The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.33

This man… he hit a woman without hesitation?!

I’ve never even been slapped by my father!!

My left cheek is throbbing in pain! And now he’s dragging me by the arm—this is unbearable!

“Let go of me!”

“Do you not realize that raising your voice will only cause a scandal?”

“And do you not realize the gravity of laying your hands on me and behaving so disgracefully?!”

“You’re such a loud, annoying woman!”

I shouted back at him with all the force I could muster, but my voice was met with an equally loud retort from Baron Kimble. However, his movements suddenly stopped.

For a moment, I thought he might have some semblance of decency left, but no—it wasn’t that.

As the grip on my arm weakened, I yanked myself free and stepped away from him. My back collided with something—or rather, someone. Someone had come to help!

“What is the meaning of this?”

A deep, resonant voice came from above my head.

“No matter how one looks at this, it seems you’re mistreating a lady,” the voice continued.

“Ah…!”

Baron Kimble, visibly startled, tried to flee, but two men in military uniforms emerged from behind the hedges, blocking his escape. They flanked him, escorting him away.

I was saved.

The relief hit me so hard I nearly burst into tears. But no, this wasn’t the time for that. I needed to thank my rescuer and leave this party immediately. If no one had intervened, I would’ve been utterly paralyzed with fear.

“Thank you for saving me,” I said, stepping back to distance myself and curtseying.

When I looked up to see who had helped, I froze in shock.

Dark hair as black as the night, violet-tinged eyes unique to royalty, and a military uniform. Not just any uniform—his attire was adorned with an aiguillette, shoulder epaulettes, and a rank insignia that included a sun, a crescent moon, and two stars.

This man was none other than Isaac Redgrave Lazurite, Duke of Lazurite—the very head of the military!

Though he had been officially removed from the royal family and given a noble title upon the current king’s ascension, he was still the king’s younger brother.

Why was someone of his stature here?!

No wonder Baron Kimble ran off in fear. The Duke’s imposing presence, sharp as a blade, would send shivers down anyone’s spine.

“Are you unharmed, Viscount Wilcox?”

“Y-yes, I’m fine!”

Wait, how does he know my name?!

A mere viscountess like me wouldn’t typically be known to someone as important as him.

Perhaps… because of the Earl? As a top-ranking military official, he would naturally know the Earl, and maybe my connection as the Earl’s fiancée had reached him.

“In your current state, I can’t allow you to leave alone. Come with me,” he said.

“Ah, um…”

I wanted to say I was fine, but the words stuck in my throat. His glare was like a weapon—Are you daring to argue with me? it seemed to say.

Could this man kill someone with just a look?

No wonder even the king would stay silent before him.

“I’ll inform your companions,” he said curtly.

So I had no choice but to follow him.

As I walked behind him, I silently apologized: Sorry, Abigail, Jessica, Percival… and the Earl. Grace Wilcox’s death anniversary is going to be today.

But I had underestimated him.

Navigating the Crescent Palace—a venue hosting an enormous party with countless guests—he led me to his carriage without encountering a single person. It was as if he had memorized the building’s blueprint.

Even his guards were invisible, though I could sense their presence.

The Duke’s carriage was unassuming, painted a sleek black. Yet the interior was luxurious, with plush cushions that screamed high-quality craftsmanship.

When I entered, I half-expected the carriage to start moving immediately, but a knock on the door interrupted.

“My apologies for the delay, Angelina,” the Duke said.

Standing outside was a young woman, dressed in a pale blue gown, with golden hair and striking blue eyes. She looked about my age—or younger—but her poise was unmatched.

Her name startled me.

Angelina. It was the same name as my late mother. Though common in this country, hearing it made my heart skip a beat.

And her appearance… she was stunning, like a doll come to life. Not the kind of beauty that comes with age, but the kind that defies time altogether.

Could she be the Duke’s daughter? Did the king’s brother have a child?

“The Marquis of McFarlane’s party was exquisite, with delightful guests. It’s a shame to leave early, but…”

Angelina’s eyes widened when she noticed me.

“As you said, this is an emergency,” she said firmly.

She summoned her maid to tend to my cheek, instructing her to apply a cool cloth to the swelling.

“Who dared to strike such a lovely young lady?!” she demanded, glaring sharply at the Duke.

“And you! Moving her in this state without proper care? How thoughtless!”

“My apologies,” the Duke replied with surprising humility.

It was almost surreal, seeing the fearsome Duke being scolded like a child. Then again, Angelina’s demeanor suggested that despite her youthful appearance, she was older than she looked.

The maid pressed a cool cloth to my cheek, soothing the sting. Meanwhile, Angelina stepped into the carriage with the Duke’s assistance. Once seated, the carriage finally began to move.

The ride was unbelievably smooth. This wasn’t just any carriage—it had suspension!

“Are you all right, dear?” Angelina asked gently.

“My face may look unsightly, but the pain isn’t too severe. Please forgive me for introducing myself under such circumstances. I am Grace Wilcox, Viscountess of Wilcox,” I replied.

Angelina turned to the Duke before looking back at me, her youthful smile radiating warmth.

“I am Angelina Redgrave Lazurite, the Duke’s wife. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Not a daughter, but the Duchess herself?!