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

Tomorrow is a holiday, and we have a tea party with the Crown Prince and Carla. I thought school was supposed to be a place to make friends before entering society and learn the basic rules of nobility, but it's all been practical, practical, practical. Problems come up every day. Where did my fun school life go?

Today is the magic tool class. We learn to make the magic tools we usually use by ourselves, discuss what kind of magic tools would be convenient in the future, consider the possibilities when combined with the power of spirits, and use our magic to boost our magical capacity.

Today, we are making a basic light. While inscribing a simple magic circle on a small magic stone, we need to channel magic power gradually to fix it. Even though the magic circle is just drawing a slightly complicated circle with a dot and adding some magic characters, it makes your eyes strain.

"Teacher, I'm done."

"Already? That's quick. Oh, well done."

The boy who finished first looks proud. We can take the finished product home, so while the girls are more concerned with the color of the base and the shape of the light, the boys seem to think finishing quickly is impressive.

"Aren't you done yet?"

Suddenly, a shadow falls over my work, and I see the boy who finished first standing in front of my desk.

"You're so slow. Magic tools can't be made by spirit beasts, huh? Can't do anything by yourself?"

It's been a week since school started, and by now everyone is getting used to the kids in the classroom and making friends. When you become close, you lose your restraint and show your true nature. But why is this boy suddenly picking on me, even though I've barely talked to any boys?

"Stop it. You're being rude."

"They say rank doesn't matter in the classroom."

But if you're disliked, you'll be ignored outside, right? Even if they say what happens in the classroom doesn't count, emotions aren't that easily separated, especially for kids.

"You're slow. Should I help you?"

"I'm almost done, so leave me alone."

"I'm being nice and offering to help you. How about you? Need any help?"

"I'm already finished."

"This is a class. Doing it yourself is the point."

Patricia and Carla seem to have finished smoothly.

"Is that so?"

"That base color is pretty. Did you choose it to match your room?"

A boy from the side speaks to Patricia.

"Yes, I like it very much."

When Patricia smiles, the boy's cheeks flush slightly. She's beautiful, after all. It's natural to be interested.

"Who cares about color?"

"That's why country folks are annoying."

A small voice mutters, but I hear it clearly.

"What did you say?!"

"Isn't the capital the countryside now?"

"Red hair acting all high and mighty."

Kids fighting over central and rural areas at ten years old? Well, kids do repeat what they hear from their parents.

"Sorry for acting high and mighty. But it's class time, you know?"

Patricia's words make the classroom go silent. No one can argue with the red-haired duke's daughter. But I'm surprised. The empire has the most red-haired people, with the royal family and high-ranking nobles in the capital all having red hair. I can't believe there's a kid who would mock that.

"Do you kids not take these classes seriously?"

Our magic tools teacher, Mr. Roy Calder, gives the students a very pleasant smile.

"Those who haven't finished and are chatting won't get points for today's class. If you don't have enough points at the end of the term, you'll move to Class B after the new year. And your parents will be notified of your scores."

A point system for each class, huh? There's also an exam. It's a school, after all. It's a place to learn. I almost forgot with everything else being so intense.

"Those who are done can go outside. Just remember other classes are still in session, so keep quiet."

The students, now desperate, focus intensely on their magic tools. Since I had finished mine, I got up and went to the front to catch the bored-looking teacher.

"Mr. Calder, I have a question."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Is there a magic tool that can store magic?"

"Hmm. Storing magic is possible with the right materials and applying a barrier. The problem is inserting and extracting the magic... I think it could be made even though it doesn't exist now."

Oh wow. So, like charging and running an electric car, stored magic could power a spirit car. Currently, we rely on people with high magic power riding along or switching drivers at certain intervals for logistics, but in the future, as long as you have a spirit beast of even one attribute, stored magic could take you far. We could replace driver change stations with magic storage tool exchange facilities. A market for selling magic might be coming soon! Oh, I wonder if spirit beasts can use magic from other people?

"Teacher, can I ask you more questions?"

"Sure, you think of interesting things."

"For the spirit car, right?"

"Oh, Henry, isn't it rude to butt into someone else's conversation?"

Like Ethel, Henry is very friendly and always talks to people. He must have put all his skill points into communication.

"I see, interesting. I'll help with that. Feel free to consult me anytime."

"Would it pay more than being a teacher?"

"I'd be happy if it does. I research magic tools when the academy is out, so more work is welcome."

"Is it okay to hire your own teacher?"

"I'll quit teaching."

Don't answer so quickly!

"First, I need to consult my brother. Depending on the result, I'll reach out to you."

"Ah, I'll await good news."

Is it really okay to hire away a teacher? Maybe the pay isn't good? Dealing with noble kids must be tough, so they should get paid well.

That was my last required class for today, so I decided to head back to the dorm. Some of the guards and attendants still had classes, so only those who could leave went with me. Patricia and Carla also decided to leave, so we walked together partway.

"I never thought red hair would be mocked like that."

Patricia seemed bothered by what happened earlier.

"Until now, it was probably kids with other hair colors who were mocked like that."

"Do you think central authority is weaker than we thought?"

"Yes. I hope it'll get better since the prince has come of age."

Every year starts with a ball for the nobles' children who are coming of age. Participating in it means officially debuting in society and becoming an adult. This year, both the prince and Chris-sama will participate, so high-ranking noble girls are busy preparing.

"Our fathers are working hard to support the prince."

