Chapter 8

During the social season, there is always a ball hosted by some noble family somewhere.

This time, I am attending a ball hosted by the superior of my lord, the Earl.

Besides my practical work, attending such balls is also an obligation. Today’s ball is for military men, so there are many gentlemen in uniforms. Of course, there are also gentlemen who are not in uniform.

This time, it seems that officers of the rank of lieutenant and above have been invited. I can tell from their rank badges.

As soon as Lord Earl entered the venue, he was greeted by many people, so I thoughtfully went ahead to greet the hostess.

"You’ve come just in time, Grace. I’ve been waiting for you."

The one who called out to me was the hostess of tonight’s ball, the lady of the Redcliff family, Angelina Redcliff Lazulite.

She looks so young that I wonder if she is actually younger than me.

Her golden hair is adorned with intricate designs, and her blue eyes sparkle.

Her pale green dress is layered with lace made from the silk of the pettaracne of the Wilcox territory, giving her an ethereal aura.

"Thank you for the invitation, Lady Angelina."

I always wonder, is this lady really a wife?

She looks as youthful as a debutante. Since I tend to be perceived as older than my actual age, it makes me think even more so. I don’t dislike my face in this life, though.

"I was thinking of inviting you to a tea party, but you’re always so busy, and you seem to be away in your territory."

Her slightly pouting expression is adorable.

Such expressions and gestures remind me of her younger sister, Jessica.

"I’m sorry."

When I apologized, Lady Angelina smiled.

"I understand. You are indeed very busy, but I heard that something fun is happening at the Lockwill residence?"

You’re well-informed. You might have heard it from His Excellency.

"Unfortunately, it’s not a glamorous event that would invite Lady Angelina."

"Is that so? His Excellency seemed very interested in going."

That’s right... His Excellency has taken an interest in the auction...

In this world and country, nobles usually have various craftsmen and businesspeople under their patronage, so auctions are not common.

When I switched from agriculture to spinning, it was a bit difficult.

I wasn’t well-received by any of the companies, and even with the backing of the Russell’s Chamber of Commerce, some of the old-timers were hesitant to work with me. It’s not common for people to switch from companies they’ve been dealing with for a long time.

Not everyone can become a patron.

Businesspeople and craftsmen who can’t become patrons often end up as subcontractors for various jobs.

So, for them, a new territory development project like this one is a big opportunity.

Moreover, if I were to call out at a ball, "If you’re interested, come over here," it would create a lot of interest.

Thanks to that, there are many candidates, and it has made it difficult for Lord Earl to select, so we’re going to have an auction.

And His Excellency has also shown interest...

"Sure enough, you’re the daughter of a poor viscount. You’re good at cutting costs."

I heard this from behind me, and I turned to look for the speaker.

A gentleman with platinum blonde hair tinged with blue and emerald-like eyes seemed to be the one who spoke.

He had just entered the venue and was greeting Lady Angelina, one of the hosts.

"Lord Elias..."

Lady Angelina looked at him with a troubled expression. If a young officer in uniform saw her expression, he might think, "Who dares to trouble such a beautiful girl!"

However, this gentleman who launched a preemptive strike is Lord Elias Brackley, the Marquess!

I’m also known for being cold and capable in some circles, but that’s only among the lower nobility like viscounts and barons.

From the perspective of a high-ranking noble like a marquess, who is known for his business acumen, I’m just a little girl... and he’s already attacking me!

He glared at me with his narrow, emerald-like eyes.

He’s not related by blood to Lord Earl, but he’s like an older brother.

And, as a high-ranking noble, his facial features are indeed good.

Of course, I prefer Lord Earl, but this man would also be popular.

However, while his uncle, who is a public secret, is invited to balls, his younger brother seems to be quite disliked.

I’ve attended balls as Lord Earl’s companion, but no one has directly insulted me.

Socially, I can’t approach the Marquess Brackley.

I tried to act like a proper lady and curtsey.

"Vincent must be crazy to marry a clever woman with just a pretty face."

He praised my face... even if he said "just a little pretty"!

I was praised for my face!

Yayyyyyy!

Even if he called me clever, my face was praised!

"Besides, I think it’s questionable to gather a bunch of companies and then hold a selection meeting. To develop a border territory with such unattractive investments. If you’re close to the Russell’s Chamber of Commerce, you should just pull in their people. Are you trying to hide your own resources? You’re a cheap woman."

I tried to interpret the Marquess Brackley’s words in my head.

He’s saying I should call on established companies, and since I have the backing of the Russell’s Chamber of Commerce, I should be able to do that. Is that his advice?

No, I’ve already decided to set up a branch of the Russell’s Chamber of Commerce.

I’m sure a temporary store has been built in the territory by now.

