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

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Author Notes:

  I did the shopping yesterday, taped the windows, and spent the rest of the time writing the novel.

  Hope the power doesn't go out.

  Everyone, stay safe and evacuate early if needed!

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The place where Kohaku lives is above the Aaron Falls, on a hill overlooking the capital. The hill extends beyond the capital, and since both the area above and below the falls are royal property, outsiders are prohibited from entering. Although it’s in the middle of the city, people can’t approach. However, the dimension where Kohaku's residence is located seems different from the dimension where humans live, or maybe there’s some special magic at work because the climate and scenery are completely different from the capital.

The river upstream of the massive waterfall is wide, which makes sense. But the water flows gently and is so clear that you can see the bottom. Despite the waterfall’s thunderous roar and the sheer volume of water plunging into the basin, this calm flow seems impossible. And on the other side of the river, are those cherry blossoms? Peaches? I can’t tell, but the trees are covered in light pink flowers. It’s winter! The capital is on the brink of snow, and yet... The trees on this side of the river are even more incredible. Every tree is laden with fruit. In winter!

"As expected of the Earth Spirit King."

'If you see any fruit you like, feel free to pick and eat it.'

"Thank you."

Though he expressed his gratitude, the crown prince didn’t reach out to take any fruit, walking behind Kohaku instead. Kohaku, still favoring Alan-oniisama, had Chris-oniisama place him beside the crown prince. Behind them walked Eldred-oushitsu and Chris-oniisama, while I, flanked by Ruri and Patty, brought up the rear. Patty, who had been dragged into this, clung tightly to my arm.

"Why is this happening...?"

"Just tell them you got caught up in my mess. It’s the truth."

'What’s she so worried about?'

"Normally, only members of the frontier houses in charge of a region can visit the Spirit King’s residences. Central was supposed to be visited only by royalty, but this time, we tagged along."

'There’s no such rule.'

"Yeah, but during the initial introduction to the Spirit Kings for the frontier houses, I thought it wouldn’t be fair if only Berisario got invited to all the Spirit Kings’ residences. So, we made a rule that only the families of the designated representatives of each region could visit. If Berisario received special treatment, there’d be political ramifications."

'If it’s just you getting special treatment, that’s fine. But if you can’t visit the other Spirit Kings, everyone will get noisy.'

"I think everyone’s already given up. They’ve accepted that I’m a special case."

As we chatted, we approached a white structure reminiscent of the Greek Parthenon. Although it looked similar with its surrounding white pillars, this building was much larger, with the central area supported by multiple tiers of squares, each one smaller than the one below, topped with half-dome roofs. The openings had no doors or windows, and the structure rose about ten stories high, with external staircases lacking railings. Do they even need stairs if they can fly? Maybe it’s just for show?

The area in front was paved with white stones, with a round pond at the center from which water channels extended in all directions. Floating above the pond was a transparent disk etched with twelve radial lines, mirrored in the pond below.

"A clock?"

'Yes, isn’t it lovely?'

Despite the disk lacking hands, the pond's reflection showed the time. It was beautiful, but seemed surprisingly unearthly for the residence of the Earth Spirit King. Suou’s place seemed more fitting for an Earth Spirit King.

'Are you thinking it doesn’t suit an Earth Spirit King?'

"Ugh."

'All humans think that way. Sure, our clothes match our attributes, but why should everything about us scream Earth Spirit King? It’s absurd.'

I guess that’s true. Whatever color they wear or wherever they live, Kohaku is still the Earth Spirit King.

'However, it’s true that I prefer places with lots of plants, animals, and ground. I find such places comfortable.'

"So, this building isn’t comfortable for you?"

'It’s fine. I’m in the mood for it now. When I get bored, I’ll change it again.'

'All the Spirit Kings frequently change where they live.'

'Hisui changes most often. That’s why the teleportation array is necessary. It allows us to travel anywhere quickly.'

Some people really love moving around.

"So, Ruri, have you ever lived somewhere other than that spring?"

'Moving is a hassle.'

'He has multiple residences within his domain.'

Ah, the type who prefers having multiple homes. Maintaining them is tough, but for those who find hotels unsettling, having their own homes is better. The more I learn about the Spirit Kings, the more their unique personalities stand out, making them even more intriguing. Would Spirit Kings of the same element but from different countries act similarly? No, Moana and Ruri wouldn’t behave the same way.

We were guided to a slightly elevated area right next to the colonnade, with a few steps leading up. This space was carpeted, with cream-colored low sofas that looked incredibly soft, like you’d sink in and never get up.

'You can see the capital from here.'

The scale was all wrong. The height difference of Aaron Falls times how many?! This feels like looking down from the summit of Mount Takao!

'Sit here.'

"Someone afraid of heights would cry."

'What, are you scared?'

"I’m not scared."

The sofas were arranged in an L-shape for better viewing. Ruri promptly sat in the corner, so I took the seat to his right, with Patty, still clutching my arm, sitting beside me. Ruri’s left had Alan-oniisama, then Chris-oniisama, and finally the crown prince. For some reason, Kohaku sat next to Patty, and Eldred-oushitsu, after some hesitation, was pulled by the arm to sit next to Kohaku.

