The Reincarnated Noble Lady is the Infamous Viscount's Heir - I've Accepted a Contract Marriage for Estate Management. - Chapter 2.5

Vanessa and the butler, Hans, served tea to the Count, my sisters, and me in the reception room.

Percival remained in the office, taking on the task of organizing the documents. He assured me that once he had tidied up a bit, he would join us for tea.

I would have preferred to stay and help, but under the silent yet overwhelming pressure of Patricia’s “Are you really going to keep your fiancé waiting?” glare, I had no choice but to step away.

The high-quality tea we served, suitable even for the head of a noble house, was a gift from Patricia.

Since the marriage proposal, the Count had been visiting this townhouse more frequently, and he had become quite comfortable chatting with my sisters.

Jessica, for one, had been attending tea parties with other young noblewomen her age and boasting, “Can you believe it? The Lord Rockwell, whom everyone admires, is going to be my brother-in-law! Isn’t that amazing?!”

Apparently, the entire gathering of young ladies had responded with a chorus of “So jealous~!”

Girls around Jessica’s age often discussed charming gentlemen, and even those who were engaged still enjoyed gushing about their fiancés.

Well… as long as she’s having fun, I suppose.

I had been worried that Percival might get jealous, but whether Jessica had reassured him or it was simply his nature, he showed no signs of concern.

The Count listened as Patricia explained the situation, taking in the aroma of his tea before murmuring, “I see.”

*”It’s true that things will only get busier from now on.

It’s understandable that Lady Russells would be worried, considering both of her younger sisters are about to be married.

But is it just me, or does she seem a bit unwell?”*

At his words, Jessica and I turned to Patricia in alarm.

Now that he mentioned it… she did seem a little less energetic than usual.

Wait, hold on. No matter how much she’s doing for us, she can’t overwork herself!

“Patricia! If you’re not feeling well, I’ll call for a carriage!”

“Hans! Contact the Russells Trading Company!”

Just as Jessica and I panicked, Patricia raised a hand to stop us.

“I’m fine. I haven’t been pushing myself too hard. But thank you for your concern, Lord Rockwell.”

The Count nodded, then turned his gaze to me.

*”I had been thinking that worrying Lady Russells any further wasn’t ideal…

But coming all the way here to visit you also wastes time, doesn’t it?”*

Ugh…

I couldn’t deny it.

Even though I had been making an effort to visit Rockwell Manor when I could, there were times when I inconvenienced the Count by making him come here instead.

After all, some matters required my direct attention, yet here he was, coming to see me in person.

*”Grace, how about this?

Even though we aren’t married yet, why not move into Rockwell Manor now?

Handling Yubashar’s development in-house would be the most efficient approach.”*

I froze.

Move into Rockwell Manor?

Who? Me?

But that’s something I would do after we’re married, right?

Yes, we’re engaged, but before the wedding?

I had heard that some of the older noble families still followed the tradition of a bride-to-be moving into her fiancé’s home before marriage for “bridal training”—to familiarize herself with his household.

Was that what he was suggesting?

From a practical standpoint, it would be incredibly efficient. It would prevent information leaks, and having direct access to him would make discussions much smoother.

But still—

What is he even saying all of a sudden!?

I could already hear people brushing this off with, “You’re getting married anyway, so what’s the big deal?”

But emotions! Emotions!

Yes, I may have reincarnated into this world, but this is still my first time experiencing courtship, engagement, and marriage!

Sure, I’ve had a personal guard accompany me to my domain. Sure, I’ve gone on inspections of his land.

But now my mind was racing with thoughts like, “Wait, does that count as a premarital trip?!”

Another voice in my head chimed in, “You’re already spending so much time with him. What’s the difference?”

But living together? That’s a whole different thing!

Yes, I—I—I do like him!

But still!!

After last night’s party, and now this visit, I was already on edge just being in his presence!

And now he’s suggesting we live together!?

“Wow! This is amazing! Grace, you’re just like a bride from an old noble family!”

Jessica—?!

*”Our family is technically a newer noble house, but I’ve heard that high-ranking aristocrats still do this sometimes!

One of my engaged friends mentioned that she might be moving into her fiancé’s home soon too!”*

Wait, really?

Does that mean Jessica’s friend is marrying into a high-ranking noble house?

“Besides… Cheryl, who accompanied us on the inspection, has been quite vocal about this. She insists, ‘At this point, we should just welcome Lady Wilcox to Rockwell Manor.’”

Cheryl, the maid assigned to me from House Rockwell, has been traveling back and forth—coming to the Wilcox townhouse to assist with soirée preparations, then returning to Rockwell Manor once her work is done.

