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

The day before the academy started, I was busy with the final check of my uniform from the early morning.

The castle was in chaos, with students' belongings being transported to the academy dorms. The attendants, butlers, and maids were probably already at the dorms, busy with preparations.

As the highest-ranking siblings in the dorm, we would be the last to be transported via the teleportation circle. This meant we didn’t have to wake up early, which was a relief, but being treated like a dress-up doll was tiring.

Although the academy starts tomorrow, there's a gathering for dinner today to confirm that all the students from the territory have arrived, so I have to wear the uniform today as well.

For the boys, the uniform consists of a long navy coat similar to the famous magic school from a certain movie, and as long as their trousers were also navy, they could wear whatever they wanted underneath. Fashion-conscious boys often left their coats open to show off their shirts, belts, and ties.

For girls, the front of the coat is waist-length, while the back is longer. It's designed to be worn with either a voluminous dress or a sleek one, similar to the uniforms of the lady-in-waiting or those favored by Lady Eufenia.

Today, I'm wearing a slightly voluminous dress of the same color as the coat, accented with white lace and luxurious embroidery.

Speaking of uniforms from my previous life, we wore the same one all the time. Although I had several shirts, by graduation, they were worn and shiny from use.

That’s not the case here.

Nobles would never skimp on their daughters' uniforms. Especially our family, which is very indulgent with their children.

They only prepared three coats since I’d grow out of them, but I already have nearly ten dresses, including gifts from relatives.

Honestly, it feels wasteful. After February, I won’t wear them until next year, and by then, I’ll have outgrown them.

Besides, although the public areas like the dining hall in the dorm require uniforms, we’re free to wear whatever we want in our rooms. And my room alone is bigger than my house in my previous life.

However, the numerous uniforms won’t go to waste. Very few people can wear clothes made at age ten until they’re eighteen, so when outgrown, they’re entrusted to the dorm, where they are passed on to children from less wealthy families.

Sometimes, the hand-me-down uniforms are more extravagant than what their parents could provide, and in Berisario, luxurious uniforms are also rented out for a fee.

This way, even talented children from poorer families can have the opportunity to study, which benefits the country.

"Dia, it’s time to go."

"Yes!"

Brother Chris had his uniform open, showing a traditional white shirt with a ribbon tie and chain decoration, while Brother Alan had all his buttons done up, probably to hide the casual clothes underneath.

As I tried to sneak up and unbutton one of his buttons to peek inside, he swiftly dodged, sensing my intentions.

"Come on, both of you. I’ve been looking forward to the three of us going to the dorm together."

"Me too, Brother Chris. Staying at home all the time is boring."

Flanked by my two brothers, we teleported to the academy.

I’d been to the dorm teleportation room twice before, so it was familiar, but today, there were piles of luggage in the corners. It seems they’re struggling to keep up with the large number of children and their belongings.

We walked past the room filled with luggage and stepped into the entrance hall.

The hall, with its two-story high ceiling, always seemed luxurious for a student dorm, but today it was different. The entrance doors were wide open, and tables were set up to block them. Sitting at the tables, facing away from us, were the butlers. Even Rex was there. What about his work with the company?

There was a line in front of the tables, with students handing over their luggage and letters while chatting with the butlers.

The luggage and letters were then handed to the maids behind them, who sorted them into boxes. When the boxes were full, students carried them somewhere.

Oh, so that’s what the luggage in the waiting room was!

"What’s all this?"

"These are gifts and congratulatory letters for your admission, as well as various presents for other students. The letters are probably invitations to tea parties."

"All of this?!"

"This term, there are the three of us siblings, Baron Elton and Eluda of the Bliss family, and Mia and Nelly of the Edkins family. Everyone else is popular too."

So that’s why there’s such a long line.

I bet Patricia and Suzanna’s places are also busy.

Is someone holding a sign at the end of the line?

"Brother, let’s move upstairs."

Brother Alan grabbed my arm and pulled me and Brother Chris towards the stairs. It seems our appearance had been noticed by the people outside.

We’re not idols. Don’t get excited just because you see us.

"Fairy princesses are said to bring good luck."

"I don’t bring luck. Please give me some instead."

"There are still many who think Elton is available, and Mia’s popularity has surged since she became my attendant."

I wouldn’t want to be called Tomato Princess.

Mia is sixteen this year. Her engagement to Paolo is still a secret, so many men approach her. Once, Count Edkins tried to arrange a marriage on his own, so I had to go to his territory and politely tell him we would break ties if he didn’t stop. After that, for some reason, the count fell ill.

I recently hinted at a marriage proposal with the Duke of Rampling, so he should be dancing with joy now.

Count Edkins isn’t a bad person. He’s just… not very quick-witted and relies too much on his children. He’s also easily deceived. What a terrible father. He should just pass the title to his eldest son.

We headed to the multipurpose hall on the second floor.

Usually, it’s furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas for students to chat or read books. At the end of the year or near graduation, the furniture is moved aside for dance practice.

The dining hall was off-limits due to preparations for tonight’s dinner party, so all the students gathered in the multipurpose hall to check their schedules and belongings, as was the annual tradition.

"Is everyone here? Is anyone missing?"

When we entered the hall, the chattering students immediately stood up, placed a hand on their chest, and bowed.

For the nobles living in Berisario’s territory, we’re more familiar superiors than royalty. For the lower-ranking noble children who don’t get to meet us often, this might be their first time meeting me.

"Everyone is present."

"I see. This year, the three of us siblings will be together. Dia is starting this year, so she might not know much. Please take care of her."

Following Brother Chris’s introduction, I performed a proper curtsy. Smiling is also important.

