Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

Crossroads of Fate

In the days that followed, Alaric and Gabriel worked tirelessly to ensure that the town's situation was fully under control.

The rain had worked wonders, and the disease was no longer spreading. With the help of the city lord and officials, they were able to stabilize the town. Supplies were distributed, the orphanage was supported, and the people were on the road to recovery. Finally, it was time for Alaric and Gabriel to return home.

As they boarded the carriage, there was a sense of accomplishment, but also a quiet tension between them, one that neither fully acknowledged.

The morning light filtered through the trees as the carriage rolled down the path. After discussing some final official paperwork, their conversation shifted to lighter topics.

"These past few days have been exhausting," Alaric remarked, looking out at the passing scenery. "But I’m glad we were able to help."

Gabriel nodded, "Yes, it’s fulfilling to see the results of our work. " He paused, his tone growing more serious. " Sometimes, I think, what if there is an organization dedicated to helping those who have no one in this world. People like the orphans we met, or those who are forgotten and left behind."

Alaric looked at Gabriel with admiration. "Hmm...That would be great but an organization like that could do even more good. The only concern would be ensuring that it remains true to its purpose. Over time, the aim of such organizations can fade, often due to human greed.

It would need careful management, someone who genuinely cares for the people and won’t take advantage of them. It's a daunting task, but it feels like something that needs to be done"

Gabriel sighed and nodded, "You're right....."in deep thoughts

As they continued their journey, the carriage rolled into a small town where they stopped for dinner.

The evening was quiet, the rain from the previous days having cleared the air. After their meal, they retired to their rooms for the night, ready to continue their journey the next morning.

The following day, they set out early. Alaric had packed a small cake for the road, and as he enjoyed it, Gabriel chuckled. "What’s so funny?" Alaric asked, confused.

Gabriel leaned forward, his gaze softening as he extended his hand to wipe a bit of cream from Alaric’s upper lip. Alaric’s heart raced as he blushed, turning as red as a tomato when Gabriel licked the cream from his finger. "Sweet," Gabriel remarked with a teasing smile.

Alaric’s blush deepened, and before he could gather his thoughts, Gabriel asked, "So, my Alaric... I mean to ask you something." Gabriel's tone was serious now, his eyes searching Alaric's.

"Hmm?" Alaric hummed in response, feeling a bit nervous.

"The kiss... Have you... Have you kissed someone else before me?" Gabriel's voice was gentle, but the question hung in the air heavily.

Alaric was slightly stunned by the question, memories flashing through his mind. He had been kissed by Lucian and Cedric before, but they had initiated it. He, on the other hand, had been the one to kiss Gabriel. Gathering his courage, he answered truthfully, "Although... I have been kissed, you are the one whom I kissed first. The others... they..."

His heart pounded in his chest, and fear crept in as he worried that Gabriel would hate him for this. He lowered his head, waiting for Gabriel's reaction, his thoughts a whirl of panic.

Gabriel was silent for a moment before he spoke, "I won't lie, Alaric. I am hurt. There's a feeling of jealousy and slight pain... and anger, but not towards you." He reached out and rubbed Alaric's head gently.

As soon as Gabriel touched his hair, Alaric's eyes welled up with tears, and they began to spill over uncontrollably. Gabriel’s heart ached at the sight, and he panicked slightly. "I didn’t mean... I’m really not angry with you, dear," he said hurriedly.

Alaric’s voice shook as he said, "No it's just....I’m sorry... Maybe I... I shouldn’t have kissed you... Am I a cheater? I’m sorry."

Gabriel wiped away Alaric's tears, his voice firm but tender. "Look at me, Alaric. I don’t blame you. I know how amazing you are... Your eyes, your soul, they’re beautiful. I don’t blame you that people are drawn to you. I’m just jealous that someone else has taken something precious from you, something that might have been mine. But tell me, are you dating them currently?"

Alaric quickly shook his head, "No, I’m not."

Gabriel sighed with relief and smiled softly. "Then you’re not a cheater. In fact, you’ve given me something precious... You kissed me, Alaric. You initiated it. So... are you going to back away from me? Are you not going to take responsibility for me?" he teased, though his eyes were warm and sincere.

Alaric’s heart calmed a little at Gabriel’s words. Gabriel, now more certain of his feelings, placed a kiss on Alaric’s hand. "I know this may be confusing. That's why you need time, that's why we all need time, and I will respect whatever you decide," Gabriel said softly.

The rest of their journey was filled with a comforting silence, the kind that happens when two people understand each other deeply. When they finally reached the capital, they headed straight to the palace with the official to report to the king.

In the grand hall of the palace, they stood before the king. Gabriel gave a detailed report on the town's recovery, the disease's containment, and the positive impact of the rain. The king listened intently, nodding his approval.

"Well done, both of you," the king said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Father Gabriel, your dedication to the people is commendable. Lord Alaric, your support has been invaluable. You’ve both made the kingdom proud."

As the king spoke, Alaric’s gaze drifted across the room, landing on Prince Lucian. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. It had been a long time since they’d seen each other, and unspoken words lingered in the air between them, both knowing there was much to say.

After the briefing, the king thanked them again, and they were free to go. Gabriel and Alaric parted ways for the day, with Alaric heading home. As soon as he stepped inside, his father embraced him tightly.

"You did well, Alaric," his father praised, his voice full of pride. "I’m proud of you, my son."after chatting he went back to his room.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, but that night, as Alaric lay in bed, his thoughts were a whirl of emotions. He thought about Duke Cedric, Gabriel, and Lucian, and the complex feelings he had for each of them. The conversation he had with Gabriel in the carriage replayed in his mind.

Yes, he needed to sort things out, and he knew where to start—Lucian. Although he was nervous, he knew it was time to face his feelings and the whirlwind of emotions that had been brewing within him.