Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

Preparation and Teasing(long chapter)

The next day began with a pleasant breakfast shared between Alaric and his father.

They discussed the upcoming journey, and his father expressed his confidence in Alaric's ability to represent their family well.

"Have you prepared everything,Alaric" his father said"Yes father most of the preparation are being maid "Alaric replied.

"Hmm..It's a significant opportunity, my son. Make the most of it.And just enjoy yourself Ok kid."

Alaric nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. "I will, father."

After breakfast, Alaric's designer, Mark, arrived with his usual enthusiasm. Mark was a lively young man, known for his impeccable taste and playful nature. He wasted no time in laying out various fabrics and designs across Alaric's bed.

"Good morning, honey!" Mark greeted Alaric cheerfully. "Today, we're going to make sure everyone sees the beauty that our kingdom has in you. Let me work my magic and create an outfit that will make heads turn, especially the crown prince of the neighboring kingdom!"

Alaric blushed at Mark's teasing. "Mark, please, I just want something simple and appropriate. This journey is for official purposes."

Mark chuckled knowingly. "Oh, come on, dear. Even in official settings, a little charm doesn't hurt.

Besides, I've heard all about your admirers at the Duke's birthday party. Especially that ambassador—who seems to be quite smitten with you, if the rumors are true."

Alaric blushed deeper, recalling the recent events involving Duke's unexpected care and the ambassador's questionable behavior. The memory of Duke's dark blue eyes and his gentle manner sent a flutter through his heart.

Mark laughed softly. "Ah, I see where your thoughts are wandering. Naughty, naughty! Duke has plenty to think about, not just the ladies. Our boys are talking about him too."

Alaric blushed even more at Mark's playful banter. "Mark, it's not like that..."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Alright, alright.And one more thing Just remember to keep your distance from that ambassador guy.As from the incident in birthday party I can clearly say he is no good.He seems jealous of your beauty😘, and that's never a good sign."

Alaric nodded, deciding it would be wise to avoid any further interactions with the ambassador.

He shifted the conversation to lighter topics, discussing the latest news in the kingdom and sharing amusing stories about odd customers Mark had encountered.

As they spent the rest of the afternoon leisurely, Alaric couldn't help but feel grateful for Mark's friendship and support.

Despite the nerves about the upcoming journey and the uncertainties ahead, Mark's cheerful presence lightened his spirits.

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Duke's Reflection

Duke sat in his study, the afternoon sunlight casting long shadows across the room.
He was engrossed in his thoughts when the news of Alaric's upcoming journey to the neighboring kingdom reached his ears. Initially, it was just another piece of information in the whirlwind of court affairs, but as he heard the details, a subtle feeling of displeasure began to stir within him.

He recalled the Duke's birthday party vividly—the way Prince Lucian had looked at Alaric, with a gaze that Duke recognized all too well.

It was a look filled with curiosity and a touch of admiration, the same look he himself had noticed in Gabriel's eyes whenever Alaric was near.

"Alaric," Duke murmured to himself, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. He glanced down at the sketchbook lying open on his desk. There, carefully drawn amidst other sketches of landscapes and architectural designs, was a portrait of Alaric. He had captured Alaric's features in the soft glow of candlelight, his face serene in sleep.

The sight of the sketch brought a rush of conflicting emotions. Duke traced the lines with his fingertip, remembering the moments they had shared—the balcony incident, the dinner conversations, and the way he had tucked Alaric into bed that night.

"He's going with Prince Lucian," Duke muttered, his brow furrowing with concern. "To that birthday party."

A pang of jealousy pricked at him, though he tried to dismiss it. He couldn't deny the growing attraction he felt towards Alaric, nor could he ignore the undeniable chemistry that seemed to spark between them. Yet, Alaric's sudden closeness with Prince Lucian unsettled him.

"Is it just politics, or something more?" Duke wondered aloud, leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling as if seeking answers. He had sensed a shift in Alaric since the birthday party, a subtle transformation that intrigued and unnerved him in equal measure.

Despite his uncertainties, Duke knew he had no claim over Alaric. Their interactions had been limited, and Alaric's future lay in the hands of politics and duty. But as he stared at the sketch before him, Duke couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Alaric's journey than met the eye.

With a sigh, Duke closed the sketchbook, the image of Alaric's sleeping face lingering in his mind. He resolved to keep a watchful eye on the developments, knowing that time alone would reveal the true nature of Alaric's journey and perhaps, the feelings stirring within both of them.

Gabriel's Dilemma

Gabriel stood in his private chambers, the news of Alaric's upcoming journey with Prince Lucian swirling in his mind. He had just finished a meeting with the High Priest when a young acolyte had brought him the information, and since then, he couldn't shake a feeling of unease.

He moved to the window, gazing out at the meticulously kept gardens of the temple, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Alaric's face, so radiant and innocent, kept appearing in his mind. Gabriel's hand tightened around the edge of the window frame as he remembered the scene at the Duke's birthday party. The way Prince Lucian had looked at Alaric, with a possessive gleam in his eyes, had not gone unnoticed.

"Alaric," Gabriel murmured to himself, recalling the gentle, almost ethereal way Alaric had accepted his blessing. Gabriel had always prided himself on his composure and restraint, but Alaric seemed to unravel those qualities effortlessly.

The memory of Alaric's soft blush when Gabriel mentioned the cream on his lips at the breakfast table brought a faint smile to his face. Gabriel had always found Alaric's reactions to be genuinely endearing, unlike anyone else he had ever encountered.

He turned away from the window, pacing the room. The thought of Prince Lucian spending time with Alaric, perhaps getting closer to him, filled Gabriel with a sense of dread. He knew the Prince's reputation, his charm and influence. It was not just the Prince; Gabriel also recalled the Duke's protective nature and how he had tucked Alaric into bed. And Elias... there was something unsettling about that man and  interest in Alaric as well ,he is also accompanying them.

"Why does it bother me so much?" Gabriel asked himself, sinking into a chair. "Why does the thought of Alaric being with them disturb me?"

A small, insistent voice in his mind told him it was more than just concern for Alaric's well-being. He couldn't deny the growing affection he felt for the young Marquis. It was a feeling that conflicted with his duties and the persona he had cultivated over the years.

As he sat there, Gabriel resolved to keep a close watch on the situation. If Alaric was to go on this journey, Gabriel would ensure his safety from afar. He couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment, but neither could he ignore them entirely. The next few weeks would be crucial, and Gabriel knew he had to be ready for whatever might come.

"Stay safe, Alaric," he whispered to the empty room, a promise to himself as much as to the young man who had unwittingly captured his heart.