The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!
Chapter 115
From an outsider’s perspective, one might think, "What are they doing during such a crucial time of recovery?" But as Diadora, born in Berisario, I can understand his feelings. If something happened in Berisario and the central government sent nobles because they couldn't trust the Marquess family, there would be riots. Luftanen is a homogeneous nation, but each island was once a separate country, so it’s similar.
This time, the reason the people of West Island didn’t riot was partly due to the horrible deeds of the Nicodemus followers and because half of the nobles were turned to sand by the Spirit King. Plus, the cooperation between Marquess Rintonen and Count Geisel helped manage the situation.
"Initially, there was a lot of dissatisfaction among the other nobles, especially the older ones. However, the frequent appearances of the Spirit King Makani and the revitalization of lands that were on the brink of desertification or had been ravaged by war, leading to even better crop yields than before, began to change the sentiments of the islanders," Elliot explained.
Frankly, as long as their family can live happily, commoners don’t care who the island’s representative is. The nobles tied to Nicodemus were prideful and power-hungry, treating commoners as less than human.
“Is the trial for the Third Prince being delayed because of the islanders' sentiments?” Duke Powell inquired, to which Elliot responded with a wry smile.
“Yes, he is very popular among the islanders. Believing he would become king, he likely thought it was necessary to be liked by the people. He’s also quite good-looking. Even now, some islanders believe the blame lies with the Queen and that the Prince was merely following the orders of his mother and grandparents.”
“If he were tried and executed, it would risk derailing the recovery efforts that have just begun to take off.”
In other words, the Third Prince had a talent for deceit. He partnered with the Nicodemus Church thinking it didn’t matter what happened to West Island as he would live in the royal palace as king.
“Could there be any risk in having the Third Prince near the Fairy Princess?”
“Huh?”
I found myself pointing at myself and staring at Elliot.
“He’s quite charming, you see.”
“More so than my brothers?”
“Eh? Well, that’s...”
For him to hesitate, he must be quite charming. Interesting.
“Chris looks much better,” Camille muttered with a sullen face. He seemed to be getting more and more irritable as the conversation went on, his expression darkening.
“There’s no need to worry about Dia in that regard,” my mother said.
“Are you sure? The Third Prince wants to be king, right? Dia isn’t interested in anyone with a claim to the throne.”
“That’s correct. I prefer being in nature surrounded by spirits. If I became a queen or empress, I wouldn’t have the freedom to visit the forests or go to Ruri’s spring whenever I wanted.”
Placing my half-eaten dish gently on the table, I covered my mouth with my hand and smiled. As a representative of the Imperial ladies, I mustn’t do anything inappropriate. So, I’d appreciate it if everyone didn’t pay too much attention to me and let me enjoy my meal.
“Well then, there’s no concern.”
“Count Bosuman killed fellow West Island nobles, did he not?”
“Yes.”
Duke Powell glanced at me briefly before continuing the conversation as if nothing had happened. Was he concerned because I was behaving unusually quiet?
“Simply because they were close to Marquess Rintonen?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is he truly such a dangerous and impulsive person?”
“He is a man with a strong sense of local pride. You might understand this as someone from Berisario.”
“If he were so devoted to his homeland, he wouldn’t have allowed Bejaia or the Nicodemus Church to land.”
My father cut in bluntly. So, there’s more to it?
What’s that sound? Bells? Does Luftanen have wind chimes?
“Ah, it seems Moana wishes to speak.”
A cat? Does that Spirit King wear a bell around his neck?
“Perhaps she wishes to speak because the Fairy Princess is here.”
“Is this really the time for such discussions?”
They seemed surprised that I didn’t immediately nod. Both the Crown Prince and the other nobles of Luftanen looked taken aback.
“Yes. Since the Spirit King is involved in this matter, they have a stake.”
“Spirits shouldn’t interfere in human affairs. I’ll fulfill the requests from the Spirit King, but this is a dinner between the Empire and Luftanen. Isn’t it overstepping to intrude even here?”
The ringing of the bell abruptly stopped.
“Shall we continue? Did Count Bosuman think those who were close to Marquess Rintonen were traitors? Did he free the Third Prince to make him the leader of West Island? That’s impossible. He wants to be king.”
Up until now, did they think of me as just a quiet, cute child? I’d appreciate it if they didn’t suddenly look so astonished or fearful. Haven’t you heard the rumors? I won’t do anything strange, but I’ll say what needs to be said. Imperial women are strong.
“Ah, yes. He likely planned to make the Third Prince the leader and have him order Marquess Rintonen to leave West Island.”
“Elliot-sama seems well-informed about Count Bosuman’s side.”
I tilted my head and smiled again.
“There are informants.”
It was the Crown Prince who answered. Why didn’t you say that from the start? Luftanen seems to reveal things only gradually. It’s diplomacy, so I understand not being completely honest, but isn’t this a critical situation without my help?
“Initially, all the nobles of his generation were trying to drive out the outsiders. They opposed the Queen and her family’s methods, fighting against Bejaia and Nicodemus. Their pride couldn’t allow outsiders to become leaders. They even resisted the Spirit King, questioning why their island’s Spirit King didn’t trust the nobles of West Island. But their sons’ generation thought differently. They believed feeding the islanders was more important than pride and prioritized recovery, which likely made the older generation more obstinate.”
As the Crown Prince spoke, Marquess Rintonen nodded, his face etched with deep lines. It must have been tough.
“But with visible recovery progress and the introduction of new crops by Camille-sama, more people started to change their minds. Those who worried about Count Bosuman doing something reckless began providing information.”
So, from Count Bosuman’s perspective, initially, all his peers were united with him in driving out the outsiders, but then they turned on him, leaving him isolated. As recovery advanced, the islanders embraced their new life, but he couldn’t adapt to the changing times.
“I heard Berisario will purchase large quantities of rezo.”
“Yes! The dishes Duke Eisdale brought were delicious. Right, Mother?”
“Yes. We’d love to use them in Fairy Company’s cuisine.”
“Thank you. We’ve had a bit of chocolate, and it was amazing.”
Marquess Rintonen’s face brightened instantly, losing its tired look. When Camille came to the Empire for his coming-of-age ceremony, he brought extra chocolate as a gift for the Crown Prince, so it must have been distributed to the main nobles of West Island as well.
“Knowing how cacao became a new delicacy and significantly boosted exports, the people of West Island are motivated to strive for the same prosperity as South Island. There’s also a movement to make kuka a specialty.”
Camille, always working behind the scenes for the Crown Prince.
Anyway, I finally understand the situation. With the Spirit King involved, it was challenging to grasp everything through research alone. Simplified, the people of West Island see the Third Prince and Count Bosuman as obstacles. If they cause trouble, the majority of West Island’s people would suffer.
However, removing royalty or nobility requires a substantial reason. Even those who love the Third Prince need to be convinced.
That’s where the Fairy Princess comes in. If the Fairy Princess, backed by the Spirit King, is harmed, the Spirit King might become their enemy. Hence, executing them is justified. It can’t be helped, right?
Moreover, Moana wants to avenge the Second Prince. Since it’s the Spirit King’s request, it won’t become a debt to the Empire.
Well played, Crown Prince. Or maybe Elliot?
But, either way, I’m just fulfilling the requests of Ruri and Amber. I gain a favor from Moana and Luftanen. Not a bad deal, but how should I ask for repayment?
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Author Notes:
Thank you for reading.
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