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

"Seems like there's talk about a new venture, isn't there?"

I mimicked Chris onii-sama, tilting my head slightly with a smile. Just like that, as if a wave had receded, the anger disappeared from Barney's face, and he leaned back against his chair. Why?

"Bart-sama, we haven't discussed specifics about the new venture, nor have we decided on anything. I remember saying that it might be nice to cooperate on a new venture, but it's not confirmed yet, so please don't mention it to others."

In my mind, I felt like those women in old Japanese stories who say, "You saw it, didn't you?" to the man who was told not to look but did anyway. But as a ten-year-old girl, I couldn't muster that level of intimidation. So, I kept my expression innocent, smiling gently while lowering my voice slightly.

"You talked, didn't you?"

"Eep!"

Wow, the effect was immediate. He's terrified. Even the Marquess of Regan next to him stiffened. Was my smile that intimidating?

Wait, but their gaze...

Following their line of sight and looking up, I turned around quickly, and with a whoosh, Riva, drawing a ribbon of light, reverted to a ball and floated back to join its companions.

"Riva?"

You manifested just now, didn't you? Even though you were probably smaller because we’re indoors, it’s still scary to see a dragon’s face appear out of nowhere.

Now I’m a girl with a dragon at her back. And not just any dragon—a three-dimensional one, even the yakuza would be impressed.

"You all stay calm. So far, the conversation is peaceful. But there's something strange about this contract, isn't there?"

"The head mage felt magic in this contract. If necessary, he can investigate what kind of magic was used."

"Do we really need to go that far? We've known the duke for a long time."

"Not only this incident, but I've also decided to disband the faction."

"Why?!"

Duke Powell casually dropped a bombshell. Since Father isn't surprised, this must have been discussed beforehand.

"Why? You conveniently used my name for significant matters like an engagement without a word to me. There's no benefit in continuing such an association."

"What about Gil’s house and the chancellor?"

"I’ll continue my relations with them. They use our dorm at the academy. Everyone knows Berisario, Bliss Earl, and Count Edkins are close, but they don't form a faction, right? I’ll support them the same way."

The duke responded gently to Chris onii-sama's words. Duke Powell is known for nurturing talented youths and is very fond of Chris onii-sama.

"I see. So, the duke is withdrawing his support for Marquis Moulding."

As he said this, Marquess Corquette entered the room. Recently, he seems to have lost some weight, and his waistline is noticeably slimmer. I heard Jade told him to take care of his health.

"Yes. We are no longer associated."

"I see, I see."

Why is Marquess Corquette here? That question was answered when Suzanna and Irene entered the room.

"That was quick."

"Ha ha ha. Suzanna consulted with me beforehand, and when I went to the dorm to talk to Irene, I heard that the earl and Bart had gone to Berisario, so I came to the marquis dorm to ask for an explanation and met Suzanna."

"Is that so... Irene?"

Irene, who had briskly entered the room, walked past Marquess Corquette, grabbed Bart by the collar, and with a loud slap, struck Bart's face.

"How dare you insult my friend! Do you know how much we owe Dia?"

"I was thinking of you."

"Lies! You've never even had a proper conversation with me. You ignore me even when I greet you. The only thing you care about is your cattle!"

Bart's cheek quickly turned red, showing a clear handprint. Everyone thought Irene was a quiet girl, so they were all shocked. Barney even looked like he was about to stand up and flee. Even my brothers seemed taken aback, staring at Irene in disbelief. Only Elton, though smiling wryly, wasn't surprised.

Indeed, Irene usually listened well but rarely expressed her opinions unless asked. Probably because only the lady of the house would listen to her thoughts at home, she hesitated to speak out.

"Here, ma’am! Don't run, you’ll trip."

As everyone came to their senses at Suzanna's voice, multiple footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"Irene!!"

The one who burst in was the Marquess of Regan's wife. Mother, you returned earlier than expected.

"What is going on here? What are you all doing while I was away!"

Holding the tearful Irene, the marquess glared at the Marquess of Regan.

"I, I knew nothing about Irene's engagement!"

"I tried to talk to you many times! Every time you said you were busy, that it was too soon for Irene to be engaged. Why is there suddenly talk of an engagement? Irene, let's leave this house. You don’t have to be a sacrifice."

"Wait. The engagement is off."

"Oh?"

Mother and the marquess looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded.

"Thank goodness."

"So there's no more issue?"

"Now we’re only discussing compensation for the broken engagement."

At Chris onii-sama's words, the expressions of those who had entered the room tensed up.

"Barney, you love Irene, don't you?"

Elton, walking over to Irene and the marquess, asked.

"Y-yes, but?"

"Then, didn't you want to know how Irene felt?"

"Huh?"

"You proceeded with the engagement without confirming her feelings?"

