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:

  You might find Diadora's attitude and remarks in this chapter a bit overbearing or intrusive. However, please read the next two chapters, and I believe you will understand her better.

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"One more proposal," I said, raising a finger and smiling sweetly. The four of them tensed up again. Honestly, they were being so rude.

"Please, keep this conversation strictly between the six of us. Considering how the news about the crown princess candidates spread, I'm afraid we can't trust the discretion of your attendants, bodyguards, or maids. Do you all agree?"

I slowly looked at each of them, confirming their nods before continuing.

"By choosing multiple candidates for the crown princess, it means His Highness has no particular woman he favors yet, right?"

"...That's correct."

"And Chris-nii-sama also said he doesn't have anyone special, right?"

"I did."

"Then, how about letting the women choose instead?"

"Diadora?!"

"That's outrageous!"

Monica and Suzanna practically shrieked. Well, it's understandable. Having the crown prince be the one chosen is quite improper.

"Please, calm down. Let me explain. I have no intention of being disrespectful to His Highness," I said, trying to soothe them.

"Just get on with it," His Highness interrupted, his tone gruff.

"Ultimately, His Highness will make the final decision. However, if Chris-nii-sama and one of the two appear to be especially close, His Highness wouldn't choose her, right? He wouldn't push his own preferences over maintaining good relations with Berisario."

"............"

The prince raised an eyebrow, and it was intimidating.

"Marriage changes women's lives more significantly. They have to leave their homes and live with new families in new places. They can usually only take one or two maids with them. Especially this time, the choice is between becoming the future empress or the future lady of Berisario. Both are significant changes, right?"

I paused to let my words sink in, watching their faces.

"Particularly, becoming part of Berisario would be daunting, wouldn't it?"

The men looked surprised, and the women seemed unsure how to respond.

"Your Highness, if they had the choice, they would undoubtedly prefer to be the crown princess. That's what they've been preparing for, and the prince is very popular among the girls."

"If it's about popularity, Chris has it too."

"The ones interested in Chris-nii-sama are likely attracted to his looks and might have unrealistic expectations. Besides, if they marry into Berisario, they'll have to deal with me. The people and nobles of our territory practically worship me as some fairy princess. Any new bride would be compared to me."

"Ah..."

Understanding dawned on His Highness's face as he glanced at Chris-nii-sama.

"And he's also a..."

He muttered quietly.

"What?"

"An extreme siscon."

Right on point.

"Berisario also has the Fairy Company. Mother is involved in the business, serving as a public figure. Marrying into Berisario means taking on such responsibilities. The real challenge is what comes after the marriage, not the wedding itself."

The room fell silent, my brothers giving me questioning looks, and Chris-nii-sama glared at me. They were very much aware the women were observing them.

"So, my suggestion is that the women should also consider which role they'd be able to handle better. Also, I'll fully support whoever marries Chris-nii-sama and move out after graduating from the academy."

Chris-nii-sama looked like he wanted to say something but held back.

"But it's not all bad. It's rewarding work, and there are no other women in the royal family right now, so there's no mother-in-law issue. His Highness might seem rough around the edges, but he's kind and not arrogant. He's the ideal man of the empire, right?"

His Highness seemed embarrassed by the compliments, but the women nodded enthusiastically.

"Chris-nii-sama, on the other hand, treats me well despite his teasing. He respects my opinions and listens to the staff and maids. He'll listen to his wife too."

"Yes, I was surprised when he said we could call him by his name," Monica agreed.

"Berisario and Lady Nadia are a dream couple for any woman," Suzanna added.

Chris-nii-sama tried to remain expressionless, but His Highness nudged him, making him blush slightly.

"Ah, so you've already grown close to them, huh?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Monica feels insecure about her height and beautiful blonde hair, always braiding it to keep it from looking too big. But she's not that tall, and she has a lovely face and long limbs."

"Big?"

His Highness seemed puzzled, scrutinizing Monica.

