11. Elizabeth ~ About Randolph

The dinner party, which brought together my father and mother, concluded with happiness. Both Lord Randolph and Lord Alan often say that there is "nothing worthy" in the Victor territory, but if there's one thing worth boasting about, it's the quality of their high-rank magical beast meat.

I still vividly remember how amazed I was when I first tasted it. The only unfortunate aspects are the difficulty in preserving raw meat and the fact that only Lord Randolph can hunt these creatures, making the meat a rare treat that's only consumed within the mansion.

Even so, I've heard that surplus meat is occasionally shared with the territory's people. Perhaps this meat is the reason people remain in this barren land with little prospect for significant income.

Regardless, the legendary meat was undoubtedly enough to satisfy even my father's picky palate.

After the dinner party ended, we were shown to the guest room, where we enjoyed some quality family time together.

We talked about events at the academy, updates on our family, my own recent experiences, and the journey leading up to this visit.

Though the conversation flowed endlessly, there was a brief pause in the dialogue, during which my father spoke up.

"Still, that young man is quite interesting."

It was clear he was thinking about Lord Randolph, and my mother nodded in agreement.

"His strength is enough to treat even the Steel Lion like a child. He has the perseverance to bring his ideas to life, and his composure is remarkable."

I was surprised. My father spoke with a rare sense of admiration, something I had seldom seen before. Not even His Highness, with all his talents in both literary and martial arts, had ever been praised to this extent. 

Perhaps the last time my father spoke so highly of someone was my elder brother, whom even he called a genius.

But I understood. Even I had to reevaluate Lord Randolph several times in just one day.

He made arrangements for me to reunite with my parents.

He saw through my lies yet continued treating me the same until today.

When I finally met my parents, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation, I lashed out at him like a frustrated child.

It's embarrassing just thinking about it.

Yet, despite my tantrum, he graciously brushed it off and facilitated meaningful conversations with my parents. For that, I am really grateful.

And then, there was the duel. I still don't fully understand what happened.

It began with Lord Randolph's booming voice. My father, mother, and Lord Alan hurried with me to the front courtyard, where we found Lord Randolph holding a massive log.

Lord Alan muttered, "I'll stop him," and made way to intervene, but my father stopped him, saying, "Well, let's see how this plays out." 

Apparently, during the journey here, the coachman, Harrison, had telling my father with tales of Lord Randolph's exploits.

Perhaps my father's curiosity about the validity of those stories got the better of him.

I, however, was worried. I had witnessed Lord Randolph's strength before, but the adventurer he faced was no ordinary opponent—he was skilled enough to serve as my father's bodyguard.

Facing an adventurer of that caliber with just a log… I was so anxious I could hardly breathe. Then, Harrison signaled the start of the duel.

Before I even realized it, it was over.

I couldn't help but let out an involuntary "Huh?" in disbelief. My father and mother, wearing identical dumbfounded expressions, were no different.

I hadn't seen Lord Randolph move at all.

The moment I thought I heard something popped, Lord Randolph had already stopped the log mere inches in front of the adventurer.

And that was it. That was all it took for the duel to end.

Though I haven't seen many serious duels, I've witnessed a few. For instance, last year, I attended the academy's fencing tournament because His Highness was competing, and as his fiancée, it was my duty to support him.

Even though it was just a school event, the participants' skill levels were so high that even seasoned knights praised them. I remember being amazed by the fierce exchanges of blows.

Although I lack expertise in swordsmanship, I could still follow the back-and-forth movements of their blades.

But today? I couldn't even track the log—let alone Lord Randolph's movements.

Even Eleonora remarked in her usual haughty tone, "As expected of that brat. My second servant atleast must be this strong," she clearly in a good mood.

And then came the negotiations, which were equally impressive.

Lord Randolph didn't back down in the slightest when speaking to my father.

He skillfully secured the maximum possible reward for us while ensuring his opponent left satisfied.

His ability to negotiate so cunningly yet diplomatically was something akin to a master

Lastly, the numbers of ideas he shared were astonishing. Though he humbly claimed, "Anyone could have thought of them," I would never have come up with such concepts.

"They're simply born from the desire to eliminate inconvenience," he said with a smile.

Hearing those words, I was struck by how sheltered and spoiled I had been.

"A hidden dragon and phoenix chick, indeed," my father mused.

"What does that mean?" I asked.

Smiling gently, my father explained. It's a phrase used to describe remarkable individuals or promising young talents who remain unnoticed, hidden in obscurity.

I couldn't think of a more fitting description for Lord Randolph.

"It's strange, isn't it? Randolph is studying abroad at the Royal Academy, isn't he?"

At my mother's puzzled remark, I nodded slightly. Indeed, until recently, he had been at the same school as me, yet I had never heard any rumors of his abilities.

What I did hear, however, was… things like "huge," "red-haired," "showy," "a minor noble from the Duchy," or "unsuited for the academy." Most of it was negative and focused on his appearance or background. 

