The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!
Chapter 152
The room we were shown into was one of the rooms my family usually used. This was also the same room where we had talked about raising spirits when I was four. Back then, my feet dangled off the chair, unable to reach the floor, but now, they rested firmly on it.
My parents and my two older brothers sat down at ease. I couldn’t help but think again how the sheer presence of their good looks was overwhelming.
“Sit there.”
They pointed to a three-seater sofa opposite my parents. My parents were also seated on a sofa, while Chris-nii-sama lounged in a single chair on my right. Alan-nii-sama leaned against the backrest of my parents' sofa on the left. Although there were plenty of other chairs in the room, they were mostly occupied by spirit beasts.
The attendants were in their spirit form, so only our family’s spirit beasts were physically present. Even then, each spirit beast was unique, with kittens of every element, fairy-like girls with tiny wings for each attribute, and pegasus foals with small wings representing each element, all relaxing in various ways. Alan-nii-sama’s spirit beasts, being flames and water droplets, flitted around him. The sight of the spirit beasts lazing around or playing created a tranquil atmosphere that seemed to ease the intensity of my family’s presence.
However, this must have been a nerve-wracking moment for Camille. Standing next to me, Camille took a deep breath, then firmed his resolve before extending his hand to me. Gently placing my hand on top of his, I smiled at him. He returned a small smile and nodded, stepping into the room with me. Even our spirit beasts seemed to sense the tension, behaving unusually quiet today. Ifree had Jin perched on top of it, Gaia was content with Shiro on its back, and Camille’s spirit beasts floated gracefully in the air.
As I adjusted the hem of my dress and sat down, I could feel the pricking stares of everyone in the room. The household staff stood at the walls, while Edgar, Rex, and Brad entered the room after us. Everyone was in their designated positions, and it felt like the stage was set.
“Is the matter resolved?”
“Uh…”
Just as I was about to respond to my father’s question, Chris-nii-sama interrupted.
“Did Camille tell Dia about that matter?”
“‘That matter?’”
I turned to look at Camille, who seemed startled by Chris-nii-sama’s words.
“You haven’t told her?”
“I said I would tell her once it was confirmed.”
“It’s practically confirmed, isn’t it? Knowing Dia’s personality, waiting too long could be a hassle.”
What is this? Is it something related to the engagement? Is Camille hiding something from me? I tilted my head towards Camille, signaling my curiosity about what they were discussing. Secrets are unacceptable; lost trust isn’t easy to regain.
“I understand. I’ll tell you, so don’t look so worried. It’s not bad news.”
“Is it something important?”
“Yes. It might indeed be the right opportunity.”
His smile reassured me; surrounded by my family in such a situation, to still smile—that alone is impressive.
“Does Chris know about this?”
“I do,” Alan-nii-sama answered in response to my father’s question.
“Why didn’t you tell me? If it involves meeting Ruri, it would’ve been faster if you had mentioned it to me.”
“If you moved, it would defeat the purpose. You once told me, didn’t you? That as a married couple walking together in life, it’s better to be equals, not living solely for the other.”
“I did say that. But Camille has agreed to me working with the company, traveling abroad together, and not just staying as the lady of the manor or building factions, or working covertly in the social scene, right?”
“‘Covertly’…”
Alan-nii-sama, this is a serious conversation. No need to comment on that.
“Yes, but that alone didn’t feel like equality to me.”
“What do you mean by…”
“That’s why I sought the backing of the spirit kings of Luftanen.”
Huh? What did he just say? The Spirit Kings of Luftanen backing him? That was only possible for the wise king or myself because we retained our memories from a previous life. That’s why our magic levels and strength were abnormal, right?
“It’s a long story, but can you listen?”
“...Alright, tell me everything.”
Realizing the gravity of the situation, I turned to face Camille properly, sitting upright on the sofa. This had to be heard thoroughly. My parents seemed equally taken aback, leaning forward to hear the continuation.
“The Spirit Kings of Azelia became Dia’s supporters because Dia helped restore the bond between humans and spirits that the people of the Azelia Empire had forgotten, raising spirit beasts and spreading that knowledge to create a nation where humans and spirits could coexist.”
“Is that… really it?”
