Second Life, I’m Dying Soon Chapter 32

Chapter 32

 

A total of 130 knights, dressed in pristine white uniforms, gathered in the grand hall of the main palace. Their faces showed hints of excitement and a sense of duty. Today was the day they would finally be officially knighted.

Nobles holding key positions in the empire, the imperial knights, and even members of the Berka Empire’s royal family attended the ceremony. Crown Prince Alexis, who would personally conduct the knighting ritual, was also clad in his formal uniform.

The deep blue Imperial Blazer, which only the Supreme Commander of the knights was permitted to wear, added an air of noble elegance to his appearance. The numerous medals hanging from the sash draped diagonally across his shoulder further enhanced his dignified presence.

With the ceremonial sword passed down through the imperial lineage, the crown prince solemnly tapped the knight’s shoulders and spoke with gravity.

“Your sword shall serve justice, your shield shall uphold the honor of the empire, your heart shall embody courage, and your soul shall be dedicated to sacrifice. Never falter in the face of the enemy. As Crown Prince of the Verka Empire, I, Alexis Winter Graham, hereby knight you with admiration for your bravery and devotion.”

The knight, kneeling on one knee, could not hide his overwhelming emotions, his eyes trembling with deep sentiment.

From the highest seat, Emperor Arnold watched with a satisfied expression. Beside him, the Empress also wore a picturesque smile—though the hands gripping the armrest of her chair were trembling faintly.

After the knighting ceremony, Yuria bestowed a blessing upon the newly appointed knights.

The nobles, witnessing divine grace for the first time, gasped in awe. The sacred mark of the saint faintly glowed through the fabric of her delicate dress, casting an ethereal radiance. Before such a holy presence, heads naturally bowed in reverence.

The emperor, equally captivated by the sight, tilted his head slightly and remarked,

“Isn’t it truly remarkable?”

“Indeed, it is,”

Empress Elizabeth readily agreed, maintaining her elegant smile. Though inwardly, she felt a burning frustration, outwardly, she remained the epitome of grace and benevolence.

Meanwhile, Cecil sat beside them, expressionless. His emerald-green eyes, gazing at the ceremony, were devoid of emotion. As if the event had nothing to do with him, he merely occupied his seat, appearing as if he had been forced into attendance.

While everyone was enraptured by Yuria’s divine presence, Cecil’s eyes remained fixed solely on Alexis’s composed figure.

His posture, unwavering and disciplined, his straight back and broad shoulders, his long limbs and tall, statuesque build draped in luxurious fabric—

Even from behind, he and Yuria standing side by side resembled a sacred image from a religious painting.

The occasional glances he cast toward her, the gentle smiles he offered, and the affectionate way he patted her head—all of it starkly contrasted with how he treated Cecil, making it all the more difficult to ignore.

Closing his eyes briefly, Cecil tried to push away his melancholic thoughts.

‘Don’t be jealous. You promised yourself that in this life, you wouldn’t give your heart to Alexis.’

After what felt like an eternity of endurance, he reopened his eyes, only to find that the final knighting had already concluded. Straightening his posture, Cecil rose from his seat.

The emperor stood with Alexis and Yuria before him, showering them with praise. His hearty laughter made it clear just how pleased he was.

“That was truly impressive. Never before in the history of the empire has there been such a sacred knighting ceremony. It was truly magnificent.”

“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”

“Now then, Lady Yuria Beatrice. I would love to see you more often. What do you think about moving into the palace? It would be wonderful if you could continue bestowing divine blessings upon many here.”

Yuria’s eyes darted nervously. Though the emperor’s words seemed like a casual suggestion, they were, in truth, a direct invitation from the ruler himself.

Unable to outright refuse, she hesitated, seeking a way out. Sensing her discomfort, Alexis swiftly intervened with practiced ease.

“Yuria is still unprepared for life in the palace. When she is ready, we will inform you, so please allow us some time. Of course, if Your Majesty desires, she will come whenever summoned.”

“Is that so? Well, I suppose you would know best. Very well. But do ensure that she visits frequently. Palace etiquette may be difficult at first, but one grows accustomed to it with exposure.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Satisfied, Emperor Arnold glanced around the hall. Amidst the sea of people filling the grand space, his gaze landed on another cherished son of his.

Cecil stood apart from the others, isolated like an abandoned island. The emperor gestured toward him.

