The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.6

When I entered the venue, the first to gather around me were young noblemen from viscount and baron families.

Most of them were already married and greeted me with their wives at their sides.

“Good evening, Grace.”
“It’s been a while, Grace.”
“The Wilcox family’s specialty goods seem to be doing well.”
“I couldn’t resist buying the latest horn rabbit fur reticule you developed at the Russells Trading Company.”
“Oh, those are adorable! I have one too!”

“It’s lovely to see you all again,” I replied politely.

In my past life, I would’ve been terrified, imagining all the ways I could’ve been bullied in a setting like this. But this life is different.

Their gazes carried a hint of admiration, maybe even affection. Or was I imagining it? After all, they had their beautiful wives beside them.

Back when I first enrolled in the academy, it took me some time to handle the positive attention I received.

As someone who had died a nobody in my past life, suddenly being popular felt overwhelming.

I was foolish enough to think, Is this my time to shine?

My sisters quickly knocked some sense into me.

“Don’t sell yourself short,” they lectured. “Men will be drawn to your looks, but find someone who values your character.”

My second sister, Abigail, was particularly blunt:
“Looks fade with age. Find someone who will stay by your side even when you’re wrinkled and old.”

That stung, as it echoed the bitter words I had once muttered in my past life. Her harsh but honest advice brought me back to reality.

She also warned me, “Don’t let men play you. You could end up used and abandoned. Especially since you’re already acting as the head of the Wilcox family, you’re an easy target. Don’t let Jessica’s future be jeopardized.”

That was the wake-up call I needed.

If I didn’t take this seriously, I might lose everything—our estate, our home, and my family’s stability.

From that moment, I learned to keep my emotions in check for the sake of my sisters and the Wilcox family.

It helps that I have a face suited for a “cool beauty.”

Unlike Jessica’s approachable and sweet demeanor, my neutral expression works in my favor, giving me an air of composure and authority.

Now, standing here at the ball, I remain cautious. Some of the noblemen’s admiring gazes are undoubtedly motivated by their desire to use the Wilcox family for their own gain.

Among those around me are a baron’s second son who helped me with title inheritance paperwork, a viscount’s heir seeking connections with the Russells Trading Company, and a young viscount whose entry to the royal magic academy I had facilitated. Many of them were my former academy classmates, as were some of the ladies now married into baron and viscount families.

Even those I wasn’t particularly close to during school gathered around.

Three years ago, during my own social debut, the noblewomen whispered, “Grace will be the first to marry.”

Well, I’ve certainly defied expectations—here I am, still single.

Back then, I had a fiancé, and my cool beauty looks likely contributed to their assumptions. Now, many of the young ladies who debuted with me are already married or engaged.

I glanced behind me at Jessica and Percival.

They looked surprised, which was understandable.

It must be shocking to see someone who hardly socialized surrounded so suddenly.

But honestly, most of these interactions were shallow acquaintances at best.

They’re drawn to the title, not to me.

I know Percival understands this dynamic.

When the conversation reached a natural pause, I spoke up.

“May I introduce my sister, Jessica Wilcox?”

Jessica curtsied gracefully, and everyone regarded her warmly.

“She’s adorable!”
“The Wilcox sisters are stunning!”
“May I have the first dance with her?”

Some of the men stepped forward, requesting the first dance, but I closed my fan with a deliberate snap.

The sound made the would-be suitors straighten their postures like scolded children.

“Jessica will be marrying Percival Mayfield by the end of the year,” I announced with a polite but firm tone. “We’ve come tonight to witness this lovely couple share their first dance.”

I kept up the appearance of being solely a chaperone for my sister.

As Jessica and Percival shyly exchanged glances, the gathered nobles, eager to show their maturity, began clearing the way for the couple to take to the floor.

With the attention now shifted, I took the opportunity to move.

“You’re amazing, Sister…” Jessica whispered.
“Grace, I heard you hadn’t attended a ball in three years, yet you handle this so well,” Percival added.

“Yes, but let’s be honest. Most people here are curious about the ‘rare female viscount.’ Didn’t you notice? Not a single man asked me to dance.”

That’s the reality.

I know it. I’ve accepted it.

I’m not popular.

Sure, I was reborn as a stunning beauty, but I’m still not popular! (And yes, I’m emphasizing this point.)

Behind me, Jessica and Percival exchanged a glance, almost as if they were having a silent conversation.

What now? Are you two already acting like a married couple?

“Well, Jessica, you should get ready to dance. I’ll introduce myself to Percival’s older brother and make sure to stay near the walls afterward. As a chaperone, I’ll be there. I’ll also use this opportunity to discuss the Mayfield family’s role in our shared estate projects.”

Ignoring the lingering stares from those treating me like a rare exhibit, I headed toward Edward Mayfield, Percival’s older brother.