"Sure, Berisario men are slim, but she's shorter than you. Didn't your mother have suggestions for her hair?"

"Yes, she said loose curls would suit her better."

"That sounds nice."

Monica blushed and hid behind her fan. It's rare for a girl to be complimented so directly.

"Suzanna, on the other hand, is all about contrast."

"Me too?"

"Of course. You're stylish and mature, often misunderstood, so you keep men at bay. You like cute things despite being bold..."

"Diadora! Some things shouldn't be shared!"

"Oh, this is a secret."

Suzanna loves modern underwear and garters from the Fairy Company. She appreciates the cute lace.

"No male friends?"

"Many approach her."

"But older men aren't appealing."

Older men might find her maturity appealing, but she dislikes their advances. Since becoming a candidate for crown princess, those advances have thankfully stopped.

"This is finally starting to feel like a real matchmaking session. You must remember that you're choosing someone to build a new royal family with. These women are incredibly capable. They can be your greatest allies or fiercest adversaries."

I nailed it. I said something good!

"Well, well, the ten-year-old with the smug look on her face. This isn't normal."

"Not normal?"

"His Highness is right. Diadora, you have no romantic experience, right?"

Monica looked puzzled, despite being only a year older.

"Of course not. Never been in love. But I've heard stories from adults."

"That makes you overly knowledgeable."

"His Highness! That's inappropriate!"

I've only ever been in love with 2D characters.

"May I ask something?"

Suzanna's serious tone caught His Highness off guard.

"Diadora has repeatedly said she has no interest in being empress. But don't you secretly wish she were your wife?"

"No, I don't."

Quick denial!

"Listening to this, you can tell she's unusual. It's like an old man in a ten-year-old's body."

"That's insulting!"

Even if I have some mature views, calling me an old man is too much!

"So that's settled. It's a bit scary."

"Yes, whether it's Berisario or becoming empress, it's intimidating."

Don't be scared, Monica. Am I really that intimidating?

"Enough about that. My relationship with His Highness is fine as it is."

"I completely agree."

"My proposal..."

"What was all that if not a proposal?"

"Didn't you just suggest something?"

Did I propose something?

"You said women should choose."

"Chris-nii-sama, that was just the premise for my real proposal."

"Too long!"

"Diadora, while we appreciate your concern, are you considering your future?"

Monica has matured a lot lately. She looks much older than her age.

"While it's true we can't force marriages before adulthood, many matches are made behind the scenes. With your status, you should consider your future seriously."

"I'm still only ten."

Chris-nii-sama couldn't help but object.

"But if there's no one suitable in the empire, what will the spirit kings do? They might take you away."

"I thought the same. Lady Ruri dotes on you."

Even Suzanna's saying this now. Chris-nii-sama and Aran-nii-sama were both looking serious.

"Let's choose someone from a nearby territory."

"I'll gather information."

"Stop it, you idiots. Don't create victims for your convenience."

"Stop talking nonsense. Listen to my proposal!"

Everyone nodded silently.

"You're rushing the engagement to start bridal training, right?"

"Yes."

"Let's have both Monica and Suzanna receive it."

"Both?"

"Yes. The training is useful for Berisario as well. And Chris-nii-sama will be assisting His Highness next year. With all four in the palace, it would be easier to communicate."

"Indeed."

"Training together will be more motivating."

"Right. We'll be connected for life, no matter the outcome."

And nobles from their territories won't interfere.

"Alright, we'll consider it. Your insights were helpful."

"It's easy for you to say. More frequent meetings could cause issues."

Romantic feelings might develop.

"Chris-nii-sama, find me a sister-in-law."

"Aran-nii-sama's passion surprised me."

"Diadora! Let's leave them to discuss."

My guess was right. Aran-nii-sama hurriedly stood, his eyes slightly red.

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading.

  Your typo reports are very helpful.

  If you found this enjoyable, please consider rating it below.

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