“Yes. No matter how strong or abundant one’s magic, if they didn’t act for the spirits, the Spirit Kings wouldn’t have lent their backing.”
Due to the presence of the servants, he couldn’t outright mention the reincarnation secret, but I understood what he was implying: having memories from a past life wasn’t enough on its own. Indeed, it makes sense. If I had only focused on making chocolates for myself, they wouldn’t have become my supporters.
Wait, so being a reincarnated individual isn’t that significant?
“Didn’t you say my magic was unbelievably strong for a human?”
“I heard from Alan that you had a lot of magic even as a baby.”
“It seems like playing with magical toys and channeling my magic to the spirits until I passed out helped increase it.”
“Until you passed out…”
It’s a bit late to react to that now. These days, I only exhaust my excessive magic during teleportation, but back when I had just reincarnated, I didn’t know what this world would be like, so I thought having more magic would be better.
“Then, after receiving the blessings of all the Spirit Kings, your magic capacity must have expanded greatly.”
“So, the most critical factor in gaining the Spirit Kings’ support is contributing to human-spirit coexistence, isn’t it?”
“Well, the fact that the Spirit Kings support humans at all is extremely rare. After all, forming close ties with short-lived humans and then withdrawing like the Spirit Kings of Luftanen could cause problems, right?”
That would indeed be an issue, but there’s nothing we humans can do about our mortality. Forming bonds with the rulers of each region to serve as bridges was also a way to alleviate that grief, at least a little.
“I’ve also been considering that, at the imperial palace.”
At this point, my father, who had been silent, spoke up, prompting me to shift slightly to listen to him directly.
“Just like how the Spirit Kings of Azelia are backing Dia, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone in other nations also gained their backing. If people like Dia were to appear in various countries and conflicts arose between them, it could lead to chaos.”
Hearing this perspective from someone unaware of the reincarnation, I realized it was a valid concern. But, was my father subtly disparaging me, or was that just my imagination?
“Yes, the Spirit King of Bejaia did seem fond of Gaio, but it would be problematic if that man had the Spirit King’s support.”
Of course, it would be. He’s already insufferable enough; adding a Spirit King’s backing would spell disaster.
“However, gaining the support of a Spirit King isn’t easy. The Spirit Kings of Luftanen were also reluctant to agree to support me.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. That’s why I consulted Chris and Alan to ask the Spirit Kings of Azelia for their opinion.”
“We only informed Ruri-sama, though. Hearing Camille’s resolve, we couldn’t exactly oppose it.”
So, Chris-nii-sama changed his stance after hearing Camille out.
“During that time, Starke Kingdom sent an assassin to take my life. When the Spirit Kings of Luftanen refused to become my supporters, Lady Ruri entrusted me with Shiro to protect me.”
“What?! Is that why Shiro is attached to your bangle?!”
‘Don’t call it “attached”!!’
Shiro, who had been lounging on Gaia’s back, suddenly sprang up.
‘If Camille got hurt, Dia would be sad, right? Lady Ruri absolutely didn’t want that!’
“Do you understand what you’re saying?”
‘As long as Camille is safe, everything’s fine!’
“Oh, how adorable!”
My mother, seeing Shiro’s cuteness for the first time, was completely smitten. And Shiro, clearly enjoying the attention, leaped off Gaia and started charming my parents. Such a sly creature.
“Moana began to worry that I might abandon Luftanen for the Empire. Usually, it wouldn’t be allowed, but since I had been spreading the knowledge of spirit care…”
“Indeed, you were spreading it in Luftanen.”
“Not just in Luftanen. During the company’s activities, I also explained spirit beasts when visiting the southern islands and eastern island nations. Dia’s books have been well-received everywhere.”
“You’re more impressive than I am.”
Originally, I had only been focused on Berisario. Even after that, I was preoccupied with the matters of the Empire.
“That’s not true. My smooth dissemination of spirit knowledge was due to the rumors of the Fairy Princess and the Empire’s prosperity. Every country wanted to learn about raising spirit beasts. You laid the groundwork, Dia.”
“Is that… so?”
“Yes, and with the Spirit Kings’ approval from other nations, they agreed to become my backers if I were to marry
you, Dia.”
“Other nations… like the ones that gathered recently?”
