I’m Reincarnated In Otome Game?

It had been several days since Randy obtained the cursed staff in the dungeon. During that time, his experiments with skincare products—starting with a lotion and other products—were progressing exceptionally well.

Among the items he had scavenged from what seemed to be the orcs' food storage was a perfect ingredient: a seed that Randy was quite familiar with.

It was the seed of an Evil Plant, a plant-type magical beast that can be found in the Demon Forest. These creatures would shoot out seeds to paralyze small animals and plant seeds within their bodies.

Why such seeds were found in the orcs' storage remained a mystery. However, Ellie speculated that part of the dungeon might be connected to a cave somewhere. If the dungeon had an opening leading into the depths of the forest, it wasn't surprising that the orcs possessed Evil Plant seeds. After all, the mere presence of orcs indicated that some sort of passage existed.

Regardless, Evil Plants were an occasional sight in the forest. Though the projectiles they launched were called "seeds" for convenience, they weren't true seeds. Randy wasn't clear on the specifics, but one thing was certain: the oils and fats contained within the seeds proved incredibly useful.

The substance was fat but resembled like butter , while the outer oil resembled coconut milk. While the taste wasn't suitable for consumption despite its delicious-looking appearance—it worked perfectly as an ingredient for skincare.

- The fatty portion was used to create hand cream.

- The oil was used for lotions and all-in-one gels product.

Randy had already begun testing these prototypes on himself. Surprisingly, even Cecilia volunteered to participate in the experiments.

Initially hesitant to use a noble young lady as a test subject, Randy ultimately relented after Cecilia argued that women's skin was different from men's.

Reluctantly, Randy agreed to let Cecilia try the products, but…

"The texture isn't bad, but it's a little too oily," Cecilia remarked.

"Got it. I'll adjust the ratio," Randy replied.

Now, he diligently gathered feedback from Cecilia daily. Since Cecilia was testing the products, Liz naturally volunteered as well.

"I actually prefer it as-is," Liz commented.

"Okay, noted. Looks like we'll need to offer different variations to suit preferences and skin types," Randy concluded.

The sight of a towering man earnestly taking notes from two women during their lunch break on a terrace might have seemed odd to outsiders, but the trio was entirely serious about their task.

After finishing his notes, Randy took a moment to sip his coffee. He had grown accustomed to the taste of brewed coffee but still preferred drip coffee, which felt more familiar.

(Oh, right, there's that too…)

The sheer number of things he wanted—and needed—and had to do had caused Randy to almost forget: this was a world based on an otome game.

"By the way, Cecilia, isn't there a party this weekend?" he asked.

"Yes, but I'm not sure about attending," Cecilia replied, offering a melancholy smile.

Liz widened her eyes at Cecilia's response, while Randy, realizing once again the kind of world he was in, thought, (Oh yeah, it's that kind of world.)

To be honest, Randy didn't care much about the otome game storyline he didn't even know. However, Cecilia's situation piqued his interest.

As someone engaged to one of the "followers" in the story, Cecilia could be considered a villainess in her own right. If left alone, she might face accusations, have her engagement called off, or even get hurt.

Cecilia wasn't just one of Randy's few friends in this world; she was also a valuable advisor for his skincare products. He wanted to help her if he could, but she had previously declined Liz's offers of assistance.

(I guess prying too much wouldn't be good either…)

As Randy mulled over the situation, Cecilia's expression grew clouded.

"Are you all right, Cecilia?" Liz asked.

"No, I'm not," Cecilia admitted, shaking her head.

Liz bit her lip in frustration, while Randy, completely out of the loop, had no idea what was wrong or why.

Noticing Randy's confusion, Liz sought Cecilia's permission to explain. "May he hear this?"

"Of course," Cecilia replied with a smile. "He's a friend, and Lord Randolph often has unique ideas. It might be helpful to hear his perspective."

Encouraged, Cecilia began to explain herself, starting with the strained relationship between her family, the Hartfield household, and her fiancé's family, the Marquis Weissman.

The Hartfield family, like Liz's Blauvelt family, was a prestigious noble lineage that had supported the kingdom as territorial lords for generations.

　Liz's family brought wealth to the kingdom through maritime trade, while Cecilia's family had long supported the kingdom by providing its food supply.