"Vincent is also at fault. For the development of the border territory and the engagement, if he had chosen a lady that everyone could agree on, it would have been better. For a woman to be the head of a viscount family... It’s said that this woman took control of the territory management while her father was still alive and inherited the title, which is suspicious. Wasn’t she involved in her father’s death? To marry such a dangerous and notorious woman, isn’t it that His Excellency is giving Vincent too much freedom? Lady Angelina."

...Here it comes...

The daughter who took control from her father—

This is the most common rumor about me in the social world.

The deeper, more damaging rumor is that...

—She killed her father to get the title—

To be told this to my face.

I know that some people think this, even though it’s not true.

But the lower nobility, like viscounts and barons, don’t say it to my face.

Because of the influence of Lady Patricia, the young mistress of the Russell’s Chamber of Commerce, and Lady Abigail, the Magic Earl, they know that if they are glared at by these two, it could affect their businesses and territories, so they don’t speak out.

But the Marquess Brackley seems to ignore my backing. To a viscount family head, especially a cheeky woman, he wants to remind me of my place with his high-handed attitude.

Lady Angelina, who heard the Marquess Brackley’s words, scolded him, "Lord Brackley, be careful with your words."

But the Marquess Brackley snorted.

"Is that woman really Vincent’s fiancée?"

The sneers of young ladies from high-ranking noble families, especially those who seem to be fans of Lord Earl, can be heard from a distance.

Go ahead, say more.

I might think, "Am I really good enough to be by Lord Earl’s side, let alone his fiancée?"...

But to be told this loudly in such a setting is disheartening.

In my previous life, I would have run away in tears, but in this life, I don’t cry.

Because everyone knows that Lord Earl chose me.

If I were to cry just because of this, my past achievements might be seen as nothing.

I’ve protected the Wilcox family with my strength, which has overcome my bad reputation.

Lord Earl has recognized my strength and my good qualities.

So I don’t cry.

I won’t break.

"My fiancée, you’re being extremely rude."

At the familiar voice, I straightened my posture and saw Lord Earl standing behind the Marquess Brackley.

Lord Earl glared at the Marquess Brackley for a moment, then came straight to my side and took my hand.

"I’m sorry for leaving you alone, Grace."

Lord Earl whispered sweetly, and I felt relieved.

It’s reassuring.

I’ve heard many rumors at such balls before, but this is the first time I’ve been attacked directly by a high-ranking noble, so my mood was understandably down.

But Lord Earl’s presence and his amethyst-like eyes helped me regain my composure.

"I’m fine, Vincent."

I usually call him "Lord Earl," but I was feeling a bit down and wanted to be a little spoiled, so I called him by his name.

Was Lord Earl happy about that?

He pulled me close and kissed my temple, without caring about the audience.

I could almost hear the young ladies in the distance grinding their teeth, muttering, "That girl! How can she act so cute! With a heart of adamantite and nerves of mithril!"

No, I’m not that bold.

I’m a human with feelings, and being attacked by a stranger for the first time is shocking.

Lord Earl’s warm hand helped me calm down.

Yes, I’m fine.

I thought the Marquess Brackley would flinch at Lord Earl’s appearance, but he didn’t change his attitude.

He is, after all, a high-ranking noble.

"Vincent, reconsider. This woman is not suitable for the Lockwill family."

"Regarding my fiancée, if you continue to insult her—"

I gripped Lord Earl’s hand tightly and called out, "Vincent."

He was about to take off his glove and throw it at the Marquess Brackley, like a student version of Percival.

I met his gaze, which seemed to be asking me to stop him.

I shook my head.

I’m fine.

If my bad reputation spreads in this social world, my brother might worry.

If he worries, he might want to help.

Then, this is a good opportunity.

If there are any issues with the auction, he will criticize me.

If that happens, I’ll say, "Then, you, give me those people."

To make Lord Earl’s territory a better place for the people and to make him a beloved lord, you, my brother, should lend a hand!

I opened my fan slightly and placed it over my mouth.

"If you’re worried, Lord Brackley, why don’t you come and observe the auction at the Lockwell residence another day? Vincent might benefit from the broad business insights of the Marquess Brackley for the development of the border territory."

No matter what bad reputation I have, I won’t be swayed—like a notorious viscount family head.

I tried to act as much like a villainous lady as possible, with an evil aura.

On February 9th, Kadokawa BOOKS will publish the book version of "The Reincarnated Lady is the Notorious Viscount Family Head."

The cover and activity report are up, so if you see it in a bookstore or online store, I would be happy if you could pick it up. It has been expanded and has beautiful illustrations.

If you could bookmark it and leave a review, it would make the author cry with joy m(__)m.