Second Life, I’m Dying Soon

Chapter 6

“You prepared today’s banquet?”

“Pardon?”

“It was quite impressive. The decorations were top-notch, and even the banquet dishes and drinks were all traditional. That was unexpected. I assume it was out of consideration for the knights who have been away from the Empire for a long time.”

Cecil’s eyes widened. As he said, a great deal of effort had gone into preparing this banquet.

Rather than focusing on extravagance, Cecil had meticulously adhered to imperial etiquette, from the event program and musical selections to the ornaments and even a single flower used in the decorations.

This banquet was not merely a celebration; it signified the return of the Crown Prince. He wanted everyone to reflect on its true meaning.

Even the banquet dishes were carefully chosen—traditional imperial cuisine like stews and braised beef, prepared strictly according to classic recipes.

Though they might have seemed plain at first glance, all the ingredients used were of the highest quality. The imperial chefs had asked for confirmation multiple times, doubting whether such humble-looking dishes were appropriate. They were deeply concerned about how unremarkable the presentation might appear. But Cecil had insisted on sticking to his decision.

The fact that such homely dishes were served at the main palace’s banquet, while extravagant treats were enjoyed in the Peridot Palace, could easily lead to misunderstandings.

However, Alexis, perceptive as ever, pointed out exactly what Cecil had been mindful of. He was so grateful that his efforts had been recognized that, for a moment, his eyes threatened to well up.

“I’m relieved to hear that it pleased you.”

Cecil couldn’t hide his joy and beamed brightly. But that joy didn’t last long. Without warning, Alexis lowered his head, bringing his lips close to Cecil’s ear.

Cecil froze as a soft voice slipped past him.

“It wasn’t me who was pleased—it was His Majesty. He couldn’t stop praising you, and everyone present ended up joining in. Did you realize the guest of honor changed tonight?”

“…….”

“Cecil, just how well have you been trained in my absence? Even I was surprised. At this rate, I might lose my place as Crown Prince.”

Cecil couldn’t even open his mouth. He had made an unexpected mistake. He was never supposed to stand out. But in his eagerness, he had inadvertently revealed too much of what he knew.

“N-no, Alex— I mean, Your Highness, that’s not—”

His belated attempt at an excuse sounded no different from Count Kilt’s blundering. Alexis pressed down on Cecil’s shoulder joint, gripping it firmly as he spoke.

“I’ll be looking forward to what you do next. Apologies for ruining your tea party. Go ahead and enjoy the rest.”

Without so much as another glance, Alexis turned and left. A small group of knights followed him closely, their sharp gazes just as intimidating as Alexis’s.

“Haa…”

As soon as he disappeared into the garden, Cecil collapsed onto the grass. His legs trembled uncontrollably.

Leo and the attendants rushed over, hastily fussing over him. All his efforts to prepare the banquet felt meaningless now. The Peridot Palace had been left in ruins after the Crown Prince swept through it.

That evening, Cecil sat in the bathtub, lost in thought for hours.

What had he overlooked? What should he do next?

One thing was certain—Alexis was not particularly fond of him. If anything, today might have made him even more wary.

“I wanted to do things right in this life… but I’ve already messed it up.”

Water droplets dripped from his loosely tilted head. Resting his arms on the hard edge of the bathtub, Cecil let out a weary chuckle.

“He’s still as cold as ever. If anything, he seems even harsher than before.”

Alexis had always been a rational person rather than an emotional one. He never acted recklessly and always made calculated moves with the end result in mind.

“Did I remember him too fondly just because I liked him so much?”

Cecil muttered to himself. Just then—knock, knock—a soft tapping came from behind the wooden partition.

“Come in.”

His voice was sluggish as he responded. The head attendant, Leo, carefully peeked in, holding a silver tray with both hands.

“Cecil, may I help you wash your hair?”

“Mm. Please do.”

He was too exhausted to even lift a finger. So he readily agreed.

Leo set down a cup of warm milk tea within easy reach and knelt by the bathtub, unconcerned about his trousers getting wet. Taking a generous amount of floral-scented soap, he spread it evenly over Cecil’s dark brown hair.

His fingers worked gently, lathering the soap into rich, fragrant bubbles. With each movement, a calming floral aroma filled the air. Leo’s fingertips massaged his scalp with just the right amount of pressure, sending a pleasant shiver down Cecil’s spine. His eyes drifted shut on their own.

“Leo, you should rest early. You nearly fainted when you saw that severed ear.”

“I’m fine. But weren’t you shocked, Cecil? Honestly, His Highness was too much today.”

“Watch your mouth. If someone overhears you…”

“Ah! I-I didn’t mean it like that!”

Recalling the earlier events, Leo quickly covered his mouth with soapy hands. For all his big talk, he was terribly timid.

