Second Life, I’m Dying Soon

Chapter 8  

Scratch, scratch.

The pen nib skimmed across the parchment, creating a ticklish sound.

Cecil propped his chin on his hand, carefully writing something down. His face was serious, deeply focused. Leo, not wanting to disturb his master, kept his distance and waited quietly.

What Cecil inherited from the Empress was not just his appearance. He also took after his mother in intelligence, possessing an exceptionally sharp mind.

Anything he learned, he absorbed instantly and made his own. His wit was unparalleled. Thanks to this, in his previous life, he had earned the Emperor’s trust at a young age and had even taken on the role of a strategist.

His intelligence was his greatest weapon. Cecil racked his brain, retracing the events that were to unfold.

He meticulously categorized fragments of his memories in chronological order, transferring them to a blank book again and again. Major events were etched onto the soft leather paper.

“This feels like writing a prophecy book or something.”

As he continued scribbling, Cecil suddenly let out a dry laugh. Knowing the future put him at ease, yet he couldn’t shake the thought that if someone else saw this, they might think he was insane.

Still, he had written everything in the secret code he used during his days as a strategist, making it difficult for anyone to decipher.

Without stopping, he began classifying the nobles as well—those loyal to the Empress, the neutrals, and those who currently supported Alexis but would later betray him and side with the Empress. Cecil carefully checked a noble registry he had borrowed from the archives, making sure not to miss anyone.

After completing the lengthy task, he skimmed through the prophecy-like book he had created.

The first thing that caught his eye was, unsurprisingly, the death of Olrike Vandell, the Duchess of the Vandell family.

The Duchess was destined to pass away soon in a carriage accident. Alexis, who treated her like a mother, had been devastated by her death—Cecil remembered that much.

“This should be happening around now.”

He wasn’t sure of the exact date, but he was certain it had occurred shortly after Alexis returned to the empire.

Maybe he could prevent it?

Cecil absentmindedly scratched his chin with the soft feather at the end of his pen. Then, flicking his fingers, he called for his loyal attendant.

“Yes, Lord Cecil!”

Leo immediately ran over at the summons.

“I want to meet the Duchess of Vandell. Go to the Vandell estate and deliver my message. Make it as soon as possible. I can visit her myself, or we can have her come to the palace—either is fine.”

“Huh? But the Duchess is already at the palace.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, she arrived this morning. I saw the Vandell family’s carriage heading toward Saint Palace with my own eyes. Should I go and deliver your message?”

“No! I’ll go myself!”

Cecil jumped up from his seat and rushed out. Leo and a few other attendants hurriedly followed behind.

“Hmm.”

Cecil folded his arms, staring intently at the carriage. The attendants of Peridot Palace also examined it seriously, following their master’s lead.

The four-wheeled carriage, its white exterior trimmed with gold, was well-maintained, and the horses seemed to be in good condition. It was a luxurious-looking carriage, and on both doors, beside the golden handles, was the crest of the Vandell family—a shield-bearing eagle.

“Hmm.”

Cecil let out another ambiguous sound and began circling the carriage, inspecting it thoroughly. His attendants mirrored his movements. There wasn’t any real reason—they were simply following their master’s lead.

The coachman and servants of the Vandell family watched in confusion, unable to understand what was happening.

Just as one of the escorting knights decided to step forward and politely ask for an explanation, the Duchess of Vandell emerged from the palace after finishing her private meeting with the Crown Prince.

Her kind face stiffened momentarily at the bizarre scene unfolding outside the palace. Many questions ran through her mind, but as an experienced noblewoman, she quickly masked her expression and walked toward the carriage.

“Lord Adrian.”

“Duchess.”

Duchess Olrike Vandell greeted Cecil with a respectful bow. Though he had no imperial blood in his veins, Cecil was still considered part of the royal family.

She eyed him warily.

“May I ask what you are doing here? Is there an issue with my carriage?”

“I happened to pass by and recognized the crest of a familiar family. The carriage was so magnificent that I couldn’t help but admire it.”

That seemed like an odd excuse, considering how blatantly he had been inspecting it. The Vandell servants had a lot to say, but given the circumstances, they held their tongues.

“It is a truly splendid carriage.”

“Thank you. Though, I must admit, I feel a bit embarrassed—it seems too extravagant.”