"My father is returning to our territory, so Chris-sama will be the prince's aide for a limited time."

"Limited time?"

"He'll switch with Alan-sama eventually."

"Oh... The Berisario Marquessate has it tough."

We need people to think we're close to the royal family. We actually are close, though. It's also curious that Carla doesn't participate in these conversations. Well, maybe that's normal. Patricia is just too exceptional. I should use the other kids in class as a standard.

"Are you heading back?"

By chance, we ran into Chris-sama at the park. Prodigies get exempted from many classes. So what do those kids do? In higher education, specialists teach practical knowledge directly useful in the real world, and top students gain experience in actual jobs. For Chris-sama and the prince, it's working at the royal palace, then coming to the academy in the evening to ask teachers about their work-related doubts and take exams. The prince just sleeps at the academy. Does higher education need to be at the academy? Maybe it's for tea parties. Students have tea parties, so they come to the academy. Hmm, is it an academy? Or a cafe...?

"Carla, see you tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it."

Chris-sama, please don't subtly pressure Carla. It's scary.

"Yes. See you tomorrow."

"Goodbye."

Even if Patricia gives an exasperated look, Chris-sama remains composed. It's just a tea party, but it's not just a tea party. What should I talk about? It's like making a former socially awkward otaku host a mixer.

"Ah, there's an annoying guy waiting."

"Huh?"

Ahead on the path to our dorm, there was a youth with three guards or attendants, waiting. Probably a good-looking guy. Not as handsome as Chris-sama, though. His shoulder-length red hair, naturally flowing back, was glossy and well-kept. His neatly shaped eyebrows formed symmetrical curves, and his clear blue eyes gazed at something beyond, looking upward. His posture was also striking. He might start dancing ballet any moment, standing with toes pointed outward, heels together, knees straight, body upright as if pulled from above. One hand on his waist, the other under his chin. His fingers poised like a ballet dancer, middle finger bent.

"Is that Barney-sama?"

"You guessed right."

"It would be shocking if it wasn't."

Maybe he's an "onee" (effeminate man)? His pinky was raised when he brushed his hair. But if he's engaged to Irene, he must be into women? Or planning to have a mistress? He's sixteen, same age as Elton. He's more distinctive than Elton.

"Hey there, Chris and Lady Diadora from Berisario."

What an theatrical way of speaking. I might laugh.

"I assume you know, but I'm Barney, the heir of Moulding Marquessate."

"Uh-huh."

"Hello."

Chris-sama didn't respond with words but with a sigh, as if saying, "give me a break."

"Lady Diadora, you're friends with Lady Irene from the Regan Mar

quessate?"

"Yes, we're friends."

"Then you know I'm engaged to Lady Irene, right?"

Why is he bothering to tell us? Doesn't he know that Elton stays at our dorm every year? Is he declaring war? Or does he not know about Elton and Irene's relationship?

"Have you officially gotten engaged?"

"Yes, exactly."

"With a signed approval from the Crown Prince?"

"Well, no signature yet, but the contract is made. The signature will come soon. My marquessate is closely tied with the Powell Dukedom."

"I see."

"So, what do you want from us?"

"Huh?"

Barney blinked, puzzled by Chris-sama's question.

"Didn't you approach us for a reason? Just to inform us of the engagement?"

"Yes. I must greet Irene's friends."

"Thank you for going out of your way."

"Well then."

"Wait, wait, wait!"

He quickly moved in front of us again as we started walking.

『Is he an enemy?』

『Should we eliminate him?』

Oh, Chris-sama's panther also materialized. Seems like Barney doesn't have spirit beasts despite being from the Powell faction.

"Stand down, everyone. No attacking. If you still have something to say, we'll listen."

"Well, since there will be business dealings with the commercial guild, I wanted to introduce myself..."

"What? Why would we have dealings because you and Irene are engaged?"

"Because I'll be involved in Bart's business, of course."

"Even so, it doesn't concern us. We just buy milk."

"Chris-sama, our contract ends this season."

"Oh, right."

"Wait, what?"

Barney froze, his eyes wide.

"Yes?"

"Then let's go."

"Wa-wait!"

He jumped in front of us again. Spectators were starting to gather. Is this one of those repeated comedy bits?

"Why end the contract? What about the joint development?"

"Why is your tone different?"

Bart! I told you the joint development isn't confirmed yet, so don't tell anyone! Why does he know? What about confidentiality?

"Joint development? What's that? Do you know, brother?"

"No, I don't."

"Huh? Then from now on, no business ties?"

"None."

"Whoa."

His mouth wide open, he stared at the sky with vacant eyes. That's scary.

"Lady Diadora, regardless of business, please continue our acquaintance."

"Excuse me?"

"You're more beautiful than rumored."

This guy, trying to marry Irene and interfere with her and Elton, but discarding her when she's no longer useful.

"Barney-sama?"

"Yes?"

"Please never speak to me again."

"Huh?"

"Goodbye."

"W-wait."

As Barney tried to get in front of us for the third time, the spirit beasts surrounded him. Visually, it looked like a charming man loved by mythical creatures. But if he steps on one by mistake, I'll kick him. With a running start, I'll kick him!

"Diadora. Send a message to Duke Powell. We might need to reconsider our relationship with his house."

"Unfortunately, yes."

I placed my hand on my cheek and sighed dramatically.

"Why?!"

He really doesn't get it.

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading.

  Your typo reports are greatly appreciated.

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