The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!
Chapter 118
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Author Notes:
The book is released today. This is all thanks to everyone who has read this work. Character designs are available in the activity report. Please take a look if you're interested.
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Even if I'm excited before a trip, once I set out, I sleep soundly. The seemingly delicate girl sleeps sprawled out with her mouth open. Thanks to that, I woke up refreshed at the set time. After all, I'm young, so I don't feel any fatigue the next day.
Today, my parents and I are going to be shown around several locations to decide where to place the Luftanen branch of the Fairy Company. The proposal was an idea I came up with to gain an advantage in the cocoa negotiations, and due to the good relationship between North Island and Berisario, it turned into a very profitable deal. Luftanen seems to have high expectations, and although the plan is progressing slowly, it is moving forward. This is why I came to Luftanen, the main event for me.
"Would a new building be better?"
"Yes, but a beautiful building that just needs interior renovations could also work."
"In that case, there's a building I recommend. I'll show it to you later."
Walking behind Camile and Mother, who are chatting side by side, I hold Father's hand as we walk. I can walk by myself, but he won't let go of my hand. I'm not a child who'll suddenly run off and get lost. He probably doesn't want me to get too close to Camile. He must have heard from Mother about me playing decoy with Camile this time. Father was the last one to oppose the idea.
My brothers also opposed it initially, but when Amber and Jade clung to them and pleaded, they couldn't refuse. Yet, they acted as if it was natural at the royal palace meeting, making me want to laugh.
"This place is close to the port, right?"
"It's a good location, but a larger area might be better."
Since we want to open a café on the first floor of the branch, location is crucial. The main clientele of the Fairy Café will be nobles, most of whom will arrive in spirit vehicles. We need space to park those spirit vehicles and a covered area in front of the entrance so they won't get wet on rainy days.
"Let's move on to the next location."
The next place was an old building facing a main street lined with shops. Even if we rebuilt it, the land was too narrow.
"The Fairy Café aims to provide a calm dining experience, so this location won't work."
"A commercial district might not be suitable, then?"
Father was explaining while I looked out the window. The building's design, the people passing by, everything felt new. Many shops were decorated for the Crown Prince's wedding celebration, and the atmosphere was very lively.
"Look, Dia. That fabric in the shop over there is lovely."
"Mother, they have grilled squid there... Yes, the embroidery is beautiful."
"Are you hungry?"
No, it's not that I'm hungry. It's the joy of eating while traveling.
"Even if someone offers you delicious food, don't go with strangers."
"I won't. I'm already eleven."
I heard chuckles, and it was embarrassing. The image of the fairy princess must be changing dramatically for many people right now. To that of a gluttonous princess.
The next location was spacious but right in the middle of the noble district. It's not a convenience store; it needs to be within a five-minute walk to be viable. Especially for young noble ladies, there are few places they can go out to. It's important to have a place where they can safely eat with friends, and dining there should be a status symbol.
"The next one is the last location. I highly recommend it."
Camille led us to a building facing the coast, a bit away from the port. With its distinctive white walls, large windows, and unique eaves, it was built on a protruding coastal area, away from the main street.
"It's a new building."
The roads were wide enough for spirit vehicles to pass, and there was ample parking space inside the large gate.
"This is a villa built by Marquis Rintonen. He planned to live here after passing the family estate to his son."
Wow. Due to his son's actions, he had to move to West Island, and no one ended up living here. The building is large, the grounds are spacious, and since it's far from the port and town center, it might be hard to find a buyer. Most notable nobles likely already have homes near the port.
"It's beautiful."
"The first floor will need some renovations."
"We can create private rooms on the second floor and use the third floor for the company."
The high ceilings and bright interiors were lovely. The seaside windows were large, with a wide terrace outside. We could make it a restaurant where people can enjoy delicious food while looking at the white sand and blue sea.
"But is it okay? Marquis Rintonen could stay here when he visits."
"Mother, he doesn't want to own land or buildings on North Island anymore. It reminds him of his disinherited son. He's fine with us turning it into a Fairy Café. He's grateful we can make use of it."
When I opened the door leading to the terrace, a pleasant sea breeze blew into the building.
"There's a lighthouse over there."
"Oh, indeed."
"Mother, let's use the lighthouse in the design of the café's bags."
