Second Life, I’m Dying Soon Chapter 70

Chapter 70

 

“I’d appreciate it if you got off my lap now.”

“…Pardon?”

“You’re heavy.”

At that short addition, Cecil—who had been momentarily dazed—snapped back to his senses. No matter how flustered he’d been, sitting on Alexis’s thigh all this time was crossing a line.

As Cecil hurriedly tried to stand, he lost his balance and staggered. Alexis reached out and caught him by the elbow. A smile still lingered openly on his face. Only then did Cecil finally realize that this, too, had been part of the joke all along.

“You should… stop joking around now.”

“Oh dear. That glare of yours is genuinely terrifying.”

He said it while smiling so broadly that not a shred of sincerity could be felt. When Cecil furrowed his brows, Alexis finally stopped teasing and rose from the bench.

“Busy?”

“…Of course I am. Aren’t you the same, Your Highness?”

“Since we’re already here, spare me ten more minutes. Let’s take a light walk before we go. You and I both could use a moment to catch our breath, don’t you think?”

Without waiting for an answer, Alexis took hold of Cecil and led him forward. Cecil followed, half-resigned, while the attendants trailed behind at a respectful distance.

The two of them strolled through the greenhouse, talking as they went. Mostly trivial things.

The troubles that came with entertaining guests, what they’d eaten that morning, the names and meanings of rare flowers that occasionally caught their eye.

And yet, Cecil felt indescribably happy. Walking shoulder to shoulder with Alexis like this felt so peaceful it was almost unreal.

The laughter laced into his voice, the casual remarks he tossed out, the way his steps matched Cecil’s pace—it all felt dreamlike. Just that was enough to make Cecil feel richly rewarded.

How much time had passed? It felt as though well over ten minutes had gone by, yet their slow pace meant they hadn’t even completed half a circuit of the greenhouse.

Just as Cecil found himself wishing they could remain trapped there forever, he spotted an attendant running toward them from afar, clearly in a hurry.

The attendant slowed only at the last moment, panting as he delivered his report.

“Your Highness, guests from the Kingdom of Kazarjan have arrived! It’s time to begin preparations.”

“They don’t give one a moment’s rest.”

Alexis didn’t look surprised, as though he’d already known of the visit. He merely brushed his bangs back, showing a hint of mild annoyance.

“They’re troublesome guests, so I need to greet them personally. It’s best we part ways here.”

“Your Highness, may I accompany you?”

“Is that necessary? You seem to have plenty to attend to yourself. And it’s not as though you have any particular ties to Kazarjan.”

“I’d simply like to stay with you a bit longer.”

At the unexpected request, Alexis looked down at Cecil in silence.

It was obvious enough that this was an excuse, but Cecil’s eyes spoke with unmistakable sincerity.

Alexis assumed Cecil was eager to avoid his duties—and the excuse itself wasn’t entirely unpleasant to hear.

Alexis’s lips curved into an elegant line.

“Very well. I’ll play along just this once. Let’s go together.”

 

***

 

Carriages lavishly adorned with precious jewels passed through the castle gates. Cavalry flanked the lead carriage on both sides, proudly holding aloft the royal banner of Kazarjan.

The Kingdom of Kazarjan was an ancient and wealthy nation, one whose history rivaled that of the Verka Empire. True to its love of extravagance, even a single flag was steeped in luxury. Splendor itself was Kazarjan’s hallmark.

When the carriage came to a stop, Alexis stepped forward without hesitation. The door opened, and Princess Larisa of Kazarjan emerged.

Her slightly dark complexion and the form-fitting dress clinging to her body gave her an unmistakably exotic allure.

“Larisa Ortega. Welcome to the Empire.”

Alexis greeted her with formality. Placing his clenched left hand behind his back, he inclined his head briefly and kissed the back of her hand. Princess Larisa beamed, her cheeks puffing with delight.

“It was truly a long journey. But it was well worth the trouble.”

She brushed back her wavy hair and looked around.

The clear sky, the fresh air untouched by heat or humidity, the breathtaking view of the imperial palace—she found the Verka Empire deeply pleasing at first sight.

Above all, the Crown Prince escorting her personally far exceeded her expectations.

She had fallen for him at first glance when she’d seen his portrait, but Alexis Winter Graham in the flesh was dazzlingly handsome.

Unable to suppress her blooming smile, the princess openly displayed her satisfaction.

Before anyone noticed, she stepped closer to Alexis and boldly hooked her arm through his. The attendants gasped at her audacity but lowered their eyes, pretending not to see. True to rumor, the princess of Kazarjan was remarkably forward.

Pressing her cheek snugly against Alexis’s firm arm, she spoke.

“I’d like you to call me Larisa. And may I call you Alexis?”

“As you wish, Princess. I hope you’ll be comfortable during your stay in the Empire.”

Alexis responded without the slightest agitation. He allowed her liberties while maintaining a strict boundary himself.

His composure was so elegant that the princess—already in the height of good spirits—failed to notice the line he’d drawn between them.

“Of course. I’ve been looking forward to this schedule, so I prepared thoroughly.”

The princess had brought more than thirty attendants with her, and the line of baggage wagons trailing behind seemed endless.