She is, after all, the daughter of a baron who serves House Rockwell.

As a noble lady in service to a count’s house, her etiquette is undoubtedly more refined than mine.

Apparently, whether at the Count’s request or of her own volition, Cheryl has been in frequent contact with Patricia.

Patricia once remarked, “Grace is exceptionally skilled in land development and management—unparalleled, even—but she’s far too frugal. Her sense of refinement as a noble lady is somewhat lacking, so if Cheryl seeks my advice, she’s not wrong to do so.”

Sipping her tea, Patricia turned to me.

“Grace, it’s true that you’ve been far more competent than our father and that you single-handedly revitalized House Wilcox. However—”

Oh no.

Here it comes—Patricia’s infamous “however.”

I braced myself for the inevitable punch of irrefutable logic.

*”You are engaged to Lord Rockwell now. Shouldn’t you be focusing on preparing for your marriage?

I understand that you wish to continue managing your existing projects, but should you really be taking on the development of Rockwell’s new domain on top of that?

More importantly, wouldn’t it be best to focus on transferring your business affairs to Percival, since he will be the one inheriting House Wilcox?”*

She’s absolutely right.

That should have been my first priority.

Just then, a knock on the door signaled Percival’s arrival. Having finished organizing the documents, he stepped into the reception room.

*”Grace, sister-in-law, I believe I have already been assisting you with your work.

I will take responsibility for House Wilcox moving forward.”*

“Me too! The viscountcy that you’ve protected, Grace, will now be safeguarded by Percy and me!”

“Percival… Jessica…”

As I said their names, the two of them exchanged a smile.

They were right.

I had to entrust House Wilcox to them.

Percival was more than capable of handling the practical side of running a domain.

Jessica, meanwhile, had begun to shine in the textile business, revealing a hidden talent for fashion design.

*”If there’s anything we don’t understand, we’ll ask you!

So, Grace, I really think you should take all the documents you’ve gathered and move into Lord Rockwell’s home.”*

Jessica beamed as she said it.

Hearing her words, the Count’s face broke into a broad smile.

*”Your sister is absolutely right.

Take everything with you and come to my home—right now.”*

“…Excuse me?”

Wait—right now?

Did he just say right now?!

I barely had time to process his words before Patricia turned to Hans with a decisive look.

*”Hans, before Grace changes her mind, start packing up the office documents.

She just agreed to it!”*

“Wait—!”

Patricia’s commanding tone left no room for argument.

Hans exchanged a glance with Vanessa, nodded, and promptly left the room.

No, no, no—this is NOT an agreement!

I was asking a question!

It had a question mark at the end!

Wait, is this really happening right now?!

*”The room I’ve prepared for you at Rockwell Manor still needs some redecorating…

But I know what will interest you more—the layout plans for Yubashar’s manor.

I had several designs revised based on our discussions, and they’ve just been finalized.

I brought them with me today, but I think it would be best to go over them at my house.”*

“Oh wow! A room makeover! Grace, this is amazing!”

“Would you like to come as well, Lady Jessica?”

“Really? May I?!”

“Since you know Grace’s tastes best, I’m sure you’d have great insights for Yubashar’s manor as well.”

“Percival, is it okay? Can I go?”

*”Percival, you should come too.

You’ll be visiting Rockwell Manor frequently in the future, and I imagine you’d be interested in seeing Grace’s new office.”*

*”Lady Russells, if you wouldn’t mind accompanying us, it would be helpful to have your input as well.

It would be good to ensure Grace has everything she needs.”*

Patricia nodded thoughtfully.

“That sounds reasonable. I’ll inform my husband.”

Percival leaned in and whispered something to Hans and Vanessa.

Both nodded in understanding and immediately headed for the office, where they began packing documents into attaché cases.

As they exited, the housekeeper, Martha, entered and turned to Patricia.

“Lady Patricia, what should we do about Lady Grace’s personal belongings?”

Hold on.

Martha—why are you asking Patricia and not me?!

Shouldn’t I be the one deciding this?!

I can’t let my sister handle this—I need to pack my things myself.

This is going to take time, so obviously, we should reschedule this move.

I mean, it’s not like I can just suddenly go live at Rockwell Manor!

Moving in requires preparation!

Just as that thought crossed my mind, the Count looked at me and said—

*”Grace, you don’t need to worry about sorting out your belongings.

Just bring yourself.”*

…Wait.

He means that literally?!

The Count was smiling his signature princely smile, yet somehow, it was terrifying.

Wait—

Is he serious?!