Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

The Next Day

When Alaric woke up, he glanced at the sofa but found it empty. Just as he sat up, the door opened, and Gabriel entered the room. "Good morning, Alaric."

"Morning, Gabriel," Alaric replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Gabriel looked at Alaric’s sleepy expression and chuckled. "Did you sleep well?" he asked gently.

Alaric nodded, though a slight blush tinged his cheeks as he recalled the previous night. "Yes, I did."

"Good," Gabriel said. "Okay, sleepyhead, get fresh and come down for breakfast. We’ll be moving soon."

Alaric nodded again and hurried to get ready. After taking a refreshing bath and having a hearty breakfast, they set out on their journey. The next morning, they reached their destination. The town, though not as large as others, was still significant. Most houses were two-storied, but the trees and flowers were withered, and very few people could be seen on the roads.

They were led to a small mansion where the city lord greeted them warmly and ensured everyone was settled. In the afternoon, they gathered to discuss the town’s condition. Although not severe, it was far from good.

"The priests will pray to God for rain," Gabriel began, addressing the group. "Although it’s the rainy season, the rains have been delayed."

The city lord, a middle-aged man with a worried expression, added, "We’ve tried various methods to conserve water and distribute food, but the situation is becoming dire. Many people are falling ill .The river has dried."

"We need to focus on distributing clean water and ration," Alaric said, his voice firm. "What measures have you taken so far?"

The city lord sighed. "We’ve been distributing the little clean water we have, but it’s not enough. We’ve set up makeshift hospitals to care for the sick, but our resources are stretched thin."

Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. "We’ll pray for rain, but we must also take practical steps. We’ll organize the distribution of rations and clean water. The officials and the city lord will handle the ration distribution. Meanwhile, Alaric and I, along with some other priests, will visit the hospital and see what can be done for the ill."

They continued discussing their plans, the atmosphere filled with determination. The main concern was the increasing number of ill persons who had been drinking dirty water.

"The hospital is overwhelmed," the city lord said. "We need all the help we can get."

"We’ll go there first," Gabriel decided. "We need to assess the situation and see how we can assist."

With their tasks divided, Alaric, Gabriel, and some other priests headed toward the hospital. As they walked through the town, they saw the effects of the drought firsthand. People looked weary and anxious, their faces etched with worry.

"Gabriel, do you think we can make a difference here?" Alaric asked quietly.

Gabriel placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We can, Alaric. We just need to do our best and have faith."

Upon reaching the hospital, they were greeted by the head nurse, who briefed them on the situation. "We’ve been doing our best, but we’re running out of supplies," she said, her voice strained.

"We’re here to help," Gabriel said. "Let’s start by assessing the most critical patients."

As they moved through the hospital, the severity of the situation became evident. Alaric felt a pang of sadness seeing the suffering, but he steeled himself, determined to help. In the evening, Gabriel and the other priests used blessings to heal the ill. When the conditions stabilized, they headed back, assigning some priests to stay in case of emergency issues.

Gabriel and Alaric planned to visit some places in town. As they moved through the town, they were greeted by many grateful citizens.

Gabriel led the way, taking Alaric through narrow alleys at the back of the town. There, Alaric saw some children scavenging through a dustbin. On seeing them, Alaric handed the fruits he had with him to the children. One of the children, however, was burning with fever and fainted. Alaric hurriedly caught him.

Gabriel, lost in thought as if recalling something from the past, finally stepped forward and performed a blessing on the child. "Where is the home of this child?" he asked the other children.

Nervous and hesitant, the children led them to a small house in the back alley, explaining that they lived with Martha, who helped children like them.

Alaric and Gabriel reached a two-storied house and knocked. A young girl opened the door, frowning, but her expression changed when she saw Alaric holding the unconscious child. "Aunt Martha!" she shouted.

An elderly woman came to the door, her eyes widening in concern. "What happened?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"We found this child in the alley," Alaric explained. "He’s burning with fever."

Martha nodded, ushering them inside. "Thank you for bringing him. I’ll take care of him and Sorry for the trouble Sir."
"It's ok" Alaric said handing some ration he had on him to Martha.

"Thanku.... Thanku you two sir.... Please come come " Says Martha with grateful eyes.

"Thanks for inviting us but.. We are getting late so we couldn't accept your hospitality " Says Alaric" and if the child is not well, do take him to the hospital many priests has came to do give blessings ".

Gabriel remained mostly silent, lost in thought. After a brief exchange, they left the orphanage and returned to the mansion.

Over dinner, they discussed the day’s progress at the hospital and the distribution efforts. Alaric couldn’t shake the feeling that something was bothering Gabriel, something that had been troubling him since their visit to the alley.

When a servant came to deliver milk, Alaric took it and sent the servant away.

He then knocked on Gabriel's door, determined to understand what was troubling Gabriel