The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!
Chapter 59
As the leaves change color and the feel of autumn becomes stronger within the castle, I take a leisurely walk, surrounded by spirit beasts. Although I still keep up with my running, my mother suggested that I could take a break on days when I have dance practice. Probably because it would be troublesome if her daughter became too muscular.
Indeed, unlike an ordinary lady, I have muscles on my legs, stomach, and arms. But I'm not as muscular as an athlete. I've heard that having too many muscles can stunt your growth and even affect the development of your chest.
So, on days when I have dance lessons, I decided to take a walk instead. As I looked up at the sky, enjoying the serene day, the hawk spirit beast of the Crown Prince, perched on the usual balcony railing, spotted me and flapped its wings, flying over. Oh, my brothers must be around too.
"Ifree, take me there," I said, sitting down as Ifree carefully floated up, making sure I wouldn't fall. Despite their appearances, all spirits can float and fly.
"Hey," said the Crown Prince, looking extremely relaxed, lounging in his chair with his feet propped on the terrace railing.
"Good day," I greeted, noticing my brothers. Chris-oniisama was next to the Crown Prince, with a map spread out on the table. They were probably discussing the recent events with Moana and Camille. Alan-oniisama sat a little apart from them, enjoying a slice of cake.
A serene moment among three handsome men. This scene would probably be popular in an otome game.
"You look creepy smiling like that mid-air," the Crown Prince teased.
"How rude. Diadora looks cute today, doesn't she?" Chris-oniisama defended.
"Your family's tendency to be overly affectionate is a bit much," the Crown Prince retorted.
Chris-oniisama and the Crown Prince have become even closer lately. Aren't their aides upset that he’s spending so much time with another guy? Oh, right, the aides, including Elton-san, are all older than the Crown Prince and highly capable, and most of them are already engaged.
"Diadora, it's dangerous. Come over here," Chris-oniisama called.
"Okay!" I responded, accepting that reality is like that. The good men get taken quickly and become someone's fiancé. Sometimes they even become more attractive after getting engaged.
"Did you return the handkerchief to Camille?" Alan-oniisama asked, and I shook my head.
"Oh? Hasn't he come here since then? I thought he was our new contact."
"More like, he absorbed the Koorein Trading Company into the Eisdale Trading Company he created."
"I heard Baron Branton retired."
"More like he was forced to retire. He acted without Camille's consent, tried to involve the Empire, and was punished for it. His son was demoted to baron. Initially, we traded with several companies on the Northern Island, but now Eisdale Trading Company will be our sole contact."
Listening to Chris-oniisama's explanation, the Crown Prince looked up at the sky with a displeased expression.
"There's more," Chris-oniisama continued with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the Crown Prince's reaction. "Camille's maternal family is the representative marquis family of Northern Island. They seem to have their issues. Moana blessed Camille but not the marquis family members."
This hints at future turmoil, but Camille insists everything is fine. After the spirit kings left, we decided to continue our discussion in the field where the spirit beasts were playing. When we sent spirits to the castle, the butlers and guards rushed to prepare tea, snacks, and sweets while we played with the spirit beasts. Later, Miia complained about the difficulty of fetching everything from the castle to the lakeside.
With the split between Camille and the baron, Camille asserting his own will, we wanted to ensure his safety. The spirit kings seemed to favor Camille, so we considered proposing him as our trading contact with Luftanen.
But it turned out that the baron had spread his claim as Camille’s protector when it was safer for Camille to be identified as a merchant’s grandson. What a mess! The baron was demoted, and his son became a baron—was that enough punishment? Camille is a prince, and the baron attempted to manipulate the Empire through me. Shouldn’t the punishment be harsher?
The prince with a baron as a protector was treated poorly. With the second prince assassinated, the third prince self-destructing by allying with the Nicodemus Sect, and the fourth prince barely mentioned, one worries about the country's stability.
Initially, we thought Camille sought the Empire's support, but he declined, stating he didn't need it. Princes don't need protectors. If Camille is seen as having many acquaintances in the Empire, some might advocate for him as the next king. Even now, there are still people who want Eldred-sama to become the crown prince.
Camille is known for his support of the crown prince, promoting Southern Island products, and establishing himself well within the royal palace.
"In four years, he has gained the crown prince's trust and established his base on Northern Island? He's twelve, right?"
"Same age as Alan, so yes, twelve."
