I’m Reincarnated In Otome Game?

The morning after Eleonora's unreasonable request――

"Well, what should I do about this…"

Randy wandered the mansion, deep in thought.

At the moment, Eleonora—no, Elizabeth—was exploring the Victor territory with her parents. She was accompanied by guards, including Harrison and the knights. Given the nature of Victor's territory, there were no individuals bold enough to harm a guest of the Victor family.

This allowed Randy to have the luxury time to ponder her request, though the weight of the matter left his mind in confusion.

(Normally, I would reject it on the spot.)

Randy sighed deeply. However, a part of him couldn't dismiss the idea of Elizabeth—or rather, Eleonora—attending the academy. Her presence at the academy would facilitate their discussions on a range of topics, something he had come to value highly.

Additionally, there was Eleonora's teleportation ability.

If she could teleport back to Victor territory on weekends, even while attending academy, they could continue implementing reforms without interruption. With the territory's management starting to stabilize, these advantages were too significant for Randy to ignore.

And then there was Elizabeth herself.

While she maintained a calm demeanor, Randy recalled seeing her surrounded by friends—or perhaps merely acquaintances—at the academy. He had seen her smiling softly during such moments, a stark contrast to her usual self.

It was only natural for Randy to think she should reconnect with her friends now that she'd been reunited with her parents. After all, she had been working tirelessly in this remote, barren land. It was only fair to ease her burdens where possible.

And besides, the idea of leaving Elizabeth to work while he "enjoyed" academy life—though "enjoyed" might be a lie—left him feeling guilty.

Of course, all of this depended on if Elizabeth actually wanting to return to the academy.

(But the risks are still there…)

The circumstances surrounding her exile weren't just ordinary drama—they were life-threatening. Even though the Marquis family wasn't directly involved, the Crown Prince and the so-called "heroine" Catherine were key players, along with others whose exact roles remained unclear.

While Randy stood in the hallway, lost in thought, the passing maids cast curious glances at him.

Eventually, he decided to head toward his father Alan's study because he was uncomfortable under their gazes. Also when he cannot figuring out something, the best way is to ask someone more experienced.

Alan and Keith were in the study when Randy explained last night's events. Fortunately, Keith had been present during the conversation with Eleonora, so there was no need for additional context.

"So, Lady Eleonora wishes to experience academy life," Alan mused, rubbing his temples. Though he appeared troubled, he didn't reject the idea right away

"Normally, the answer would be a firm no," Alan began.

"But you'd rather let her attend, wouldn't you?" Keith interjected with a knowing smile.

Randy hesitated before giving a nod. "Well, if possible…"

Alan sighed. "In truth, I would prefer to say it's impossible. But…"

His expression turned serious, a rare sight that made Randy instinctively straighten his posture.

"It's likely that Elizabeth's survival is already known to the kingdom's core circles."

"Well, yeah, that's obvious…" Randy frowned, recalling how hidden operatives from the kingdom had likely infiltrated the territory under the guise of traders not long ago.

"But why haven't they done anything?" Randy asked.

Alan shrugged. "Who knows? Perhaps it's mere curiosity."

Unknown to them, the truth was far less serious: Catherine had simply pestered the Crown Prince, claiming she was "concerned for Elizabeth's safety," prompting him to deploy agents. Their mission had been limited to confirming her survival, as per the original plot of the "otome game" narrative.

Randy, however, remained unaware of this and assumed a much more sinister motive.

"I discussed the matter with the Marquis after dinner last night," Alan continued. "The people behind Elizabeth's exile are undoubtedly among the central aristocrats. They likely see the Marquis—a territorial noble—rising to the position of Minister of Finance as a threat."

"How petty," Randy scoffed, though his thoughts were elsewhere.

(I thought this was just an otome game plot, but there's more going on behind the scenes…)

Even the seemingly simple premise of a noble young lady's exile hinted at deeper political schemes.

(Maybe those happy endings in otome games aren't as rosy as they seem…)

Alan's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Both the Marquis and I agree that Elizabeth should be placed in the safest location possible."

"The safest location, huh…" Randy murmured, his mind racing. (That definitely rules out the academy.)

Alan, however, responded with a sly grin.

"Indeed. The safest place. And that's why, Randy—no, Randolph—"

Alan's deliberate use of his full name made Randy tense up. He knew from experience that this signaled trouble.

"The Marquis has requested you as her bodyguard. After all, the academy is a place under constant public scrutiny."

"What?! Seriously?!" Randy exclaimed, his voice echoing through the study.

Alan wore a smug expression, clearly enjoying his son's reaction.

"I can't think of anyone more qualified to protect her," he added.

Before Randy could retort, another voice joined the conversation.

"I agree."

Randy turned to see the Marquis, Lucian, standing in the doorway with a faintly discontented look.

(Keith.. that guy..)

The reason Lucian, who was not even an expert, had appeared without Randy noticing was because Keith had made his presence blend in with someone else. There were many maids passing in front of the door. So it must be Keith's doing..

Randy glared at Keith, but quickly turned his attention to Lucian.

"Would you refuse to guard my daughter?" Lucian asked.

"Well, uh, no, but…" Randy stammered.

Lucian continued, cutting off any objections.

"Think about it. The academy, with its constant surveillance, is far safer than this territory, which has already been infiltrated. And your abilities, Randolph, are more than sufficient."

