Second Life, I’m Dying Soon Chapter 48

Chapter 48

 

Cecil arrived at Saint Palace right on time. Guided by the attendants, he was led to the dining hall at the very top of the palace.

 

All the glass windows and curtains had been thrown open, revealing a truly spectacular view outside.

 

Wasn’t this one of the places in the imperial palace famed for its scenery? The pitch-black night sky and the endlessly sprawling nightscape of the palace looked no different from a gigantic masterpiece.

 

And when a cool breeze swept in, it carried with it the fresh scent of sequoia trees drifting into the hall. It was worthy of being called Saint Palace’s pride.

 

“You’ve arrived.”

 

Claude, who had come ahead of time, stood up upon seeing Cecil and bowed politely. Cecil accepted the greeting with a light nod of his chin, then exchanged a brief glance with Yuria.

 

“His Highness? Not here yet?”

 

“He still has state affairs to attend to. He said to begin the dinner first once you arrived, Lord Cecil.”

 

As if to prove his words, the moment Cecil took his seat, aperitifs and entrées were placed before each guest.

 

As expected of a dinner hosted by the Crown Prince, the dishes showed meticulous care. Though the host himself had yet to appear, the guests enjoyed the meal on their own.

 

“Yuria, did you forget again? I’ve told you how many times. The one closest to the plate is the dinner fork, the one next to it is the salad fork. And what you’re holding right now is a butter knife. It’s not for cutting cooked scallops.”

 

“Haa, Claude. Can’t I just eat comfortably today, at least? What does it matter if the fork is big or small? As long as I can pick up the food, it’s fine.”

 

“Do you think I’m nitpicking for no reason? Table manners are the most basic of basics! The people you’ll be dining with from now on will all be high-ranking nobles. If you don’t form proper habits now, do you know how ridiculous they’ll think you are?”

 

“…You’re really too much.”

 

After being showered with nagging, Yuria puffed out her lips and rolled her eyes. Her wandering gaze drifted toward Cecil, who sat across from her, silently sipping his aperitif.

 

“Lord Cecil, does my table manners bother you too?”

 

“Sir Vandell is being rather strict. As Yuria says, this seems like a gathering where one can relax and enjoy themselves. There aren’t any elders here to scold us, are there?”

 

See? With Cecil taking her side, Yuria grew bolder and shot a glare at Claude beside her.

 

But Claude refused to back down, snatching away Yuria’s fork and knife and replacing them with the proper cutlery. Wearing an equally sulky expression, he said,

 

“Not a chance.”

 

“But Lord Cecil said it’s fine!”

 

“Did you forget he’s royalty too? At this rate, you’ll start eating with your hands. Why don’t you just show him how you lived in the Black Forest while you’re at it?”

 

“You’re seriously awful!”

 

Claude and Yuria bickered without pause. Of course, it wasn’t a real argument fueled by hurt feelings. It was closer to the playful squabbling of siblings, or perhaps lovers.

 

Cecil quietly watched them. He had long since set his fork and knife down. Savoring the sweet sherry wine, he sank into thought.

 

Yuria was far more lively and lovable than he had remembered. The Yuria Beatrice Cecil knew had been quieter, gloomier, and always mindful of others’ gazes.

 

But now—how should he put it—wasn’t she just like a young lady her age? Cecil guessed this was her true personality.

 

In her previous life, she had been surrounded by people who tormented her day after day, so it was only natural. Palace life must have been so miserable it could drive even a healthy person into depression.

 

Cecil himself had taken part in that treatment, which made him feel faintly guilty, but he was also relieved to see her showing a brighter side.

 

“Yuria, eat as much as you like. You don’t need to worry about etiquette. It’s just us here, after all. What does it matter?”

 

He deliberately fussed over her more, smiling warmly. When the beauty before him returned his smile, Yuria beamed brightly, as if she had never been upset at all. Claude, finding the situation absurd, could only let out a heavy sigh.

 

The pleasant dinner continued. Exquisite dishes were served one after another, and crystal glasses were refilled repeatedly with wine and water. Contrary to expectations, laughter and conversation never ceased in the dining hall.

 

It was around the time they had finished about half of the main course. The double doors swung wide open, and a tall man strode straight toward the table.

 

“I thought it would be awkward without me, but I could hear laughter all the way outside.”

 

“Your Highness!”

 

Yuria was the first to react to Alexis’s arrival. She twisted her shoulders as she greeted the Crown Prince.

 

A large, smooth hand responded by gently patting Yuria’s head. Now seated at the head of the table, Alexis also met the eyes of Cecil, who remained seated, and Claude, who had risen awkwardly.

