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

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Author Notes:  

I wrote about the online bookstore in the activity report.  

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I don’t know what kind of exchange occurred between Alan-oniisama and Patty after that.  

But ever since that day, Patty has always worn a thin chain bracelet on her left wrist.  

The rubies, evenly spaced along the gold chain, seem to represent the color of Patty's hair. I've noticed that among them, there's one stone that's a deeper reddish-brown than the others. That's Alan-oniisama's hair color, isn't it?

For a thirteen-year-old boy, that's quite impressive.  

Sometimes, Patty gently touches that stone with a happy expression on her face.  

The air feels sweet.

Now that Alan-oniisama realizes Patty shares his feelings, he often comes to invite her for lunch, and of course, sits beside her when they eat.  

Since both families approve of their relationship, you might think they could just have meals together by themselves, but that's the bothersome part of noble society. Even if they are destined to be engaged, it is absolutely forbidden for a lady from a noble family to be alone with a man before reaching adulthood.  

So, naturally, Kara and I also get invited.  

Henry and Jude tag along.  

If we run into Douglas in the dining hall, he joins us at the same table.  

It's the same members as last year.

However, this year, since the relationship between Kamiru and me has become so well-known, there's no longer a concern for misunderstandings, so there have been more occasions when Eldred-dono joins our table whenever Alan-oniisama is present.

"Is our relationship really that famous…?"  

"Given that we were openly together at both the last debutante ball and Brother's birthday party, anyone would think so."

So, it’s an unspoken understanding.  

It’s not exactly wrong, but the atmosphere seems to suggest that my engagement is unofficially confirmed, even though the Berisario family hasn't announced anything, mainly because my brothers don't bother to deny it.

"He might be capable, but I don't like him. He's a foreigner, yet he's so close with Brother and talks with him for ages whenever he visits the palace. Why does Brother like someone like him?"

I thought the prince was the "arrogant" type, but maybe he's more like a big, friendly dog?  

Now that any bad feelings have been cleared, it seems that the prince has completely fallen under the spell of my brother, who seems like the best person in the world to him.  

There were even some nobles who initially thought of supporting the prince to become a political leader, but they've grown silent, apparently shocked by how deeply the prince admires the crown prince.

"I don't like him either."  

Douglas muttered, and the table instantly fell silent.  

It's understandable that I got nervous, but even the others at the table were silent—had they all noticed?  

Was I the only one who hadn't realized?!  

Someone should have told me!

"I don't like him either, but it can't be helped. He's a valuable asset."

Thanks for the scary support, Alan-oniisama.  

I was worried about how to face Douglas, but he spoke to me like usual, making me feel relieved. However, it wasn't as if he had forgotten about it; every now and then, he would say things like earlier, which left me unsure how to respond.  

Or perhaps he wanted to show that he was already okay enough to talk about it like this. I really don't get it.

"Unlike Chris, Alan seems pretty calm. I thought he'd be making a fuss."  

"When I reach adulthood, I'll leave the territory, so I won't be seeing Dia much anyway. It's better to have someone trustworthy around. I'd rather bring him closer early on and stay friendly."  

"Alan-oniisama…"  

"As expected of Chris's younger brother."

Dear prince, instead of just being impressed, could you please say something?  

I once thought Alan-oniisama was the conscience of the Berisario family, but it turns out he has a sharp mind.  

Just like Kamiru tried to shore up the surroundings, Alan-oniisama seems to be trying to bring Kamiru himself into his fold.  

Mother genuinely likes Kamiru and often fusses over him and worries about him, right? For Kamiru, who never knew his own mother, it's awkward but also makes him happy.  

So Alan-oniisama is subtly showcasing how fun it is to be around our family, hoping to have Kamiru hang around Berisario even after they get married. But it seems Chris-oniisama and Father aren't being very cooperative, so his plan isn't progressing much.

Which is fine by me. It means everyone is just watching from the sidelines for now.  

Maybe they are letting me do as I please under the guise of indifference; that thought has crossed my mind.

"To think Dia would get a boyfriend this soon."  

"A b-boyfriend?!"  

"Honestly, I thought Dia would be the last."

Erda might have said something offensive, but I was too shocked by the "boyfriend" comment to catch it.  

The first tea party I hosted this year was with the usual seven members, held in a room with a fountain in the center.  

Last year, Irene got caught up in some commotion, and we ended up calling Elton over in a bit of a frenzy.  

