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

That evening, I received another message from my mother, and we ended up having dinner together again. We've met for three days straight now. If the kids whose homes are far from the transfer circles live in dormitories, shouldn’t we just commute from the castle every morning?

"This is the first time something like this has happened."

"Ever since Diadora enrolled in the academy, there's been something happening every day."

My mother and Chris-ani were smiling wryly, and Alan-ani patted my shoulder gently to comfort me, but I haven’t done anything wrong!

Before dinner, I had some time alone with my mother to talk about Carla. She wouldn’t want her friend's older brother to know that she admired the Crown Prince. I didn’t really want to talk about it with my mother either, but she had already discussed it with the Marquess of Norland's wife and knew more about Carla's situation than I did.

When Carla heard she was no longer a candidate for Crown Princess, she apparently cried. She seemed quite depressed, so she would skip classes tomorrow and return the day after.

"Is it okay to proceed with Chris-ani's coming-of-age celebration as planned?"

"Yes. We can't change it now because it coincides with the Crown Prince's celebration. However, Carla might not attend the luncheon."

Despite wanting to switch topics, the conversation drifted back to Carla. This year, the Crown Prince and Chris-ani’s coming-of-age celebrations overlapped, causing a lot of hustle and bustle in the castle. Each of their stewards was standing by, eager to discuss reports and arrangements. Their presence made it hard to relax, even during meals.

"Today, while talking with the Marquess of Norland's wife at the palace, we happened to run into the Marchioness of Johannes."

"That was no coincidence."

"Indeed. The Marquess of Norland's wife wanted her daughter to apologize and reconcile our relationship with the Johannes family."

"Reconcile? It’s not like we’re actually fighting."

In the current empire, my mother, who is at the highest social rank, made new undergarments and popularized bustiers to replace corsets through the Fairy Company. Tightening corsets to the point of cracking ribs or hip bones is unhealthy. Many women who suffered or damaged their bodies by wearing corsets eagerly adopted bustiers. Now, the bustier dress has emerged. 

By wearing a bustier as outerwear, emphasizing the bust while slimming the upper body, and using soft fabrics to create layers of pleats for the skirt, it became a hit, especially for dancing. Because my stylish mother wore it, the dress quickly became a sensation. I guess you could call her a fashion leader. Her influence is enormous.

The Marchioness of Johannes is also the hostess of a salon for young people, patronizing artists and musicians. She is known for her unique and fashionable attire. Because of this, she seemed to view my mother as a rival, though she never showed it openly due to her gentle demeanor.

This time, the Marquess of Norland’s wife instructed the Marchioness of Johannes to apologize and restore their previous relations, but she probably disliked the idea.

"Apparently, Carla is invited to the luncheon, but I'm worried about her attending alone. What should we do? Diadora-sama, do you want my daughter to attend?"

She said this in her usual gentle and smiling manner. She likely wanted the conversation to steer towards inviting both parents. But my mother wasn’t having it.

"Don’t worry. Diadora is a responsible child who doesn’t mix personal and public matters. We appreciate the early notice of her absence," she replied.

My mother happily accepted the challenge. The Marquess of Norland’s wife’s stomach must be in knots.

"So, the Johannes family won’t be invited to Chris-ani’s coming-of-age celebration at all?!"

"She said she was worried."

"How amusing it will be to see people’s reactions when the Johannes family, overseen by Ruri-sama, doesn’t attend the next Berisario heir's celebration."

Alan-ani had a mischievous grin. He and Chris-ani were quite upset about the Johannes family’s response. Even with Carla, they felt Johannes could have at least written an apology note, expressing little regard for him. They’re strict not only with themselves but also with others.

"The Marquess of Norland's wife was visibly upset, claiming she would cut ties with the Johannes family. However, the Marchioness of Johannes couldn’t comprehend why Berisario would sever their relations over something as trivial as missing a single luncheon. She probably thinks it would be problematic for us to antagonize both the Marquess of Norland and the Johannes family."

Other nobles might think that way. Even dukes would try to maintain a good relationship with the Johannes family due to the rising power of the Marquess of Norland and my friendship with Carla. For us, there’s no disadvantage in making the Johannes family our enemy.

"The Marquess of Norland's wife probably thought she could handle the situation as usual. But leave the Johannes family to me. I won’t tell you to stop being friends with Carla. Just continue as you have been. Now, Diadora has something to discuss with you."

"Yes. Chris-ani, I asked Monica and Suzanna what they thought of you as a potential husband."

"...What?"

This might be the first time I’ve seen Chris-ani so surprised. The prodigy who understands everything seemed to be at a loss for words, freezing momentarily.

"Isn’t the plan for one of the Crown Prince's unchosen candidates to become your fiancée?"

"Wait… what?"

He stood up in a panic, trying to silence me while glancing at our mother.