 

“Is the food to your liking? The chef’s been saying since yesterday that some fine ingredients came in, good enough to entertain guests.”

 

“It’s excellent. By the way… are you finished with work now?”

 

“Barely. I almost ended up inviting you all and not even showing my face.”

 

Alexis said he was too exhausted to eat and declined being served. Instead, he reached for a glass of wine. A drink enjoyed after ending a grueling day was sweet beyond compare, clinging pleasantly to the tongue.

 

Savoring the brief respite, he leaned back slightly and spoke.

 

“This combination isn’t bad. You fit together better than I expected.”

 

Though the subject was omitted, the destination of his blue gaze was unmistakable. Alexis had been curious about whether Cecil would attend the dinner. That curiosity was what drove him to finish his work as quickly as possible and come.

 

Would they be awkward, like oil and water? Or would Cecil throw his weight around as royalty?

 

When Alexis entered the dining hall, the first thing he noticed was Cecil’s face, relaxed and smiling as he enjoyed the meal. Contrary to expectations, Cecil had blended smoothly with the others.

 

That brought him a great deal of satisfaction. Alexis was genuinely surprised, though he hid it as he finished his wine, his gaze still fixed on one person.

 

Cecil couldn’t bring himself to meet that clear stare and let out a small sigh. In this state, even the most delicious food would be hard to eat. He quietly set the cutlery in his hands down on the plate and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

 

“Wouldn’t it be better if you had something to eat as well?”

 

“Is there a reason I must?”

 

“It’s a dish you’d quite like, Your Highness. You enjoy truffles.”

 

Alexis’s brow lifted noticeably, perhaps surprised that Cecil knew his tastes. Soon, the corner of his lips curved into an elegant smile.

 

“Head attendant, bring only the main dish. I’ll just have a taste.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

Before long, a plate rimmed with gold was set down, bearing a thick cut of well-roasted lamb and grilled truffles. Judging by the fragrant aroma wafting from the golden-brown mushrooms, the chef’s boast about rare ingredients hadn’t been empty words.

 

Alexis cut into it roughly, as if bothered. It was behavior unbecoming of proper etiquette, but Claude kept his mouth shut and pretended not to notice, while Yuria watched him and stifled a laugh.

 

“I heard you went to see Yuria again today?”

 

“Lord Cecil brought some really delicious cake and tea!”

 

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

 

Alexis’s gaze shifted to Yuria. His eyes, which never lost their cool composure, softened only when they rested on her.

 

Yuria, too, eagerly began recounting her experience from earlier. She must have been quite impressed, because her voice grew brighter as she described the cake’s taste.

 

“Right, there’s a skilled pâtissier at Peridot Palace. Since the owner has such a sweet tooth, the pâtissier’s skills are said to be unmatched within the palace.”

 

“And yet Lord Cecil never seems to gain weight. I feel like I’ve already put on some around my sides.”

 

“It’s fine if you gain some. Just remember your teeth might rot.”

 

Alexis’s expression and voice were drenched in affection, as though soaked in honey. It was hard to believe this was the Crown Prince of the Empire, infamous for his ruthlessness. Of course, that tenderness was a privilege reserved solely for Yuria Beatrice.

 

Though he arrived later than the others, the moment the Crown Prince appeared, he became the center of the dinner.

 

Throughout the meal, he talked endlessly with Yuria, making up for lost time. At some point, Claude fell silent, merely listening to their conversation as he poured wine down his throat.

 

‘What a pitiful man. He could at least try to hide his expression.’

 

Since Claude sat directly across from him, Cecil could only click his tongue inwardly. His gloom ran so deep that even a stranger could guess at his sorrow.

 

As the meal drew to a close, the attendants busily cleared the table. Empty plates were removed, and the disordered settings were neatly arranged once more. It was nearly time for dessert.

 

At that moment, Alexis had stepped away briefly to speak with his chief aide. Yuria also excused herself to use the restroom. Cecil glanced around at the empty chairs, then lightly kicked Claude’s leg.

 

“What is it?”

 

His stoic face immediately creased into a frown. Cecil, equally indifferent, jerked his chin toward the outside.

 

“Get up.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Let’s go have a drink. Are you going to loiter here without a hint of tact?”

 

It was an offer to give the lovers some privacy. Claude stared at Cecil with an unenthusiastic expression for a long moment, then sighed.

 

“Very well. I was just starting to crave a drink myself.”

 

“Perfect.”

 

They weren’t exactly each other’s preferred drinking companions, but for once, their opinions aligned. With grave expressions, Cecil and Claude left the dining hall together.