The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.1

“I’ve found my true love. Catherine is sweet and charming, completely unlike you. She’s nothing like you, who couldn’t even bother to send me letters. I’m ending this engagement. Catherine is my destined woman.”

Three years ago, my fiancé said those words to me.

The setting was my family’s townhouse in the royal capital—Wilcox Manor.

“And another thing, I’ve always hated your cold expression!”

My immediate reaction was…

Excuse me?

I happen to love this face, thank you very much.

Compared to my appearance in my previous life, this is a massive improvement!

I, Grace Wilcox, recalled my past life when I was four years old.

That was the year the fourth daughter of the Wilcox Viscount family was born.

As the youngest of three sisters, I was officially a big sister now!

Little me was overjoyed and celebrated recklessly—so recklessly, in fact, that I tumbled down the stairs.

My parents and sisters fussed over me, and even my newborn baby sister joined in with loud cries of distress. After being bedridden for two whole days, I suddenly realized a shocking truth: I had reincarnated into another world as a former Japanese person.

When I woke up, I was so thrilled I shouted, “I’ve been reincarnated! Woohoo!” and nearly fell down the stairs again.

From a chubby, unattractive, and socially awkward girl, I had reincarnated as a noble daughter in this new world (albeit in a viscount family).

And the best part? I was a beautiful young girl now!

I could live off my new face alone—it was that good. My previous life’s looks couldn’t even compare.

Sure, the staple food here is bread now, but who cares? Look at me! Fair skin, a delicate rosy blush on my cheeks, a perfectly sculpted nose… And while my hair is black, it’s sleek, shiny, and flows like silk. I love it!

And the pièce de résistance? Golden eyes.

My face may have a slightly cold, aloof look, like a black kitten with a bit of attitude, but that’s fine. While it gives off a hint of a villainous vibe, it’s nowhere near enough to make me an actual villainess. Besides, villainesses are almost always high-ranking nobles.

Being part of a viscount family meant there was no way I could be a villainess. That meant I was safe from ruin… probably.

But four daughters in one family? Could this angelic little sister grow up to torment me? Or would my two older sisters turn into bullies?

Was I destined to become a doormat heroine in some twisted family drama?

Thankfully, those fears were unfounded. My family lived in harmony, and I grew up happily as a noble daughter in this world.

At age 13, I enrolled in the Royal Academy.

The setting reminded me of modern European society, with noble attire and customs, but it was still a magical world, complete with advanced magical tools that gave daily life a modern touch.

“Could this be a reincarnation into a fictional world?” I wondered, bracing myself.

Just hearing “Royal Academy” was enough to make me suspect something was bound to happen.

With my cool, elegant looks—a far cry from my plain face in my past life—could I end up as Villainess Lackey #1 or something similar?

As a former chubby, awkward otaku with a passing interest in romance games, manga, anime, light novels, and web stories, I searched my memory for clues. But it seemed I hadn’t reincarnated into the setting of any particular story.

Moreover, the crown prince, the second prince, and their fiancées—all high-ranking noble ladies—were the same age as my younger sister. I wouldn’t even interact with them during my time at the academy.

Relieved, I attended the academy without worry. During this time, I even got engaged.

That said, I didn’t gain any special “reincarnation cheat” powers.

Honestly, I would’ve loved to have a chance at being overpowered, but no such luck. Still, I felt smarter and more socially adept than in my previous life. Compared to the timid and awkward student I once was, my relationships—especially friendships—flourished.

While my cool and aloof appearance initially kept people at a distance, they eventually came around, saying things like:

“Grace, your looks are misleading. You’re actually really easy to talk to.”

“You’re surprisingly open-minded and adaptable. And tough—mentally tough.”

Misleading? No, my face is a divine gift, thank you very much. And “mentally tough”? Were they calling me thick-skinned? Because I’m not! Especially not my waistline anymore!

“Are you complimenting me or teasing me? Which is it?” I once retorted, prompting embarrassed apologies and assurances that they meant well.

No bullying or harassment ever happened, either. Despite my cold appearance, people found me approachable and dependable. It was a far cry from the lonely, bullied school life I endured in my past life.

My second year at the academy came, and I chose the territory management course instead of the typical noblewoman’s education.

Why? Because my mother had fallen ill, and my father, preoccupied with caregiving, struggled to manage the estate. I stepped in, taking on half the responsibilities.

My eldest sister bore the heaviest burden, marrying into a wealthy, untitled family to secure funds for our struggling estate.

Meanwhile, my second sister, a magically gifted prodigy, pursued her studies at the Magic Academy and later earned a peerage for her achievements.

As for me, I managed the estate while supporting my family, only to have my engagement abruptly ended by my so-called fiancé.