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

The next day, class placements were announced based on the test results. I stayed in Class A, so no issues there. Some students moved up or down to Class B, but I didn't know their faces or names well enough yet to care.

The test results weren’t publicly announced. Each student received a three-tiered directive for each subject: must attend, recommended to attend, and can skip without issues. We were also given our overall scores and rankings.

In the primary education curriculum, it seems a few students always score perfectly on the entrance tests each year. With a private tutor, those questions would be manageable.

For non-essential subjects like magic and combat, there will be a light test in the first class. I won’t be taking those classes, and I’m exempt from spirit classes since I possess all attributes, so I’ll have quite a bit of free time.

The first tea party I hosted in the dormitory was for my seven close friends.

The corner room on the first floor of the dormitory is a hexagonal room with large windows surrounding a central fountain. Even when the view outside turns to a snowy landscape, we can enjoy the tea party in the warm room with the sound of water.

"It's been a while since we all gathered."

"Finally, we can meet at school."

This year, we finally all reached the age to attend the academy.

This group of beautifully dressed ladies in navy blue dresses is quite a collection of high-ranking individuals. With such company, I don’t need to hold any other tea parties.

"I brought a new drink for everyone to try."

I thought Gemma would have prepared it, but to my surprise, Rex, along with Nelly, pushed a silver cart, and Iris and Cheryl started serving the drinks to everyone.

"Gemma is with Miia at the Rampling dormitory."

Noticing my puzzled expression, Rex leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"They seem to be getting along quite well."

"That's good to hear."

But why is Erda helping Nelly?

"You’re supposed to be a guest at the tea party today."

"But with Nelly working, I couldn’t relax."

"I’m a side attendant to Lady Diadora. Although you help with the Fairy Company, Erda-sama, you’re not a side attendant, correct?"

Nelly didn’t seem willing to yield on this point. It’s clear she’s been well-trained by her sister Miia.

"Wait, Erda, you work for the Fairy Company?"

Ethel responded, this energetic girl loves the Fairy Company’s sweets so much that she sometimes uses the transfer circle to go to the imperial capital just to visit the store.

"Yes. So, here, try this. I think you’ll like it."

What everyone was served was cocoa, just in time for the academy season. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get chocolate done. Everything starts with making the necessary equipment.

The cocoa, made with milk from Irene’s brother’s prized cows, was rich and flavorful, but not overly sweet. It’s balanced to go with the sweets served alongside.

"It’s delicious."

"Really, I’ve never tasted anything like this before."

"Will this be served at the store?"

"It will be part of the new spring lineup."

It looks like the cocoa is well received.

Initially, Camille brought some chocolate and was told it could be sold freely within the empire, but because of my large orders for cacao, we were told there was only enough for internal consumption in Luftanen.

When I asked for more cacao production, promising to buy it all, I got quite the surprised reaction.

"Carla, is something wrong? You seem down since yesterday."

Patricia had noticed Carla’s low spirits too. Her iron-colored hair reflects the sunlight, appearing green in spots, and it contrasts beautifully with her navy uniform. This kind and serious girl was the reason I became friends with Patricia and Monica. So if she’s troubled, I want to help.

"Um... I need to talk to you, Diadora, and apologize."

"About what?"

"Could we cancel the tea party with the Crown Prince?"

What? The one where the candidates for Crown Princess take turns talking with him?

"Why cancel?"

"Um... because my father said it would be too difficult if I became the Crown Princess with the current situation in the capital..."

"A marquisate declining a royal invitation?"

Everyone else looked surprised. Irene seemed pale too, but hold on. Let’s handle this one step at a time.

"It’s natural to face challenges as the Crown Princess. Do you know how hard His Highness is working alone?"

Suzanna’s words, though harsh, were confused. She’s also a Crown Princess candidate and was present during the Bantock faction incident. She knows how the Crown Prince has been dealing with public duties amidst the chaos in the capital. She probably didn’t expect Marquis Johannes to say something like this.

"Can you cancel the tea party at this stage?"

"No, it’s unheard of. Why didn’t you refuse when Diadora first brought it up?"

Monica’s feelings mirrored Suzanna’s. Her father, the Marquess of Norland, has been assisting the Crown Prince at the palace, so the chaos in the capital isn’t just someone else’s problem for her.

"I thought it was a wonderful idea when my mother agreed. I’m so sorry for this now."

"Look, a tea party at the academy is semi-official. Even if it’s just chatting among friends, it involves exchanges between families through formal invitations. This time, it’s not just me personally inviting; it’s an invitation from the House of Berisario. My brothers will also attend."

"…Yes."

"Do you understand the risk of creating a rift between the House of Berisario and the House of Johannes?"

"That would be... problematic. What should I do?"

Don’t ask me.

Did the marquis make the decision without considering Carla’s position?

The Marquis Johannes also refused to send Carla to Eldred’s birthday party, treating her with utmost care. I noticed this when visiting their family. But can a marquisate refuse the Crown Prince's invitation?

I understand not wanting to be a bride; I refused before too. But if you decline, you must strengthen your position and create substantial reasons to avoid being accused of disrespect.

Especially now, with the central authority weakened, if rumors spread that a marquisate refused a royal tea party and rejected the prospect of becoming the Crown Princess, it cannot be ignored.

The marquis likely expects me to cover for him.

"Canceling the tea party with the Crown Prince and the Fairy Princess at the last minute is disrespectful."

Patricia’s words made the room fall silent.