“Not just them—Tabuk, the southern nations, and the eastern island nations have also given their approval.”
All of this… for my sake? So, the times he couldn’t meet me weren’t because of work but because of this?
“Marriage with me is a condition?”
As she placed Shiro on her lap, my mother asked this question.
“Yes. Considering the power one gains from having the Spirit Kings as backers, it couldn’t be an easily obtainable condition. That’s why there’s no risk of having too many people with Spirit King backing.”
So, being a reincarnated individual isn’t the key factor. While it wasn’t an issue for the wise king since he was male and a monarch, I, as a woman, might be targeted for exploitation. Therefore, the agreement among the Spirit Kings to back Camille would be accepted by other nations as a means to protect me.
“Am I truly doing enough to deserve such special treatment? I need to try even harder.”
“You’ve already done more than enough. Please, don’t push yourself too much.”
“Huh? Really?”
Camille’s serious expression was echoed by everyone’s firm nods around the room.
“Also, it seems being a descendant of the wise king is crucial. My magic appears to be useful this time. However, when I discussed this matter with the Spirit Kings of other nations, they requested that you and I visit their countries. They want us to act as intermediaries between the Spirit Kings and their people and to adapt methods of coexistence to each nation’s circumstances. They agreed to back me under those conditions.”
Having the Spirit Kings as backers would bring many benefits, but Camille was already well-loved by the Spirit Kings of Luftanen, so it seemed like this would just increase his burdens.
“I’m sorry for involving you in such a demanding task, but I need the Spirit Kings’ backing to reassure the Empire’s people and to ensure you won’t have to worry anymore, Dia.”
Visiting other countries to act as mediators would be quite a challenge, as each nation’s relationship with the spirits would differ.
“Dia? Are you upset? It’s selfish of me to want to be your equal, and because of that, I’ve been away from you so often… Dia? Are you listening?”
But if Camille gains the backing of the Spirit Kings, no one would be able to question our relationship. Even if someone tried to harm him, the Spirit Kings of Luftanen would protect him. That’s such a relief!
“You want to prevent anyone from criticizing us, right?”
“Yes.”
“And to protect me as well.”
“You’re strong, but you’re also reckless and kind.”
For me. To live with me. To be worthy of me in everyone’s eyes. Camille must have faced considerable resistance from the Spirit Kings of Luftanen, but he still convinced them.
“Waaah! Camille, thank you!!”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, I couldn’t help but express my emotions the way I often saw my brothers do—by throwing myself at him.
“Whoa.”
From my position on the sofa, I lunged forward to wrap my arms around his neck, using all my weight to cling to him. Yet, despite this, he propped himself on the armrest, supported me with one hand on my back, and didn’t even falter. He’s really strong, isn’t he? But having a girl cling to him for the first time, Camille seemed paralyzed, unsure of what to do. As for me, realizing what I had done, I froze as well.
If I were to lift my face, I would be met with Camille’s face up close. Stuck to his body like this, there’s no way I could handle that. It’s way too embarrassing. But how am I supposed to retreat from this position? Should I use my core and thighs to pull myself back into a sitting position? But I’m too scared to face my parents or my brothers.
“Wha… What… What do I do now?”
“What are you even doing?”
A pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind, lifting me away from Camille.
“Alan-nii-sama.”
“Camille completely froze up.”
It was probably too intense for a fourteen-year-old boy with little experience around girls. But hey, he’s already kissed my hand before!
“Dia, I understand your excitement, but calm down.”
Thankfully, my father didn’t seem angry. I felt relieved. Now, my mind was made up.
“Father, Mother, I will marry Camille!”
I descended from the sofa and stood upright before them, declaring with all my resolve.
“Well… yes? That’s why Camille came here to greet us, right?”
“Camille may be a bit strange, but he’s a good boy. I’m sorry for the trouble she’ll cause.”
Huh? Isn’t this the part where the father should yell, “You’re not taking my daughter that easily!” and Camille asks, “Please let me have your daughter’s hand in marriage!”? Why do my parents look so sympathetic toward Camille?
“Hang in there. I’ll always be here to help if you need advice.”
Even Alan-nii-sama!
“Finally… Dia has chosen Camille,” Chris-nii-sama groaned, holding his head as usual.