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 changed the sub-title.[TL note: I'm skipping all titles because they might contain spoilers, but I'm not skipping author note spoilers ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶]

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"Welcome, everyone!"

At the end of the hallway stood Diadora-sama, with her beautiful hair flowing freely. Although her dark green dress might seem too mature for a child, her pale golden hair cascading down to her chest made her look incredibly glamorous, and I couldn’t help but feel envious.

"Nick, Rex, this is the girls' only area from here on, so please leave the luggage on this table. Gemma, please carry the luggage inside. Come on, follow me!"

Diadora-sama took my hand and led me into a spacious room. Sunlight streamed through large semi-circular windows, making the room bright even without additional lighting. Several mannequins dressed in luxurious gowns lined the room.

"Aurelia-san, these are the last of our guests."

"Oh my, such charming young ladies. What a delightful job this is!"

"My lady, are you sure we should cut this dress?"

"Go ahead and cut it as needed!"

There were people taking measurements, others unpacking dresses and sorting them by color, and some were already sewing. Did they gather all these people just for us?! Beyond them, our mothers were chatting happily while sipping tea. My mother seemed very enthusiastic, hoping to build connections for the future.

"Irene, did you ride in a spirit carriage?"

"Suzanna, are you sure I belong here?"

Seeing a familiar face, I rushed to Suzanna, who was busy having lace trims compared for her dress.

"Of course you belong here. Are you still worrying about being from a count's family? Look, today we have Ethel-sama from the Myler family and Erda-sama from the Bliss family here too."

"Erda-sama? Eltonsama's sister?"

From Eltonsama’s demeanor earlier, he probably didn’t know his sister was attending. If he’s a royal aide, he must be living in the capital.

"Are you Irene-sama? The young lady from the count's family?"

A girl with red hair approached me with such speed that I almost jumped. She must be Ethel-sama, judging by her fiery red hair and sharp eyes.

"I'm relieved. Besides Carla-sama, I don't know anyone here, and being around so many duchesses is daunting."

"Yes, it's nerve-wracking."

"But Ethel-sama, I think you'll get along well with Diadora-sama."

The slender girl with golden hair who approached with Diadora-sama seemed familiar. She smiled, creating dimples just like Eltonsama.

"I think so too. That stride of yours is no joke. By the way, everyone, please call me Dia from now on."

I remembered my father’s advice: call her Dia-sama for safety. High-ranking nobles are always in danger, but could that extend to me too?

"Oh my, what beautiful eyes you have."

"Huh?"

Erda-sama leaned in to look at my face, surprising me. Her skin was flawless, her oval face with a small nose and big eyes made her look much younger than her age. Yet, her eyes, so much like Eltonsama’s, gave a wise and intelligent impression.

"Such mystical red eyes."

"They're not that special. I think your blue eyes are much more..."

"My brother told me about meeting you all at the celebration yesterday. He mentioned there was another count’s daughter and that she had beautiful red eyes."

"Oh my."

"Eltonsama is secretly charming, it seems."

I felt my cheeks flush hot. I never imagined anyone would compliment my red eyes, which I hated. Suzanna nudged me playfully with her elbow, making me stumble.

"Alright, it's your turn now. Strip down."

While we chatted, the seamstresses continued their work with impressive speed, and before I knew it, I was quickly undressed and led away by the older girls.

"Your hair is so sleek. Let's add some volume with curls and small flowers."

"She's mature-looking, so dark colors will suit her."

"What about this one?"

Dia-sama brought over a dress with deep royal purple fabric and silver embroidery.

"We'll cut this area and replace it with white lace."

"It's beautiful. But is it really okay?"

"It's my mother’s dress, so no worries."

Wait, what? This is the dress of the Countess of Berisario?!

"Wa-wait, no!"

"No?"

"I can't wear something like that."

"But it suits you. Everyone will have about three dresses. We'll make one for the tea party first and deliver the rest as they're finished."

What’s happening? They're cutting up a dress that’s clearly more expensive than anything I own.

"Ethel, how about this one?"

"I’m not even attending the tea party, but I already have one dress made."

"One more. You'll grow out of dresses quickly."

"Whose dress is that?"

"Patty's."

"Patricia-sama's dress?!"

Ethel-sama turned pale as she held the dress.

Yes, having allies is important. I felt a bit more relaxed now.

"Since I'm bigger, my dresses might be easily adjusted to fit others. Adjusting your dresses to fit me would waste so many. Being born in Norland means I’ve accepted my height, but I wish I were smaller and cuter."