Exactly. If you wanted to get engaged, you should have talked to her at some point. Why didn’t you confirm her feelings?

Wait? Why didn't Irene mention she had someone she liked?

"Irene, didn't you talk to Barney-sama before the engagement?"

"No, never. This is the first time I’ve met him so closely. Even when I complained to my brother, he said I couldn't have a proper conversation anyway."

Hey, that's horrible. It's annoying that Bart said that to his sister, but Barney claiming he loves Irene without even talking to her is worse.

"Well, didn't you want to meet the woman you love so much to engage her? Do you truly love her?"

"I, I got nervous. I didn't know what to say."

"Do you love her?"

"Yes."

"Then let's ask the spirits, shall we?"

I clasped my hands in front of my chest and smiled joyfully.

I knew Riva was manifesting behind me again, but I ignored it.

"You know spirits can't lie, right? So, we can ask if Barney-sama loves Irene. Why the contract feels magical. Let's ask."

"Do we really need to go that far?"

"If you're seeking compensation, it's necessary."

Keeping the same pose, I switched from a smile to a serious face.

Competing with Riva, other spirits started to manifest too.

"What are you all doing?"

When I turned around with a smile, the spirits hastily turned back into balls and fled to the corners of the room, trembling against the walls.

What the heck, are they trying to make everyone think I’m scary? Stop pretending to be scared.

"That's a good idea. Dia, could you?"

"Of course, Duke Powell. But if Barney-sama lied, trying to use my dear friend and deceive everyone here, he should be prepared to lose the spirits from his territory."

"If it turns out to be a lie, you know I won't stay silent."

"It would mean mocking me too for organizing this gathering."

Duke Powell and Father showed very sinister smiles.

"The fact that I came here must be considered. I've known the Marquess of Regan for a long time."

Since Marquess Corquette arrived, he’s been looking for a way to deal with these guys.

"Lying is out of the question!"

"But, before the contract was accepted, let’s resolve this peacefully. Barney, give up this time. There are surely other wonderful ladies out there."

"Father… yes. I can't interfere with Elton's romance."

"Friend?"

Elton, for now, shhh!

"So, this matter is resolved."

"That’s best."

As Duke Powell tore up the documents, Bart looked around nervously.

"What’s wrong, Bart?"

"Ah... it seems the magical contract for the venture has been nullified."

A magical contract?!

They not only tried to use the engagement to get a contract but also tied it with a magical contract?

"Marquis Moulding?"

Duke Powell's tone and expression turned menacing.

"Ah, no, just in case. Just in case. We have finished our business here, so we will take our leave."

"While disbanding the faction, I've been hearing various opinions and stories from its members."

"Yes?"

"If it's found that you did similar things elsewhere... remember that you won't get any support anymore."

The hurriedly standing Marquis Moulding grabbed Barney's arm and rushed out of the room. They must have done similar things elsewhere, taking over businesses and profits.

"Shall we investigate?"

As Father stood up, the duke nodded and stood up too.

"We’ve troubled you again. I'm sorry for Chandler Marquis and the like."

"No, no, Chandler Marquis is a fine man. His wife and Nadia reconciled too. Although their daughter is a bit too lively."

Yes. The Chandler Marquis’s wife, who spilled wine on Mother’s dress during school, apologized formally last year, and they reconciled to the point of greeting each other at gatherings. The young lady who once used my sister’s invitation without permission to approach me has also cal

med down and now attends higher education with Chris onii-sama. We rarely interact.

"Father and Duke Powell, I have something from Alan onii-sama."

"I should give it?"

"Don't make that face, onii-sama."

If I handed it over, they’d wonder how I found out. Listening to Irene at the tea party, I researched on Wiki-kun, picked out names, and asked Alan onii-sama to investigate.

Alan onii-sama did his own research too. When he asked where I got the names, we agreed to keep it secret. His butler, Luther, is shady-looking, and he has friends in the Fairy Company.

But Alan onii-sama keeps a good distance, unlike Chris onii-sama, who would question me until I confessed.

"This is..."

"Alan, when did you..."

"If the Fairy Company is involved, I had to investigate."

Moulding Marquis family’s investigation, perfectly done.

The Fairy Company could thrive as detectives.

To prevent situations like with the Moulding Marquis, where people use dirty tricks for more profit.

"They discussed joint development in a crowded place, saying Dia was more beautiful than rumors and wanting to be friends."

"Oh?"

Chris onii-sama continued to stir the pot. Father’s face turned scary, so stop.

"Messing with the Marquess of Regan family means disrespecting me."

"Trying to charm Dia is unforgivable."

Marquess Corquette and Father exchanged sinister smiles.

Duke Powell didn’t stop them.

Moulding Marquis family is finished.

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Author Notes:

Thank you for reading.

Typos and errors are always appreciated.

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