I’m Reincarnated In Otome Game?

A week had passed since Randy had handed over the negotiations with the Marquis of Blauvelt to his father, Alan. It was around the middle of the summer vacation when word arrived that the marquis couple was heading this way.

In the meantime, Randy was…

"Lord Randolph, are you all right?"

"Yes, just a bit more… Alright, it's done!"

…Under a worried gaze from Elizabeth, he crawled under the carriage.

The reason for such efforts? Randy and Elizabeth—well, Eleanor who was technically involved too—were working on modifying a carriage.

In this world, carriages are the primary way of transportation, but they're notoriously bumpy. Even in the relatively well-maintained roads around Alexandria's royal capital, the ride could be rough. 

In areas like this with only poorly maintained roads, riding in a carriage often felt more like enduring a form of torture.

Wealthy families could afford slightly better carriages, but even those weren't much of an improvement. Most high-end carriages aimed to reduce discomfort by making the seats softer, but the fundamental problem of the ride's bumpiness remained.

And some people? They got motion sickness—badly.

Thus, the project to create a less bumpy carriage for rough roads was born. The goal was to overhaul the suspension system. 

While carriages did have something resembling suspension, however to Randy, with his knowledge from a modern world, they were practically nonfunctional.

With only ten days left before Randy had to travel back to school by carriage, creating a smoother ride was an urgent personal priority.

There were also other reasons for the modifications. This project was part of Randy's hard works to rebuild his territory by using local resources and skills.

Randy's expertise came from his prior life, but his tools and materials were derived from magic and resources in this world. 

The magic beast materials Randy had gathered, his Crafting Production Magic, and Elizabeth's high magical power, acknowledged even by the ancient witch Eleanor, all played crucial roles.

Creating tools from scratch demanded immense magical power. With his average magical capacity, Randy couldn't have created items like jacks and simple tools without Elizabeth's magical abilities. 

Randy provided the basic designs, but it was Elizabeth's intelligence and magical power that brought them to life.

The primitive leaf springs that secured the carriage axles were removed, replaced by independent axles and Randy's redesigned leaf springs—easier to make than coiled springs. 

Elizabeth created these components, and the installation process had just been completed by Randy

"Well then, shall we test it out?"

"Yes."

Elizabeth got into the carriage, while Randy climbed onto the coachman's seat. 

Slowly, the horse-drawn carriage began to move.

(Oh! This is great. Long live independent suspension and magic beast materials!)

Thanks to the new leaf springs installed on each wheel, the ride was noticeably smoother. The independent suspension absorbed shocks effectively, and the materials worked wonderfully. The old springs were so rigid that one might have wondered if they were meant to absorb any impact at all.

(There's still room for improvement in the spring design, but…)

"How does it compare to high-end carriages, Lady Elizabeth?"

"It's amazing! This one's definitely less bumpy!"

Her voice, muffled but clearly joyful, echoed from inside the carriage.

After a round of testing, Randy and Elizabeth allowed others who frequently used the carriage—such as Harrison, Alan, and the steward Keith—to evaluate the ride.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, especially from Harrison, who had spent the most time in carriages as Randy's servant. His admiration now shone in his gaze toward Randy.

"Wow, I remember people calling you a child prodigy," Harrison murmured.

"A child prodigy, really?" Elizabeth asked in unusual voice of surprised.

Perhaps embarrassed by her reaction, Elizabeth withdrew, and Eleanor, who was laughing gleefully, took over her body.

"A prodigy, eh?" Eleanor teased with a smirk, leaning in close to Randy, who pushed her forehead away with a finger.

"Show some respect, great magus."

Matching Randy's mischievous grin, Eleanor responded with an equally mischievous smile.

"Well, I'll admit this provides a decent way to fund future projects."

Nodding with haught, Eleanor glanced under the carriage and remarked, "This could fetch quite a price."

"Sorry, but I have no intention of making this technology public," Randy said, sniffing dismissively.