"The marquis knows how much His Highness is struggling. It’s unthinkable that he’s unaware of how hard the dukes and marquises are working. Making Diadora deliver such a message is cruel."

"Patricia."

"Sorry. I don’t understand engagements. I was just happy to be invited to a tea party with His Highness and accepted without thinking."

No, Carla, you're just ten years old. It's natural to be happy about a tea party with a prince. The parents should have acted sooner.

"Carla, this is just an introductory meeting. There are other candidates, and I’ll be there too, so it’s not like the engagement will be decided on the spot. We’ll just chat with His Highness and my brothers. Maybe Erda and Miia can join too. Can you try talking to your father again?"

"Yes, I’ll talk to him."

"If needed, I can speak to him."

"No, I’ll manage."

It must be frustrating for Patricia, being a childhood friend of the Crown Prince.

Monica and Carla, both Crown Princess candidates and cousins, should have consulted each other sooner.

"I’m surprised a family isn’t keen. Nobles around Norland are quite excited."

"Oh, is there a rivalry? That makes it hard to consult."

"Yes, our region is quite eager. I was even told to go all out to impress."

Suzanna, with her mature looks, often gets misjudged as assertive by men. But she’s just as shy and pure as other girls. She is strong-willed, though. Watch out when she gets angry.

"I’m relieved I’m not involved. Red hair isn’t chosen, right?"

Ethel asked for a refill of cocoa, clearly enjoying it.

"Some places are getting cocky, thinking they’re better than the weakened central authority. If I were chosen as a candidate, it would be troublesome."

"Indeed. But we need one candidate from a region for balance."

"Balance, huh. Then the South?"

"Yes, Norland and Corquette are in the North. East or South might be good."

"I’ll consult my father."

"Discreetly, please."

"Leave it to me."

We intended to share fun updates, but this conversation isn’t what ten to thirteen-year-olds should be having.

And it seems the serious talk isn’t over yet.

"Irene, what’s wrong?"

When I called out, Irene looked up, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"I’ve been worried since yesterday. Did something happen in the Corquette dormitory?"

Suzanna gently placed a hand on Irene’s arm.

Irene shook her head repeatedly.

"My father and brother arranged a marriage for me."

I nearly spat out the cocoa I was drinking.

"Diadora, are you okay?!"

"Ha… guha… cough…"

"Milady, please cough more ladylike."

How can Rex stay so calm while everyone else is panicking?

Shut up. I’m choking here.

"Who’s the match with?"

"The heir of Marquis Moulding, Barney."

"That narcissist?!"

"Ah…"

Judging by everyone’s reaction, he’s not a favorable match.

But an heir to a marquisate is quite a catch.

Elton

 is the second son of a count, potentially becoming a baron, but far from a marquis. Based on Carla’s story, being a Crown Prince’s aide might not be a guaranteed plus.

"I’ve never heard of Marquis Moulding."

"They’re part of Duke Powell’s faction, sent to the countryside."

Duke Powell’s faction!

I haven’t forgotten. The kid who borrowed his sister’s invitation to talk to me!

Duke Powell is a wonderful person, but does he have a shortage of talent? Gathering troublemakers?

Ah, if they had good talents, they wouldn’t be banished to the countryside.

"Irene, this is important."

"Yes?"

"What are your feelings? What do you want?"

"I…"

Why is she hesitating here?

"Irene, your brother is in love with you!"

Erda rushed over and grabbed Irene’s hands.

"He asked Diadora to create opportunities to meet you."

"Really?!"

Elton’s feelings hadn’t reached Irene. What is he doing? Use your sister to communicate!

There are no phones in this world. Only letters.

While letters can be quickly delivered through transfer circles, they might be scrutinized. A sister’s delivery is more reliable.

"Okay, let me ask again. What are your feelings?"

"If it’s Elton-sama… I… like him."

"Great."

If they both like each other, I want it to work out.

It’s not a bad match.

"Erda, is Elton available now? Can he talk to Irene briefly?"

Suzanna’s suggestion made Irene blush even more. Is she okay?

Isn’t she about to burst a blood vessel?

"We should let him know what’s happening quickly. Elton-sama and Barney are in the same grade."

True. It would be bad if Barney interferes.

"Rex."

"Understood."

I left calling Elton to Rex and focused on gathering as much information as possible.

"Reagan Countess and Bart are aware of Elton and Berisario’s relationship, right?"

"Of course."

"They know Berisario supports Elton’s engagement?"

"Mother should have told them."

"She’s quite proactive about it, right?"

"The talks progressed while she was traveling."

This will likely result in some backlash.

"So Reagan Count doesn’t value the status of the Crown Prince’s aide?"

"…Possibly."

The central turmoil is worse than I thought, weakening its power. The royal authority has diminished.

But that’s inevitable. The Crown Prince must have expected this.

I thought the nobles would do more for the nation.

Even if their territories thrive, if the country falls, it’s over. Do they plan to go independent?

"They also don’t value the connection with Berisario."

"They might think it’s fine because of trade. My brother’s milk has been in high demand, giving them financial comfort."

"They’re overconfident."

Suzanna’s remark hit the mark.

"Exactly. They think Diadora will forgive it because we’re friends."

"How can the family exploit friendship?"

"Better to be firm here."

Monica and Patricia, both angry on my behalf, wore serious expressions.

Friends are precious. They give me strength.

I want my friends to be happy, but even among friends, there must be respect.

"Irene, could you convey a message to Bart?"

"Yes?"

"We’ll terminate the contract at the end of this season."

It’s unacceptable for their family to exploit this relationship.

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading.

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