As for "showy," I wouldn't know. My only memory of Randolph is that he always stayed quietly in the corner.

It's likely that such a withdrawn attitude, unbefitting his imposing stature, contributed to the unfavorable rumors.

"He's a strange one, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is."

"But isn't that fine? I'll give him a passing grade"

Clapping her hands with a bright smile, my mother turned to my father. "He doesn't look bad, and you acknowledge his talents, don't you?"

"Hmph. I think it's still too soon."

My father snorted with a frown, to which my mother playfully replied, "Oh? Then should we wait a little longer?" As they exchanged words I didn't quite follow, I could only glance back and forth between them in confusion…

"And that declaration of his—'I have no intention of using Lady Elizabeth as a tool'—was dashing, wasn't it?"

…Mother winked. To be honest, that statement had made my heart skip a beat, given how I had always resigned myself to the idea that a noble daughter might sometimes be treated as a tool.

"But that wasn't his intent—"

"You never know, dear. After all, your father's proposal to me was, 'Flora, I love you not as a political tool but as a woman.'"

At my mother's teasing words, my father turned red and averted his gaze. His reaction only made my face heat up as well, recalling that very moment. 

Yet, I reminded myself not to misunderstand. Randolph is someone destined for greatness.

"Mother, please stop messing around."

I stood and turned back to the two of them.

"By the way, we're planning to build a port at the edge of the territory. Father, I'd love to hear your thoughts."

I hastily changed the subject, and they both responded with understanding smiles. 

Leaving their smiles behind, I quickly exited the sitting room and headed toward my quarters…

As I made my way to my room, Eleonora's voice echoed in my mind.

[Why not just be honest with yourself?]

"I'm not lying."

[The boy is quite the catch, you know.]

"Don't say it like that—"

I quickly stifled my raised voice and looked around. Thankfully, there didn't seem to be anyone nearby, so I let out a breath of relief.

"Lord Randolph is someone who will soar to great heights. Besides…"

[Besides?]

"Before long, Lord Randolph will return to the academy."

Saying it aloud made my chest feel heavier. Soon, I would have to part ways with him. Even if only temporarily, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loneliness. Why?

"When people at the academy see Lord Randolph's brilliance, no one will overlook him. Surely, there will be plenty of people far more suitable for him than a disgraced former young lady."

Even as I said it, the ache in my chest grew, though I couldn't quite understand why. Still, I told myself this was reality and that I needed to accept it.

[Hmm? If that's what you think, so be it… but I was convinced you had fallen for the boy.]

With that, Eleonora's presence faded.

"Fallen for him… I wonder if I have?"

No matter how much I asked myself, I didn't know the answer. After all, I didn't even fully understand what it meant to "fall for someone."

"For now, I should focus on the port construction plans."

Having arrived at my room, I found what I was looking for and turned back on my heels. This ache in my chest would pass eventually. I just needed to believe that.

——

Later that evening, in the guest room…

"Flora, aren't you pushing her too hard?"

"It's fine. That girl has bottled up her feelings for too long."

Lady Flora puffed out her cheeks, and Lucien couldn't help but agree.

"She's finally free from the weight of expectations. I think it's fine for her to fall in love."

Lady Flora gazed absentmindedly at her reflection in the window.

"As a mother, all I want is for her to be happy. If she can live freely, I want her to live as she pleases."

At her heartfelt words, Lucien let out a deep sigh.

"You're right."

Just as Lucien murmured, a knock came at the door, and Elizabeth peeked in.

The long night for the family of three continued a little while longer…

—-

Late at night, shortly before midnight…

As Randolph prepared for bed, there came an unexpected visitor.

"You know… it's not appropriate for a woman to visit a man's room at this hour."

Randolph frowned as he looked at the figure before him—Eleonora, clad in a nightgown.

"And you even brought Keith and… is that Rita? Dragging two people along, no less."

Sensing the presences just outside the open door, Randolph gave Eleonora an exasperated look.

"Hmm. So, you can detect where people are simply from their presence? Impressive."

As Eleonora let out her signature haughty laugh, Randolph rubbed his temples. 

While he could admit she had some sense of propriety, this was no hour to involve elderly men or women.

"Staying up late isn't good for your skin, you know? Don't blame me if Lady Elizabeth gets mad at you."

"No problem. The young lady is already asleep."

Still laughing, Eleonora brushed off Randolph's complaint, to which he muttered, "That's not what I meant…" as he scratched his head.

"By the way, boy, you'll be returning to the academy soon, won't you?"

"And? Look, just get to the point—I'm trying to sleep here."

As Randolph glared, clearly annoyed, Eleonora puffed out her chest and gave a mischievous grin.

"I've decided—I want to attend the academy as well."

"Huh?"

The large question mark that escaped Randolph's head seemed entirely out of place for the quiet night.