The Reincarnated Count's Daughter Is the Strongest as She Is Loved by the Spirits, Though She Is Only Wishing for Regular Romance!
Chapter 81
The next day, Carla didn't come to class. The reason given was health problems.
It wouldn't look good for her to attend classes the day after canceling a tea party with the Crown Prince. If she is genuinely unwell, I would like to visit her, but my presence might cause more of a stir right now.
"Why did Lady Johannes take the day off?"
"Maybe she's not well."
"Or maybe she's just skipping."
After a week since school started, most students initially become friends with those of the same gender. Now, in the new week, groups of boys and girls are starting to mingle. These are likely the students who attended social gatherings or tea parties with their dorms or territories over the weekend.
In this class, except for me, Patty, and Carla, everyone is a count's child, so it doesn't matter who they befriend. They all have appropriate family standings.
So, this is how everyone gradually finds close friends and eventually, romantic partners.
Wait a minute. Isn't this a disadvantage for high-ranking ladies?
It's easy for boys with higher status to choose from a wide range, but for girls, approaching a higher-ranking boy requires courage. Only the brave would dare to approach.
Being a countess might be fine, but my family's tolerance seems quite narrow.
"Should I try contacting Carla?"
"Hmm. I think Monika is handling it."
She's her cousin, and if the Marquess of Norland's wife contacted our mother yesterday, it means they're already dealing with it. If we resolve it ourselves while they're mediating, it might cause problems.
Acting now might make it seem like we're making them go to extra trouble for their mistake.
"You're right. We should wait and hear from Monika first."
"Yes, let's talk during lunch."
Though we had this plan, unexpected changes are common.
"Diadora-sama, over there, your brother..."
Two girls, who sometimes talk to me, approached with flushed cheeks and nervous excitement.
The classroom was abuzz. The girls were fixing their hair, smoothing their dresses, and all eyes were on the door.
"Alan-onii-sama."
Alan was standing at the door, unfazed by the attention. Next to him were Douglas and Jude.
Belisarion Marquess's second son, Carlyle Marquis's heir, and the Marquess of Norland's grandson. No wonder the girls' eyes were sparkling.
"Thank you for letting me know."
"No, we were happy you spoke to us."
Just talking to Alan-onii-sama makes them this happy?! Why?!
Wouldn't they faint if the Crown Prince spoke to them?
"Onii-sama, what brings you here?"
I'm used to being the center of attention, but this felt intense.
Three top-tier bachelors attracting women's jealousy and admiration. Young girls, earnestly trying to follow their parents' guidance, act with single-minded determination.
"We're going to lunch now, right? Let's go together."
Oh, an invitation to lunch feels very school-like.
It's a pity the companion is my brother, but friends are coming too.
"Are those two coming too?"
"You haven't had a chance to introduce yourself since school started, right? Let's invite Patty too and head to the dining hall."
"Alright, wait a moment."
I quickly walked over to Patty, who was watching us.
"Alan-onii-sama is treating us to lunch."
"Oh, may I join too?"
"Of course."
Packing our things and leaving the classroom, we were under constant scrutiny.
Patty and I stepped into the hall, where Henry had joined the group.
Jude and Henry, with their good looks and combat training, might bond over their shared "gorilla" physique. Norland and Myler may have different terrains, but they both embody warrior cultures.
"Whoa! Alan's with girls!"
"Idiot, that's his sister."
In the dining hall, our usual group of eight ate together, so I hadn't noticed other students' movements much. Being with familiar faces meant I didn't venture near groups of boys.
With a week passed, I thought of broadening my social circle, and Alan-onii-sama's invitation was timely, though I hadn't expected to be surrounded by boys.
"So, this is the Fairy Princess. She's so cute."
"She doesn't look much like Alan. Lucky she didn't end up with that grim aura."
"Move along. Don't get in the way."
"We'll save seats for six. But our table's next to yours."
"Back off."
Even with Alan-onii-sama guarding, the boys persistently introduced themselves. I didn't know how to react, so I just smiled vaguely, which seemed to be well-received.
"As expected of the Fairy Princess. She's stunning."
"I heard she was strong-willed, but she's so shy and cute."
