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

The first day went smoothly without any incidents, likely due to everyone being nervous, and then it was the next morning.

...The kids are so energetic.

It’s not that they were causing trouble or crying.

They were well-mannered and ate neatly, as expected of nobles. However, they were chatting with their friends from the early morning. Children's voices are high-pitched and echo throughout the dining hall, making it extremely noisy.

They must be excited to be away from their parents and staying in the dorms with friends. And with our brothers and Lord Elton around, the girls' excitement was through the roof.

But they didn’t come too close. Since these are all children from our territory, they understand that there’s no need for Berisario to make marriage alliances within the territory. Even if they don’t understand, their parents must have told them.

Chris-oniisama has been the dorm representative for four years, and he’s done a thorough job educating them.

The previous year, the dorm leader was the eldest son of the Earl of Harrington, who is in charge of the port town of Glasspool by the strait.

This earl’s family used to be central bureaucrats without land, but my father’s sister—my aunt—fell in love with him and brought him to Berisario, offering land.

Berisario women are strong.

Oh, it wasn’t coercion; they were genuinely in love and are very happy together.

I’m often told I’m similar in personality to my aunt. Haha.

I was just an unnoticed otaku in my previous life, but this bright personality must be inherited from my family.

My cousin Hadley-oniisama, though very talented, wasn’t interested in others and had a researcher’s mindset, so he didn’t put effort into managing the dorm students. Chris-oniisama struggled for the first few years to teach the students manners.

Hadley-oniisama is currently studying abroad.

The opening ceremony venue varies by social rank.

It might seem strange that a school has different treatments based on rank, but it would be awkward for lower-ranking nobles to be placed among higher-ranking ones. Since this is a multi-ethnic nation, regional bonds are strong. There have been cases where just a high-ranking noble saying something harsh to a lower-ranking noble from another region caused a huge issue. The central region, in particular, had a strong sense of privilege.

It’s a sort of segregation. Students who had multiple tutors and those who couldn’t study much because they helped with territorial duties need to be in different classes. The manners required for high-ranking nobles and lower-ranking nobles are different, so there are separate classes for that too.

After breakfast, the students gathered in the entrance hall to see us off as we left the dorm first.

Even within the academy, high-ranking nobles are not allowed to walk alone. Especially young ladies should not wander around without escorts.

So the attendants and guards have a tough job.

They escort us to the venue, then attend their opening ceremony, and come back to pick us up afterward.

Wouldn’t it be better to just place some spirit beasts around? They are much stronger, and it would reduce the burden on the students.

The lower-ranking dorms enter the venue first, so we Berisario students have some time, and while Chris-oniisama was talking to everyone about reporting any problems immediately, I stood next to him, smiling.

I’m not scary. It’s okay. I won’t suddenly hit you.

Seriously, many of you have seen me several times before. Why are you avoiding eye contact and glancing at me? Am I that scary?

"It's unpleasant how many boys are mesmerized by Diadora."

"Half of them are mesmerized, the other half are scared."

"Alan-oniisama, what does that mean?"

"They say being too beautiful is scary. Isn't Brother sometimes creepy?"

"Hey."

He’s not creepy, but I guess Chris-oniisama can be intimidating when he’s expressionless and staring coldly.

I see. Since people say I resemble Chris-oniisama, I shouldn’t be expressionless.

"Also, the spirits’ intimidation is severe. They’re bigger than others."

"Intimidation?"

"That’s fine. If any foolish boys approach Diadora, make them pay."

The spirits started spinning around as if responding to Chris-oniisama.

"If someone needs to defeat these spirits to date Diadora... they wouldn’t be human."

"They don’t need to defeat them! Why would they need to fight?"

No one would attack such a large group.

We siblings, the Bliss siblings, and the Edkins sisters. Along with our guards and attendants, we’re a group of about thirty.

With the cooperation of everyone’s spirits, it’s warm outside even in winter with just a coat, thanks to the fire and wind spirits.

Every year, starting in autumn, the children gather a few times to study how to use spirits in groups.

Based on what the Berisario army does, they adjust the formation and defense methods according to the members’ spirit attributes, numbers, and strengths.

Berisario’s previous generation devised how to use spirits in the military to avoid losing in battles with the spirit nation Luftanen. That’s applied to our guards.

Outside the dorm, it’s definitely more than three degrees colder than in Berisario. Soon, I might see my first snow since reincarnation.

Because there are guards around, I can’t see well, but students seem to be gathering at the park's edge and near each dorm entrance.

"We’re heading this way."

"If any strange guys approach, burn them, Ifree."

"Chris-oniisama, don’t put weird ideas in Ifree’s head."

"I’d like to stay another year in the elementary course."

"Come on, let’s go."

Even as Elton grabbed his arm, Chris-oniisama kept looking back at us with a sad face.

Alan-oniisama doesn’t seem as upset, but he’s been holding my hand since earlier and won’t let go. Unlike when we were kids, I’m not going to suddenly run off here, you know?

"Let’s go."

The high-ranking nobles heading to the elementary course head to the west exit of the park.

I imagined a high school building from my previous life, but it looked more like a more decorated Tokyo Station.

It’s long on both sides, with three entrances: central, left, and right. The left side is for lower-ranking nobles’ classrooms and staff rooms. The right side is for higher-ranking nobles’ classrooms and salons. The central area has a dance hall and reception rooms for parents.

A dance hall. It’s necessary because we have dance classes, but having a dance hall in a school feels odd.

