I’m Reincarnated In Otome Game?

Randy, who had come to the office with his father Alan and the butler Keith, let out a sigh of relief. He had been genuinely worried about whether his mother and sister would accept Liz and Ellie.

"Didn't I tell you Grace and Clarice would be delighted?"

Alan's words, as if he could see through Randy's concerns, made Randy pout and reply, "Yeah, I know that."

"Well then, now that you're back, let's get to business."

Alan clapped his hands, signaling a change of topic, and Randy nodded silently.

"First, about the procurement, processing, and shipping of the materials you need…"

Thus began a discussion that turned out to be quite intense and substantial.

Regarding material procurement, the number of adventurers in town, including Steel Lion, was gradually increasing. Particularly noteworthy was that the adventurer's guild was now being established in the town, thanks to an application of recommendation by Steel Lion. This development marked a significant turning point.

Although there were still magical beasts that were too challenging for the adventurers to handle, the knights of the Victor territory were also taking action, so there was no need to worry for the time being.

As for material processing and shipping, the craftsmen sent by Marquis Lucian were doing excellent work. Even with just a rough introduction of the process by showing them the materials, their skill in producing high-quality items was remarkable—just as expected from the dwarf race renowned for their craftsmanship.

The shipping of materials was also progressing well. In the fishing village by the river, where Randy's mother Grace had recently visited, construction had begun on a port which was designed to eventually accommodate massive galleons.

It was likely the result of considerable amount of capital and materials being poured in by the Elizabeth's family. While it was undoubtedly a calculated investment on the Marquis's part, Randy couldn't bring himself to ask about the actual sum—it was too daunting to consider.

"For now, tradings are being conducted using smaller boats, but soon, larger vessels will be able to dock there," Alan explained.

Randy could only muster a wry smile. "That run-down fishing village, huh?"

Although Alan mentioned Grace's "homecoming," it wasn't entirely accurate. Grace was originally a daughter of the Victor family, and her actual home was this mansion.

So why was it called a homecoming? Grace's father, the previous Viscount, was an avid fishing enthusiast who retired and moved to the fishing village by the river. 

Having already lost his spouse, he became a solitary old man. 

While it might sound like Grace occasionally visited out of concern for her widowed father. She went to keep an eye on her father, whose sole focus was only fishing if left on his own.

The only saving grace, was that the fishing village wasn't too far from the main residence.

"My father-in-law seems to be actively cooperating with the reforms," Alan said.

"He just wants to take a big ship out to sea. For offshore fishing," Randy replied with an exasperated look.

Alan couldn't help but chuckle in agreement at Randy's comment.

"The Marquis has already completed the promotional carriage and is preparing to launch it for sale," Alan added.

"As expected of the Marquis. Quick as always," Randy remarked, shrugging his shoulders. His words were a sincere compliment.

The fact that the Marquis was already preparing to launch the product meant that he had managed to create the prototype carriage based on the model and a few materials they had provided.

Using the prototype for promotion while simultaneously launch a full-scale production using the materials that were available was undoubtedly a well-thought strategy.

　First, a revolution in carriages will likely take place on this continent. It's clear that the well-prepared marquis will seize a significant market share.

"So? Care to tell me about the joint project between the three families that you started without consulting me?"

Alan wore a mischievous smile, but Randy knew he was justified in being irritated about the lack of prior notice. 

Bowing his head in apology, Randy answered, "For now, we've managed to complete a prototype—"

As he spoke, Randy rummaged through his bag, only to recall that some of the prototypes were inside Liz's item box. Just as he turned to Keith, there was a knock at the office door.

"Lord Randolph, if it's about the prototypes, perhaps we should join the discussion—"

Liz and Cecilia entered at precisely the right moment, prompting Randy to grin and say, "Perfect timing." He invited them into the office.

Alan and Keith widened their eyes as Liz produced beauty products seemingly out of thin air, but they refrained from commenting. 

Perhaps they assumed it was some sort of magic from Ellie, but Randy was relieved that they didn't ask for explanation

Alan gazed at the bunch of bottles now laid out in front of him, then shrugged. "I don't quite get it," he said, looking over at Randy.

"We've already conducted some preliminary tests and confirmed the effectiveness of the product. However to be sure, I'd like more data from a larger audience," Randy replied with a grin, turning to Keith.

Keith smiled back and slammed the office door open. Outside stood Rita and several other maids.

"All right, ladies, here are your promised items," Randy said, tossing a bag containing cosmetics and hand cream to the maids.

"Young master Randy, could it be that you prepared these just for us—"

"Not a chance. You're guinea pigs. Guinea pigs," Randy retorted with a wicked grin.

Despite pouting in indignation, the maids clutched the cosmetics tightly.

"Apply the cream in the jars to your face, preferably after bathing or washing your face. The smaller containers are for your hands," Randy explained.

Though he called them "guinea pigs" Randy thoroughly instructed the maids on how to use the products, even directing them to pass some along to the cooks and gardeners who weren't present. 

Liz watched him with pride, while Cecilia observed with interest.

Once his explanations were complete and the maids were dismissed, Randy called after them, "Make sure to share your impressions with my father!" 

His voice disappeared into the distance as the group chattered away down the hall.

As the office quieted down, Alan picked up one of the bottles with a wry smile. 

"Quite the energy in here."

"…can you defeat it in one swipe?" Alan asked.

"Of course it will. Do you have any idea how many prototypes we made and how many tests we conducted?" Randy leaned back on the sofa, brimming with confidence.