"Even though we're considered a prestigious house for sustaining the kingdom's food, we're just country folk who focus on livestock farming," Cecilia said with a self-deprecating laugh.

"Livestock farming, you say?" Randy replied, his expression turning sour.

About a generation ago, livestock farming indeed played a major role in supporting the kingdom's food supply. However, in modern times, few households still rely on it. A major reason for this shift was the discovery that magical beasts could be processed and consumed as food.

Once methods for preparing and processing magical beasts were established, inexpensive meats—such as orc meat—began to flood the market. 

This made sense, as adventurers who hunted magical beasts for magic stones and materials would otherwise discard the meat. 

With this newfound utility, magical beast meat became a readily available option, and demand for traditional livestock meat plummeted.

Despite this, Cecilia's family continued their livestock farming. Perhaps it was out of pride for their role in sustaining the kingdom or the central government's orders to maintain livestock production to ensure the population's food supply. 

Even now, her family breeds livestock for an ever-shrinking market.

Of course, Cecilia's family didn't merely cling to tradition. They had implemented various innovations and even attempted bold reforms, such as exploring the feasibility of raising magical beasts. 

However, the reality was that slaughtered wild magical beasts were cheaper and less labor-intensive than raising them domestically.

"When demand is low, we have no choice but to lower prices. That's how my family's finances have fallen into disarray…" Cecilia sighed deeply. Although she acknowledged that the government provided subsidies, they were also pressuring her family to improve efficiency in their operations as quickly as possible.

"If we could improve efficiency and reduce costs, we might still make a profit even at lower prices," she said, echoing the government's reasoning. "But dealing with living creatures isn't something that can be made efficient so easily."

She then smiled bitterly. "In short, I'm nothing more than a hostage, sent to extend the subsidy period by marrying Lord Dario."

Randy muttered quietly, "I see," as he observed Cecilia's sorrowful expression. 

From the perspective of Dario's family, gaining the bloodline of a historic noble house like Cecilia's also offered significant advantages.

The territorial nobles bearing the "von" title were true aristocrats who had supported the kingdom since its founding. In contrast, the more recently established central nobles were often viewed by the populace as upstarts.

The Weissman Marquisate, Dario's family, was one such central noble house with a relatively short history. They likely sought to enhance their credibility by marrying into a prestigious house like Cecilia's.

"The Marquis Weissman has made it clear that they wouldn't mind aligning with another territorial noble house if we don't comply," Cecilia said with a sigh.

"A threat…" Randy exhaled heavily, understanding the imbalance of power in the situation.

Since Dario's family held the upper hand, Cecilia's family couldn't assert themselves. Knowing this, Dario likely felt emboldened to act as he pleased.

(Or is he just a spoiled brat?) Randy thought. 

While the power dynamics were clearly in Dario's favor, his inability to grasp the consequences of his actions suggested he'd been spoiled all his life. If this engagement proceeded, neither Dario nor Cecilia would find happiness.

"So, you're obligated to accompany that idiot to the weekend party. If you refuse, it'll harm your standing—and your family's standing by extension?" Randy asked.

Cecilia nodded faintly. "My father and mother told me I didn't need to force myself… but—"

Her voice trembled as she added, "Even if I'm just a hostage, I was prepared to support Dario once we were engaged. I tried to push him to receive the education and build the connections he'd need to become a future prime minister. But… the results speak for themselves."

Cecilia's voice shook as she continued, "He dismissed my advice, ignored my efforts, and doesn't even see me for who I am. How could I possibly spend my life with someone like that?"

Letting out a deep sigh, Cecilia forced a bitter smile instead of shedding tears. 

She must have endured so much, yet she maintained her composure. Seeing her in this state, Randy instinctively closed his eyes.

The fact that the engagement was still merely "planned" was likely her family's form of resistance. They wanted Cecilia to enjoy her youth and freedom while she was still a student, rather than binding her to a fiancé she didn't love

Even so, Cecilia had tirelessly tried to uphold her family's honor, determined to support her fiancé despite her feeling. Randy assumed Dario might have his own perspective, but he doubted the boy had ever reciprocated Cecilia's resolve.

Randy clenched his fist unconsciously and exhaled sharply.

"No, you can't…" Liz interrupted.

"Just one punch," Randy grumbled.