"The Goodfellow girl is a real beauty too."
"As expected of a duchess, she's so graceful."
This is bad. I've never been directly called cute by boys my age before, so I have no idea how to react.
Should I modestly deny it? Or thank them?
Oh, I'll just copy Patty.
"Uh... um..."
Patty was just as inexperienced! She's all red and stammering.
"Hey, they're both seriously cute."
"Yeah, the way they blush is adorable."
"Line up, boys. I'll knock you out."
"Wait, wait. Alan, don't draw your sword here."
"Whoa. Alan's really mad."
Seeing Alan-onii-sama's glowing red hand, the boys quickly backed off. My and Patty's spirits also intervened, stepping between us and the boys, ready to pounce.
"Sit here. I'll guard you."
"You guys, stop causing trouble and quiet down."
Henry secured seats and escorted us, while Douglas fended off more approaching friends.
Even with my brother's friends here, dealing with the crowd was exhausting.
"Why such a commotion?"
"High-ranking ladies surrounded by attendants and guards make them hard to approach. Seeing them with us made the guys swarm, eager to talk."
My brother's presence let our attendants and guards take a break, thinking fewer people were needed.
Douglas's explanation made me realize that guards and attendants are crucial.
Glancing at our friends' table, I saw them surrounded as usual.
"I asked them to relay a message, but I hope it's alright."
"Isn't it obvious?"
Yes, but Jude and Henry are here too?
Why not invite Monika and Ethel?
"No thanks. I don't want to be seen with my sister at school."
"Same here. She'd hate it."
"Really?!"
The dining hall finally calmed as students settled. They'll get used to me eventually, but for now, the Fairy Princess is still a novelty.
At least they're not scared of me. But sitting nearby doesn't improve the meal's taste or conversation.
"Did Eldie talk to the Crown Prince yesterday?"
"Huh?"
Douglas's quiet question left me momentarily blank.
"Oh, you mean the Prince."
Eldie, Andie, Patty—maybe they call each other like that because they're childhood friends.
Andie is what Chris-onii-sama calls him, so it feels normal. But Eldie? For that bratty prince?
"Did they talk at Amber-sama's place?"
Jude's question got a nod.
I could see Eldie, in a good mood, eating with friends.
"They talked late into the night after returning to the dorm. The Prince has been in a good mood all morning."
That's good.
No more talk of leaving the royal family.
It seemed the invitation was just for a meal, no special conversation. The rest of the lunch was spent chatting about school and catching up on current events.
"Monika says she needs to talk."
Monika's spirit passed the message through Jean.
"Why a message? She could have just talked."
The glowing blue orb floated back towards Monika.
Hearing my reply, Monika stood and approached.
"What's wrong, Monika?"
I stood to meet her, excusing myself from Alan-onii-sama and the others.
"Sorry to interrupt your meal. Last night, I heard Grandmother was refused an audience with Lady Nadia, so I thought we'd eat separately... Brother?!"
"Yo."
Noticing Jude, Monika looked between him and Alan-onii-sama, then at me and Patty.
"So, you're not upset. But why is Brother here?"
"I'm in the same class as Alan, so it's not strange for me to be here."
"That's true, but..."
"Alan-onii-sama invited us to lunch."
"Patty's here too, so I thought it'd be nice to have familiar faces around."
"I see."
Hearing Alan-onii-sama's explanation, Monika finally seemed relieved.
The Marquess of Norland's wife must be quite concerned. But just because the Marquess's wife is her mother, we won't change our relationship with Norland over something like this.
"Carla missed class today. I want to discuss it after class; do you have time?"
"Yes, I want to talk too."
"I've reserved a private room in the salon, so we can talk there."
"How lovely. It's my first time using the salon."
"Patty, please join us."
"Yes, I'd like to hear the details too."
A private room will be perfect for talking.
But why is the handsome gorilla eating without mentioning this?
"If they're not worried, the parents shouldn't be fussing. Belisarion and Johannes can argue; it doesn't concern us. Let Auntie spoil herself."
Wow. As expected from the future Marquess of Norland.
I won't call Jude a gorilla anymore. He's a solid, handsome man.
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Author Notes:
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