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

// Defamation? \\

Actually, I had heard of Salomon Mantester before. When I found out Kamiru would be staying at Berisario as a guest, I naturally checked who was around him. I'm sure my whole family did their research too, though they didn't share it with me. 

That's fine; no parents would inform their ten-year-old daughter about detailed information weeks before the guest's arrival. Given how much Aran-oniisama is concerned about my meeting Kamiru at the spring, Father and Kurisu-oniisama must be even more worried. They wouldn't mention Kamiru to me at all.

So, in front of Aran-oniisama, I had no choice but to smile and pretend I knew nothing, accepting the introductions at face value. After all, Wiki-kun is a secret. 

However, I didn't know that Salomon had given up his inheritance or that he became a baron. Strange, why wasn't this on Wiki-kun? Perhaps his family still intends for Salomon to inherit the title. Even though it was once discussed, Salomon has been supporting Kamiru, who is not well-versed in politics or aristocratic dealings, ever since Kamiru returned to the royal palace with teleportation magic. Salomon has helped with the busy work at the palace due to the West Island's troubles and taught Kamiru how to manage his duties, gaining the trust of East Island's nobles. 

He should be made at least a viscount, considering his future central role in the North Island. If he hasn’t been promoted, maybe his parents requested it from the royal family, or it's due to his personality. Probably the latter.

His shady demeanor and free-spirited actions weren't mentioned in Wiki-kun either. I was surprised to meet someone like this in person. Truly, Luftanen's atmosphere is much more relaxed compared to the empire.

"Young Mistress, it seems everyone has arrived. Please return to your seat."

Noticing Salomon and Luther returning from the alley, Gemma finally released me from the fluffy spirit beast pile. Good thing it's winter; I might have died from the heat in the summer.

"I'm back!"

Salomon was the first to energetically climb into the spirit car. Keith peeked over Salomon's shoulder, confirming Kamiru’s presence, and sighed in relief.

"Thank goodness, you're safe."

"I told you so."

"Your words aren't reliable! Don't go out alone without waiting for us."

Keith, with his cool looks, is already a familiar face. Sixteen years old. I used to think he had a stern look, but after seeing Kamiru’s fierce expression, Keith now seems much more aristocratic.

"You're in the way."

A large, muscular man squeezed between Keith and Salomon, who everyone would assume to be Kamiru's bodyguard.

"Kamiru-sama, I’ve told you many times to stay in the room until I arrive."

"I'm sorry. Salomon spotted an ice cream cart from the window, rushed out wanting to get some, and I had no choice but to chase after him."

"Salomon."

At the sound of the deep, low voice, Salomon fled behind the sofa where Aran-oniisama and I were seated.

"He is Bob. He has been Kamiru-sama's bodyguard since birth."

Ah, he was trying to make introductions.

"Hey, stay there… What’s going on, Edgar?"

Two boys stood stunned at the entrance of the spirit car, staring at us. They’re blocking the way for the others behind them. They’re staring at me, right? Maybe my appearance seems strange to the Luftanen people.

"Guys, standing there blocks others from getting in. While Luftanen people might find me intimidating, I won’t harm you."

"What? Intimidating?"

"Not at all. You're so cute… right?"

"Yes, truly like a fairy!"

"Wait, but Kamiru seemed scared..."

"I did say she’s cute. But so cute that she seems… otherworldly…"

Kamiru seems determined to portray me as some supernatural being.

"You two, it's rude to kneel in the presence of the Berisario heirs and noble lady."

Upon Salomon's command, the two boys, blushing, hastily knelt. This makes it difficult for others to board. Speaking of rudeness, Salomon takes the cake.

From the side of the two kneeling boys, Yohumu, the empire representative for the Eastdeal Company, squeezed in and respectfully bowed. I've heard he occasionally visits Fairy Company. This is my first meeting with him. Slightly droopy eyes, thick lips—a man dripping with charm. Gemma made a face of surprise upon seeing Yohumu, meaning he must be quite popular even in the empire.

"Yohumu, long time no see."

Aran-oniisama has met him before. I'm rarely allowed to meet merchants or craftsmen. They say I'm likely to say something odd on a whim. I can’t complain as it’s true.

"It’s been a while. Thank you for your continued support."

"We summoned you. No need to be so formal. Luther, guide them to the table."

At Aran-oniisama's words, the two boys hesitated but finally stood up after seeing Yohumu rise.

"Those two are Edgar and Rune. Both are knight barons."

"Really."

Why is Salomon acting like our butler? Why is he bending down to explain to me and Aran-oniisama? Kamiru is your master, isn't he?

"When Kamiru-sama was almost assassinated, thanks to Keith and these two, he safely escaped the palace and reached us. Though commoners at the time, they were awarded titles for their bravery."

The three fought enemy soldiers during that event. They saved the prince’s life and brought him to the North Island—a heroic deed. Keith and Edgar were eleven years old, and Rune was nine. Amazing. Bob wasn’t there as he was on leave, joining them only when moving to the North Island. Although he didn’t do much, he was rightfully awarded the title of knight baron for protecting Kamiru from infancy when there was no one else to rely on.

This information matches what was on Wiki-kun. Aran-oniisama must have known this already, too. Salomon, being competent, likely explained this knowing we already had this knowledge. He might be observing our reactions.

"Anyway, this time it’s all Salomon's fault, right?"

"Indeed."

"Apologies."

"Well, it was partly my fault too, but..."

As the conversation seemed to settle, I tried to lighten the mood, but while everyone from Luftanen apologized, only Salomon looked dissatisfied.

"They’ve been here before, you know. This is my first time abroad, and yet, no sightseeing or leisurely meals! Isn’t that unfair?"

Why are you appealing to me?