After the fittings, we sat down with tea and cheesecake to chat.

Monika-sama’s honey-blonde hair was beautiful, and though she didn't seem that tall, she was taller than me and Suzanna, which bothered her.

"The princes are both tall, as is Aran-sama."

"That's true. Many men are tall, so there’s no problem."

"By the way, what are you doing?"

Ethel-sama had been repeatedly braiding and unbraiding my hair.

"It’s just so smooth and silky. I’ve admired Rampling Duke's similar straight hair."

"The duke? I only visited the palace for the first time yesterday."

"I only saw him once at a tea party in Johannes territory. Carla-sama and I admired his hair."

"Ethel, mind your manners."

"Oh."

"See, I knew I’d get along with Ethel-sama."

Dia-sama grabbed Ethel-sama's arm, who laughed nervously. Dia-sama might not realize it, but to us, she's like a princess.

"Irene-sama, Nick told me you spoke with Eltonsama at the palace earlier?"

"Did my brother approach Irene-sama so soon after the celebration?"

"He can be pushy despite appearances, but that's why he's a good aide to the crown prince."

Dia-sama’s comment surprised Erda-sama and Carla-sama.

Johannes and Bliss families are neighbors. Seeing the familiar green-haired lady at tea parties, I was happy to meet her properly now. But does this mean Carla-sama and Eltonsama are close?

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, not at all."

"Oh, good."

"But Eltonsama is the crown prince's aide, Erda-sama's brother, and our families are close, so be careful with other men approaching you."

"What?"

"Carla-sama, Irene underestimates herself, thinking her family is just a rural nobility."

Suzanna seemed to understand Carla-sama’s point, looking at me with exasperation.

"Look over there."

Suzanna pointed to our guardians’ table.

"Being friends with any of us means you have a chance to connect with all those prominent figures."

"They’re forming the ultimate mom-friend group."

"Mom-friend?"

I didn't fully understand, but I got the gist. Even though my family is rural, being friends with me could lead to connections with high-ranking nobles in the Azelia Empire.

"Why am I here?"

I could understand Ethel-sama from a rich southern territory or Erda-sama with her connections, but why me...?

"Probably for milk and butter."

"What?"

"Dia-sama, don't be so blunt."

Carla-sama scolded Dia-sama, who tilted her head.

"But it's true. The Fairy Company wants to collaborate with Regan family for trade and product development."

Is this a dream? My father would be ecstatic, maybe even faint.

"So, Irene-sama, what do you think?"

Patricia-sama, with her sparkling eyes, seemed excited, like she was talking about romance. Romance? No, that's not the topic here. What's wrong with me?

"What do I think?"

"My brother is rather plain."

"Eltonsama only needed to speak with Chris-sama; I was just there."

"Oh my, what are you saying with such a red face?"

Suzanna teased, pinching my cheek. She had shared many stories of being courted, but I never thought it’d be my turn.

"They’re just teasing."

"We're serious. If you’re not against it, we could tell Eltonsama you liked his compliment about your eyes. He’d likely act on it."

Is this a serious conversation? Carla-sama and Erda-sama’s eyes were serious.

"Indeed. He’s also a count, and having a red-haired wife would be beneficial for Eltonsama living in the capital."

Even Suzanna joined in, making me shake my head frantically.

"Can't we talk about this when we’re older? I'm only nine."

"Good men get snapped up quickly."

"I wish the princes would choose their partners soon. My parents won’t listen to me otherwise."

"True."

I realized everyone here could be a potential bride for the princes.

"If my brother bothers you, let us know. Irene-sama, you're so sought after that it’s best to secure an agreement early."

"We just passed by each other."

"Let’s leave it at that."

Erda-sama, adorable yet intimidating, might proceed without my consent.

"Suzanna, everyone here is amazing, but these high-ranking ladies chosen by the fairy princess are on another level. They might charm you without realizing."

"Oh, Suzanna-sama, we wouldn't do that."

"We always discuss things openly."

"But Eltonsama is secretly charming."

"Dia-sama, I don’t understand."

If there are turning points in life, this day

 was definitely one for me.

Two days later, after an incident shook the empire, my father was given a significant promotion, and rumors of our friendship with the elite eight spread, making me famous.

Never did I think I'd one day long for the quiet days of watching cows.

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Author Notes: 

Next time, we’ll return to Diadora’s perspective.

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