"With your strength, one punch is like ten thousand from another person. Absolutely not," Liz insisted, stopping him.

Randy finally released his fist and sighed heavily.

"Don't trouble yourself over it. These things are common in noble families," Cecilia said with her usual graceful smile, sipping her tea elegantly. "I'm not special."

Randy glanced at Liz, who nodded gravely. Liz herself had only recently escaped a similar situation.

Just how much weight did these noble young lady carry on their delicate shoulders?

"Nobles are the worst," Randy muttered bitterly.

Cecilia and Liz exchanged looks before Cecilia replied with a faint smile, "You're a noble too, Lord Randolph. But your sentiment alone is enough for me."

Even if Cecilia wasn't asking for his help, there was no way Randy could stand by and do nothing.

　What Randy was about to propose wasn't just a solution for Cecilia—it would also benefit him.

"Lady Cecilia, if your family's finances could recover, that would solve the issue, wouldn't it?" Randy asked with a sly tone.

Caught off guard, Cecilia blinked in surprise and nodded. "Y-Yes…" Liz, however, seemed to have realized something and widened her eyes.

"Then it's fine. Not just the party—let's cancel the engagement entirely. It's still just a planning, right?"

Randy smiled wickedly, prompting Cecilia to mutter, "What?" in disbelief. Liz, on the other hand, nodded firmly, clearly understanding Randy's plan.

"I'd like that, but if we call off the engagement, the subsidies from government will…" Cecilia hesitated.

"Don't worry about that," Randy interrupted with a laugh.

"What do you mean by that?" Cecilia frowned, looking at him skeptically.

"Cecilia, we're in the process of introducing a beauty serum to the market."

"I'm aware of that," Cecilia replied.

"This serum is going to generate massive demand once it's out there," Liz added confidently, and Cecilia silently nodded in agreement.

"And earlier, you mentioned your family had experimented with raising magical beasts," Liz said, smiling knowingly.

At that, Cecilia seemed to catch on. "Are you saying my family should produce the materials for your serum?"

"Exactly," Liz replied.

"As I understand it, our lands are separated by a large river. Your family could handle large-scale production of the raw materials, while my family processes them, and then… we'll sell them far and wide with the Blauvelt family's connections," Randy added with a mischievous grin.

Cecilia hesitated. "But…" She looked down, clearly conflicted. 

While the plan seemed promising and could bring in significant profits, the uncertainty of starting something new, along with her guilt over abandoning the livestock farming her family had devoted themselves to, weighed on her.

"Oh, but we're not just asking your family to raise magical beasts," Randy said, sensing her hesitation. "Liz, bring out the mystery meat."

"It's not 'mystery meat'; it's orc placenta," Liz corrected, pouting slightly as she pulled a dried chunk of meat from her item box.

"Orc placenta? What about it?" Cecilia frowned, clearly confused, as Randy smirked.

"Have you heard of 'placenta extract'?" he asked.

"Placenta… extract? What is that?" Cecilia tilted her head in puzzlement.

"It's an incredibly potent ingredient for beauty products," Randy explained. He himself had only recently learned that placenta was used in such products.

He recalled the moment he'd stored the orc placenta in his item box, and the label "Orc Placenta" had appeared. Ellie had then explained to him in ancient language that it referred to a creature's temporary organ during maternity.

The realization had been shocking for Randy.

(Placenta… that placenta? From all those commercials in my past life? It's this stuff?)

He had never imagined he'd uncover the truth behind such a familiar term in this way.

There were too many coincidences at play: the orcs' were eating placenta, the chance of him collecting the item, and now the opportunity standing before him in Cecilia.

"Lady Cecilia, your family raises pigs, doesn't it?" Randy asked.

"Yes," Cecilia replied.

"And they're known for having birth a lot, aren't they?"

When Cecilia nodded quietly, Randy's grin grew even wider.

"Let's create an ultra-luxury serum made from pig placenta, targeted at nobles. We'll rake in massive amounts of money from those pompous aristocrats. And with that success, we can expand the market for your pigs as well. Don't worry—I can already see the vision clearly," Randy declared with a devilish smirk.

Cecilia could only respond with a nod "Y-Yes…"

A few days later, Cecilia's family, the Heartfield Earldom, sent a formal letter to the Wieissman Marquisate, informing them that the engagement proposal with Dario had been cancelled.