The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 1.9

“There was a young lady I wanted to say these words to… but it didn’t work out.”

I see…
I want to ask, “What happened to her?” But is it okay to ask that?
Though right now, it seems like Abigail is the one who has your attention—am I correct?

The melancholic expression and words of the Count made me decide not to probe further. But surprisingly, he continued speaking.

“When I told a friend about it, they found it hilarious. They laughed and said, ‘Well, you couldn’t say it in the end, so just use it as it is. Let the young ladies dream.’ That’s how it went.”

“I see… I understand.”

From the way he spoke, it didn’t seem like the lady he mentioned had passed away.
If his friend laughed about it, it’s likely she was either already married or engaged.

For someone as handsome, well-bred, and seemingly kind as the Count, to have experienced unrequited love… it’s a bit bittersweet.
Still, with his status, it wouldn’t be surprising if he already had a fiancée or was married.

“So, why hasn’t Grace attended such soirées until now?”

I succinctly explained the circumstances of the Wilcox family.
How I had served as acting lord in place of my father, managing the household with the support of my two older sisters.
How my younger sister had been frail, making it impossible for me to leave the house.

“My sister has since recovered her health and is set to marry Percival Mayfield, the second son of Viscount Mayfield. It’s a relief, at least.”

“If your debutante sister has a fiancé, does that mean you also—”

“Oh, he declared three years ago, with another young lady in tow, that he would ‘end our engagement’ right in front of me.”

“What?”

His expression screamed, What on earth is that about?

Hmm, was I being too self-conscious? I thought this story was common knowledge, but maybe it didn’t reach the ears of high-ranking nobles like the Count.

“He was furious, saying I neglected him because I was too preoccupied with family matters. Incidentally, that man was the one who approached me earlier.”

“…I invited you at an impressive moment, didn’t I?”

“Yes, it was very helpful. I’d rather not imagine what he might have said otherwise.”

Good, the song is about to end.
At last, I can excuse myself.

“Tonight was enjoyable, Grace.”

When the Count extended his hand again, I assumed it was for a handshake and took it. He smiled like a mischievous boy delighted by a prank.

“What!?”

This was too much! My face couldn’t maintain its composure.
I’m completely rattled!

The Count gripped my hand again and shifted into a waltz hold.

“You’re quite impressive for a viscount’s heir, not to have been deceived.”

“Count!”

“Didn’t I ask you to call me Vincent?”

That’s not the issue here!
Count, dancing three consecutive waltzes with the same partner is as good as announcing to everyone that we’re courting with marriage in mind!

I moved through the steps with a neutral expression, frantically calculating how to leave this situation gracefully. But the Count’s grip was firm—strong yet not painful.

“Grace. I wouldn’t dance three consecutive waltzes on a whim.”

So he says it wasn’t on a whim, but what does he mean?
Perhaps the host asked him to draw attention.

Although my reputation matters, I’m practically a spinster already. Perhaps I could use this to my advantage, earning the Count’s favor. It might help the Wilcox family down the line.

“I told you from the beginning. I may be a knight, but I want to be your prince.”

He said that just as the waltz ended, and I glared up at him.

So, it wasn’t a whim. It was a joke!

I’m glaring, you know!? I have a reputation as the cold, haughty viscountess, you know!?
But it seems such a title is feather-light to someone like him. He smiled, radiant as ever.

Damn it, a handsome smile like that is priceless.

I felt my heart skip a beat, but hold on! Am I that easy to sway?
What a mockery.
I bet he made some bet with tonight’s host. High-ranking nobles are always like this!
This is why I hate ballroom dances! Unforgivable!

I held back my frustration and managed to curtsy before retreating to the sidelines.

“You were dazzling out there, Grace.”

Ada had prepared a fresh glass of champagne for me.

“Thanks…”

“Actually, I should probably apologize.”

“What? Why?”

“Our society columnist captured everything on the empire’s latest projector.”

“…What does that mean?”

“It means tomorrow’s headline will feature you and the Count. The columnist was ecstatic. I’m sorry.”

Jessica and Percival, ever concerned for me, rushed over.

“Sister!”

“Dear sister!”

Behind them, I could see a crowd approaching.

Having danced three consecutive waltzes with the popular Count, it was clear everyone wanted a word with me.

Without a care for appearances, I drained the champagne Ada handed me and placed the empty glass on a server’s tray.

“Jessica, Percival. I’m going to greet families we’ll be working with in the future. Follow me.”

If the Count’s prank put me in the spotlight, I might as well use it. It’s a good opportunity to introduce myself as the next head of the Wilcox family.

If I don’t get at least this much out of it, it wouldn’t be worth it.

“Let’s go, you two!”