"As an adult, you should be ashamed of such childish complaints."

"Ugh."

So dramatic. No need to clutch your chest in agony.

"Dia, how old do you think Salomon is?"

A surprising question. I hadn't considered his age. Nor did I check if he was married or engaged. Luftanen people look more like Polynesians, so they don't appear particularly youthful. But Salomon’s face looks more East Asian, so he might be older than he looks.

"Twenty-six?"

"...What?"

"Wow."

Everyone burst into laughter.

"No way... that's..."

"Older?"

"Younger! I'm only twenty!"

I forgot I used to be Japanese. There was no need to guess an older age than I felt.

"Then, isn't Yohumu about twenty-five?"

"Correct."

"See, they looked about the same age."

"That’s terrible... terrible..."

For me, whether you're ten or fifteen years older, it's all the same category of significantly older.

"You should praise me for not calling you an uncle."

"Ugh."

Oh, he’s now kneeling, clutching his chest.

"Dia, stop."

"Yes, Onii-sama."

"So fearsome... the Fairy Princess..."

What is Salomon, really? Kamiru's personal comedian?

That’s what I thought. But this guy’s noble mode is impressive. As soon as we arrived at the store and he straightened his collar, his demeanor changed. His expression and movements were those of a true noble.

But shouldn’t he have done that from the start? Why did he think it was okay to show his true self to me and Aran-oniisama? Shouldn't he have tried to make the best impression?

The spirit car arrived at the VIP entrance next to the building as usual. The front of the store was lined with carriages and spirit cars, with people queuing even at the ticket distribution area. Everyone was used to it. At the side entrance, staff in uniforms were waiting.

"The Marquess and his wife are waiting."

That was fast! Even if Hugh contacted them, how could they arrive this quickly? They must have used Mother’s teleportation magic.

Then again, it’s only natural for Father to greet the former prince and current duke from a neighboring country. Given Kamiru's peculiar introduction, I keep forgetting his actual status. Neither Kamiru nor his companions seemed to expect the Marquess couple to personally welcome them, as they all looked surprised.

"Ah, Kamiru. It’s been a while. Glad to see you’re well."

"I apologize for arriving earlier than planned and causing any inconvenience."

"No, no. Given that your company’s base isn't established yet, it's understandable you'd want to hurry."

Mother and I moved next to Father along with Aran-oniisama. It's weird for me to take charge in front of my parents. I know it's odd, even if sometimes I speak out without thinking.

"Keith and Yohumu are here too. Are these all from the Eastdeal Duke's family?"

"Yes. This is Sal

omon Mantester. He assists me with political matters..."

As Kamiru and Father spoke, Salomon suddenly knelt, followed by the others.

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Salomon Mantester. I’ve long wished to express my gratitude to the Berisario family. Thanks to your intervention and awakening of the Spirit Kings, our nation avoided civil war, and West Island is on the path to recovery. We will never forget this debt."

In sync with Salomon's words, everyone bowed their heads.

"Understood. We gratefully accept your sentiments. Please, raise your heads."

Father and Mother seemed pleasantly surprised by this unexpected display of gratitude. I see. When Kamiru first came, because of the Count of Coraline, he made a bad impression. We were ready to capture the count if needed, which is why Paolo was present.

Without awakening the Spirit Kings, West Island might have faced a civil war involving the Nicodemus Sect, the Third Prince's army, and the kingdom's military. Kamiru and his companions might have been on the battlefield by now.

That explains it. They see us as great benefactors for dragging out the Spirit Kings and making them work. They probably know about the time we played with the spirit beasts at Ruri’s spring too. No wonder they feel a connection to me. 

...But isn’t it just Salomon who feels that way? Isn’t everyone else scared?

We first hashed out the necessary discussions with our family, Salomon, and Keith at the same table. Yohumu, being involved in the company’s work, sat at a separate table. Bob, Edgar, and Rune, mainly responsible for guarding and company affairs, also sat with Yohumu. It’s more relaxed there since they only need to eat lunch and not worry about difficult talks.

"However, roaming the city before completing entry procedures was unwise."

"My apologies. We encountered Nicodemus Sect members on the way to the procedures."

"Were you ambushed?"

Aran-oniisama's question made Kamiru’s group look at each other, puzzled.

"I... Since meeting you all last time, I haven’t returned to the empire. Oh, I did visit the spring with Moana, but that was because she said Dia was calling for me..."

"Dia..."

"Father, I asked him to call me Dia. It’s odd for him to call me Diadora when all my friends call me Dia."

"Ugh... I see. It can’t be helped. Anyway, as long as the captured Pendelus people’s statements align with yours, there shouldn’t be an issue."

"Pendelus people?!"

"Yes. It seems they infiltrated the empire to earn foreign currency. Interestingly, they’re cooperating, providing new information. Because of this, the palace leans towards overlooking this incident."

The palace is already informed? For news to travel this quickly, Hugh must have reported it directly. This means Father and Aran-oniisama use Hugh for espionage, not just as a merchant. Hmm.

"We should settle the matter of teleportation magic regulation between our countries during this opportunity."

"Understood. We’ll inform our homeland to include a knowledgeable diplomat in magic..."

"Salomon-kun, don’t forget our daughter is attending your crown prince’s wedding next year."

Father spoke in a slightly lowered tone.

"Huh?"

"Dia’s magic differs from teleportation magic."

Mother sighed, smiling slightly.

"Once she’s there, our daughter could teleport to your side whenever she wants..."

"Salomon, decide quickly."

"Kamiru-sama?"

"Imagine the Fairy Princess strolling your palace halls, followed by the Spirit Kings. Are you okay with that?"

"No, that would be..."

"Moana would do it!"

"Understood!"

Hey, what do you all think I am? This is outright rude.