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:

I will post another chapter today.

I received my first review. Thank you, Hinoru-sama.

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

After changing into appropriate attire at our townhouse in the royal capital, our family headed to the royal palace.

The people from the central region had gone to the forest to obtain spirits, so the celebration was scheduled for the evening. Since we had some time, we decided to rest in a waiting room.

As we walked down the wide corridors of the palace, each accompanied by an attendant, everyone bustling about respectfully moved aside to let us pass. Some were wary of the Berisario family, others were immobilized by the manifested spirit beasts crouched against the walls, and some were simply avoiding us out of fear of the spirits flying protectively around us. I wonder which group was the largest.

As we entered the area reserved for the waiting rooms of high-ranking noble families, the corridors became even more opulent. The clothes of the stewards and maids were of higher quality, and we encountered fewer people.

One side of the corridor overlooked a courtyard with a central fountain, creating a colonnade-like atmosphere. The sunny weather cast shadows of the columns evenly on the tiled floor.

“Duke Powell, didn’t you go to the forest?” 

Walking hand in hand with my mother while admiring the courtyard, I didn’t notice my father stop abruptly and bumped into his back.

“At my age, there's no point in acquiring more spirits. My sons have gone to Aaron’s Falls.”

“Well, if you’ve managed to nurture three attributes to that level, surely you can handle a fourth.”

I’ve heard that Duke Powell was the leader of the faction supporting Jean as emperor.

It’s in the past tense because, after the execution of the former chancellor, Count Dalimore, two years ago, they haven’t made any public moves. Those who were blamed with Dalimore were removed from important positions.

As a result, the royal palace's operations haven't been running smoothly. It's undeniable that Duke Powell and his brother-in-law, Count Dalimore, were skilled at consolidating their faction and managing government affairs.

The man in his fifties before us was quite the charming gentleman. He exuded an undeniable presence, enhanced by the three large spirits hovering above him, trembling slightly as if nervous. They were likely spirit beasts already.

It’s odd. The spirits of Count Dalimore and those who were captured with him were either fading or gone two years ago. At that time, the emperor’s spirit, though only one attribute, was barely able to become a spirit beast. 

This means that Duke Powell, unlike the counts, must have been nurturing his spirits properly even then.

“These must be the renowned children. I’ve heard you’ve been working hard to spread correct knowledge about spirits. Admirable children, indeed. My sons are engrossed in textiles, holed up in our territory.”

“Your territory's silk textiles are famous, aren't they?”

“Yes, but it's not work for a duke’s family. Still, people have their strengths and weaknesses. My son is a dull man, yet he shows talent only in textiles. It’s troubling. ...Ah, I’ve been rambling. Would you introduce your children to me?”

My mother’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. She must find this man challenging.

I don’t mind his initial impression. He’s undoubtedly a tricky character, but nobles tend to be. If they weren’t, I’d be worried about their competence.

“I believe I’ve met your eldest before.”

“Chris. It’s been a while.”

“I hear you’re top of your class and trusted by the crown prince.”

“This is my second son, Alan.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“And this is my eldest daughter, Diadora.”

“Nice to meet you.”

As Alan and I bowed gracefully, Duke Powell smiled warmly.

“I have a granddaughter, four years old this year. She just acquired two attributes in the forest.”

“In such a short time?”

“Yes. My grandson, though only one, has also acquired a spirit. My son disappointed me, but he’s given me wonderful grandchildren.”

His face softened at the mention of his grandchildren. 

There are no absolute villains in reality. Unlike in anime or games, not every opponent is a psychopath. It’s wrong to label someone an enemy without meeting them. ...Though this impression could be crafted, too.

It’s hard to navigate this world where you have to read between the lines and look for hidden meanings.

“Diadora.”

“Yes?”

“My granddaughter will be in the academy with you in two years. Please befriend her.”

“Of course. And if she can handle a spirit at one, she’s like me.”

“Oh, really?”

“There are magical toys requiring little magic, like those hanging mobiles. They help increase magic capacity.”

“Wait a moment.”

Alan cut in.

“Those toys are good for increasing magic, but Diadora fainted from overusing her magic, so be careful.”

“Well, that’s Diadora for you.”

“Indeed.”

Hearing our whispered conversation, the duke chuckled.

“Ha ha ha. So the rumors were true. She fainted from giving all her magic to her spirit?”

“...That didn’t happen.”

“You’re an amusing girl. Please, all three of you, befriend my grandchildren.”

Our parents exchanged glances briefly. 

The queen’s close friend, my mother, and Duke Powell, who wanted Jean as emperor, had avoided each other until now. This sudden friendliness must be confusing.

“I mostly stayed in my territory until I became a minister, so I’ve rarely met the duke.”

“True. When the former emperor died and there were skirmishes along the borders, Berisario was safe, thanks to your diplomacy and military strength.”

“I’m honored to hear that. I didn’t know the duke had raised three spirit beasts.”

“Can you tell?”

We all nodded, and the duke smiled broadly.

“Until now, I couldn’t let it be known my faction had split, so they remained spirits. Now they can roam freely.”

“Split?”

“Yes. When Dalimore decided to destroy the Spirit Forest, our faction split in two.”

Really?

‘It’s true.’

“Really... Wait, how do you know what I’m thinking?”

‘You looked surprised.’

The duke seemed genuinely surprised by our conversation with the spirits. He blinked at me and then at my family, who weren't surprised, and sighed with a wry smile.

“Indeed. You’re truly beloved by the spirit kings. I never thought my spirits would speak without my command.”

“Then, was the destruction of the Spirit Forest solely the fault of those punished?”

“If the spirit kings judged so, isn't that enough?”

“No, it’s not.”

I stepped forward, letting go of my mother’s hand.

“At the time, Count Dalimore said he destroyed the forest to make Jean the emperor. The emperor had angered the spirit kings, and Jean, loved by spirits, would gain their forgiveness and become emperor.”

“That fool said that? Well, he probably thought so.”

“Don’t misunderstand. Amber didn’t dictate their punishment. She only took their spirits. The spirits leaving the central region wasn’t Dalimore’s fault alone; it was a punishment for everyone, especially the emperor.”

“Diadora.”

Alan placed a hand on my shoulder. But leaving it to the spirit kings feels wrong.

If humans stop making their own decisions, it’s not coexistence but dependence.

“A punishment for the emperor? I’ve never heard that.”

Wait, does the palace blame everything on Count Dalimore?

Amber was as angry with the emperor as with the count back then.

Wait, I remember thinking something was odd.

“...Could you listen to my story?”

“Shall we discuss it over there?”

“Chris.”

“Apparently, there’s something we don’t know.”

For a moment, our parents hesitated, but my brothers and I immediately nodded, and Chris quickly moved things along.

I understand their hesitation. The fact that the Marquess of Norland and Duke Powell were conversing would soon spread, and we’d likely be questioned by other marquesses or the emperor.

But we’ve only heard the emperor’s side of things until now. It’s essential to get information from both sides.