Second Life, I’m Dying Soon Chapter 53

Chapter 53

 

Without realizing it, Cecil’s gaze traced over Alexis’s body. The firmly built muscles and smooth skin looked nothing short of a god incarnate. And above all, his masculinity—

Cecil hastily corrected his irreverent gaze and lifted his eyes to Alexis’s face. He swallowed the saliva pooled in his mouth and quickly added,

“She told me to visit Yuria often and spend time with her. It seems Her Majesty has realized that planting spies around her wouldn’t be easy. She asked me to take on that role instead. She wants me to question her in detail about what kinds of conversations she has with Your Highness, and what plans she may be harboring, then report everything back.”

“Sounds like you’ll be very busy, Cecil. Playing the spy on both sides, no less.”

At some point, Alexis had finished dressing properly. Instead of taking a seat, he casually perched himself atop the long desk. His bedchamber was always furnished with a work desk so he could attend to matters at any time.

When Alexis curled his finger slightly, the quick-witted chief attendant promptly brought over warm tea and freshly baked desserts.

The Crown Prince had lived his whole life without touching sweets, yet lately, because of a frequent visitor, the Saint Palace kitchens were often filled with the rich scent of butter and sugar.

“When dealing with the Empress’s side, don’t embellish anything. Just let things slip plainly and honestly. They’re no fools over there—if they catch you lying, you’ll only put yourself in danger.”

“Will that truly be all right?”

“It’s fine. After all, you’ll be informing me of everything anyway. As long as I know in advance, responding won’t be an issue. It might even be easier to seize an excuse and strike back.”

Alexis wore his characteristic, self-assured smile. Then he picked up a bundle of parchment resting on the desk. The brightness on his face crumpled into irritation the moment he unrolled it.

“Ha. Why are nobles so obsessed with other people’s marriages? These blasted petitions come in day after day.”

Alexis flung the scroll he was holding aside. Cecil watched quietly before asking,

“They’re… telling you to marry?”

“Yes. They say I’ve come of age and should take a Crown Princess as soon as possible and produce legitimate heirs. Produce, they say. It makes me sound like some kind of beast.”

“You can simply ignore the nobles’ requests. And besides, Your Highness… you have Yuria, don’t you?”

“His Majesty the Emperor strongly opposes my marriage to Yuria.”

Cecil’s eyes widened. It was the first he’d heard of it.

“Why?”

“His Majesty believes that a Saintess must remain pure for her power to be complete. Now that Yuria has been officially recognized as the Empire’s Saintess, I can’t go against his will.”

Cecil let out a hollow sigh, utterly dumbfounded. He pressed a hand to his forehead and sank into thought.

He had always wondered why Alexis hadn’t married Yuria sooner. He cherished her more than anyone, yet let years slip by in vain. It was a question Cecil had never found an answer to, even until his death.

To think it was because of the Emperor’s opposition. And for such a ridiculous reason at that. The idea that mere chastity could diminish one’s abilities—how could that possibly make sense?

“What do you intend to do?”

“For now, I’ll stay like this. Later, when I become Emperor… I plan to take her as my Empress then. Five years, ten years—I can endure it.”

When Alexis became Emperor… yes, no one would be able to oppose his will then. Who would dare defy the intentions of the most powerful man in the Empire?

Cecil gently blew on his tea and took a sip, replaying the future that awaited them.

Alexis seemed to be thinking in terms of a long span of time, but Emperor Arnold would pass away sooner than expected. And that moment would come exactly one week before Cecil’s own death.

‘Looks like there’ll be a string of funerals, one after another.’

Cecil let out a self-mocking smile. The bitterness in his mouth didn’t seem to be from the tea alone.

“Yuria must be very disappointed.”

“Yuria is a good girl. She understands my circumstances better than anyone. In fact, she was the one who suggested it first.”

“Then at least tell her—if only as a lie—that you’ll take her within three years.”

“You really do say the most insolent things. Are you implying that I’ll become Emperor within three years?”

It was the sort of conversation that could only be had when no one else was around. Alexis chuckled and shook his head, still finding it absurd.

Cecil drew in a deep breath, expanding his chest. He was struggling to keep his expression under control.

After that, neither of them spoke, and the bedchamber fell into a deathly silence.

Clink—just as Cecil set his teacup down, a low voice reached him.

“You.”

Cecil lifted his head abruptly. Alexis was leaning back against the edge of the desk, bracing himself with both hands, looking down at Cecil with a steady gaze.

“What about you, Cecil?”

“What do you mean?”

“You said you like men. So what are you planning to do about marriage?”

