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

------------------------

Author Notes:

  There's a lot of characters appearing in this scene, but the key focus should be on the final three individuals.

------------------------

“The honorable guests from the Lilburn Union: Lady Cruz of the Socias Marquisate, Lord Fidel of the Romeri Earldom, Lady Anita of the Mendes Earldom, and Lord Sabas of the Molina Viscountcy.”

Since my cousin, Hadley-nii-sama, is studying in Lilburn, I’d heard plenty about it, but this was my first time meeting people from Lilburn in person. The four introduced guests were walking forward, glancing around with curiosity at the Empire’s architecture and at the spirit beasts sitting by the feet of those gathered. In our country, they would have been taught that the proper etiquette was to walk silently, eyes forward. But this was probably just a cultural difference. The atmosphere wasn’t unpleasant; in fact, their bright expressions and lively chatter made them seem approachable and friendly. It was hard not to smile along with them.

Their appearance and clothing weren’t much different from those in the Empire, but their color choices stood out. Their dresses were a burst of color, featuring bold patterns of birds and flowers embroidered on a base of bright colors, with jewels that glittered as they reflected the light.

“From the Kingdom of Luftanen: Lord Helt of the Rintonen Marquisate, Lord Keith of the Harle Earldom.”

Next up were the students from Luftanen. The Rintonen Marquisate was Camille’s maternal family, which had relocated from the northern island to the western one due to the misdeeds of its heir. Helt, the newly appointed successor, had just come of age at fifteen. With the western island still in the midst of reconstruction, it made sense that he would want to strengthen his spirit cultivation.

Both the Crown Prince and Chris-nii-sama had spoken with him during the coronation, and their impressions were favorable. Chris-nii-sama had remarked that Helt wasn’t twisted like Camille, but I figured Camille wouldn’t appreciate that comment coming from him of all people.

Helt’s nervousness at his first visit to the Empire was clear on his face, making him look intelligent and earnest. He bore some resemblance to Camille in that way. Keith, however, appeared listless, with no hint of excitement as he walked forward. With all of his spirit beasts already at his side and even having mastered teleportation magic, it seemed he felt he had nothing left to learn. Having accompanied Camille to the Empire several times, he wasn’t exactly brimming with enthusiasm.

Apparently, he was here to make sure no foreign men approached me. But with my brothers around, there wasn’t much cause for concern. It’s not like I needed that much protection, considering Keith’s loyalty to Camille.

“From the Duchamp Kingdom: His Highness Crown Prince Oliver, and Her Highness Second Princess Hannah.”

Wait, what? Wasn’t Starke supposed to come next? Weren’t they supposed to send their Third Prince?

Sure enough, it was the delegation from Duchamp who entered.  

Trade between the Duchamp Kingdom and the Empire had been flourishing over the years, especially with Corquette, and their relationship had grown akin to the one between Berisario and Luftanen. The harsh northern climate, where the land was snowbound for half the year, gave rise to beasts and creatures unseen in the Empire, and the people there were said to be reserved and quiet due to their rugged lifestyle.

The people of Duchamp were as large and fair as those of Norland. Their eyes were what you might call almond-shaped—narrow and long. And their hair was silver, but not just plain silver. It could be tinged blue or red, in hues that felt almost fantastical. The Crown Prince had bluish-silver hair, while the Second Princess’s hair leaned toward a greenish-silver. Small spirits floated gracefully around each of them, indicating their possession of three spirit attributes.

After their greetings and departure to the main hall, there was an unexpected pause. Instead of announcing the next entrants, a few diplomats entered the room alongside my father.

“Your Highness, we have a slight issue…”

Not wanting to be in the way, I exchanged places with Chris-nii-sama and stood beside Alan-nii-sama to wait. Had Starke decided to cause trouble?

“Everyone, please move to the main hall. We need to inform the guests of a certain matter,” the Crown Prince announced.

The hall we moved to was a bright room with an ivory color scheme, a stark contrast to the audience chamber. The large windows provided a view of the garden in full autumn bloom, with rows of trees just starting to change color. The terrace doors were open, making it a lovely place to enjoy tea outside if desired. For now, though, the plan was for guests to sit with students from their respective countries to ask any questions they had about the academy. After that, everyone could move around freely.

The high-ranking noble children were divided between two tables, but I was seated at the same table as the royal siblings. Chris-nii-sama sat with me, but Alan-nii-sama’s table was different. It wasn’t because he was the second son, but rather because Chris-nii-sama was part of the Crown Prince’s support team, and I was here as a special representative, the *Yousei Hime*. Alan-nii-sama was at Berisario’s table, casually sitting next to Patty and having a grand time, making me feel envious. It looked a lot more relaxed over there.

“I have an announcement for everyone,” one of the diplomats said as soon as everyone was seated.

“There is a young man of Pendelus descent among the guests from Starke.”

What?!

“His grandparents were refugees from Pendelus, and he was born in Starke. We have confirmed that he does not bear the diamond-shaped mark on his hand.”

So that’s it. For a moment, the mention of “Pendelus” had thrown me off. He’s a Starke citizen of Pendelus origin, not someone directly from Pendelus itself. We have immigrants in Berisario as well.

Over time, people of Pendelus descent can develop a bond with spirits and even cultivate them if their malice towards spirits fades and their desire for coexistence grows strong enough. It would be unfair to condemn the descendants for the sins of their ancestors. As long as they show a genuine desire to coexist with spirits, I would welcome people of Pendelus descent with open arms.

“However, there may be those who are uncomfortable sharing a space with someone of Pendelus descent,” the diplomat continued.

