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

------------------------

Author Notes:

  The end of the year and New Year are busy times, so updates may be delayed.

------------------------

I had no reason to worry about standing out. Trying not to outshine the adults might be a Japanese way of thinking. Since this ball allows underage sons and daughters to participate, it's the first ball for many children. Naturally, they put a lot of effort into their attire. Even the adults see this as a major opportunity to meet various people. Although it's a daytime ball and exposure is kept modest, many people are dressed in patterned or vividly colored dresses. The debutantes are not to be outdone either. Although their dresses are mainly white, they're lavishly adorned with embroidered jewels and gradations of bright colors, showing off their wealth and taste.

All my friends look stunning too. Mia is glowing with happiness. Carla looks beautiful in her soft, sunlit-colored dress, but the entire Johannes family has somber expressions.

Three days ago, I visited the academy and talked with Carla. Since the incident, this was the first time the family would meet in public, so I planned to greet only Carla, but she stopped me. The family seems to have severe internal {軋轢>(atsureki)<} - friction, more than their issues with Norland or their quarrel with Berisario.

Apparently, the Marquis and Marchioness of Johannes still naively believe that the Marquess of Norland will support them. The Marchioness, who has been pampered all her life, thinks her brother, the new Marquess Cody, will help even if their parents are strict. But that's not going to happen. For Cody, today is crucial as his daughter Monica is announced as a candidate for the crown prince's fiancée. There's no way he'd get along with the Marquis of Johannes, who said Monica shouldn't be a candidate because she would suffer if she married the crown prince.

The Johannes family hoped Carla would smooth things over with me, giving the impression that they are close to me. So, Carla wrote to me to avoid trouble, as she dislikes her father, who didn't let her attend tea parties, and her mother, who only favored her brother.

Even though they noticed us approaching, Carla kept talking with a young lady behind her. Following my parents, who ignored the Johannes family and greeted the Carlyle family, I passed by without acknowledging them.

While my parents greeted the Carlyle family, I kept an eye on Camille and the others coming from behind. With few acquaintances, they had already caught up with us. It's good Douglas is here. I hope he can stall for time by talking with Alan-oniisama and the others. We have to greet the Chandler family next. Although factions are no longer prominent, the Chandler family is very close to Duke Powell, with whom we have a deep history.

Duke Powell, who once clashed with Emperor Eufenia, is now a key political figure, very close to Berisario. The Chandler family, who love spirit beasts like the duke, are also raising spirit beasts. Cathy-sama, who was a rival to my mother during their school days, recently reconciled and became friends. Today, I need to reconcile with Bridget-sama, who once arrogantly approached me at the Marquis of Coraline's party.

Bridget-sama, in the same grade as my brother, is debuting today. We last spoke four years ago, and she has grown into a refined, mature beauty. With her gorgeous red hair and striking deep blue eyes, she's even more beautiful now.

She must have been scolded a lot four years ago. If that turned her into such a sophisticated beauty, she should forget about her past embarrassments. I have plenty of things I want to forget, including memories from my previous life.

"Alan, Dia, this is your first time meeting the Chandler Marquis and Marchioness. Please introduce yourselves."

It's clear how rarely our family visits the capital. There are still many high-ranking nobles we haven't met. The Chandler couple seems to have an age difference, with the Marquis appearing much older than his wife. The Marquis looks gentle, while the Marchioness appears as a seductive madam, but they seem very close.

"Lady Diadora, I apologize for any trouble my daughter caused you in the past."

"Oh, I don't mind at all. Congratulations on your debut today."

Receiving such a sincere apology from the Chandler couple made me feel humbled. Bridget-sama also seemed nervous.

"Thank you. However, I must properly apologize."

"I understand. Let's put that matter behind us. May I call you Bridget-sama?"

"Yes."

"Please call me Diadora then. I don't know many people in the advanced education course, so I'd be happy if we could be friends."

"Th-thank you. I look forward to it."

Bridget-sama looked relieved and almost teary-eyed. Is this really the same Bridget-sama from four years ago? Her resemblance is there, but it's amazing how much one can mature in four years. My only growth in the past four years has been in height.

"When the second term at the academy starts, please visit the dormitory. I hope our schedules align."

Our reconciliation went well. Although Alan-oniisama walked off as if he had nothing to do with it, I hope he greets her properly if I invite her to the dormitory.

"Did Bridget properly apologize?"

We're almost done with the marquises and counts, with only the marquesses and dukes left. While exchanging smiles with Patty, Rebecca-sama, who had just finished her greetings, quietly approached.

"Yes?"

"Dia, Rebecca-sama is Bridget-sama's older sister."

Oh, right. She was the marquess' daughter who mistakenly received and used an invitation meant for someone else. She's now married to the heir of Duke Goodfellow? High-ranking nobles have such a small circle.

"We've made up properly. I'm looking forward to getting along with her."

"Thank you!"

