I’m Reincarnated In Otome Game?

(Hello, this is Randolph. Huh? Why am I suddenly starting to talk about myself? Well, obviously because—)

"Hey. Are you even listening?!"

In front of Randy, a young lady with beautifully curled blonde hair puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

"I'm listening. Umm…"

"Lord Randolph, this is Cecilia von Hartfield, daughter of an earl," Liz interjected with a sigh and a side-eye at Randy.

Yes, Randy was currently experiencing something unprecedented in both his lives—being summoned by a girl. Unfortunately, it's not for a romance purpose

"Lord Randolph Victor, release Liza immediately!"

(Ugh… What a pain…)

Faced with the trembling, indignant young lady, Randy began recalling how he ended up in this situation.

——————-

Earlier…

"Yaaaawn. I'm so tired."

"Randy, don't be so improper."

Randy and Liz were walking to school from the inn they were staying at near the academy. After being expelled from the dormitory for unauthorized renovations, the two had been relying on a recommended inn for lodging.

At first, they were dejected over their expulsion, thinking they had messed up. However, upon reflection, they realized that life in a no freedom dorm wasn't nearly as convenient as staying at the inn.

No prying eyes, no curfews, and as it turned out, Liz was almost forced into the girls' dormitory as a special case. Escaping that situation and staying at the inn instead had been a blessing in disguise.

For Randy, who no longer had to feign politeness or play by the rules, the inn was even more ideal.

"That's fine. No one's watching anyway," he said, shrugging as he strolled with his uniform disheveled and hands in his pockets.

Liz sighed. "Maybe not here, but once we reach the main street, you'd better look presentable."

Indeed, the two saw no other students around them. That was because they were cutting through a back alley. The main street ahead would be different—it was the time when noble children from noble families living in the royal capital and commoners admitted via general entrance exams coming to school. The main street would surely be bustling with students.

"Fine, fine," Randy said reluctantly. He quickly tucked his shirt into his slacks, fastened his buttons, and straightened his tie with startling speed. 

Watching him, Liz couldn't help narrowing her eyes.

"Randy… you've done this before, haven't you?" she said accusingly.

Judging from his experienced motions, Liz guessed Randy had been lazying around with his uniform messy in areas with no one to see him, even during academy.

"This is my way of getting along with life," he said smugly with a grin.

Liz could only sigh again.

When they finally stepped onto the main street, they were met with the sight of several carriages and a number of students heading toward the academy.

The two emerging from the alleyway caught the attention of a few students, who began whispering conspicuously. From those carriages, they felt numerous of rude and curious stares.

"Damn, sending Harrison home was a mistake," Randy muttered under his breath.

As a noble, he had the privilege of commuting by carriage, but shortly after enrolling in the academy, Randy had sent the carriage and his coachman, Harrison, back to his estate, as usual.

Living in the dorms, the carriage was only really needed for end-of-semester parties. Moreover, the Victor territory was severely short of manpower, and this was an especially critical time. Randy and his group couldn't afford the luxury of keeping someone as capable as Harrison idle.

Besides, Harrison was the kind of man who showed up early to parties just to play in the casino. If he didn't put more effort into his real duties, it would set a bad example for everyone else.

However, that arrangement only worked because Randy had been living in the dorms. Now that he was commuting from outside the academy, having a carriage would've been much more convenient. While Randy regretted his decision, Liz, on the other hand, seemed somewhat pleased.

"It's fine, isn't it? Walking is nice every once in a while," Liz said.

"'Once in a while'? This is going to be every day from now on," Randy replied.

Along with their lighthearted banter, the two finally reached the academy gates. 

Even before this, they had drawn attention, but with the increasing number of students around, the number of stares directed their way grew significantly.

The two were already the talk of the school, but walking to class on foot among commoners only added fuel to the fire.

"Did you hear? They renovated their dorm or something."

"I heard they destroyed it!"

"Apparently, they rebelled against the staff."

"Seriously? What kind of lunatics are they?"

The story of the dorm renovating had grown wings of its own and was now running wild.

"This is unbelievable," Randy groaned.

"Well, it is true that we renovated it," Liz pointed out.

Just as the two tried to shake it off and head to class, a voice called out.

"Lady Elizabeth, you're safe!"

A pink-haired "monster" appeared.

The teary-eyed girl with pink hair was none other than Catherine Evans. 

Once again, Randy had forgotten her name. 

However, Catherine ignored Randy's existence entirely and directed her attention to Liz.

"I was so worried about you!"

(Who the hell is this chick? I really wanna punch her.)

Hearing this fake cute voice and gaze, Randy forced a smile and his cheek twitched. Meanwhile, Liz, with her usual composed expression, completely ignored Catherine.

An awkward silence fell between the three. Then Liz gave a small tug on Randy's sleeve.

(Ah, she's telling me to hurry up and leave. What a hassle.)

Randy took Liz's feeling into consideration,

"Pleased to meet you… Saintess. Unfortunately, we're in a hurry."

Leaving only a refreshing smile and a polite bow behind, he said, "Let's go, Liz," and walked past the dumbfounded Catherine, taking Liz along with him.

Under the watchful eyes of onlookers, Catherine, completely ignored, turned back toward the two, trembling with shame and anger.

"S-so this is how you bully me again?!"

Tears welled up in Catherine's eyes, causing a stir among the students nearby.

"What's with that girl? Can I punch her?"

"No, you must not," Liz replied with a sigh as she continued walking, her back still turned to Catherine.