There are also facilities for magic practice, sword and archery training, and even a riding ground.

"Thanks for your hard work. This is good enough."

"Thank you. Take care on your way back."

"Thank you."

We part ways with the lower-ranking nobles’ children in front of the building. They’ll wait at the left entrance. When I glance over, I see many students waiting there, enjoying themselves.

"This way."

Alan-oniisama, Eluda, Nelly, and I, along with other counts and above, enter the central entrance and climb the stairs.

In front of the venue, waiting for their turn to enter, are the ducal families and Eldred, the second prince, and his attendants.

"Alan-oniisama, it looks like we’re last."

"It’s not that we’re late; the prince arrived early."

He seems to be talking with Patty a bit further away, so maybe I should pretend I didn’t notice.

Seeing Patty’s serious face, it doesn’t look like a fun conversation.

"Greetings."

When I greeted with a smile, everyone present placed their hands on their chests and bowed.

Paolo’s family is only up to viscount rank, so they’re not here, and Duke Powell’s grandchildren are still too young for the academy.

"Good morning, Alan-sama, Diadora-sama."

"Hey, Joshua. Long time no see. How’s the duke?"

"Thanks to you, he’s doing well. He said he prefers being busy in the capital."

"Greetings, Joshua. Your spirit has grown a lot."

"Yes. It might become a spirit beast soon."

"Surely, it will happen while you’re at the academy."

Joshua, who’s acting as the dorm leader, is the heir to an earldom. The Duke of Powell asked me to introduce him to the royals and the three frontier families, as he has to represent the ducal family in academy socializing.

"Long time no see, Alan. Diadora."

Prince Eldred, who had been talking with Patty, approached us. Patty, waving slightly behind him, looks cute.

"It’s been a while, Prince Eldred."

"No need for formalities. Don’t you speak casually with my brother?"

I haven’t seen Prince Eldred since that incident four years ago.

As expected of a general’s son, he’s huge. Taller than Alan-oniisama.

His bright red hair is cut short, and he’s wearing a thin navy shirt and an embroidered vest under his open uniform jacket.

Alan-oniisama, on the other hand, has all his buttons fastened tightly today as well. Is he hiding a weapon under his jacket? He’s dressed more rigidly than the ladies.

"Although I’ve been assigned to the Royal Guard, I’m also acting as an attendant for security…"

"…So I’ve heard."

While oniisama was talking, I was busy waving back at Patty. We plan to have a tea party with all my friends tomorrow. Eluda was also smiling and waving beside me, while Nelly lowered her hand. Eluda and Nelly are the same age, so they

 share a classroom.

"Diadora."

"Yes, Your Highness. It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re well."

"…This is a good opportunity. I’d like to talk. I’ll invite you with Patty."

"Oh, did you send a letter? I haven’t had time to organize them yet, so I’ll check tonight. I’ll visit with my brother."

"I want you to come alone."

"A single lady accepting a gentleman’s invitation alone?"

One by one, the marquises entered, reducing the number of students waiting in front of the door.

I opened my fan and looked up at the prince, who was more than a head taller.

"You won’t be alone. Patty will be with you."

"I’m not from the House of Berisario. That won’t be acceptable to anyone."

Though Patty supported me, she looked quite serious. And the prince looked gloomy too.

But doesn’t he realize it’s rude to invite only me when Alan-oniisama is right next to me? Alan-oniisama’s gaze is frightening.

"Your Highness, could you explain what this is about?"

"That’s… well… never mind."

The prince backed down. That arrogant prince.

Alan-oniisama’s intimidation was so intense that everyone retreated to the walls.

Even the prince’s attendants retreated.

"Patty, it’s our turn to enter."

"Oh, yes."

"Alan-oniisama, please don’t make such a scary face. The girls will dislike you."

"Oh, sorry."

"No, see you later."

Patty didn’t deny that Alan-oniisama looked scary.

"It’s our turn next, so let’s move to the entrance."

"Yes."

Alan-oniisama grabbed my arm tightly and moved to the entrance.

I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong. I didn’t even run.

"Dealing with political proposals is more troublesome than guys trying to hit on you."

"Hmm. But they usually come together."

"…How many times can I punch someone before it becomes a problem?"

"Not even once."

I’d prefer it if he didn’t try to solve things with brute force.

Chris-oniisama stands out, making Alan-oniisama seem normal, but he’s still overly protective.

The hall where the opening ceremony was held resembled a grand hotel ballroom or a wedding reception hall, but even more extravagant.

They really spent a lot of money on this. All this luxury isn’t necessary for studying.

We don’t need a three-story-high ceiling or stained glass.

And why are the student seats round tables? Are we having a dinner show?

People in butler uniforms were placing tea and cake stands around the tables?

I get it. The speeches are long.

They’re probably so boring you need cake to stay awake.

"How many people are giving speeches?"

Stop it.

Our table and the royal table are right in the front, center stage.

"The headmaster, a student representative, and some brief instructions?"

"Just that? And cake?"

"Diadora. The students are higher ranked than the teachers, and we pay a lot of money to the academy."

Are they trying to curry favor? I thought teachers were supposed to be in honorary positions.

"Also, there’s class sorting and a simple test. The first years will have a tour, so there’s no time for lunch."

"Give me sandwiches or meat over cake."

"Meat…"

By the way, they did provide sandwiches, and I ate them heartily.

Only Ethel and I were eating so eagerly.

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

Author Notes:

  Thank you for always reading.

  Your corrections are greatly appreciated.

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