"I think it’s inappropriate to make such decisions without consulting your parents, even if personal choices are respected until adulthood."

"I’m sad. Hearing such important news from Diadora instead of you."

She sighed softly, placing a hand on her cheek and tilting her head. Even knowing it’s an act, seeing our mother like that made Chris-ani panic.

"I intended to consult you. I hadn’t made a final decision yet. Diadora misunderstood. Diadora, why did you—"

"You didn’t tell me not to mention it, so I just shared it."

"Diadora."

"Chris, don’t intimidate Diadora."

Our mother’s stern words made Chris-ani close his mouth and sit back down.

"This is a crucial matter. The futures of two young ladies are at stake. You and the Crown Prince understand that, don’t you?"

"Of course. Andy is thinking about the future of the country."

"Yes… the Crown Prince is likely considering who he should marry and how he should live for the good of the nation. I might be wrong to wish for it, but I hope he can spend a bit of time feeling like a person rather than just an emperor, getting to know both candidates before making his choice."

"The same goes for you, Chris-ani. Don’t act as if any suitable candidate will do."

Chris-ani seemed to realize that arguing was pointless and continued eating without looking at us.

"I love our family. Our home always feels pleasant because our parents love each other. If we had meals where we only met out of obligation and exchanged necessary words, living in the castle would become unbearable."

"Diadora, don’t make it sound like I can’t fall in love."

"Do you intend to?"

"Well, I thought you’d say love is just an illusion."

"Please stop, mother. I know how important it is to choose the right partner for maintaining the territory and surviving in the aristocratic society."

That’s not the point, but love isn’t something you can just decide to feel.

"Very well. By the way, Camill will be coming to the Crown Prince and Chris’s coming-of-age celebration at the end of the year."

"Where will he stay?"

"Of course, we’ll host him at our castle. Rex has been in frequent contact with the Fairy Company, so he’s been coordinating the number of people and schedules."

Usually, we wouldn’t host foreign dignitaries for a coming-of-age celebration. But Lufthanen owes us because I helped awaken their spirit king, and the representative of the Northern Island trade, Camill, deals with the Fairy Company. It’s only natural he attends Chris-ani’s celebration.

Moreover, having attended Berisario’s celebration, he couldn’t skip the Crown Prince’s. Next fall, there will be the Crown Prince’s wedding. We want to invite dignitaries from the empire. Therefore, he’ll attend both. It’s quite a duty.

"Mother, I want to visit Lufthanen."

I raised my hand energetically and declared. Both my brothers looked at me in surprise.

"Yes, you should greet their spirit kings."

"Yay! I get to visit another country!"

"Mother! Then I’ll go too!"

"Brother, you said you’d go with the Crown Prince for the coronation!"

"You two, keep your voices down during meals."

Yay! I’ve always wanted to see other countries with my own eyes. I can’t wait to meet Lufthanen’s spirit kings.

---

The next day, as expected, Carla was absent. She returned the day after. When she visited Berisario's dormitory, she looked slightly gaunt, likely from not eating much in the past three days.

"I’m sorry for the trouble I caused."

She came with a same-aged female aide and two fourth-year boys. I expected at least one adult to accompany her, but it was just them.

"It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. I’ve heard everything from my mother and Monica. Are you alright, Carla?"

"Yes, I’m fine now."

Her nod was firm,

 her expression brightened as if she had moved on. Her hairstyle was different today, with curled ends and a cute hair ornament.

"I’ve decided I won’t live by my parents' rules anymore."

"Huh?"

"I’ll live freely."

Is she rebelling? Her hair and makeup have changed, but they’re just a bit more colorful. She actually looks cuter.

"Following my parents' wishes got me into this mess. My parents are no good. They invite people in strange clothes and create Lufthanen-style streets."

"But their tourism was successful, right?"

"It was. But now there are people who can use transfer magic, and we have a good relationship with Lufthanen. Why come here when they can visit Lufthanen?"

True! I’ve been thinking that recently. When you have a handsome black-haired duke from Lufthanen coming to the coming-of-age celebration and the Crown Prince’s wedding, who wouldn’t want to travel there?

Even across the strait, the internal conflict in the Bejaia Kingdom saw a spirit king appearing for those seeking coexistence with spirits. Once the Nicodemus Sect issue is resolved, Starke is closer than Lufthanen, making travel easier.

One reason Chris-ani shifted our main industry from tourism could be this. I didn’t think that far ahead. I had many ideas to outdo the Johannes family, but focusing on tourism was risky. Not getting involved in the hot springs business was fortunate. Either way, our territory’s port will profit regardless.

"I want to find a good partner soon and leave home. Maybe I’ll go to Norland for etiquette training."

No way. Isn’t she taking this too hard? Wouldn’t the Marquess of Johannes be devastated?!

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading.

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