Amazing. The Empire’s reputation is excellent. Such a warm welcome!
"You should wave too."
"Oh, okay."
Encouraged by Duke Powell, I waved a little hesitantly, and
the crowd’s roar was almost deafening.
"You’re quite popular."
"It’s overwhelming."
"Why?"
"Because I’m not what they imagine the Fairy Princess to be, I feel guilty."
"That’s not true. You’re cute and kind. A perfect Fairy Princess. Right, Camille?"
Why ask Camille?
"…Probably?"
"That’s where you agree."
"I’m an honest man."
This guy.
"Well, the Duke just called himself a liar."
"No, I didn’t."
"Let’s ignore this rude man and head to that building."
Holding the Duke’s arm, I walked off briskly.
"Wait!"
If you panic, it’ll draw attention.
"…I feel like a third wheel."
Why would that be? The Duke’s presence is very reassuring.
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Author Notes:
Thank you for reading.
Your reports of typos are very helpful.
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