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

Setting aside the matter of myself, there's no doubt that measures against teleportation magic are urgent. At any moment, someone new could master teleportation magic.

Chris-oniisama and Duke Powell know several people in the empire who are on the verge of mastering it. It's probably the same in Luftanen.

There could even be some in other countries.

So, setting aside the matter of myself, I fully support arranging a meeting to discuss this quickly.

But I'll leave those difficult discussions to my parents. I'll focus on my job.

I need to showcase the usefulness of cacao and increase its production, or both cocoa and chocolate will become too expensive.

"This is a good opportunity, so I'd like everyone to try some products made with cacao imported from Luftanen. First, this is a drink called cocoa."

The server brought out small cups, similar to espresso cups, filled with cocoa.

Since we still have limited cacao and are planning to introduce it to the aristocracy during this year's social season, it's not yet on the menu.

Only the students invited to the Berisario dormitory know about cocoa; adults have only heard rumors.

We'll formally introduce it at Chris-oniisama's coming-of-age tea party.

"The color is lighter than chocolate. Did you add milk?"

"It smells great."

"Delicious."

"What? What is this?"

Unlike Kamiru and Saromon, who sniffed the cocoa and discreetly waited for their spirits to check for poison, the guys at the other table started drinking right away. Quiet exclamations of surprise arose.

Hehe. The real show is just beginning.

"To think that chocolate could become such a drinkable form."

"This looks like it will be popular."

"In the future, we plan to sell cocoa powder so households can add milk and sweeteners to their taste."

"And you want to increase cacao imports for this?"

"Hehe. Let's talk about that after you try the next confectionery."

After serving everyone a glass of water to reset their palate, we presented a small glass dish with a single piece of chocolate.

Even my father, who had been in the capital all this time, was trying chocolate for the first time.

Though I called it chocolate, it was a small nut and chocolate cluster about three centimeters in diameter. The ratio was mostly nuts with a bit of chocolate to bind them together.

It's still in the prototype stage, with sweetness and hardness adjustments to be made, but I wanted it as a souvenir for those invited to the coming-of-age celebration. The taste is guaranteed.

In this world, nuts are very cheap.

Whether locally sourced or imported, nuts are much more affordable than cacao.

The sweetener used in the empire is fructose from a sweet fruit called Shura, a specialty of the western territories.

Imported sugar from sugar cane is also available, so sweeteners are abundant.

The empire boasts the highest quality and variety of cuisine among neighboring countries.

The empire grew large by militarily subjugating surrounding ethnic groups, right?

The margraves, for instance, are all from these other ethnicities.

Ruling through brute force would lead to constant civil strife, quickly exhausting the nation.

So, a wise emperor of the past thought.

If people believe they can live better lives as part of the empire than as small independent countries, they won't seek independence.

A good life means abundant food, clothing, and shelter.

With such a large country, encompassing east, west, north, and south, various materials are available. Let's organize logistics and make delicious food! he thought.

Wonderful!

Winning hearts through their stomachs is crucial.

Therefore, except for cacao, resources are plentiful and cheap.

To import more cacao, we need to convince Kamiru and his people that increasing production will be worthwhile.

Expanding cacao plantations costs money.

We could cover the expenses, but they probably don't want to incur more debts to the empire.

"This is the first chocolate I've created. Currently, due to limited cacao and the need for a substantial amount for the coming-of-age celebration, the nuts outweigh the cacao. It's still a work in progress, but please try it."

While black food is usually unappealing, they know about chocolate and have no resistance.

Still, no one dared to pop the whole piece into their mouth.

They all took small bites, surprised by the new sensation of the nutty flavor blending with the sweet, slightly bitter chocolate.

"This... is something else..."

"Delicious..."

"The slight bitterness might appeal to people who don't like overly sweet things."

Right?

The chocolate I aim to create first is like those in French chocolateries—refined, jewel-like confections that appeal to the aristocracy.

Packaged in beautiful boxes and wrapped for gifting.

Since it's priced per piece, even commoners might buy it for special occasions.

Mass production in this world is far off, so making chocolate everyone can afford is a future goal.

But if aristocrats recognize it and cacao supply stabilizes, increasing the number of chocolatiers, one day children might snack on chocolate.

Coating nuts or flakes could keep prices down.

"As I mentioned before, we guarantee to import a certain amount annually for the next ten years. So please increase cacao production. Chocolate will undoubtedly spread worldwide."

"Next is Luftanen. How about having cocoa with the producers in the South Island?"

As expected, my mother had a great idea.

Knowing how their product turns out would boost their motivation and confidence. If they believe it will sell, they'll be more proactive about expanding cacao cultivation.

"This time, we can only give you cocoa, but when I visit Luftanen, I'll bring chocolate. I'd love to deliver it to the South Island cacao producers."

