The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.37

In the end, I was only supposed to stay by the Count’s side until he fell asleep.

But being with him, feeling his warmth, I ended up dozing off myself—and not just a little nap. I fell completely asleep.

I knew I needed to wake up, but my body wouldn’t move. It felt like one of those moments where my mind was racing, but my body was stuck in shallow sleep.

When this happens, I tend to have strange dreams. Dreams that feel oddly real—like being late to a meeting or forgetting something important.

I knew this wasn’t my room back at Wilcox’s townhouse…

I wondered if Jessica, Percival, or Patricia from the Russells Trading Company had been informed. Hopefully, Abigail had taken care of the communication.

Then, I heard the faint rustling of papers being turned.

“The Financial Audit Department seems to agree with Grace’s opinion… Your Grace, did you show this to Grace? The unofficial financial report on the Brocklebang  Ducal Estate?”

It was the Count’s voice.

“That girl could handle a position in the Treasury. She figured out exactly what that man has been stockpiling. As you said, she’s not just an ordinary noble’s daughter. Considering her abilities, it’s no surprise she claimed a title over her mediocre parents.”

“I told you she’s talented. But Grace seems to prefer territory management. Honestly, I think her true potential lies there. So, what did His Majesty say?”

“He’s a kind man… He wants to speak with Brocklebank before passing judgment. Don’t make that face.”

“That’s dangerous.”

“His Majesty is aware.”

“Do you think the Duke will agree to an audience?”

“If he doesn’t, we’ll have to take action ourselves.”

“And the Crown Prince?”

“He and the Second Prince are both undergoing treatment at Petit Fontaine Palace to break Catherine’s charm. It’s expected to take one or two years. The engagement to Lady Stanfield has been put on hold, even though her Crown Princess training is complete. The Stanfield family may now consider a marriage alliance between Andrea and royalty from a neighboring country.”

The Duke of Stanfield must be considerate of Andrea’s feelings. After seeing the Crown Prince fall for Catherine over the past three years, I doubt Andrea would accept the excuse that it was all due to charm magic. It’s only natural for them to seek another marriage arrangement.

“You took the full force of that charm magic and still recovered—how?”

“Because I felt the effects immediately. The moment I realized I was under its influence, I fought back. There’s no way I’d ever think Grace is insignificant. She’s not just capable; she’s someone who takes care of her sisters, has many friends, and values the people around her deeply. That’s what makes her special.”

“Are you bragging now?”

“Catherine’s charm magic is essentially brainwashing—or perhaps a curse. She doesn’t trust anyone and harbors hatred for the people around her. Honestly, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say she wishes for this country’s downfall. Given her background, it’s not surprising. Her magic is meant to dominate others.”

Her background?

“Your investigation was accurate, Your Grace. When I confronted her about it, she attacked me immediately.”

“So, it’s true…”

“According to her, the late king treated her mother like a plaything. Based on what Catherine said, this happened around 20 years ago, just before the current king’s ascension. Nobles who were involved with her mother under the late king’s orders have all died under suspicious circumstances—likely at Catherine’s hand, using her charm magic.”

Wait… does that mean Catherine is an illegitimate child of the late king?

Even if this is just a dream, this conversation is incredible…

“Then Duke Brocklebank is in danger too, isn’t he?”

…Oh no, did I say that out loud?

The voices of the Count and the Duke fell silent.

“Grace, are you awake?”

The Count whispered softly.

My eyelids felt heavy, but the realization that I had spoken in my sleep jolted me awake. It was that familiar, embarrassing feeling of waking up from talking in your dreams.

“…Count…?”

“Are you awake?”

“I… I thought I was dreaming. I dreamed you and His Grace were talking… Count, are you feeling unwell?”

The Count gently wiped my face with his fingers.

Oh no, was that eye crust?! Stop! Don’t touch me! Did I fall asleep with my makeup still on? I touched my lips with the back of my hand, relieved to find no lipstick smudges, which somehow made me more nervous.

Am I barefaced right now?!

I mean, compared to my face in my past life, this one isn’t bad, but still…

Did the Count remove my makeup for me? How deeply did I sleep without realizing it?!

“I’m feeling much better now—because you’re here. But didn’t you promise to stop calling me ‘Count’?”

Ehehe…

This feels like a dream, but even in reality, the Count does say sweet things like this.

He stroked my cheek gently with his large hand.

“When Duke Brocklebank adopted Catherine, he was likely already under her charm magic—or at least under her control. Their goals align, but Catherine is the type to subjugate even someone like him.”

The Count nodded at my comment.

“That’s a very likely scenario.”

“If His Majesty meets with the Duke, shouldn’t he use magical tools to detect abnormal conditions? Catherine might bring the Duke along. If their goal is to seize the throne, they could target His Majesty directly…”

“The royal audience chamber is currently being reinforced as an anti-magic zone under the supervision of the Mage Academy,” a deep voice said from above.

Wait… this isn’t a dream? Is the Duke really here?

My lingering drowsiness vanished, and I opened my eyes wide.

Seeing my expression, the Count chuckled.

No, this isn’t funny!

I bolted upright, only to find the Duke standing there!

Sure, he’s my fiancé, and we weren’t doing anything improper, but this situation doesn’t look great!

Feeling dizzy from sitting up too quickly, I swayed, and the Count wrapped his left arm around me, patting my arm lightly in a soothing rhythm.

Relaxed by his warmth, I leaned against him without meaning to.

The Duke didn’t seem to mind the situation and motioned for me to stay as I was.

“Viscount Wilcox, my apologies. Stay by Vincent’s side and remain here for a while. We’ll handle the rest.”

I’m here, but are you sure you won’t let the Count meet Catherine again?

“If we don’t take care of this, you’ll act on your own again, and Vincent won’t be able to relax,” the Duke added.

But…

“This body may belong to a humble viscount, but my heart wishes to be a knight protecting the Count,” I said earnestly to the Duke.