The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.12

Although the visit was labeled as a “marriage proposal,” the true purpose of the Earl’s arrival remained unclear. Upon hearing about his impending visit, I sought help from my elder sister, Patricia, who arranged for maids and other personnel to be dispatched from the Russells Trading Company.

While our family maintains the appearance of a Viscountcy, most of the household staff remain in the estate, focusing on its management. Their duties also include overseeing the country house and tending to our parents’ graves.

Occasionally, we rotate staff. This time, I called for personnel to assist at the townhouse in the royal capital. However, since their arrival would take some time, I had to rely on Patricia’s help for the interim.

Still, even so…

“Patricia, don’t you think there are too many people here?”

Our townhouse in the capital is modest compared to the grand residences of other noble families. Its lack of furnishings, however, makes it appear more spacious.

Why the lack of furnishings, you ask? Well, when Father became entirely preoccupied with Mother’s care, I sold off most of the furniture. At the time, as a student with no direct control over family finances, I needed funds for various purposes. I thought that once Jessica got married, she could redecorate the place beautifully, so I left it as it was.

Considering my past life in a tiny one-room apartment, this townhouse feels like a mansion. Yet, for a noble family of Viscount rank in this life, it’s undeniably small.

At the time, I thought selling the furnishings to raise money was an efficient move—it made the space look bigger and less cluttered. But now, it feels a bit lonely. Without decorations, it even comes across as slightly impoverished.

Personally, I don’t mind. But thanks to my sister’s intervention, the maids she summoned are doing an incredible job.

They replaced the curtains, cushion covers, and even the tea sets with new, stylish items. Martha, the head housekeeper, and Hans, the butler, were bustling about, managing the staff—something they hadn’t done at this scale in years. Jeff, the gardener and coachman, coordinated with landscapers to ensure our tiny garden, small enough to be called “cat-sized,” was immaculate. The lawn was trimmed, and the trees were expertly pruned.

“Well, opportunities like this don’t come often. You can’t do a proper deep clean without a small army,” Jessica said cheerfully.

“Jessica’s right,” Patricia added.

It seems Jessica’s talent extends beyond selecting outfits—she has a knack for interior design as well. As expected of my little sister.

“Lady Grace, since there are so few furnishings, how about decorating with flowers?” a maid suggested.

“That’s a wonderful idea. Please go ahead,” Patricia answered.

Wait, why is Patricia answering? Well, it’s fine, I suppose.

Jessica, brimming with excitement, stood before me, leading a group of maids.

“Alright, everyone! On to the next stage!” Jessica called out.

Several maids approached me.

What? What’s happening?

“If we don’t polish up the lady herself, what’s the point? Let’s start with a bath!” Jessica declared.

“Huh? What?! Where are you taking me?!”

The maids responded cheerfully, “To the bath.”

“I can bathe myself!”

What?! Bathing assistance?! That’s not necessary!!

“That’s not up for discussion! Today, I’m the captain of the ‘Polish Lady Grace Squad.’ Go ahead, everyone!”

What kind of squad is that?!

Unaware of my inner protests, Jessica confidently placed her hands on her hips.

“You need to get used to this, Grace. After all, you’re going to be a Countess someday, aren’t you? Right, Patricia?”

“That’s the goal. Let’s make it happen,” Patricia agreed.

Jessica wasn’t the only one pushing me—Patricia joined in too. The maids responded enthusiastically with, “Yes, ma’am!”

They seemed just as eager as Jessica, excited about the chance to dress up a young lady like me (although I’m just barely within the age range to be considered “young”).

The fact that Patricia could deploy and direct such a large group of maids speaks volumes about the wealth and influence of her husband’s family, the Russells, even without a title.

“Jessica, what color dress should Grace wear tomorrow?” someone asked.

“Deep navy to complement her golden eyes!” Jessica replied, practically glowing with excitement.

The youngest sibling, passionate about fashion, was clearly enjoying herself. It felt like I was being turned into a life-sized dress-up doll all over again.

“I want to choose a dress for Patricia too!” Jessica said.

“A coat would be nice,” Patricia replied. “One made of horned rabbit fur, preferably black, from Grace’s collection.”

“Black horned rabbit fur! Percy said it’s incredibly rare, but it would suit you and Patricia perfectly! I’ll design something amazing!” Jessica exclaimed, brimming with ideas.

The townhouse hadn’t felt this lively in years—not since Jessica’s engagement ceremony. Honestly, Jessica, show me those designs instead of dragging me to the bath—I’m far more interested in that!

By the way, I think white horned rabbit fur would suit you better, Jessica.

“While the Earl’s proposal may seem suspicious, if he truly wishes to marry Grace, it would put the broken engagement scandal from three years ago firmly in the past. My sister Grace—the head of the Wilcox Viscountcy—marrying into some obscure Viscount or Baron’s family? That’s unthinkable,” Patricia declared proudly.

Her bold statement didn’t reach me, as I was too busy being ushered into the bath. What followed was a full-body treatment, an expert massage (so good I nearly passed out), and a facial. By the time the day ended, the Earl’s visit was upon us.