'Finally, I could invite you, Andrew. And this is Eldred? We haven’t met since your family came for the forest completion.'

Kohaku addressed Eldred, who nodded vaguely. Large-flowered-dressed women in ankle-length gowns, wrapped in wide sashes and wearing sheer outer robes, had silently appeared beside the table, arranging drinks and fruit plates. The air was less tense, making it easier to listen despite the attention.

Kohaku's tone wasn’t accusing, but the atmosphere felt awkward.

"I apologize. Eldred isn’t involved in public duties, and with my schedule, we could never visit together."

'That’s fine, but aren’t you too busy? You’re only fifteen, right? There are things you can only do now.'

"I attend the academy and spend time with friends. But if I were to visit Kohaku-sama alone, it seems to cause much unease... I’m considering asking Duke Powell to represent Central instead."

"What? Why?"

"It’s suggested that having four regional representatives under the royal family might be better. Also, I have little magic and might not be able to raise more spirit beasts. The Powell family, with their strong magic lineage, might be more suitable."

The crown prince's explanation seemed hesitant, but he probably faced many political pressures. It didn’t seem like a bad idea. Having four generals under the royal family felt very imperial, though my idea of an empire came from anime in my past life.

As for magic, although the former general had little magic, the Central region had trouble contracting with spirits for years. Magic wasn’t a priority for nobles anymore, given their focus on other talents and alliances. The disparity in magic among nobles wasn’t the crown prince’s fault.

"And I have regrets. Five years ago, at Berisario, we had a chance to talk. If I had shared everything then, the incident might have been avoided. But at that time, I didn’t trust Diadora."

What?! I was five then. What could I have possibly done?

"That’s not true."

"We didn’t trust the crown prince either."

"You guys... show some restraint."

"No, it’s fine. Chris talking about restraint feels weird."

"Hey."

Is it okay to address the crown prince that way?

Show some respect, Chris-oniisama.

"Even if you had talked then, I wouldn’t have done anything. I was only five, interested in Berisario’s lands but not the whole empire. I might have run away to avoid getting involved."

"If you had brought it up, I would have left the room with Diadora."

Our responses seemed to shock him. The crown prince pressed his forehead and looked down. Is he feeling insecure? Stressed out? He must be, always surrounded by frontier marquesses and grand dukes, handling national affairs. And he has to prove he’s worthy of the throne every day. Does he have alopecia? Is he okay?

"But our conversation then left a deep impression on me. Now, I understand it even more."

"Which conversation?"

"You told me to be careful who I fall for. There’s a risk they might be envied or assassinated."

"I retract that."

"What?!"

I felt bad about my friends getting dragged into it!

"Considering how much stronger you’ve become, I doubt anyone would dare oppose you. You can choose anyone as a lover or friend."

'No strange men.'

"Of course, I would object."

"If they are to join our family, they must be decent."

"What if Di

adora leaves the country over a relationship?"

"『...』"

The crown prince's question left everyone, including Ruri, speechless. Is my family the biggest obstacle?

"I wouldn’t leave. But if you’re too unreasonable, I might stop talking to you."

'I would never be unreasonable.'

"Ah, Ruri-sama betrayed us."

"Diadora, would you be okay without talking to us?"

Chris-oniisama, don’t look so desperate. This isn’t that kind of conversation.

We can talk about silly things later.

'Powell, huh? That’s fine, but think long-term. Five, ten years from now, will you regret not being the representative?'

"Yes, I’m unsure."

'If each regional representative's family and those approved by Diadora can be invited, there’s no issue.'

"There are many issues."

Why increase my power?

'Yes, that’s fine. Powell can join now, and you can come alone once you’re crowned. I could visit the palace too.'

My opinion was ignored again.

Don’t dismiss it. Listen.

"I can’t ask that much..."

'It’s fine. I have regrets too. When Luhtanen’s spirit kings isolated themselves, Hisui and Suou scolded them. But until Ruri met Diadora, we avoided humans. I watched Gene and Powell but did nothing when the spirit forest was destroyed. I was ready to turn the capital into a desert. If a spirit king like me can regret, you shouldn’t feel bad. I want to help now. I’ve seen your efforts, and I believe the country will improve under your reign.'

"Thank... you."

Kind words and expressions would make the crown prince cry. Should we not have come?

'Visit regularly, like other regions. You can do that, right?'

She placed a hand on Eldred's head, ruffling his hair.

'I won’t meddle in human politics, but I can listen to your complaints.'

"Yes, please let me."

"And I..."

Eldred raised his head and finally looked the crown prince in the eye.

"I don’t think I’m fit for royalty. I want to renounce my claim to the throne and leave the royal family."

What?

...What?

Is this what he wanted to talk to me about?

So he’s been troubled too. Of course, he has.

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading.

  Your typo reports are helpful.

  If you enjoyed it, please rate it below.

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