As imperial guards meticulously inspected the Kazarjan wagons, Alexis asked calmly,

“We’ve ensured there will be no lack in hosting our guests. Was there perhaps something you were concerned about?”

“Not at all. Most of it is for my adornment. Dresses and jewels alone required five carriages.”

“Then that can’t be helped.”

“Let me be clear—I came all this way to win your heart. I’ll show you plenty of beautiful looks, so do look forward to it.”

The princess’s bold declaration stunned everyone present. Even Alexis let out a hollow chuckle in disbelief.

“…….”

The only one who remained composed was Cecil. He’d already known of Princess Larisa’s infatuation with Alexis—it hardly came as a surprise.

Just then, another carriage came to a stop. From within a four-wheeled carriage as opulent as the princess’s—differing only in color—long legs stretched out.

“Lara, I’ve told you time and again. A woman who clings isn’t attractive.”

Very few were permitted to call the princess by such a nickname. Everyone turned toward the voice. As expected, the man with dark skin and auburn hair was Kilian, heir to the throne of Kazarjan.

Approaching without ceremony, Kilian skipped formal greetings and instead flicked the princess’s forehead, nudging her away from Alexis.

“My apologies for my sister’s immaturity. Her feelings are sincere, at least—I hope you’ll look upon her kindly.”

“It’s been a while. I didn’t expect Prince Kilian to come in person. I don’t recall that being mentioned in the reply to the invitation.”

“Yes. I couldn’t quite trust sending Larisa alone. Consider me her chaperone.”

Kilian shrugged. The air of ease surrounding him was one of his weapons. Though smaller in build than Alexis, his presence was no less imposing.

Gesturing toward the long line of wagons, he continued,

“Most of it is Larisa’s indulgences, true—but there are many gifts from Kazarjan as well. It is His Majesty’s birthday, after all. We couldn’t take it lightly.”

“Gifts from Kazarjan—His Majesty will be most pleased.”

“I guarantee they’ll be to his liking.”

With his hands clasped behind his back, Kilian shifted his gaze.

“Still, this place hasn’t changed at all. Even after ten years—it’s almost surprising.”

As his eyes swept the area, they landed on one person.

Amid everyone else bowing respectfully, there was a single figure standing with his head held high.

At a glance, the refined face naturally drew attention—but what truly caught Kilian’s eye were the jewel-like emerald eyes glaring at him with open hostility. The emotion within was unmistakable: pure, vicious disgust.

‘Why is Kilian here? By all accounts, only Princess Larisa should have come. I’m not ready to face that bastard yet.’

The unexpected turn of events threw Cecil into turmoil. He clenched his fists in an attempt to hold himself together, but couldn’t stop his jaw from tightening or the sharp edge creeping into his gaze.

Meanwhile, Kilian tilted his head slightly, studying Cecil’s face. Recognition dawned, and he smiled.

“Don’t tell me—you’re Cecil Adrian?”

Left with no choice, Cecil stepped forward. He stood beside Alexis and faced the prince of Kazarjan.

“It has been some time, Prince Kilian.”

“I hardly recognized you. When did you grow up so much?”

“Time tends to do that.”

Cecil replied curtly, maintaining courtesy while cutting the exchange as short as possible.

In the past, he would have fawned over Killian, trying to win his favor to use his status and abilities. But now, there was no reason for that. For his own mental health, it was better to avoid getting entangled.

Contrary to Cecil’s wishes, Kilian seemed quite taken with him.

The child he’d glimpsed ten years ago had grown into a striking beauty. His appearance was pleasing enough, but it was those sharply lifted, hostile eyes that fascinated Kilian most. The more their gazes clashed, the deeper Kilian’s smile grew.

“I’ve heard children grow in the blink of an eye, but I never imagined this. It’s good to see you. Shall we shake hands?”

Cecil looked down at the hand extended toward him, then reluctantly clasped it. Sensing the tremor he failed to hide, Kilian tightened his grip and smiled.

“I’d like you to show me around the palace. Would that be possible?”

“…….”

Cecil couldn’t bring himself to speak. His mind screamed at him to respond, but his body refused to obey—as though something grotesque were lodged in his throat.

As the silence stretched on, the atmosphere grew tense. Sensing Cecil’s discomfort, Alexis stepped in.

“Cecil is… rather busy, I’m afraid. It would be difficult for him to spare the time. For now, I’ll escort you to your quarters. You must be fatigued after such a long journey—wouldn’t it be best to rest?”

Alexis spoke with his gaze lowered. His tone and demeanor were impeccably polite, yet the eyes fixed on their clasped hands were cold beyond measure.

“Yes, quite. I am exhausted. I was just longing for a warm bath and a massage—perfect timing.”

Kilian withdrew his hand and ran it through his hair, letting out a soft scoff. Perceptive as he was, he’d already sensed Alexis’s wariness.

“We’ll meet again soon.”

Shortly after, the Kazarjan siblings departed. A throng of their aides followed in a line.

Cecil watched their retreating figures before finally unable to hold back any longer, he turned away.

He ran to a planted area, bent over, and retched violently.