"That would be..."

"Dia, we'll think about that later. The people in Luftanen have their own schedules..."

"That would be wonderful!"

Unlike my reluctant parents, Saromon excitedly agreed.

"They'll be delighted. The South Island is also the Crown Princess's homeland."

"Yes. Kamiru can teleport me there."

"Hey... Saromon..."

Kamiru looked annoyed, but I ignored it.

Ignoring my worried family, too.

This opportunity might not come again.

Although everyone seemed eager to try more chocolate, we held off and treated them to omelets, salad, and freshly baked bread from the menu since they hadn't had lunch yet.

The omelets were served with a bottle of tomato ketchup on the table, allowing them to add as much as they liked, a style particularly popular with the boys.

Apparently, Luftanen rarely holds balls. Instead, they host banquets with large platters of food in the center, where guests help themselves, similar to a Japanese izakaya.

Guests can dance if they want, but it's common for people to just eat, drink, and chat.

Sounds fun. I love that kind of atmosphere.

But they need to learn the empire's way.

"Kamiru-sama has rarely attended tea parties or dinners."

"Saromon..."

"Since he's staying at the Margrave of Berisario's castle, it's better to be honest and learn before the real event, right? Kamiru-sama and Kisu both need to improve."

"Me too?!"

Of course. You're the Count's son.

As Kamiru's aide, you'll attend ceremonies and tea parties together.

"First, you need to get used to talking to girls. It won't do if you've never had a proper conversation."

"Really?"

Mother looked genuinely surprised, and Kamiru awkwardly scratched his cheek.

"Well... due to certain circumstances, there were no girls my age in my environment."

"So, you've never danced?"

"I've practiced a bit... with other boys."

"Kamiru-sama was busy visiting the West and South Islands on behalf of the Crown Prince, who couldn't leave the palace..."

Saromon's explanation made my parents nod in understanding.

Initially upset about my lake meeting with Kamiru, Father seemed to pity Kamiru's hectic life and thought something should be done.

"How about asking Airisu and Sheriru? Neri will continue to be my attendant, and they can help with dance practice."

"That's a good idea. They can learn table manners while eating. Breakfast and lunch are usually light, so there should be no problems. Everyone eats nicely."

"The Crown Prince arranged for everyone to have tutors when he was in the palace."

Kamiru and the Crown Prince seem really close.

Talking about his brother softened Kamiru's expression a bit.

Since Kamiru and his group still had their belongings at their base, we decided to move to the castle and finalize the details later.

"Let's prepare for the move."

"Dia, we plan to create a teleportation point in front of the guard station inside the castle. Open a path there."

"Open a path?"

Luftanen's people seemed puzzled, implying my way of teleporting was unusual.

I dislike the instant disappearance and reappearance method of teleportation.

It's fine if the spirit kings transport me; it's natural for them.

But I'm different.

What does it mean to disappear?

Do I disassemble and reassemble?

Travel through a dimensional rift?

Maybe we're doing the same thing, but I prefer making the process visible, while others think cutting space isn't something humans should do.

Haven't they ever thought about a door that leads straight to work or school?

Even if they don't know the reference, surely everyone in my previous life wished for such a door.

"Alright, I'll do it."

As I finished speaking, a white light split the space, revealing a different scene on the other side. It was already within the Berisario castle grounds.

"Wh-wha..."

"This is..."

Luftanen's group looked shocked, as if they might collapse.

"...Dia."

Kamiru seemed quite wary, his eyes sharp and voice lower than usual.

"How long can you keep this open?"

"As long as my magic lasts, it can stay open, and any number of people can pass through."

"What's the largest thing you can transport?"

"Not sure, but I've moved a spirit car through it before."

"

......"

This magic could transport armies directly to another country's city.

It's not instant, but seeing thousands of soldiers emerge from space would be terrifying.

"Only I can use this method."

"Huh?"

"Normal people's magic and spirit strength aren't enough, apparently. The spirit kings said they strengthened my spirits to protect me."

"Oh... so it's just you..."

The tension eased noticeably, and the atmosphere relaxed.

"Then it's a convenient magic for transporting goods."

"Should you be relieved about that?"

"If Dia uses it to deploy an army, it would be against someone so bad that the spirit kings wouldn't let it slide. They'd turn the place into a desert."

Kamiru's words made both Luftanen and Berisario people nod in agreement.

What is this strange sense of agreement?

"That means you trust I won't do anything unreasonable."

"Of course, I trust you. Besides..."

"Besides?"

"We have no choice but to accept it."

Before Kamiru could reply, Saromon's dejected tone made me consider sending Jin after him, but everyone stopped me.

"You have spirit kings too. Work harder."

"Ehh..."

It's creepy when an adult man tilts his head and touches his cheek!

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