Alan's question referred to whether these new cosmetics could overthrow existing beauty products in the market.

This world wasn't devoid of beauty products, but as Lady Flora, Liz's mother, had pointed out, the quality and effectiveness of the existing items often weren't satisfactory.

But, what Randy develop is also beauty profucts.

They wouldn't produce immediate results after a single application. Ideally, users would apply them daily for at least a few days—or, several weeks.

But ultimately, the choice lay with the consumers. If they didn't see instant results, they might stop using the products, dismissing them as no different from what they'd used before. 

If that happened, they'd never experience the changes that awaited them.

In the worst-case scenario, they might never give the products another chance for the rest of their lives.

　To prevent such issues, Randy not only focused on the effects of the cosmetics but also paid meticulous attention to their usability. 

He wanted people to think, "I want to use this. I'm happy using it regularly." To achieve that, he repeated trial after trial.

Through Randy and Alan's brief exchange, Liz and Cecilia realized for the first time why Randy had been so insistent about testing and prototyping.

—It can't be helped due to the nature of the products.

Those words summed up the conversation.

"I thought the pervert was just dragging things out because the pervert wanted Liz to hold his hand or something…" Cecilia muttered without thinking.

"And who's this pervert you're talking about?" Randy shot back, raising an eyebrow at her.

Ellie joined the fray, adding, "Honestly, I thought the same thing," and the four of them—Randy included—descended into a loud argument.

Alan, watching the lively banter, smiled warmly for a brief moment before both he and Randy tensed up. They sensed a familiar presence outside the door, one that made them both shudder.

Exchanging nervous glances, father and son nodded at each other.

"R-Randy, you know what this means, right—"

"Y-Yeah, I get it. These are for Mom and Clarice," Randy stammered, pulling out a set of different bottles from his magic bag. 

There were four bottles in total, with two different colors. Alan frowned in slight confusion.

"These are designed for nobles. By splitting the products into two, each one becomes more effective," Randy explained.

One was a toner, and the other a moisturizer to keep hydration.

"They'll be a bit pricey to give off a luxurious, exclusive feel. Nobles won't mind that much, right?" Randy said with a grin as he arranged the bottles. 

Alan, who doesn't quite understand, could only respond with a vague "Hmm…"

After staring at the bottles for a moment, Alan finally spoke up, addressing the presence beyond the door. "Grace, Clarice, these are for you."

As if waiting for their cue, the door opened, and Randy's mother and sister entered with sparkling eyes, eagerly taking the gifts from Alan.

"Thank you, Randy, and Elizabeth, too. I'll start using these right away—"

"No, no, you can tell me about it later. Please leave for now," Randy said, gently pushing Grace out of the room.

"Oh, come on! You could let us stay," Grace and Clarice protested, dissatisfied.

"I'll ask you all about it later," Randy replied, managing to usher them both out of the room.

He let out a deep sigh once they were gone. 

It wasn't that he was trying to be mean, but if they stayed, the conversation wouldn't progress.

They'd likely start commenting on the texture, the scent, and so on.

While he felt bad for them, there were more pressing matters to discuss than the product's usability.

As the storm of energy left the room, Randy and Alan exchanged yet another sigh, meeting each other's eyes.

"So, those products are for nobles… but what about the ones you gave to everyone else?" Alan asked.

"Oh, those are all-in-one products, intended for commoners," Randy replied, lifting one of the leftover samples. 

"It was tough to make, but…" He held the bottle up to the light, gazing at it with a satisfied smile.

Liz watched him with interest and suddenly realized another reason for Randy's commitment to the prototypes.

"Could it be…?" Liz trailed off.

"What do you mean?" Cecilia tilted her head in confusion.

Smiling, Liz began to explain why Randy had been so dedicated. 

"For Randy, developing these cosmetics wasn't just because my mother suggested it. Of course, he had the territory's development in mind, but more than that, it was a way to express thanks to the servants who've supported him all this time."

"Cecilia, do you realize how busy the maids and other commoners?" Liz asked.

Cecilia shook her head silently.

"I only realized it after starting living this lifestyle. They're incredibly busy." Liz turned to Randy with a knowing look. "Right?"

"If you want people who have no time to spare to enjoy beauty care, it has to be convenient," Liz said, addressing Cecilia. "That's why he was so focused on this."

Shocked, Cecilia looked to Randy. "Is that true?"

"Well…," Randy replied with a sly grin, turning his gaze away.

But the truth was, Liz's explanation was spot on.

Randy's dedication to all-in-one products and hand creams stemmed from his desire to support the people who sustained his territory.

He wanted to create something that even those people with limited time could use. 

While the trials were necessary from a business standpoint, half of his motivation came from personal reasons.

"Lord Randolph… you're quite a considerate man," Cecilia said softly.

"I told you they are just guinea pigs," Randy muttered, wrinkling his nose.

Liz and Cecilia smiled at his protest.

Realizing he was fighting a losing battle, Randy decided to keep quiet, knowing that arguing further would only dig his own grave.

Seeing this, Alan chuckled and broke the silence. "What do you think? Shall we go check out the port?"

"Nah, I wouldn't know what I'm looking at anyway. For now, I'll just drop by and say hi to the craftsmen working in town," Randy said, rising to his feet.

With Liz and Cecilia in tow, Randy headed down to the bustling town, which was gradually growing livelier.

He spent the day exchanging ideas with the craftsmen, playing with Cecil, and hunting beasts for materials. After a productive day, Randy and his team returned to the academy by the evening.

———

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