Alaric’s heart was still pounding from his encounter with Lucian as he walked down the mansion’s grand hallways. He needed to calm down and think strategically. His survival hinged on staying out of trouble and avoiding the gongs, but fate seemed intent on throwing them in his path.
He decided to head to the library, hoping to gather his thoughts in a quiet place. The library was vast, filled with towering shelves of ancient books and scrolls. Alaric found a secluded corner and sank into a plush armchair, trying to make sense of his situation.
As he stared at the rows of books, the door creaked open, and a tall figure entered. Alaric’s breath caught in his throat again. It was Cedric, the silent but sharp duke. Cedric’s dark hair contrasted with his piercing green eyes, giving him an air of mystery and intensity. His presence was less overtly commanding than Lucian’s, but there was a quiet strength about him that was equally intimidating.
Cedric’s eyes locked onto Alaric, and he approached with measured, deliberate steps. Alaric quickly grabbed a random book and pretended to be engrossed in it, hoping to avoid a confrontation.
“You’re up early,” Cedric’s deep voice broke the silence. “I don’t expect to see you here .”
Alaric looked up, forcing a smile. “Just trying to make use of my time, Your Grace.”
Cedric raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Is that so? You seem different today. More...reserved.”
Alaric’s mind raced for a plausible explanation. “Just...reflecting on some things. Trying to be more responsible.”
Cedric’s gaze lingered on Alaric for a moment longer before he nodded slowly. “Very well. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.” With that, he turned and left, leaving Alaric to release the breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
The library door had barely closed when it opened again. This time, a figure in white robes entered, his serene expression belying the cunning hidden beneath. Gabriel, the high priest, exuded an aura of gentle kindness, but Alaric knew better. Gabriel’s warm brown eyes and soft smile were deceptive, hiding his true, manipulative nature.
“Good morning, Alaric,” Gabriel greeted warmly. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”(Al doesn't like to read books)
Alaric plastered another smile on his face. “Good morning, Father Gabriel. I thought I’d spend some time reading.”
Gabriel’s smile widened. “A commendable choice. It’s good to see you taking an interest in knowledge.” He stepped closer, his gaze penetrating. “If you ever need guidance or someone to talk to, I’m always here for you.Do come to church sometimes.”
“Thank you, Father,I will” Alaric replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “I appreciate it.”
Gabriel nodded, his eyes never leaving Alaric’s. “Remember, you’re not alone. We all have a role to play in this world.”
As Gabriel left, Alaric slumped back in his chair, his mind whirling. In the span of a single morning, he had already encountered all three gongs. Each interaction had been tense and nerve-wracking, but he had managed to navigate them without arousing too much suspicion.
Determined to avoid further encounters, Alaric decided to spend the rest of the day exploring the mansion’s less frequented areas. He wandered through the gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers and meticulously maintained hedges. The peaceful surroundings provided a much-needed respite from the morning’s events.
As the day wore on, Alaric found himself drawn to the stables. The smell of hay and the soft whinnies of horses had a calming effect on him. He approached one of the stalls, where a beautiful black stallion was grazing. The horse looked up, its large eyes filled with curiosity.
“Hello there,” Alaric murmured, reaching out to stroke the horse’s mane. “At least you’re not here to judge me.”
A soft chuckle from behind startled him. He turned to see a stable hand, a young man with tousled brown hair and a friendly smile.
“Don’t worry, he likes you,” the stable hand said. “This is Midnight. He’s usually a bit skittish around strangers, but it looks like he’s taken a liking to you.”
Alaric smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. “I’m glad to hear that. He’s beautiful.”
The stable hand nodded. “He is. Just like his rider.”
Alaric’s heart skipped a beat. “His rider?”
“Yes, Duke Cedric. Midnight is his favorite.”
Of course, Alaric thought, his moment of peace disrupted once more. It seemed the gongs were everywhere.
As the sun began to set, Alaric made his way back to the mansion, determined to avoid any more encounters for the day. He needed to find a way to navigate this new life, to survive and perhaps even thrive. But for now, all he could do was take it one step at a time and hope that his efforts to stay out of trouble would pay off.
His resolve strengthened, Alaric retired to his room, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
---
That evening, the Marquise called for a formal dinner with their guests. Alaric dressed carefully, reminding himself to stay composed. He entered the dining hall, where his father was already engaged in conversation with the three gongs.
“Ah, Alaric, come join us,” the Marquise said warmly. “We have the honor of hosting Crown Prince Lucian, Duke Cedric, and Father Gabriel . They’re here to discuss important matters of the kingdom.”
Lucian’s sharp blue eyes met Alaric’s. “We’re here to strengthen alliances and ensure the stability of our realm,” he said, his tone both commanding and inviting.
Gabriel added with a gentle smile, “And to provide spiritual guidance in these uncertain times.”
Cedric, as usual, remained silent but observant, his gaze never straying far from Alaric.
Alaric nodded, his heart pounding. “It’s an honor to have you all here,” he said, striving to keep his voice steady. He took his seat, acutely aware of the gongs’ presence.
Throughout dinner, Alaric focused on maintaining his composure, participating in polite conversation while trying to avoid drawing too much attention. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the gongs were watching him closely, their curiosity piqued by his unusual behavior.
As the evening wore on, Alaric realized that staying out of their way would be more challenging than he had anticipated. But he was determined to survive and rewrite his fate, no matter what it took.
YOU ARE READING
Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)
Fantasía"Transcending Fate: A Shou's Journey in Medieval Love" In a twist of fate, a beautiful boy is transmigrated into a BL otome game set in medieval Europe. He finds himself in the role of the Marquise's son, a minor villain destined to die at the hands...