"Still renouncing his claim to the throne, opting to support his brother?"
"The crown prince is also a full-attribute spirit beast holder, blessed by Moana. He might be able to use spatial magic too."
"Don't bring this issue to the central government. Our country doesn't have the capacity to intervene in other nations' problems. Plus, with the recent reduction in nobility, any achievements might be rewarded with titles or lands. It could get complicated."
"I heard Elton is becoming a baron."
"He protected Eldred. Plus, he's close to Berisario. They want to keep him central. Alan, you'll get a title when you come of age too. You've achieved too much…"
"I don't want it."
"At least take the knight's title. But that might cause issues with other rewards. Plus, it's decided you'll be my guard knight. Paolo said you should visit the palace."
"…fine."
Despite wanting to join the Royal Guard, Alan-oniisama seems indifferent. He wants freedom, but the Berisario second son won't be left alone.
If the Luftanen nobility heard about the land surplus, they'd be envious. After the downfall of the Darimoa faction and now the Bantock marquis faction, many high-ranking nobles have perished.
"Many are trying to ingratiate themselves. It's exhausting being at the palace."
That's why he escapes to Berisario, where no one can complain. Convenient.
"Your Highness! At least leave a message!" Elton stormed in.
"We were planning a pre-academy meeting. People are pushing me to choose a fiancée."
"Well, that's true," Elton conceded.
"We're counting on you and your sister," Chris-oniisama said.
"Likewise," the Crown Prince replied.
"Ah, Bris and Edkins visit our dormitory often, right? I'm looking forward to being in the same dorm as Erda," I chimed in.
"And... about the other matter..."
"Yes, leave it to me. I've already talked to Irene."
"You too, huh..."
The Crown Prince looked exasperated, but he asked me for matchmaking help too.
"Is everyone relying too much on Diadora?"
"Alan, you're not exempt."
"But don't just rely on me. Do something yourselves. Elton, you approached Irene even before the joint development talk with Regan started."
"What joint development?!"
Elton leaned forward.
"We're considering helping with cocoa products."
"Is that announced?"
"Not yet..."
"If that leaks, many will want to marry Irene."
Oh, right. Since the tomato ketchup project, Mia and Nelly have had a flood of marriage proposals.
"She's only fifteen. Rivals will increase."
"Still..."
Irene doesn't realize Elton is genuinely interested, so he should focus on courting her first.
"Speaking of which, what were you discussing with Duke Rampling in the palace courtyard?"
Everyone's gaze turned to me. What's with this atmosphere?
"Duke Rampling?"
"Paolo."
"Oh, yes. That wasn't about Irene. It's good news. Hehehe."
Everyone squinted at me, suspicious.
"What?"
"Can we know?"
My brothers were serious. This could lead to misunderstandings.
"This is secret. If you leak it, I'll make you regret it."
"Scary."
"Is it okay to threaten the Crown Prince?"
"Then don't listen."
"I will."
Rumors could ruin the good news. It was genuinely happy news.
"Paolo finally found someone he likes."
"Who?!"
"Mia."
Everyone froze, then shouted, "What?!"
"Isn't Mia a... ah, a count's daughter."
"But Edkins had debts... oh, the ketchup cleared them."
"And the fairy princess's aide."
"That's a good match."
Exactly! The visual guy has good taste.
Since the Bantock incident, Paolo and I talked more, and he began conversing with Mia, who always stood by my side. Mia is smart and helped manage her family's territory. Paolo, despite his flashy appearance, prefers training to socializing and dislikes flashy women. He finally reached for happiness, and I want to support him!
"Elton, consider Erda's suitors too. She's popular, right?"
"She's twelve. Wait until she's fifteen."
"But Erda has blonde hair, so she could be a match for the Crown Prince or Chris-oniisama..."
"Brothers-in-law as aides would be awkward."
"Erda feels more like a sister."
Alan-oniisama wants a redhead from the central region. But with these three around, wouldn't
potential suitors be hesitant?
I’m worried about finding a match for her.
"She'll find someone before you."
"Take your time, Diadora."
"You're too soft on your sister."
"Your Highness treats Diadora too roughly lately."
"Diadora seems like a new species."
Are you seeing things differently? Calling a cute girl something odd is rude.
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Author Notes:
Next time, we might finally get to the academy story.
Thank you for reading. If you find it even a little entertaining, please rate it below. I'd appreciate it.
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