"Huh?" Harrison and Eleanor exclaimed simultaneously, while Elizabeth seemed to share their confusion. It appeared they had expected the invention to generate significant profits.

"Young master, isn't this modification a golden opportunity? With local materials and integrated production, this could be very profitable."

"Oh, it could be, no doubt."

Randy nodded, but was met with piercing gazes from Harrison and Eleonora, as if demanding an explanation for his decision.

"Because it would only bring in money, and nothing more."

At these words, Randy's father, Alan, and the steward, Keith, nodded in understanding, while the other three wore expressions of confusion. 

They seemed to silently question why earning money wasn't enough. Randy began explaining the risks involved if they were to sell this technology outright.

"The biggest problem is that only Lady Elizabeth and I can create it."

At present, only the two of them could use the production magic. This limitation wasn't just inconvenient; it carried serious implications.

They'd be responsible for handling all orders, repairs, and improvements themselves. Even though production magic allowed them to create things quickly, an increase in demand would proportionally increase their workload.

Unlike using magic beast remains to create materials for short-term financial needs, this project would require a long-term commitment. Randy had no intention of turning Elizabeth into a tool for making money.

"Second, if we release it as-is, someone else will imitate it, and it'll be over in an instant."

The low production capacity would lead to widespread imitation. If the imitators had similar production capabilities, it wouldn't be a problem since they couldn't use the Demon Forest's materials. 

However, if the imitators had higher production efficiency, they'd flood the market with cheaper alternatives, forcing a price war.

- Randy and Elizabeth lacked the production capacity to compete.

- The components, though durable, were still consumable items.

- Additionally, their lack of personal branding would put them at a severe disadvantage.

The outcome was clear: competitors would dominate the market, leaving them with little chance to recover the market share

"Then, Lord Randolph, do you intend to hold off on releasing this until you can establish mass production?" Elizabeth asked after switched with Eleonora.

"Not quite," Randy replied with a smile.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't plan to release this technology myself. It's going to be someone else…"

"Are you suggesting… selling the technology?"

Randy nodded at Elizabeth's guess and elaborated.

"I'll choose who to sell it to—someone capable of producing it at a big scale and keeping others from copying it."

In essence, Randy planned to sell the technology itself to a powerful entity, leveraging their reputation and production efficiency to dominate the market. 

But he intended to sell it to only one party. 

That party was already decided: Elizabeth's family, the Marquis of Blauvelt.

With their maritime trade routes and skilled workforce, the Blauvelt family could fully capitalize on the technology and pay a handsome price. 

Recently, they'd even begun hiring dwarves to expand into processing and trade within their territory.

"I see… That's your plan," Elizabeth said with a nod of understanding.

"As expected of Lady Elizabeth," Randy said with a smirk.

"And what's the plan?" Eleonora interjected, frustrated by her lack of understanding. 

As Elizabeth began explaining Randy's intentions to Eleonora and Harrison, the advantages of this approach became clear.

The biggest benefit was reducing Elizabeth's burden while securing a monopoly over the market. A monopoly on the market meant an increase in demand for materials.

While alternatives might exist, the high performance and durability of the materials from the Demon Forest made them cost-effective in the long run.

Randy also planned hiring craftsmen to produce materials in the future. 

His ultimate goal was the development of the entire domain—creating jobs and revitalizing industry. 

Depending solely on his and Elizabeth's abilities was out of the question; it would only lead to unsustainable growth and unnecessary constraints on their freedom.

A thriving terriory meant more opportunities.

More opportunities meant more options.

More options meant greater resilience against unexpected challenges.

A resilient territory would only thrive further.

This innovation was merely the starting point. Elizabeth's extraordinary abilities had finally allowed Randy to bring his past-life knowledge to life. The success of their efforts now depended on Randy's leadership.

Earlier, Randy had told Eleonora to 'show respect,' but he himself was unaware that he had been called a 'prodigy.' 

