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

I was stunned by the unexpected scene unfolding before me, unable to process my next move. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine troops would be lined up at the port. But I wasn't the only one caught off guard; almost everyone around me seemed frozen. So, I quietly stepped aside and moved over to the wall.

…What’s going on?  

Having this many soldiers lined up here meant they knew in advance that I’d be opening a door to the port. So, the Crown Prince, Brother Chris, and even Father had planned something. They must have anticipated Starke and Bejaia’s disrespectful behavior.  

The only unexpected event must have been Gaio hitting on Suzanna, which had flustered Brother Chris.

I was going to ask the Crown Prince or Brother Chris about it later, but I decided against it. This had clearly escalated into a matter of national politics—potentially one involving military action. I didn’t want to hear any more about it. I just wanted to live peacefully.  

Even though I had just done something incredibly flashy and drawn a lot of attention!

“So, this is the power of the Fairy Princess. You were pretending to be a docile kitten,” Gaio said as he approached.

Stay away.  

But even in this situation, he managed to maintain his composed expression—perhaps a testament to his experience on the battlefield. Though, judging by the sweat on his brow and neck, he wasn’t as calm as he seemed.

“No wonder the Spirit Kings are interested in you. I apologize for my previous rudeness. I am—”  

“Move,” a voice cut in.

Camille stepped between me and Gaio.

"Who’s this? Shiro doesn’t know him."  

"He’s from Bejaia."  

"Rude person."

The hostility emanating from Camille and my spirit beasts toward Gaio was palpable. Yet Gaio remained rooted to the spot, forcing a strained smile.

“Camille, you’re from Luftanen. Don’t interfere in matters between us and the Empire,” Gaio warned.  

“I’ve told you before to stay away from Diadora,” Camille retorted.

“Alright, that’s enough from both of you,” I said, clapping my hands to get their attention.

“Gaio, remember you said I was too young to be of interest. Your exit is that way,” I continued, pointing.

"Wait—"  

The Wind Spirit King of Bejaia tried to join the conversation, but Jade intercepted him, blocking his path.

"I told you to disappear. Reflect on your actions."  

"I can’t just leave it at that!"  

Ruri stepped forward.

"From now on, the Spirit King of Bejaia is banned from entering Azelia."  

"And it’s not just that. We won’t be associating with you for a while. I don’t want to see your face when Spirit Kings gather, like today," Amber added.

Faced with both Ruri and Amber’s declarations, the Spirit King of Bejaia began to panic.

"W-Wait! If that happens, the other Spirit Kings will…" 

"They’re probably very angry with you, don’t you think?"

What? He acted on his own without consulting the other Spirit Kings of Bejaia? What kind of Spirit King is he?

"But… the Fairy Princess…" he muttered, still fixated on me.

“I’ve always wondered,” I began.

All the Spirit Kings turned their gazes toward me. Even though I thought I was used to this, their combined presence was still overwhelming.

“It seems the Spirit King of Bejaia never listens to what others are saying. Even when we repeatedly refuse, he just keeps making the same demands. Is that how you intend to wear people down until they give in?” I asked pointedly.

“That’s a common trait among Bejaia people,” Camille observed, and several others nodded in agreement.

So, Bejaia is a pushy nation, huh? No wonder they ended up in a civil war.

“At the very least, speaking with the Spirit King of Bejaia has been a pain for me. It wasn’t even a conversation,” I said bluntly.

The Spirit King slumped in defeat and quietly disappeared. He could at least take his people from Bejaia with him.

“So, you won’t come to Bejaia, then? For the sake of friendship between our nations…” Gaio began.

“Friendship? After all you’ve done, you have the nerve to speak of friendship?” I snapped.

“Diadora,” Camille gently tapped my shoulder with his index finger. When I turned around to shoo him off, I saw him gesturing with a strained smile towards the group behind him.

“Oh.”

Standing behind Camille was Brother Alan, smiling as if encouraging me to continue.  

The gathered guests, Imperial citizens, foreign dignitaries, and Spirit Kings alike had all stopped their conversations to watch.

“Uh… well…” I stammered.

The Crown Prince and Brother Chris were smiling too. Father was busy giving instructions to his subordinates. Even the soldiers at the port were looking at me with interest.

“Both Bejaia and Starke have been making demands of me since earlier, haven’t they?” I said, coughing softly and using my fan to cover my mouth.

If I had drawn this much attention, there was no way out without dismissing Gaio.

“However, political marriages only work if both parties stand to gain something,” I continued, lowering my voice so that only those nearby could hear me.

“What could we possibly gain from a political marriage with you? What could the Empire, Berisario, or I possibly gain?” I asked.

“May I ask one thing?” Gaio replied.

“Go ahead,” I said.

“Are Berisario and the Crown Prince on good terms?”  

“Of course. Our entire Berisario family fully supports His Highness,” I replied confidently.

“Damn,” Gaio cursed.

Huh? Did he really think Berisario was at odds with the royal family?  

Oh, so that’s why he was so confident. He must have thought it would be risky if Starke and Bejaia could attack from behind while the royal family was dealing with Berisario.

“So, there’s something to gain with Luftanen?”  

“Not just Luftanen… Developing chocolate was thanks to Camille,” I replied.

“Of course it’s about food…” Gaio muttered, looking exasperated.

“That's not it!” I protested.  

“I know. We’re not together for the sake of politics,” Camille smiled.  

“Eh? Well, yes, of course,” I agreed.

Our relationship wasn’t an order, and I never once thought of it as a matter of profit or loss.