The building, which was left unused after being built, will be reborn as a Fairy Café. Once it opens, many people will love its beauty. Okay, we've decided on the location. The renovation will be done by both the people we've been working with in the Empire and the locals in Luftanen. It's best to hire local people for this.
This applies to both kitchen and floor staff. The most important thing is to secure excellent chefs. The chef who has been in charge of culinary research since we started the Fairy Company and the deputy manager who experienced the opening of the Fairy Café in Berisario are here to find local employees. There are a few candidates, so we need to check what kind of dishes they can make next.
"Let's head back to the guesthouse. They should have the food ready by now."
We got back into the spirit vehicle and returned to the guesthouse. Since Camille had been around all morning, keeping his distance from me, Father wasn't clinging to me as much. He was chatting happily with Mother, enjoying the scenery. Despite his love for his daughter, he still loves Mother the most.
When we arrived at the guesthouse, we were guided to the terrace. Since coming to Luftanen, I've spent a lot of time on terraces and balconies. It seems eating every meal on the balcony is a Luftanen custom. Their terraces and balconies are spacious and luxurious. The terrace walls and railings of every building seen from the spirit vehicle had intricate designs, showing how important it is to make terraces comfortable. The sun was bright and the sky seemed different from the Empire's. The table was hot to the touch.
"Do people here love sunbathing? The sun is so strong even now. They'll get tan in summer."
"That's fine. Getting a tan in summer and having beautiful white skin from autumn to winter is a status symbol here."
What?! How do they manage that without cosmetic surgery in this world?!
"How? There's recovery magic. Are you okay?"
"Recovery... Oh? Does it work on sunburn?"
"Isn't it treated as a type of burn?"
Then why do women in the Empire use parasols? Oh, right! The Empire had fewer spirits until recently. Luftanen has so many spirits that using recovery magic from water spirits is a noble status symbol.
"You just learned this? It's common knowledge."
"Dia, you're quite clueless sometimes."
"No one taught her about beauty care. And since she uses recovery magic for falls and injuries, she didn't realize it also heals sunburn, skin problems, and hair damage."
"Not many nobles need daily recovery magic."
It works on hair damage too? Then, shampoo and cosmetics don't matter. Well, nobles would still spend money on them for the prestige.
"What about polishing for tea parties?"
"Recovery magic heals skin issues but doesn't beautify it. You don't need it now, but it will matter when you're older."
So, recovery magic can't fight aging. I get it. Once you hit twenty-five, your skin changes. Your teens fly by...ouch, that hit a nerve.
My parents realized they hadn't taught me everyday things, assuming I knew everything, and discussed over lunch that they needed to teach me noble etiquette. I know most things.
More importantly, tasting the food is crucial. Presentation: check. Taste: matches the Berisario café's quality. They also made unique local dishes, which were delicious. Some might make it onto the menu. There’s a lot to do before opening, but I’m confident it’ll be a success.
I can’t come to Luftanen freely, so preparations will rely on the company and staff. I’d love to visit on opening day. Maybe I’ll ask Camille. Oh, right. After yesterday’s rudeness, I’ll ask the Crown Prince directly. I’ll see him at the tea party later.
Yesterday’s dinner was just with the Crown Prince and North Island nobles, and one West Island person. Today’s tea party will have notable nobles from all over Luftanen. They could meet in East Island for the wedding, but I’m not going there, so they’re holding it here. Everyone wants to see the Fairy Princess. That’s why we’re moving to North Island today and then all to East Island tomorrow. This is possible thanks to the teleportation array that was restored with the spirit king’s revival. What was thought to be ancient technology is actually a handy gift from the spirit king.
My main event ended quickly. After lunch, we returned to the guesthouse and prepared for the
tea party. It’ll be a standing buffet in the garden due to the large number of attendees. Only yesterday’s dinner guests know I’m a decoy. Everyone else thinks I’m a child, not attending official events. If they knew, Bejaia and Starke would insist on coming, and they’re disliked due to recent conflicts and discrimination against island nations.
Today, I wore a delicate lace dress with minimal petticoats for ease of movement, embodying the Fairy Princess image. My mother chose it to maintain the image, at least in appearance. Among Luftanen-dressed attendees, we stood out with our dark hair and eyes. My near-silver blonde hair was even more conspicuous. Smiling continuously while greeting people made my cheeks cramp.