"Earlier, I was asking for your permission," Liz explained quietly to Randy.

"Permission?"

"Yes," Liz affirmed.

From Liz's perspective, as Randy's formal attendant—at least on paper—there were rules to follow. To engage in conversation with another noble lady while disregarding her master's presence was utterly unthinkable.

　Thus, Liz tugged on Randy's sleeve, signaling her wish for him to take action. 

But, alas, it was Randy she was dealing with.

Misinterpreting her intent completely, he opted for the outrageous move of ignoring Catherine entirely—and even called her the "Saintess." 

His words, laced with the implication that he neither remembered nor cared to know her name, would have angered anyone, not just Catherine.

"Perhaps I should handle this for now?" Liz suggested.

"…I leave it to you," Randy replied.

Concluding that he'd likely botch the interaction, Randy left it entirely in Liz's hands and turned to face the still-squawking Catherine.

"Lord Randolph, may I have your permission to speak?" Liz asked.

"Permission granted," Randy said, nodding haughtily. It was only then that he realized what Liz had been asking for. (Ah, so that's what she wanted.)

"Lady Catherine, it has been some time," Liz said, delivering a flawless manner.

Catherine, her voice dripping with honey, responded with, "It's been so long, ha-" 

But Liz, cut her short.

"However, I have been issued with an order of banning me from speaking to you, Lady Catherine."

By deliberately overlapping her words with Catherine's words—this behaviour is a fine line between rude and polite and for Liz to ensure Catherine wouldn't get the chance to retort.

(Whoa, terrifying.)

While Randy thought this with an amused smile, Liz reached into her pocket, pulled out a parchment, and held it up in front of Catherine. It was a copy of the kingdom's official prohibition contact order regarding Catherine.

"I will not approach you, Lady Catherine, but I must ask that you also refrain from approaching me. Otherwise, I will be unable to uphold this decree."

"But I was just worried about you, Lady Elizabeth!" Catherine said, her eyes glistening with tears.

Liz responded with an exaggerated sigh, clearly unimpressed.

"Thank you for your concern, but I assure you that I have no intention of engaging with you in any way going forward. It would greatly help if you could maintain your distance as well."

With another deep bow, Liz seemed to put an end to the conversation. 

Catherine, however, was desperate to cling on.

"B-but—"

Unfortunately for Catherine, Liz was one step ahead.

"Everyone gathered here, please take note of Lady Catherine's kindness. She worries deeply about my well-being and may attempt to speak to me again in the future."

Her calm, clear voice instantly silenced the murmurs of the crowd.

"Therefore, if Lady Catherine approaches me, I ask that you, my kind peers, gently remind her to refrain."

Liz followed this with another impeccable curtsy, leaving Catherine speechless.

The message was clear: I won't approach you, so don't approach me. And everyone here? Make sure you stop her if she tries.

With that declaration, Catherine found herself unable to approach Liz ever again. Her chance to undermine Liz had been completely eradicated. 

Frustration etched across her face, Catherine cast a look of pure malice at Liz and Randy—a look that only they could see.

(Wow, what an ugly face.)

Randy couldn't help but smirk internally. But just as he was enjoying the moment, Liz nudged his side. Realizing the exchange was over, Randy turned and offered Catherine a courteous bow.

"Well then… Saintess, we are in a hurry, so—"

Despite Liz repeatedly addressing her as "Catherine," Randy stuck to calling her "Saintess." Catherine's face twisted even further, enraged by his blatant refusal to acknowledge her name. Even Liz cast a distant, resigned glance towards the sky.

Once they had put some distance between themselves and the fuming Catherine, Liz shot Randy a sharp glare.

"Randy, couldn't you at least remember her name?"

"Impossible. My brain's storage capacity is limited. I don't want to waste it on useless information."

"…You're unbelievable. You're also making a very wicked face right now."

At Liz's remark, Randy instantly reverted to his usual charming smile as the two finally made their way to the academy building.

"Well, now that we've dealt with that fool, let's wrap up class quickly."

"Yes, along with the territory's development, we also need to address the pressing matter of earning enough for lodging," Liz reminded him, bringing reality back into focus.

"Yeah, yeah," Randy grumbled, his lips pursing in mild irritation.

But before they could go any further, a commanding voice called out from behind.

"Wait right there!"

"Oh, now what?" Randy groaned, turning around with undisguised annoyance.

Standing before them was a noble lady with golden, tightly curled ringlets and a fierce demeanor.

"You are Randolph Victor, are you not?" she asked sharply.

"Yes, I am," Randy replied, barely maintaining a smile.

"I am Cecilia von Hartfield," the young lady introduced herself, offering a slight bow.

"How very polite of you," Randy said, bowing in return.

"No, the pleasure is mine—wait, no! Lord Randolph Victor, I have something to discuss with you. Could you come to the back of the building?"

"Absolutely n—" Randy began, only to be interrupted by Liz's nudge.

Seeing Liz shake her head beside him, Randy sighed heavily. 

(So she wants me to hear her out?)

"Fine. As long as we're back in time for class," Randy replied with a forced smile.

With a haughty sniff, Cecilia led them to the back of the building.

(Called out by a girl, but there's nothing romantic about this.)

As Randy glanced around, Cecilia turned to him with a piercing gaze.

"Lord Randolph Victor, release Liz immediately!" she demanded.

"Whaaaaat?!" Randy's loud exclamation echoed across the yard.