Randy bit his lip, unable to refute the Marquis's points.

Even so, the decision to take Elizabeth back to the academy wasn't one he could make lightly. This was about more than just safety—it was about the risks, responsibilities, and the unforeseen consequences of intertwining their fates even further.

"I have no objection to protecting Lady Elizabeth. However, if it means doing so at the academy, I must decline."

"Oh? And what is your reason?"

Lucian narrowed his eyes, but Randy met his gaze head-on.

"Because Lady Elizabeth's will is absent from this decision."

Randy's unwavering stare clashed with Lucian's calculating one.

"For all we know, the academy may be a source of deep trauma for her. Forcing her to return there without even consulting to her feelings is something I cannot agree."

As Randy delivered his rebuttal, Alan interjected from behind him.

"But Randy, you just said that Lady Elizabeth—"

"Father, stay out of this!"

Randy's sharp tone silenced Alan, but then Lucian chimed in from the side.

"Well, isn't this a fine opportunity—"

"No means no, I said! And—ah!"

Randy turned sharply to Lucian, his face contorted with frustration. He clenched his teeth before loudly declaring, "I must apologize for any rudeness, but I'll have my say!"

His booming voice, unlike how one should address a high-ranking noble, this made Lucian instinctively nod in acknowledgment.

"Listen carefully. I'll say this as many times as it takes: unless Lady Elizabeth herself expresses her will in this matter, my answer remains no."

The loudness of Randy's voice caused the glass windows to tremble slightly.

"I agree to protect her. But what about her heart? If you insist on dragging her to a place she loathes, then I'll end up protecting her from you."

Randy's piercing gaze shifted between Lucian and Alan, his words pressing the matter further.

"She may be your daughter, but she's now an essential part of the Victor household—a member of our family. I can't condone anything that would harm her, no matter the reason. And if you talk about 'safety'—"

His fiery words faltered.

"—the marquis' territory… could… perhaps also…"

Suddenly, realization struck Randy, and he turned his gaze toward Alan, then Lucian, and finally to the faint presence behind the door.

(They got me…)

He glared at Keith, who stood silently by the door.

"Young Master Randy, your heartfelt cry has moved me deeply," Keith said with mocking sincerity, bowing theatrically. Randy's temple twitched in irritation as he turned back to Alan, whose sidelong glance spoke volumes.

"Father, you… you scheming fox—!"

Before Randy could finish, Lucian burst out laughing, his hearty chuckle filling the room and easing the tension.

"Hahaha! Just as I thought—you're a truly interesting man."

Lucian's laughter subsided as he called out toward the door, "So, Liza, what do you think?"

Keith, seizing his cue, opened the door. Elizabeth entered, escorted by Flora, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Lady Elizabeth…"

"Lord Randolph, forgive me for my forwardness, but if possible… I wish to return to the academy."

Elizabeth bowed her head, and Randy instantly grasped the situation.

(They planned this whole thing.)

By "they," Randy meant everyone in the room except Elizabeth. They must have confirmed her wishes beforehand.

"Lady Elizabeth, may I ask you two things?" Randy said, suppressing his frustration.

"What is it?"

"Why do you want to return to the academy?"

Elizabeth hesitated, fidgeting nervously. "Well… um…" she stammered, mentioning the ongoing development plans for the territory and her lingering concern for the friends she left behind at the academy. 

Her words were disjointed, but the fervent emotion behind them was undeniable—she wanted to go back.

(Was it Eleonora? What did she say to her?)

Randy was spot-on. Eleonora had fueled Elizabeth's desire to return, saying things like, "Without you, the reforms won't progress," and, "It's time to repay the favor by following Randolph."

In truth, Eleonora also wanted to enjoy her time at the academy. Elizabeth's resolve was shaped by Eleonora's encouragement, but the ultimate push was her own desire to follow Randy.

Although Randy sensed Eleonora's meddling, he couldn't fully grasp her intentions.

 (How badly does she want to go back?)

"I understand your reasons for wanting to return to the academy, Lady Elizabeth," Randy finally said.

"My apologies for the inconvenience."

"It's not an inconvenience. One more thing—did you happen to mention that you didn't want to trouble me?"

Elizabeth's wide-eyed reaction confirmed Randy's suspicions: this entire spectacle had been carefully orchestrated.

Lucian and Alan had shared their concerns about the strangeness surrounding Elizabeth's exile and the kingdom's likely awareness of her survival. 

Combined with the expected increase in visitors to the territory, the academy, with its controlled environment, seemed safer.

However, Elizabeth's consent was paramount, and strong protection was also necessary. When asked, she had expressed a desire to return but worried about burdening Randy. Knowing his kind nature, she feared he would agree too easily if she asked directly.

Thus, Alan, Lucian, Keith, and even Flora had staged this elaborate act to ensure Randy's honest reaction.

And he did—proclaiming loudly that her wishes were his priority. He finally realized this setup when he suggested keeping her in the marquis' territory and sensed her presence.

Although it was an embarrassing moment for both Randy and Elizabeth, the one enjoying it the most was Flora.

"See? I told you this would work," she said with a smile.

"You did," Lucian admitted, grinning wryly.

Thus, Randy's chaotic second semester at the academy was set in motion.