It's already been a year since then.

"You always seemed so busy, saying you had lots of things you wanted to do. There was no chance for any boy to approach you."  

"Because her two brothers were very protective."

Ethel, who laughed heartily with her mouth wide open, is now the daughter of a marquis.  

Even with a broader territory, it seems her lifestyle hasn't changed much.  

Now, she’s busy and enjoying training to join the Royal Knights.

"To think Kamiru managed to make Chris begrudgingly accept him, even if reluctantly."  

"Enough about me. Suzanna, I'd like you to join the Chandler Marquisate's tea party next time."  

"Sure, but why?"  

"Britan is now engaged to the eldest son of the Tierney family."

The room was filled with bright cheers from everyone.  

The Tierney estate, governed by Duke Powell's son, is adjacent to the eastern territory.  

It's famous for producing silk and luxury textiles, and textiles bearing the Tierney family's crest are priced far higher than those from other places.

By the way, Duke Powell has also regained his central territory, so he currently has two separate lands.  

His son seems to prefer textiles over central politics and has stayed in the eastern territory.  

It seems that one of his grandchildren will eventually inherit the central territory.

"Britan and Miles-sama, the eldest son of the Tierney family, were actually childhood friends."

Patty always knows the latest gossip from the capital. It seems she and Britan have been friends for a long time.  

Given their age difference, they didn't have that many opportunities to meet, though.

"So, could it be that Miles-sama has always harbored feelings for Britan?!"

Erda's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"It seems so. Even their parents intended for them to be engaged, but if Britan got engaged under those circumstances, people would think the Tierney family was also picking a fight with Berisario. So they were wondering what to do."

The story that Britan, who crashed an uninvited party from another faction, treated the Fairy Princess poorly, and angered the Berisario family, had a significant impact, not only on her but on those around her.

"But you see, the Marquess of Berisario and Duke Powell have been close for over five years. After that, Lady Nadia and Lady Cathy also reconciled. They probably thought Dia would forgive Britan, too. Miles-sama wanted to wait until after graduation before deciding on a fiancée. He’s graduating this year."

"Wow. He must have been head over heels for her. Well, of course, she's a wonderful girl once you get to know her."  

"Erda, why are you taking notes?"

Really, Britan never mentioned any of this.  

She talked about receiving many marriage proposals after reconciling with me… and we discussed it…  

"Did Britan not realize Miles-sama's feelings?"  

"Seems like it."  

"Oh, she's so clueless."  

"I don’t think Dia should be the one to say that."  

"Seriously."  

"You are undoubtedly more clueless."  

"Yeah, yeah."

Ugh… Did everyone have to nod in agreement?  

I admit I was clueless.  

One can't see these things about oneself.

"That's what makes Dia so endearing… Anyway, it looks like there will be more opportunities to meet through the Fairy Company’s work."

Suzanna, holding back her laughter, placed a hand on my shoulder as I gazed distantly.  

It's okay to laugh.  

But somehow, I feel a bit happy that we seem to be developing a sisterly bond.

"That's right. And I think you and Britan will get along well. Irene and Erda should also participate, so there will be no lack of conversation partners."  

"Alright then, I’d be happy to join."

With Monica and Suzanna becoming candidates for engagement, and the Johannes Marquisate having a fallout with the Berisario family, the opportunities for all seven of us to gather have gradually decreased.  

I still meet with each of them.  

I frequently see Erda and Irene as we work on creating textbooks, and Suzanna has been coming to Berisario to study, so we have more opportunities to talk than before.  

I've always kept in touch with Patty, and since she

 seems likely to be engaged to Alan-oniisama, I think we will have a long relationship ahead.  

Suzanna, Patty, and I…  

Don't you think Berisario will be quite lively?

On the other hand, there are people I see less often.  

Erda seems to enjoy spending time with Britan and others more and has stopped attending our gatherings.  

Determined to become a female writer, she often locks herself up in her room, dedicating herself to her writing.  

Since there’s no one to bother her in the dormitory, she sees it as a chance for her reclusive lifestyle.

Ethel is busy with training, Monica has to go to the palace,  

And even though the Marquisate of Johannes and Berisario have finally reconciled, at least on the surface, Carla is now caught up in a new issue.

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Author Notes:  

It's not that big of an issue (spoiler).  

Thank you always for your feedback and typo reports.  

Especially for typo reports! I apologize every time, but it really helps me out.  

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