Honestly, this was inconsiderate. To bring someone from a people associated with the horrors of the Nicodemus Cult to a gathering meant to celebrate Eldred’s birthday—something he’d always been hesitant about due to a traumatic event—was baffling.

“We have no objections,” Gaio said before anyone else could speak.

“Starke is known for its strong ideas about bloodlines. For them to bring someone of Pendelus descent to such a gathering, there must be a reason behind it. I’d like to see what this person is like.”

Keith spoke up next, saying, “We’re not opposed either.”

“It’s better to have them speak here openly than to discuss things in private. After all, their target is likely the *Yousei Hime*.”

Keith-kun, could you not? Now all eyes are on me.

“Is everyone else in agreement?” the diplomat asked.

For Duchamp and Lilburn, neither Pendelus nor Nicodemus were major concerns, so the representatives just nodded in silence.

“Your Highness, is this acceptable to you?” my father asked, his expression grave, mostly from worry about me.

“It’s fine. Allow them in,” Eldred replied.

“Understood,” my father replied, turning to me with a smile and moving discreetly to the side of the room. But he stood out. Having a parent at a gathering of kids feels awkward, to say the least.

“From the Kingdom of Starke: His Highness Prince Cyprian, Lord Aldert of the Balterlink Marquisate, and Lord Guillaume of the Aubert March.”

Cyprian had a princely appearance with golden hair and blue eyes, but he was thin, pale, and radiated an air of arrogance. He tilted his chin up slightly, seeming to look down at everyone around him. When his eyes met mine, he smirked with just one corner of his lips.

Following him was a young man with black hair—a characteristic shared with the spirit-breeding minority in Starke. I assumed he was the border marquess’s son. Judging by his dark hair and the striking, light gray of his eyes, I could guess he had Pendelus ancestry.

He was extremely handsome, on par with Chris-nii-sama, and had an oddly alluring air about him, making him seem almost like someone involved in illicit trades. Despite wearing proper clothing, he gave off a vibe of a lifestyle filled with decadence, not at all like a noble.

“Thank you for inviting us today. It appears the problem lies in Aldert’s Pendelus heritage. His mother was from a noble family in Pendelus who fled to our country. He was born and raised in Starke,” Cyprian explained.

While he was speaking, Aldert had been staring at me the entire time. His pale eyes, almost like glass marbles, barely blinked, making it quite unsettling.

“I don’t mind if he’s of Pendelus descent,” Gaio interjected. “We have many Pendelus immigrants in our country too, and as long as they lack the mark on their hands, there’s no issue. What bothers me is you, Your Highness.

 This event is for students entering the academy, and you’re well past the age limit.”

“I merely want to attend spirit cultivation classes,” Cyprian retorted.

While the Crown Prince tried to handle things diplomatically, Cyprian kept glancing at me.

“Even spirit-related courses are part of the academy’s curriculum, only open to students aged fifteen to eighteen,” the Crown Prince explained.

“I’m a prince of Starke. How can you refuse my request to enroll?”

“Moreover, those classes are not accessible to students without spirits.”

“I intend to obtain a spirit by taking the course!”

“Starke’s spirit king has left your capital. Even if you enroll, there’s no spirit to be gained.”

“I don’t care what you think! I want to hear from the *Yousei Hime*!”

Despite the Crown Prince’s calm attempts to keep things civil, Cyprian’s outburst was loud enough to be heard by everyone at the other tables. The Crown Prince had been trying to keep the conversation discreet, but that was clearly out the window now.

“I want the *Yousei Hime* to come to my country, speak to our spirit king, and teach spirit cultivation to our nobles. She should stay with us for several months.”

“This is not the place for such discussions. Today is for academy matters,” the Crown Prince firmly stated.

“I wouldn’t get to see the *Yousei Hime* in person otherwise!”

“Dia—” The Crown Prince turned to me.

Before he could finish, Aldert cut in, breaking the flow of the conversation by calling me by name, without honorifics.

“Dia, I’ve been eagerly waiting for this reunion,” Aldert said, his voice smooth and charming.

His voice was pleasant, but I had no idea what he was talking about.

“You know this guy?” the Crown Prince asked, looking bewildered.

“Dia?” Chris-nii-sama’s voice followed, just as confused.

But I was the most confused of all.

“I have no idea who he is. We’re meeting for the first time.”

“You don’t remember?!” Aldert’s face twisted in anguish, as if he’d been betrayed.

“Sorry, but you’ve got the wrong person,” I replied.

Before things could spiral further, Gaio, who had been getting more agitated by the conversation, stood up and approached our table.

“You two should probably be more respectful,” he interjected, unable to hold back his irritation.

Gaio, of all people, giving a lecture on manners? This was turning surreal.

“She’s my fiancée, so stop making assumptions about her,” Gaio declared smugly.

“What’s this about a fiancée now?” the Crown Prince demanded.

“Dia?!” Chris-nii-sama repeated, looking scandalized.

“Who’s supposed to be engaged to who?!” I asked, exasperated.

Gaio leaned over the table, seeming genuinely shocked by my question.

“You and me, of course. I usually prefer my women to be a bit more mature, but I guess that can’t be helped. Your face is undeniably cute, and I’m sure you’ll grow into a fine woman someday,” he smirked, reaching out his hand.

Chris-nii-sama immediately slapped his hand away with a resounding smack.

“Don’t you dare touch my sister. We’ve heard nothing of this,” he growled.

“What?! But the Wind Spirit King of Bejaia himself told me to go and meet my fiancée!” Gaio protested.

So it was all that spirit’s doing. Gaio had apparently thought the engagement was already decided.