“Cecil, why are you just standing there? Come closer.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Reluctantly, Cecil moved forward. Seeing his composed face devoid of any joy, the emperor lightly patted his drooping shoulders.

“My dear Cecil, did you not train alongside the novice knights? I hear you built a solid foundation through hard work. That deserves praise.”

“As expected, Your Majesty has great wisdom. When I first heard that Cecil was engaging in such grueling training, I was utterly furious.”

Seizing the moment, Empress Elizabeth interjected. She was more than pleased to see that the emperor’s fondness for Cecil remained intact.

However, the subject himself remained indifferent, while Alexis showed no visible reaction. An awkward silence settled over them until the emperor made an unexpected proposal.

“Cecil, why don’t you receive Lady Beatrice’s divine blessing as well?”

“…What? Me?”

Cecil asked in a surprised voice. His wide eyes darted from the emperor to Yuria. Her delicate face was just as filled with shock.

“You’ve worked hard all this time. It’d be a shame to let it go unrecognized. The knights received the blessing—why shouldn’t you?”

“Your Majesty, I’m fine.”

“It is an imperial decree. Obey.”

This forced reward was an unbearable burden. Cecil let out a quiet sigh, making sure it wasn’t noticeable. With the emperor’s command issued, no one could refuse.

They moved to an antechamber attached to the grand hall. The small and cozy space was completely isolated from outside gazes, making it perfect for a private meeting.

Inside were only the three of them: Cecil, Yuria, and Alexis.

A strange tension filled the room as Yuria cautiously stepped toward Cecil.

“Lord Cecil, may I hold your hands?”

“……”

Cecil silently looked down at the small hands extended before him. He had no need for divine blessings, but he had already been dragged into this chamber. There was no way out now.

Without realizing it, his gaze drifted toward Alexis. When their eyes met, Alexis gave a small nod, granting permission.

How ridiculous. Why did he need Alexis’ approval for something like this?

Suppressing his bitterness, Cecil placed his hands over Yuria’s. Their palms pressed together, warmth seeping through.

“Like this?”

“Yes. I will begin now.”

Soon, Yuria started to pray, putting all her sincerity into wishing for the goddess’s blessing upon Cecil.

No particular energy was transferred, but the furrowed brows and the tension in her fingers showed how deeply focused she was.

Inside the chamber, only Yuria’s whispering voice filled the silence. Though three people were present, the room was unbearably quiet.

Alexis leaned against the window, watching over the prayer. His reason for being here was solely for Yuria’s safety, yet, for some reason, his gaze remained locked onto Cecil Adrian’s face.

That pale complexion grated on his nerves. He wanted to look away, but every time he saw Cecil, irritation flared within him. Just when did things change? That pitiful puppy who used to follow him everywhere now refused to even meet his eyes.

Alexis stared at Cecil relentlessly. At this distance, he should have noticed. Yet, Cecil stubbornly avoided his gaze, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.

It almost made Alexis feel as if he were the one who had done something wrong. Scowling, he turned his head away, but his sharp eyes inevitably found their way back to Cecil’s left cheek.

“It’s done.”

“Thank you.”

As soon as the prayer ended, Cecil immediately let go and stepped back.

He briefly acknowledged Alexis and Yuria with a slight nod before heading toward the door. His departing figure held not a trace of reluctance—if anything, it was filled with an urgency to escape.

“Are you alright? You must be tired.”

Alexis belatedly checked on Yuria. After blessing over 130 people, she had every reason to be exhausted.

“Your Highness… Something is strange.”

Yuria opened and closed her empty hands, her expression troubled.

“When I held Lord Cecil’s hands… I felt the energy of the goddess Gaia. From within him.”

“You must be imagining things from exhaustion.”

“No, it wasn’t my imagination. I felt it clearly. Could Lord Cecil possess the same ability as me?”

Yuria voiced her cautious guess. Though her voice was hesitant, her expression held certainty. The thought that Cecil might be like her even brought a hint of excitement to her face.

“No, that’s impossible. It cannot be.”

Alexis coldly dismissed the idea. His blue eyes sharply focused on the spot where Cecil had been standing just moments ago.

Ridiculous. Yuria must have been mistaken.

Yet that night, Alexis found himself heading toward Peridot Palace. Yuria’s words wouldn’t leave his mind, swirling endlessly in his head. He wouldn’t be able to rest until he confirmed it for himself.