Though he doesn't know, as someone with knowledge of a past life, he is fully aware of how his responses in childhood shaped the impressions others held of him.

Randy has no hesitation in using knowledge from his past life. If it's useful, he'll utilize it without reservation—that's his principle. However, until now, he lacked the means to turn that knowledge into something real.

That was until Crafting, the Production Magic, and Elizabeth came into his life. When it comes to intelligence and magical power, he knows he can't compete with Elizabeth or Eleonora.

But when it comes to resilience and strategy, he has no intention of losing.

The way to use knowledge.

The way to leverage technology.

The way to negotiate.

Randy has no interest in being praised as a 'prodigy,' but he values the expectations placed on him by the servants who've supported him through hardships. In addition, the effort Elizabeth put into developing this technology.

(Guess I should take this seriously.)

This isn't the academy, so there's no need to hold back. 

Standing out isn't an issue here, Randy thought while glancing at his father, Alan.

"Do as you like. This was your idea after all," Alan said with a smile, likely understanding Randy's intentions before he could speak. His father's supportive stance was something Randy deeply appreciated.

With Alan's approval secured, Randy turned to Elizabeth with a reassuring smile.

"Well, leave the rest to me. Though I might need you to attend some business meetings."

Elizabeth looked slightly concerned, but Randy knew he couldn't reveal the identity of their business partner just yet. According to Alan, the other party had specifically requested that Elizabeth remain uninformed for now. It seemed to be a subtle way of expressing disapproval for her leaving without notice.

Simply put, it was likely meant to be a surprise. Despite their status as high nobility, it seemed her parents had a playful side when it came to their daughter.

"Father, when will they arrive?"

"Well, they should reach the duchy in two or three days and likely arrive here within a week," Alan explained with a smile, detailing what could only be described as a whirlwind trip arranged by the Marquis of Blauvelt. 

Apparently, the Blauvelt couple had left their estate quite early, eager to see their daughter.

Reportedly, they planned to enter the duchy disguised as travelers, traveling by sea and waterways.

"Quite the remarkable individuals. They even said, 'Being escorted by adventurers is an interesting experience.'" Alan shrugged, while Randy couldn't help but smile wryly at the thought. 

(They love their daughter too much.)

Still, they were important business partners. If they were going out of their way to visit, Randy had no intention of letting the opportunity go to waste.

Turning to Harrison with a broad grin, Randy said, "Harrison, I've got a job for you."

"I have a bad feeling about this," Harrison replied.

"Go pick them up."

"No way! They're high n—Mmph!"

Before Harrison could finish uttering a potentially dangerous word, Randy swiftly covered his mouth. 

Though Harrison shook his head vehemently, Randy leaned in close, flashing a mischievous grin only he could see.

"Listen. Do you understand the significance of going in this carriage? Depending on how you present it, their evaluation of this technology could improve… You get what I mean, right?"

The subtle implication of a reward for success made Harrison widen his eyes briefly before nodding reluctantly.

"Good. I'm counting on you."

With that, Harrison reluctantly set off, driving the carriage with an exaggerated laugh. 

"Man, a smooth ride is really something else," he muttered as he left the estate.

"Though, of course, there's no guarantee the reward will be money," Randy said with a chuckle, his words falling on no one as Harrison disappeared into the distance.

"Um… will he be all right?" Elizabeth asked, worried.

"Don't worry. He's more capable than he seems," Randy replied earnestly. 

Though Harrison had a sharp tongue, he was skilled with a sword and, more importantly, had a knack for dealing with people. Randy was confident he'd handle the task well.

"Now then," Randy said, turning to Elizabeth. "Let's prepare to welcome our guest."

"Yes."

"For now, let's ensure the coffee is delicious for the first impression."

"Coffee?"

As the two headed back into the estate, chatting lightheartedly, Keith and Alan watched them go with warm smiles.