Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

An Unsettling Scene

As Cedric and Alaric re-entered the ballroom, all eyes turned toward them. The sight of a drunken Alaric with rosy cheeks caused many of the ladies and even some young men to blush. Among the observers were Gabriel, Elias, and Julian, each with their own thoughts.

Cedric guided Alaric to a chair and handed him a glass of water. A protective thought crossed Cedric's mind: he didn't want anyone to see Alaric in this vulnerable state. The thought baffled him, but he dismissed it as he watched Alaric obediently nod and sip the water.

Suddenly, a servant approached Cedric, informing him that his father requested his presence in the study, where Prince Lucian was also waiting. Cedric reluctantly left, casting a final glance at Alaric.

As Alaric sat, dwelling on everything that had happened on the balcony, Julian approached him, a seemingly genuine smile on his face. "Are you alright, Alaric?" Julian asked, his tone sweet but with an edge that Alaric couldn't ignore.

"Yes, I'm fine," Alaric replied, trying to sound composed despite his inebriation.

Julian's smile didn't waver. "I noticed you were spending quite a bit of time with Duke Cedric and Prince Lucian. Are you close to them?"

The question brought Alaric's mind back to full alert. He knew Julian was fishing for information, and he had to tread carefully. "It's nothing special," he said politely. "Just exchanging pleasantries."

Seeing Alaric's reluctance to engage, Julian reached out as if to steady himself and suddenly stumbled. To an observer, it appeared as if Alaric had pushed him. Julian's attendants rushed to his side, and Julian, ever the actor, said, "It's alright. Alaric is drunk and didn't mean to push me."

Alaric stood there, stunned. He hadn't touched Julian, and yet the scene made it look otherwise. Words failed him as Cedric returned and took in the scene.

Cedric's eyes darkened with concern. "Are you alright, Alaric?" he asked, his tone gentle but with an underlying firmness. Turning to Julian, he added, "Julian sorry for inconvenience,You can see the mansion doctor if you've sprained your leg."

Gabriel stepped forward, offering, "I can perform healing magic if needed."

Julian politely declined. "Thank you, but I'll be fine. I'll retire for the evening. Goodbye, Cedric." He cast a fleeting, triumphant glance at Alaric before leaving.Elias as a silent obserrver also went away.(hiding his thought)

Alaric braced himself for the scorn he expected from Cedric and Gabriel, but it never came. Instead, Gabriel asked, "Are you alright, Alaric?"

As the party drew to a close, Alaric said, "I think I'll retire for the night."

Gabriel suggested, "You should stay at the duchy tonight. A carriage ride wouldn't be good for you in this state."

Before Alaric could refuse, Cedric added, "I insist. You can rest here tonight."

Seeing Cedric's commanding presence, Alaric nodded and lowered his head, missing the brief smile that passed across Cedric's face. Gabriel's gaze lingered on Alaric's slender neck, ambiguous thoughts swirling in his mind.

A servant escorted Alaric to one of the guest rooms, and Gabriel suggested to Cedric, "I should stay as well. We have matters to discuss tomorrow."

Cedric agreed, noting that Prince Lucian was still engaged in conversation with his father.

As Alaric settled into the guest room, his mind spun with the day's events. He couldn't shake the feeling that the dynamics between him and the gongs were shifting in unexpected ways. The future seemed more uncertain than ever, but he resolved to navigate it with caution and resilience.