Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

20.Cedric's Perspective

Cedric had always seen Alaric as an entitled, flamboyant brat who only sought attention.
He would show up at every social gathering dressed in extravagant clothing, acting as if the world revolved around him. Cedric tolerated him out of respect for the Marquis, but he never gave Alaric much thought beyond that.

But recently, something had changed. The first time Cedric noticed this was when he visited the Marquis's mansion a few weeks ago.

Alaric, usually loud and demanding, was reserved and seemed almost... shy. He tried to avoid Cedric, keeping his distance and speaking in a soft, respectful tone. It was so out of character that it caught Cedric's attention immediately.

At his own birthday party, Cedric saw the change even more clearly. Alaric arrived dressed simply, yet elegantly, highlighting his delicate features and soft pink hair.

He was polite and unobtrusive, a far cry from his usual self. When Alaric handed Cedric the brooch, Cedric could tell it had been chosen with care. The deep blue stone matched his eyes perfectly, and Cedric felt a warmth in his chest at the thought that Alaric had picked it out for him personally.

As the night progressed, Cedric couldn't help but keep an eye on Alaric. When he saw Alaric on the balcony with Prince Lucian, Cedric felt an unexpected pang of jealousy.

The way Alaric looked up at Lucian with those big, watery eyes, his cheeks flushed from the wine... Cedric found himself wanting to be the one to make Alaric blush like that.

After Lucian left, Cedric couldn't resist going to the balcony. He found Alaric, looking dazed and beautiful, and gently brought him back inside. The sight of Alaric, tipsy and obedient, sitting quietly at his side, made Cedric feel an unfamiliar protectiveness.

When a servant informed Cedric that his father wanted to see him, Cedric reluctantly left Alaric in the hall. Upon returning, he found Julian, the game's protagonist, causing a scene.

Alaric looked stunned and confused, clearly not understanding what was happening. Cedric felt a surge of anger on Alaric's behalf. He apologized to Julian , but his concern was solely for Alaric.

Later, when Cedric saw Gabriel offering to heal Alaric, he felt another pang of jealousy.

The way Gabriel looked at Alaric was filled with an affection Cedric wasn't used to seeing from the priest. Cedric found himself feeling territorial, wanting to be the one who took care of Alaric.

That night, when Cedric saw Alaric asleep on the sofa in the guest room, he couldn't help but smile. Alaric looked so peaceful, his rosy cheeks and soft lips making him appear even more delicate. Cedric gently picked him up and carried him to the bed, feeling a strange sense of contentment as he tucked Alaric in.

As Cedric left the room, he ran into Gabriel. There was an understanding between them, a silent acknowledgment of their growing affection for Alaric. Cedric knew he would have to keep an eye on Gabriel, not just as a friend, but for something else too which he couldn't understand fully yet.

The next morning, at breakfast, Cedric watched Alaric with growing fondness. The boy's transformation wasn't just physical; there was a new gentleness and vulnerability about him. Cedric found himself wanting to protect Alaric, to be the one who made him feel safe and loved.

As Cedric observed Alaric licking cream from his lips, he felt his heart beat faster. Alaric's innocence and unawareness of his effect on others made him even more endearing.

But Cedric was confused. Why was he feeling this way? Why did he care so much about Alaric's well-being and happiness? He had never felt this protective or affectionate toward anyone before.

When Alaric thanked Cedric for taking care of him, Cedric felt a warmth in his chest. He assured Alaric it was no trouble, feeling a deep emotion he hadn't expected. As Alaric left, Cedric resolved to keep a close watch on him, guiding and protecting him as needed.

Yet, Cedric also decided to wait and see. He needed to understand these new feelings and see if they would last.
He couldn't rush into anything without knowing for sure what his heart was telling him. For now, he would be patient and let things unfold naturally, keeping Alaric close and watching over him, just as he had started to do.