The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.23

I knew that Lord Rockwell was a well-known figure in high society, but the lack of other detailed information about him was a serious issue. After all, he’s my fiancé.

While reviewing the materials Ada gave me, I examined Lord Rockwell’s background.

He’s a member of the Southwestern Frontier Army’s Strategic Division.
Three years ago, he participated in a border conflict, successfully leading a defensive operation. His current rank is Colonel.
At 16, he inherited the title of Earl Rockwell.

This title… it’s a bit of a mystery.

Apparently, it’s an old earldom he inherited. Ada speculated that it might have been part of his family’s holdings, which makes sense. Still, it’s unusual to transfer a title to a child when they come of age.

Does this mean his family might be from a ducal house or higher?
Why would someone like him choose me, an ordinary viscount’s daughter, as his bride?

“My history, huh? You could’ve just asked me directly, you know. I’ll tell you anything. It wouldn’t feel right for you to be in the dark about someone who’s been watching over you for three years,” he said with a teasing smile.

Well, he’s not wrong. But inheriting an earldom at 16? I almost feel like not knowing is better for my peace of mind. It must be because my past life was so ordinary.

Currently, we’re on a date.
Our first date!

He invited me to see a play, followed by dinner. It’s the kind of date I’d always wanted to experience in this life. It might be cliché in noble society, but it’s something I’ve longed for.

Wait. Could Lord Rockwell have gotten this idea from Ada? Surely not…
I did talk to her about it a few months ago when I was venting:

“If I ever went on a normal date, it’d at least make for a good memory. Meetings for work just leave me wishing for better food. A date? Please, as if anyone would dare ask me. I’m not asking for much—just something simple, like seeing a play and having dinner afterward. You know, something normal. Not that it’ll ever happen.”

I said it offhandedly, but now I’m wondering… Did she tell him?

The play he chose was a light-hearted comedy with a happy ending. The kind of performance that lifts your spirits as you leave the theater. It wasn’t a tragic love story, which made me wonder if his tastes were unusual for a noble. Or perhaps his military background influenced his choice—did someone recommend this play to him?

“Did you enjoy it?” he asked.

“Yes, very much,” I replied.

“I thought you might like something like this. And I had something to gain as well.”

“To gain?”

“I wanted to see you laugh.”

So that’s why he chose a cheerful comedy with a happy ending?!

“At home, you seem more like a normal young lady than the head of the Wilcox family. I wanted to see more of that side of you. It’s something your family gets to see, and I admit I’m a bit envious of them,” he said warmly.

“I’ll… try my best,” I stammered. “We are engaged, after all.”

He smiled, clearly pleased.
Meanwhile, I was still flustered by his words, unable to adjust to his directness.

If someone from my business meetings saw me now, they’d probably say, “Lady Wilcox? Did you eat something strange?”

Afterward, he took me to dinner in the noble district’s commercial area, to a trendy restaurant popular among high-ranking nobles.

The exterior looked like a typical restaurant, but the back housed a separate building with rooms for private dinners or small banquets. The garden, filled with seasonal flowers and shrubs, was elegantly lit at night—a rarity in this era but incredibly stylish.

When we entered, I noticed the quiet murmurs from a group of young ladies dining nearby. They quickly subsided as the manager guided us to a private room in the separate building.

The room was exquisite—tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings, floral arrangements, and a glass window overlooking the beautifully lit garden.

Lord Rockwell pulled out a chair for me, and after I was seated, the manager did the same for him.

They served sparkling wine from the Urcedia region, and it was absolutely delicious. The light, refreshing wine sparkled in the glass, its fine bubbles dancing elegantly.

The amuse-bouche was a smoked salmon and marinated vegetable terrine, topped with a consommé jelly. The salmon was arranged in the shape of a rose, and the colors were stunning.

“I didn’t really want this title,” Lord Rockwell admitted. “I’m an illegitimate son, and my family probably didn’t want the hassle of dealing with me, so they passed on the title and the land. They likely didn’t think I’d be able to develop it, unlike you, Grace.”

So that explains his informal tone and preference for “I” instead of “we.”

“I have an older brother, and I thought about returning the newly granted Yubashar borderlands and the original estate to my family. But they told me to handle Yubashar on my own.”

“I’d be happy to assist with the necessary procedures, like transferring land or managing the paperwork,” I offered.

His face lit up at my words, and I found myself thinking how… adorable he looked. Not a word I’d normally use to describe a man older than me, let alone a military officer with a title. But he truly was strikingly beautiful.

“Today felt like a second chance,” he said. “To make up for three years ago.”

“Isn’t that a bit dramatic?”

“Not really. I was called to the border conflict back then, and I honestly thought I wouldn’t survive.”

That explains why he wasn’t in the capital during that time.

“I’m just… happy now,” he said with heartfelt sincerity.

Straightforward. Honest. I’m weak against this kind of thing. After spending so much time navigating calculated conversations and business dealings, I’m not used to people speaking so openly. It’s disarming.

Lord Rockwell is five years older than me, but when he says things like this, it’s hard not to feel drawn in. Beautiful and charming—he’s unstoppable.

“You’re quite popular, Grace,” he said suddenly. “I noticed it at the ball and again today at the theater. People flock to you.”

“Isn’t that because of your popularity?” I asked.

“But they were all talking to you, weren’t they?”

Now that he mentioned it, that was true. Recently, I gifted Lady Louise some lace from Wilcox, and she ordered a stunning dress using the fabric. She even spread the word, saying, “It’s Wilcox lace, after all.”

Her endorsement boosted interest in our region’s products. Thank you, Lady Louise! And for the young ladies curious about dresses, may I recommend the Russells Trading House in the capital?

“That was just the ladies interested in Wilcox lace and other specialties,” I explained.

“You’re a true businesswoman,” he said with a chuckle.

“Not very noble-like, is it?” I said wryly.

“But you’re thinking of your people, aren’t you?”

“Well, that’s important, of course. Speaking of which, I’d like to visit your Yubashar territory soon.”

“The Magus Earl did say it’s a barren land.”

“All the more reason to investigate. We might find resources for construction materials, pottery, or even glassmaking. Has it been surveyed yet?”

“It’s untouched,” he admitted.

“Then let’s explore it. Magical ore is valuable, but relying on just one resource could leave the people uneasy. If we find something like gold, it would be a bonus,” I said, feeling excited by the possibilities.

“You really are amazing, Grace. Your sister wasn’t exaggerating when she called you an alchemist.”

It’s not magic—I just grew up in a struggling viscount family and learned to value profitability.

“My sister likes to exaggerate. By the way, what are the neighboring territories like? Who governs them?”

“The closest is managed by Duke Brocklebang.”

Brocklebang? Isn’t that… Lady Catherine’s adoptive father?