The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.19

“A party! That’s it! Tell me all about it!”

“Huh?”

“The engagement with Lord Rockwell! A beautiful lady shows up at a ball after three years, and Lord Rockwell dances with her three times before proposing! It’s like something out of a romance story—the girls in the capital must be swooning!”

Ada’s excitement was impossible to miss.

“Romance… Sorry to burst your bubble, but the reality isn’t that glamorous. It’s probably because of my experience in managing estates.”

“What?”

“Lord Rockwell has recently been granted new land to manage. It’s called Yubashar, a remote area near the List Mountains on the border. Do you know it, Ada?”

“I’ve heard about it—it’s where they mine magical ores, right? There was a lot of talk about who would get that territory, and now we know it’s Lord Rockwell.”

“Yes. He’s left his current lands in capable hands, but since this new territory is on the frontier, he wants to be personally involved. I think he was looking for someone with experience in estate management to help him. Although I’ve never worked with mines before—our family’s land is mostly farmland and pastures.”

“Wait, hold on. That’s the real reason for your engagement? You can’t be serious!”

“That’s why I need to do some research, and that’s also why I came to this tea party. Ada, do you have any records on mining operations or frontier territories? A noble directory would also be helpful.”

Sorry, this isn’t exactly the glamorous kind of talk noble ladies usually have.

“Grace, are you turning into a workaholic? Three years as the head of a viscount family, and this is where it’s gotten you? Shouldn’t you be saying something like, ‘Well, with my beauty, it’s only natural!’?”

Ada exaggerated her imitation of a haughty noblewoman, and I couldn’t help but laugh. This playful side of Ada is one of the reasons I like her so much.

“I’m no princess in a fairy tale. Turning a struggling viscount family into a stable one is what caught his eye—that makes more sense to me. I think people around us would agree. Even I admit I don’t exactly have a charming personality.”

“No way! I’m sure Lord Rockwell fell for you the moment he saw you. That’s why he danced with you three times—it was love at first sight!”

Her words made me think back to when the Earl had lifted me in his arms and exclaimed, “Three years of waiting was worth it!” My face felt warm just remembering it.

But no, I need to focus on what’s more important.

“I also need detailed information about Lord Rockwell. Since we’re engaged, I’m sure he’s already looked into me, but I hardly know anything about him.”

“Well, since you’re engaged, that makes sense. Hold on, I’ll get some reference materials for you.”

Ada kindly recommended books on estate management and even lent me a noble directory. The Ainsworth family’s collection of resources was incredible—almost like a library. She even promised to send me additional materials later.

I was so grateful to Ada! Of course, I’d make sure to repay her in some way.

“Lady Grace, your escort has arrived,” the butler announced.

I gathered the books Ada had lent me and headed to the entrance. Since I was within the capital, I had taken a carriage. To my surprise, the person waiting for me was none other than Lord Rockwell himself.

“…Lord Rockwell… Why are you here?”

“Why wouldn’t I come to pick up my fiancée?”

Ada gave me a smug look, as if to say, I told you so.

“I heard you were at a tea party with your friend. Do I need a reason to pick up my fiancée?”

He said it with the kind of charming smile that could make any young lady’s heart flutter.

“Oh, Grace, you’re blushing! How adorable!” Ada teased, giggling.

I was flustered, but I was certain it didn’t show on my face. At least, I hoped it didn’t. I gave Ada a look, silently begging her to stop, but she just ignored me.

“Grace, you must tell me all about your date with Lord Rockwell later! You’re engaged now, so there’ll probably be dates and evening parties you’ll attend together, right?”

Ah, so Ada was bringing up the evening parties to nudge me toward investigating Lady Catherine. Subtle, but I caught on.

“I was planning to ask Grace out soon,” Lord Rockwell said. “Lady Ainsworth, since you know the capital well, I’d love to hear your recommendations for places Grace might enjoy.”

“Oh my! Most men would insist on taking charge, but here you are, prioritizing your fiancée’s preferences. No wonder Lord Rockwell is so popular among young ladies.”

“That’s just because of the silly things people say about me. Lady Grace, may I have your hand?”

He extended his hand to me, and for a moment, a memory surfaced—when my engagement to Claude had been arranged by our parents.

Back then, Claude reluctantly extended his hand to escort me, his disdain barely hidden.

Even as a child, I thought, How childish for a nobleman.

I refused his hand, saying, “An escort isn’t necessary,” and he snapped back, “You’re so ungracious.” That memory was still vivid.

That experience left me hesitant about being escorted. Over the years, I found it effective for discouraging unwanted advances, especially from business associates with ulterior motives. A polite but firm rejection usually made my disinterest clear.

Recalling that, I hesitated briefly before taking Lord Rockwell’s hand. His movements were smooth and thoughtful as he took the books I was holding.

“Ada, thank you for today. I had a wonderful time.”

“Me too! Come back soon.”

Ada watched as Lord Rockwell escorted me to the carriage. As we left, I could feel my face heating up. Although my expression probably didn’t change much, I was sure I looked flustered. Lord Rockwell, however, seemed to find it amusing, smiling softly.

To Ada, the scene must have looked like a perfect romantic moment.

Lord Rockwell is obviously in love with Grace, but she has no idea. It’s like a storybook romance! I love this!

Of course, I had no idea Ada was thinking that.