“But there’s still more to gain. Diadora, you want to visit the Southern Isles, right? And you’re interested in Lilburn and Duchamp, aren’t you?” Camille asked.

“Of course! There must be so many agricultural… I mean, cultural and artistic discoveries!” I quickly corrected myself.

Stop laughing. I’m not only interested in food! I can see Brother Alan and my friends behind Camille chuckling. It’s embarrassing, so stop looking at me like that.

“I can take you there. If it’s somewhere I’ve been before, I can take you in an instant,” Camille offered.  

“I’m in! Definitely! Trade is going to be crucial in the future. We should preserve each country’s unique qualities while encouraging cultural exchange,” I proclaimed passionately.

“I hate to interrupt your speech, but…” Camille interjected.

I got so excited at the idea of traveling abroad that I momentarily forgot the situation.

“Your Highness? Were you able to hear my voice from there?” I asked the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince hadn’t moved from his seat. I was near the corner of the room, far from him. I had spoken quietly, too.

“Sorry. I thought Gaio might try to stir things up again, so I used wind magic to make your voice reach everyone,” the Crown Prince admitted.  

“Brother Alan…”  

“Well, who would have expected you to flirt with Camille in the middle of this?” Brother Alan said with a chuckle.  

“W-We weren’t flirting!” I protested.

Was everyone listening? Camille lowered his face into his hand to hide his embarrassment, his ears turning red.  

Stop it. When Camille gets embarrassed, it only makes me more embarrassed.  

I instinctively moved behind Camille and Brother Alan, pressing myself against the wall as if I could blend into it.

“Please, carry on,” Brother Alan urged, amused.

The Crown Prince looked a bit exasperated, but the tension in the room had certainly eased. I’m sorry for that.

“The teleportation spell uses Diadora’s magic. We’ll need to close it soon. Representatives of Bejaia and Starke, please make your way to the port. Your ships should be docked there. You are free to move around as long as you stay onboard. Marquess of Berisario, I leave the rest to you,” the Crown Prince instructed.

A breeze from the port wafted into the room, carrying the scent of the sea and the sound of waves. Those who had been in a daze gradually recovered and exchanged uneasy glances with their compatriots.  

Well, of course, they’d be shocked. Not only had they witnessed teleportation magic, but I had also casually maintained it while having a conversation.

“Monster,” Cyprian spat, supported by his guards as he struggled to stand.

“Oh, did you just realize?” I replied with a sweet smile.

“A girl backed by the Spirit Kings can hardly be considered ordinary,” I continued.

“Eek!” he squeaked, his voice fal

tering in terror despite being the one to instigate.

“Didn’t you hear me? Move quickly,” Brother Chris commanded sternly.  

“Escort them to their ships,” Father ordered.

The guards swiftly surrounded Starke’s delegation.  

“If they won’t walk, drag them,” the Crown Prince added mercilessly.

“H-How dare you! Do you think you’ll get away with this? I am a prince of Starke!” Cyprian yelled in desperation.  

“Right back at you. Do you think your country will be spared after behaving this way towards the Empire, me, and the Fairy Princess?” the Crown Prince shot back.

“I-I am the prince of…” Cyprian stammered, but his words failed him.

“It’s pathetic to see a once-great nation clinging to past glories, believing they are special,” Aldert interjected coldly.

The moment Aldert’s cutting words reached him, Cyprian fell silent, his eyes widening in shock.

“Excuse us,” Aldert said, and with that, he began walking, the guards dragging Cyprian along behind him. Guillaume and the others followed, their expressions somber.

“Shall we go?” Gaio turned to the others from Bejaia, who rose and began to walk. But their glares towards Gaio were full of anger.  

I couldn’t blame them. They were being sent back to Bejaia because of him. But those who failed to stop him also bear some responsibility.

“Ah, I almost forgot. I have something to tell both nations,” the Crown Prince suddenly announced, stopping everyone in their tracks.

“You both seem to have forgotten something important. Diadora is only twelve. In the Empire, engagements are allowed at fifteen, and marriages occur at eighteen unless there’s a special reason. Berisario has no intention of letting go of the Fairy Princess until she’s eighteen,” he stated.

“Of course not. My sister won’t be getting married before eighteen,” Brother Chris affirmed immediately.

“And even after marriage, I will only approve of someone who allows Diadora to return to Berisario whenever she wishes,” Father emphasized.

“That’s the situation. Meaning, the Fairy Princess won’t be getting married for another six years. By then, Bejaia should be fully restored, right? And if Starke continues as it is for six more years, the country won’t even exist. Diadora won’t be helping either of you, and I won’t approve of her marrying into either country. Relay that message to your leadership,” the Crown Prince concluded.

The representatives, their faces showing various emotions, began moving toward the port at the guards’ urging. Some walked with heavy, sluggish steps, while only Gaio and Aldert maintained steady, forward-looking strides.

I watched them briefly before turning to close the teleportation spell. That’s when my gaze met Aldert’s gray eyes as he glanced back.

Those gray eyes—I’ve seen them somewhere before.

“Oh, I remember now,” I muttered.

Back when I was acting as a decoy in Luftanen, I had seen the same black-haired, gray-eyed person in two different locations. I had noticed because his features didn’t match those of the Luftanen people, and his stare had been unnervingly intense.

“A stalker?” I wondered aloud.

It would be odd to describe this as a “reunion” if he had realized that I noticed him back then.

“Diadora? What’s a stalker?” Camille asked, his voice laced with concern.

I didn’t want to burden Camille any further, given the risks to his life.  

So, I shook my head and smiled. “It’s nothing.”