The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.5

At the entrance of the Wilcox residence, the butler, Hans, and the housekeeper, Martha, looked at Jessica and me with deep emotion.

“Our dear Miss Jessica is finally attending her debut ball safely,” Martha murmured, her voice full of sentiment.

Jessica, who resembled our late mother and had been frail as a child, was now healthy and grown. It was no wonder Martha looked so moved.

If Jessica ever gets married, I’m sure Martha will be in tears. Not that I plan to let Jessica leave—she’ll stay here with her husband.

Jessica turned to me with a bright smile.

She’s grown up so well, hasn’t she? From a sickly little girl to a stunning, delicate young noblewoman!

Her dress—a dazzling white princess-line gown—featured unique lace made from the threads of a spider-like creature called Petit Arachne. The material, known for its glossy beauty, was one of the specialty goods I developed for our territory.

Originally, our territory relied on agriculture for tax revenue.

But when I took over decision-making from my father, I diversified into crops like hemp and cotton. I even considered silk but had to abandon it due to the difficulty of raising silkworms.

Instead, I experimented with taming magical creatures. The result was the thread from Petit Arachne, now used in Jessica’s gown.

“Grace, you look amazing too, don’t you think, Martha? The red dress was the perfect choice! The gold lace and satin sheen are stunning. You might attract a few admirers tonight!” Jessica said excitedly.

“That’s not the point. You need to focus on the gentlemen who ask you to dance,” I replied.

“Fine, but I’d like to dance with Lord Vincent at least once!”

Ah, Vincent Rockwell.

The current head of an influential count family, Vincent is practically the ideal prince: golden hair, amethyst-like eyes, and a charming demeanor. Women swoon over him.

And then there’s his infamous line:

“Would you honor me with a waltz? I may be a knight, but I want to be your prince tonight.”

Cheesy, isn’t it? But when a handsome man with a title says it in a soft tenor, it apparently makes women fall head over heels.

Rumor has it that many ladies delayed their engagements, hoping Vincent would court them.

Still, he’s not just a pretty face. He’s a count and likely holds the title of knight as well, although I don’t know much about his military affiliations.

But Jessica, if you dance with him, he’ll eat you alive!

“What about Percival? Won’t you dance with him?” I teased.

Jessica’s cheeks flushed bright red.

Percival, from the Mayfield family, is Jessica’s fiancé. His family is currently thriving, and his marriage to Jessica will secure the future of the Wilcox family.

They’re the picture of a sweet, loving couple, and watching them always brings a smile to my face.

As if on cue, Hans announced Percival’s arrival.

“Jessica! You look stunning!” Percival exclaimed as he stepped into the entrance hall.

He’s a charming young man with light chestnut hair and green eyes, already a polished gentleman despite being only 17.

“Really? This dress was prepared by Patricia,” Jessica said, shyly looking down.

“It’s perfect on you,” he replied, making her blush even more.

Their sugary-sweet exchange was so over-the-top that it felt like granulated sugar was pouring out of my mouth.

You two should just head to the church and get married already!

Well, for now, we need to focus on Jessica’s social debut.

The ball, held at the Crescent Palace, was an event to present young noblewomen coming of age this season.

As we entered the venue, a small buzz ran through the crowd.

This was expected.

The Wilcox family, a mid-tier viscount house, had recently risen from near ruin. Attention from other nobles signaled they saw us as worth associating with.

Of course, not all looks were friendly.

Some seemed to say, “How dare a woman call herself the head of a viscount family!”

It’s true—taking a husband would’ve been the standard path for a family with no male heirs.

But here I was, an unmarried woman, holding the title of viscount after a broken engagement.

An unusual case, to say the least.

I straightened my posture, schooling my expression into one of cold authority. If people wanted to gossip, I’d give them the perfect image of a viscountess.

I’d channel the poise of my eldest sister, Patricia, whose elegance was always an example for me.

Yes, yes, take note, everyone! This is Jessica’s debut, and the Wilcox family welcomes your attention!