"I apologize for the larger-than-expected turnout."
The Crown Prince and Tatiana-sama approached. Despite their fatigue from greeting many people, their friendly smiles were dazzling. But I, being a child, didn't smile back at the Crown Prince and turned away with a huff.
"Dia? What’s wrong?"
Since I usually don’t act like this in public, my parents were shocked, glancing between me and the Crown Prince. But the Crown Prince and Tatiana-sama were even more surprised and flustered. They didn’t expect such a childish reaction.
"This is troubling. It seems she dislikes me now."
"Diadora-sama, I heard what happened. I am truly sorry."
What did they hear? Surely not about the reincarnation.
"What happened?"
"Nadia-sama, I apologize. The Crown Prince is very attached to Camille. He sees him as his only family and a father figure. So when Camille suddenly said he wanted to marry Diadora-sama, the Crown Prince panicked."
"I understand the sentiment."
Father, don’t understand that.
"And the Crown Prince has...trust issues with women."
"Tatiana, you don’t need to mention that."
"No, it’s important to explain after such disrespect."
The attendants moved the other nobles away. I saw Duke Powell and diplomats surrounded at a distance. Camille noticed and rushed over.
"The Crown Prince has bad experiences with women, especially beautiful ones. Many approached for power or wealth, some to ruin his reputation or even assassinate him. Those were the only women he met."
"......"
Oh, the Crown Prince is holding his head down. Camille, realizing the situation from Tatiana-sama's explanation, gave a wry smile. My parents understood the Crown Prince had offended me somehow.
"Regardless, taking it out on Dia without any prior discussion is wrong."
"We haven’t heard anything."
"Of course not. I haven’t decided or even thought about it."
"So it’s just Camille’s unrequited love..."
"Crown Prince."
Camille, don’t glare like that. That’s your brother and the Crown Prince.
"I sincerely apologize. I must make amends."
That's what I was waiting for!
"Then, I want to visit West Island and South Island!"
My energetic declaration shocked everyone.
"It’s important to see how cacao and rizo are grown and who produces them."
"Dia, West Island is too dangerous."
"Indeed, that’s not allowed."
"I agree."
Right, West Island is off-limits.
"Then, I’ll settle for South Island and attending the Fairy Café opening."
How about that?
"Diadora-sama, you care about the producers. Visiting will please the South Islanders."
Tatiana-sama is on board. Once I go, I can teleport later. I want to go while I can.
"Thanks to Imperial imports, the producers' lives have stabilized. They’ve expanded their fields, creating more jobs, and South Island is very lively."
"Tatiana-sama, you shouldn’t be satisfied with that."
"Huh?"
"Relying solely on Imperial imports isn’t sustainable. While chocolate is booming now, it won’t always be. Sweets come in many forms. Once chocolate stabilizes, imports won’t increase."
"That’s true."
"So, let’s make chocolate on South Island."
"What?!"
"Technology cooperation, business partnerships, eventually producing unique Luftanen chocolate. Chocolate pairs well with various spices."
Luftanen and Imperial chocolate will likely evolve differently. South Island has plenty of nuts, right? Think Hawaiian. Picture the typical chocolate souvenir packaging. More chocolate varieties mean more for me to enjoy!
"Like with Kuka mousse. Producing goods, not just materials, creates jobs. Selling them as souvenirs will delight visitors."
...Why is it so quiet? Oh no, we’re surrounded.
"Wonderful. I’d love to hear more."
Tatiana-sama is holding my hands, excitedly shaking them. I’m no expert on economics.
"Diadora-sama, you said you wouldn't marry a throne successor."
When did Elliot and Salomon appear behind me? They’re a set.
"What if your spouse becomes a successor?"
"I'll divorce."
"Excellent!"
"A leader to show the way is crucial."
"This time, I agree with Salomon."
Did I mess up again? My parents are frozen. Father's mouth is twitching.
"Agreed. Camille, you’ll guide her."
"No need to worry..."
"Also, build a house near the café for her convenience. Only the Fairy Princess can enter North and South Island without customs checks."
Huh?! How did this happen?
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Author Notes:
Thank you for reading. I appreciate the typo reports. If you find this interesting, please consider rating it below.
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