The question was so unexpected that Cecil let out a weak laugh.

“What kind of unhinged young lady would ever want to marry me?”

“You sound quite resolute. Like you wouldn’t do it even if forced.”

“Yes. I won’t. I plan to enjoy romance to my heart’s content and live alone.”

He said it deliberately, putting on a bold front. In response, the corners of Alexis’s lips curved upward.

He stepped down from the desk and walked right up to Cecil. From an untouched tart, he picked up a raspberry ripe and red, then pushed it into Cecil’s mouth.

“Good. Don’t get married. You should stay by my side for the rest of your life.”

The syrup-soaked raspberry was so sweet it made his tongue ache. Cecil couldn’t even chew it, forced to hold the fruit in his mouth.

Alexis’s eyes were filled with the same warm light he used when looking at Yuria.

There had been a time when Cecil desperately wished Alexis would look at him like that. He had believed it was a wish he could never dare to fulfill. But now that he was actually meeting that gaze, Cecil felt like he might cry.

Alexis’s kindness was poison to him.

 

***

 

It was the day the delegation from Themion arrived.

Though the Kingdom of Themion lay far from the Verka Empire, it was a brother nation that had maintained a long-standing alliance.

It had been nearly two years since a delegation last visited the Empire. The imperial palace had spent weeks preparing to welcome such esteemed guests.

This time, the responsibility of hosting the delegation fell entirely to Cecil Adrian. It was a role he had volunteered for himself.

“There they are.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs shaded his eyes with a hand as he made out the approaching line of carriages. The red flag symbolizing the Kingdom of Themion fluttered proudly, and the ornate decorations of the carriages were striking even at a glance.

Standing beside him, Cecil waited for the guests with a smile. Perhaps because he knew who was coming, he couldn’t hide the excitement stirring in his chest.

Soon, a luxurious large carriage came to a stop, followed by a long line of carriages and horses. The door of the foremost carriage opened, and a young man stepped out.

“My goodness! Cecil Adrian! What joy is this, to have you come out to greet us yourself!”

“Johannes.”

Cecil and Johannes embraced, sharing their happiness. Then Johannes suddenly remembered his position and quickly corrected his posture. Striking what he must have thought was a dignified pose, he spoke in a solemn voice.

“I, Johannes Albrecht IV, representative of the Themion delegation, offer my greetings. I thank the Verka Empire for its noble hospitality and pray for the Empire’s boundless prosperity and peace.”

Cecil likewise straightened and returned the greeting formally.

“I, Cecil Adrian of the Verka Empire, gladly welcome the delegation of Themion. You must be weary from your long journey. We will ensure that your stay in the Empire is as comfortable as possible.”

“Oh? You sound just like royalty now.”

“You’re no different.”

The two embraced once more, celebrating their reunion. Perhaps because it had been so long, their joy was deeper than usual.

Johannes was the first peer-aged friend Cecil had made after entering the imperial palace.

That his very first friend happened to be from the distant Kingdom of Themion spoke volumes about how barren his circumstances had been, yet despite the geographical distance, the two had forged a deep friendship.

They had only been able to exchange letters while busy with their respective duties, and now, after several years, they were finally meeting face to face again. How could they not be happy?

After his audience with the Emperor, Johannes immediately sought out Cecil. They had mountains of old stories to share, chatting nonstop as they strolled along the palace paths.

“I kept it a secret on purpose to surprise you! How on earth did you know? Was it just a coincidence?”

“Just… a feeling. I had a sense you’d be coming.”

“Sharp intuition. Still, I’m glad you’re in charge of hosting! I’ll get to see you plenty while I’m here at the palace.”

“Look forward to it. I’ll make sure to treat you properly.”

Cecil smiled subtly. Because he’d known in advance that Johannes was coming, he had prepared everything with only his preferences in mind. Once they attended the upcoming banquet, Johannes might very well be thrilled to death.

Separate accommodations had been prepared for the delegation, and Johannes, in particular, would be staying at Peridot Palace. With the prince’s attendants joining them, Peridot Palace became livelier and more bustling than ever.

“There’s something I’m curious about, Cecil.”

“What is it?”

“The Saintess. Is she really in the imperial palace?”

“Ah…”

“Even our kingdom is buzzing with rumors. They say an incredibly beautiful and noble Saintess appeared in the Verka Empire. That the way she prays is utterly sacred! Is it true? Have you received God’s blessing too? Is the Saintess really here?”

Cecil pressed his fingers firmly to his forehead. Unlike the excited prince, his own expression darkened with troubled hesitation.