Rebecca-sama and the entire Goodfellow family seemed genuinely grateful. It's a bit uncomfortable to receive so much gratitude.

After finishing the greetings, we stood in our assigned positions. My work here was almost done. The Luftanen delegation stood above us, and next to them was the first step up to the platform where the royals stood. The entrance for those joining the royals and the crown prince's fiancée candidates was different, so the nobles' entrance was now complete. Considering Aaron couldn't participate in the waterfall event, Duke Goodfellow was positioned next to us, with Duke Powell giving up his upper seat.

"Debutantes, please move to the center of the floor."

Those who had come of age, along with their escorts, moved to the center, making it quite crowded. It's customary for family members to escort those without fiancés or lovers. Some adult couples looked very fresh and innocent. I can already see my future of being escorted by my brother.

When the crown prince entered with Prince Eldred and Chris-oniisama, a large commotion erupted. Former marquesses and dukes had moved to their family spots, leaving only young people around the crown prince. Though his aides, all teenage boys, were there, they looked somewhat unreliable.

But they looked impressive. The crown prince wore deep royal blue, the color of the royal family, instead of white. Compared to him, Chris-oniisama wore pure white, almost like a groom at a Japanese wedding. He might look more princely than the royal family. The two of them together were so charming that women might sigh in admiration. Even ladies with particular tastes would be satisfied with this combination.

"Thank you all for gathering on this New Year's Day. Earlier, we met with the Spirit Kings at Aaron's Falls. This marks the third year, and our relationship with the Spirit Kings remains strong. This year, five neighboring countries' Spirit Kings visited to bless the Azelia Empire."

A murmur of amazement spread through the crowd, and all eyes turned to me. Oh, the former marquesses and dukes returned to their seats because of me. They didn't want to be higher up than the Fairy Princess who gathered the Spirit Kings of five neighboring countries. The royals and Chris-oniisama are fine, and the aides' job is to protect the crown prince. But it's considerate to avoid standing above the Fairy Princess. I don't mind at all. I'd rather they ignore my existence.

"All the Spirit Kings favor our country. Let us continue to coexist with spirits and prosper with the Spirit Kings."

This is serious. Even Spirit Kings who haven't appeared before their own people gathered. The leaders of other countries will react to this, and I'll probably be dragged into it.

"On this celebratory occasion, I would like to introduce my fiancée candidates."

After addressing the guests from Luftanen and mentioning Duke Powell and Berisario's visit to the Luftanen Crown Prince's wedding, the crown prince finally announced his fiancée candidates. Amidst a different kind of murmur, small screams could be heard from various places.

"Lady Monica of the Marquess of Norland and Lady Suzanna of the Marquis of Orlandi. They are my fiancée candidates and also candidates for Chris, the heir of the Berisario family. We will decide who will be whose fiancée while considering their preferences and their families' wishes during their time at the palace for princess education."

As Monica and Suzanna were introduced and entered the hall, they looked especially radiant. Monica's dress was close to a bustle style. It emphasized her height and excellent figure, with a large ribbon on the back softening her mature look. The aquamarine-based dress made her golden hair even more gorgeous. Suzanna wore a camellia-colored dress with the latest trend of a side slit revealing lace. Few can wear pink so chicly. Is she really just thirteen? Her development and mature beauty are incredible. No wonder men flock to

 her. But inside, she's just a regular thirteen-year-old girl, so she dislikes such attention.

"No way..."

Someone muttered behind me. Did they have feelings for Monica or Suzanna? A young lady seemed to have fainted, but I hope she's okay. Some young ladies kept their options open, hoping they might have a chance with the crown prince or Chris-oniisama. That ends today. Their dreams are crushed. On New Year's, no less! I hope those with shattered dreams recover soon.

"Additionally, the commander of the Royal Guard, Duke Rampling, is engaged to Lady Mia of Count Edkins. My aide, Elton, son of Count Bliss, is engaged to Lady Irene of Count Regan."

The crown prince is carpet-bombing announcements. It's already a scene of carnage, so please stop.

The first dance of the year is for the debutantes, but this year, the crown prince and Chris-oniisama will escort their fiancée candidates for the debut. The crown prince briefly softened his usually stern expression and extended his hand to Monica, who blushed and took his hand, eliciting small screams from around. Chris-oniisama was equally impressive. He said something while offering his hand, making Suzanna widen her eyes momentarily before smiling.

Chris-oniisama's escort was flawless, as expected. But Suzanna wasn't outdone, smiling playfully as they exchanged words while dancing. When the music changed, the two couples switched partners, with the crown prince now dancing with Suzanna and Chris-oniisama with Monica. Did they practice this? It's beautiful but also a nightmare to dance under such scrutiny.

"Is it true that the Spirit Kings of other countries gathered?"

I was startled to find Camille standing beside me, having lost track of my family amidst the crowd.

------------------------

Author Notes:

  Thank you for reading.

  Your typo reports are always helpful.

  If you find this story interesting, please rate it below.

------------------------