Cecil chuckled weakly, his head still tilted back.

“He’s not usually this violent.”

“Is it because he just returned from the campaign?”

“…Maybe.”

Or perhaps it was because of my mistake.

His faint smile turned into a sigh. Pressing his fingers against his furrowed brows, he smoothed them out.

From now on, he would never make the mistake of showing how capable he was again.

He could not afford to be suspected of coveting the throne. He had little time as it was—he needed to be on Alexis’s side, not his rival.

Leo, watching his master’s mood carefully, gently poured clean water over his hair. The soft splashing echoed in the quiet room, soothing Cecil’s exhausted body and mind.

 

***

 

Alexis knelt before the emperor, his right arm crossing over his chest in a disciplined manner, resting on his left shoulder.

The formal audience had already concluded the day before, but the reason he was once again showing respect was that the person accompanying him was meeting the emperor for the first time.

“Alexis Winter Graham. I greet the Sun of the Empire.”

As soon as his words ended, Yuria, standing beside him, grasped the hem of her dress and knelt, mirroring Alexis. Unlike her simple and modest appearance, her hair shone white as if woven with silver threads.

“Yuria Beatrice, I greet the Sun of the Empire.”

Her voice trembled with nervousness. Alexis glanced at Yuria’s side face with a smile, noticing how she had frozen up in front of the emperor, despite having performed well during their practice sessions.

“Hmmm, so you are the Saintess I’ve heard rumors about.”

The emperor smiled, intrigued. The Verka Empire had long worshipped the goddess Gaia, and the imperial authority was believed to be granted by the divine. Therefore, the sudden appearance of a Saintess caught the emperor’s interest.

“Is it true that you grant divine blessings through prayer? How can one believe such a thing?”

Alexis responded in her stead.

“There is a mark engraved on Miss Beatrice’s shoulder blades. It shines whenever she prays, and this has been verified directly at the temple.”

“Was she unaware of such power, living outside the capital?”

The outer districts beyond the capital were primarily inhabited by the poor and downtrodden. To survive, people risked their lives, even venturing into the dangerous Black Forest.

Yuria had also been foraging for food in the forest, swarming with monsters, until she met the imperial knights. That was when her hidden powers manifested.

“I swear, Miss Beatrice’s sacred power allowed us to survive miraculously. Of course, the divine grace is intangible, but not a single person died, and we have returned safely. I am proof of that, and so are the hundred knights of the Empire.”

Alexis’ voice was unwavering, without a hint of hesitation.

“I believe Miss Beatrice, who contributed greatly to this victory, deserves to be rewarded.”

“I agree. Do you have any requests? Speak.”

Yuria, overwhelmed with gratitude, could not lift her head. She bowed even deeper before speaking.

“How could I dare to ask His Majesty for anything?”

“Then, may I decide with the Crown Prince?”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s will.”

The emperor’s smile deepened. He seemed quite pleased with Yuria’s obedient demeanor.

“Very well, I shall consult with the Crown Prince. You may leave now. Oh, and I also grant you permission to freely enter the Imperial Palace from now on.”

Yuria mustered all her strength to rise from her trembling knees. She bowed to the emperor once more before quietly exiting the audience chamber without making a sound.

As one of the attendants offered to escort her to the palace gates, Yuria nodded and let out a trembling sigh. She still felt queasy, possibly from her intense nervousness.

Her round eyes darted around, and she hesitated.

“Excuse me, but may I use the restroom?”

“Restroom?”

Yuria flushed red, thinking she had made a mistake. Her knees involuntarily twisted with discomfort. It was embarrassing, but now that she had acknowledged it, she could no longer hold back the urge.

The attendant looked at Yuria with a hint of disdain.

Goodness! To think she’d ask so openly for a restroom!

Having been around people of high status all her life, the attendant found Yuria’s behavior crude and unsophisticated.

The attendant quickly pointed her to a distant location, at a brisk pace.

“If you follow the right corridor, you’ll see a statue. From there, take the western hallway, and the third room you encounter is the restroom.”

“Ah… yes.”

Yuria stood frozen, staring at the right corridor ahead of her, unable to remember what she had just been told.

She felt it would be rude to ask for help, so she nodded and hurried along, grasping the hem of her dress.

But not long after, she regretted it. She should have just asked for an escort.

She had underestimated the size of the Imperial Palace. This was the first time she had ever been in such a large place, and before long, Yuria found herself lost.

She had clearly turned down the hallway at the statue, but instead of rooms, endless corridors stretched out before her.

“What’s the matter?”

A voice suddenly broke the silence. Yuria turned her head quickly. Relief flooded over her as she realized she had found someone who could help.

Cecil approached her, holding a book in his arms.

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