I heard a murmur of admiration. How should I take that?

"Nice to meet you all this year."

"I look forward to your company."

Elton and Eluda came over to greet us. Both of them looked great in their uniforms.

"Huh? Elton, don’t you have to go to the royal dorm?"

"I was told I could do as I please while at the academy."

"Staying close to Berisario to keep an eye on things?"

Brother Alan said something scary. Stop that; everyone can hear.

"Yes, and if possible, I was asked to serve as Alan’s attendant."

"What?"

"You said you would be guarding Andrew as a member of the royal guard."

"Isn’t that similar to being an attendant?"

"You’ll always be around, so it’s pretty much the same."

"What?"

"Alan, are you moving to the royal dorm?!"

"No, I’m staying here!"

"But the crown prince will be attending classes in the higher education building, so you won’t have much contact with him."

"That’s the tricky part. Last year we were in the same building, so it was fine. Now, with Eldred involved too..."

Second Prince Eldred, who I haven’t had much contact with recently.

He’s only a year older than me, so our classrooms might be close.

"Huh? Where’s Nelly? Why is Mia the only one here?"

"Lady Diadora, please speak to my sister."

Speak of the devil. Mia appeared at the entrance, holding a box full of letters.

"Oh, has the greeting already started? Sorry, I’ll just put this down..."

"Mia."

"Yes!"

"Why are you doing that?"

"Because I’m your attendant, Lady Diadora."

"Leave today’s tasks to the maids and butlers. Your duties at the academy should be handled by Iris and Cheryl. As the daughter of Count Edkins, you have responsibilities."

Why does it take so long to greet the children of the count’s family under our care? Some children look surprised to see me scold Mia, but this is important. Since Mia doesn’t have a mother, my mother should be the one saying this, but she’s not here. So, I have to say it. Even if it’s only while at the academy, Mia needs to stop being my attendant and start thinking like the future duchess.

"But at least for today..."

"Did you see the items addressed to you?"

Mia’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth when she saw the box near the chair where Nelly was sitting.

"No way."

"Most of them are for you, sister."

"What?!"

"She doesn’t understand her value, which is a problem."

Why is everyone looking at me? I’m aware of my value now.

"We’re keeping everyone waiting, so let’s talk later. After we finish the announcements, we’ll discuss this in another room."

"Yes."

Seeing Mia, usually so dependable, getting scolded must have surprised and worried my brothers. After the announcements and checking each student’s schedule, I stood up to move to a meeting room, and not just Nelly, but my brothers and Elton’s siblings followed Mia and me.

"What about the meeting?"

"Every year, after the announcements, it’s left to the butlers. We don’t need to help with tea party schedules or checking for forgotten items."

"Dia, brace yourself. Spending a whole day with ten-year-olds is tough."

Ugh. That’s right. What’s it like to be in a fourth-grade class?

No, no, we need to talk about Mia first.

"So, did I get an invitation from the Duke of Rampling?"

"Huh? No, the highest-ranking noble in the Rampling territory right now is a viscount’s family..."

"What?! They want my attendant to marry their family but didn’t invite me to their dorm?!"

Come on, the previous duke passed away when Paolo had just come of age, making it the most challenging of the three major ducal families. They should take advantage of the engagement. My mother always said that who mingles with whom at the academy quickly affects the next generation’s power dynamics.

Since there are no children from the ducal family, they should invite friends over and hold tea parties a few times. Paolo has been taking it easy since he graduated, but now it’s time to step up. We need to leverage the presence of the Berisario family here. My mother always said that the relationships formed at the academy impact future power dynamics.

Paolo might think it’s fine to take it easy since he’s now the head of the household, but this year is crucial. We need to add value to Mia and secure her engagement, boosting the duchy’s standing.

"Go to the Duke of Rampling’s dorm immediately..."

"What’s the point of Mia going? Gemma."

"Yes."

"Please give Mia my available dates. Also, send someone to the Duke of Rampling’s dorm and tell them to send someone here to coordinate with Mia."

"I’ll handle that."

"Elton-sama?!"

"If Berisario is troubled, it affects Paolo-sama’s standing. Mia, write a letter to Paolo-sama asking him to send a steward or maid from the duchy to stay in the dorm and assist."

"Yes."

As expected, Elton is sharp. He’s quick to act.

"Mia, visit their dorm tomorrow, coordinate with their steward or maid, and arrange a tea party. How old are the viscount’s children?"

"Seventeen."

"It’s unfair to have them host a tea party with us. Why don’t you host it yourself, Mia?"

"What?!"

Brother Chris suggested, but is it appropriate without an engagement?

"Then get engaged first and then host the tea party."

"No, it’s crucial to observe the people from the duchy and the students in the dorm during the tea party. If anyone tries to bully Mia..."

We need to ensure our beloved attendant is treated well.

"You can tell Paolo to brace himself."

"It’s a bit awkward for me to relay that to the duchy..."

"Should I do it?"

"Brother, let’s not."

For some reason, the men look pale. I’m not planning to keep her unmarried or bully the people from the duchy.

Just invite them to the dorm, have a two-hour tea party, and be done with it. As long as they don’t mistreat or harass Mia, it’s fine.

"Even after marriage, if there are issues, you can always return to Berisario!"

"Sister, I’m so relieved. Thank you."

"Um... I’m relieved, but I wonder if the duchy will be okay."

"Is there anyone my age in the duchy?"

"..."

Huh? Why is everyone silent?

I won’t bully them. I just want to be friends.

"I can see Dia taking over the academy."

"I’m not going to do anything that troublesome!"

Peace and safety come first!

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading. Next time, the opening ceremony begins as the winter-only academy starts.

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