“Not at all. A family as esteemed as the Vandell’s should ride in nothing less. However…”

Cecil smiled nonchalantly before pointing to the f

ront left wheel of the carriage.

“Did you know that wheel seems a little loose?”

“Pardon?”

“And the brown-maned horse doesn’t look to be in great condition either. I’m concerned that something might happen to you on your way home.”

“Oh my!”

The Duchess let out a startled gasp. At her reaction, the servants, coachman, and escort knight quickly checked the carriage. While it wasn’t in dire condition, the wheel was indeed looser than usual, and the horse’s eyes looked slightly clouded.

“Madam, it should still be safe enough to travel.”

“Are you sure?”

The Duchess covered her lips, looking troubled. Cecil, who had been watching her closely, wasted no time in adding,

“The journey back to your estate takes over an hour from here, and you’ll have to cross a bridge. You know how dangerous carriage accidents can be, right? A small mishap, and it could overturn completely.”

“…….”

The Duchess hesitated to respond. She found it suspicious that Cecil was so concerned for her safety. But as if he had expected this doubt, Cecil calmly continued,

“Why not ask Alexis for a favor? There are plenty of carriages in the palace. I could arrange one for you myself, but wouldn’t you feel more at ease if the Crown Prince provided one instead?”

Not only had he pointed out a problem, but he also presented a clear solution. The Duchess, as well as the people around them, seemed convinced.

After all, the palace housed numerous carriages as fine as the one she had arrived in. And if the Crown Prince himself arranged the replacement, there would be no room for unnecessary suspicions.

“I will gladly follow your noble will.”

Duchess Olrike Vandell bowed deeply, observing the proper etiquette with utmost sincerity.

That night, the capital was thrown into an uproar. The duke’s carriage met with an accident as it crossed a bridge—the horses became agitated and bolted.

The wheels came loose, and the carriage plunged into the river below, sinking into the deep waters. The coachman, who had been driving alone, died instantly at the scene.

Fortunately, the duchess had been riding in the carriage provided by the crown prince, and the servants were traveling separately in a baggage cart, preventing further casualties.

While everyone sighed in relief, brushing off the lingering fear in their chests, they couldn’t help but recall Cecil Adrian’s warning. A chill ran down their spines at the thought of what might have happened had he not intervened.

The next day, a letter arrived at Peridot Palace. It was a lengthy message from the duchess, expressing her gratitude. Along with it came a box of sweet confections—Cecil’s favorite.

〈I should personally visit to express my gratitude, but circumstances prevent me from doing so. Thus, I send you this letter in the meantime. When my health improves, I will make sure to visit Peridot Palace and thank you in person. The Vandell family always repays its debts. Once again, thank you for saving my life.〉

After reading the letter to the end, Cecil crossed his legs and rested his chin on his hand. Though seated in a plush armchair, he looked as relaxed as if he were lounging on a bed.

“How is the duchess?”

Standing across from him, Leo quickly relayed what he had heard.

“I hear she’s bedridden with a fever, completely worn out. It must’ve been such a shock, especially at her age… If not for you, my lord, she would have been as good as dead.”

“It’s a relief that it wasn’t too late.”

He hadn’t known the carriage accident would happen exactly yesterday. He had simply found an excuse to ensure the duchess paid more attention to her safety.

In the end, his actions had turned into timely intervention. Not just intervention—he had saved a life that was supposed to be lost. A sense of satisfaction welled up inside him.

At least now, Alexis wouldn’t have to grieve…

“Ah!”

Suddenly, searing pain flared in his chest, making Cecil’s expression contort in agony. His body collapsed as he clutched his chest, the burning sensation unbearable. Leo, alarmed, rushed forward in panic.

“My lord! What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

Cecil couldn’t even muster a sound. It felt as though hundreds of needles were stabbing into his heart, piercing through his very being. His complexion turned deathly pale as he gasped silently, lips trembling. Even his fingers, which gripped his shirt tightly, quivered violently.

“What are you waiting for?! Call the palace physician! Right now!”

Leo bellowed at the attendants, sending them scrambling in all directions. The palace was soon filled with the frantic sounds of running footsteps and urgent voices, but none of it reached Cecil’s ears.

〈If you reveal the secret, you will pay a terrible price..〉

As his consciousness faded, the voice of the goddess Gaia pierced through his mind.

Cecil bit down on his lip.

Damn it, but she never said it would hurt this much.

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