I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

‘In the time that followed, the lady who had cared so much for His Majesty did not visit him even once…’

Serena was impressed by Ophelia’s attitude. Everyone could see that she was deeply concerned about Ishid. However, after the incident that day, Ophelia neither came nor made any contact. Instead, it was only the Duke of Greenwood who briefly went to see the Emperor.

On that strange day, Ishid seemed distant, and it seemed that Ophelia had escaped punishment.

Considering that Ishid did not suffer any consequences even after hurting the Emperor, the Duke of Greenwood must have been quite remarkable.

“Yes. Even in my previous life, the Emperor couldn’t easily trample the Duke of Greenwood.”

Perhaps she understood the power of such a family. Ophelia’s capricious behavior had already been known before. It was only natural for a woman who did as she pleased to frequent the palace.

When Ishid didn’t respond, Ophelia approached with a cup in her hand. She offered it to Ishid with a gentle tone, “May I raise this cup in gratitude for Your Majesty’s strong appearance?”

“My apologies, Lady Greenwood. His Majesty is abstaining from alcohol for a while.”

Serena interjected wittily, and Ophelia’s cold gaze fell on her. It was a look that questioned how she dared interfere.

“One drink won’t hurt. Now I see you’re not here as a noblewoman, but as a royal physician to keep an eye on us.”

The murmur around them increased. Unlike the previous condescension, this was an attack with a hint of courtesy. It made Serena uncomfortable to hear, but she continued.

“Royal physician? Then that woman Vincent is your concubine who received the Violet Ring this time…”

As the muttering increased, Ishid coughed slightly. The maids pressed their lips together like frightened mice.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding. She did not come here today as the royal physician, but as my partner. I hope you understand that, Lady Greenwood.”

“Excuse me. I just worried too much about His Majesty, even for a single drink…”

“Your cup is accepted with gratitude.”

“You seem to be at ease with the girl’s touch.”

Ophelia looked down with a pitiful expression. It was as if her refusal had been a grave mistake.

Seeing Ishid forced to stifle a smile, Serena thought it would be better to end this. If she left Ishid alone, the angry Ishid might just drink the alcohol all at once. Besides, all the drinks served at this party were non-alcoholic.

When Ishid reached for the cup, Serena quickly intercepted and took Ophelia’s cup first.

“Hmm?”

Ophelia looked at Serena in surprise. With a mischievous smile, Serena said, “Then let me drink on behalf of Lady Greenwood, so her hand won’t be uncomfortable.”

“What?”

As Ophelia looked confused, Serena downed the drink in one gulp.

The sight of a lady drinking alcohol like water was quite unusual.

The maids around her couldn’t help but express their admiration for Serena, unlike the sighs they gave Ophelia.

“Incredible…”

No one could finish the sentence, but the atmosphere suggested that they understood what had happened. After finishing the last sip, Serena handed the cup back to Ophelia.

“I have asked to dance with Your Majesty, is it appropriate now?”

“….”

Ophelia was already frozen like a statue. This was the first time she had encountered such a bold request from a dancer like Serena, and she was unsure how to respond.

Ishid, who was standing nearby, looked cheerfully at Serena. It was just as Ophelia was about to say something in protest.

“The song has changed.”

As the music shifted, Ishid turned his attention back to Serena and held out his hand.

“Your Highness. Shall we have our first dance together-”

Before Ophelia could extend her hand, Ishid coldly brushed it away.

“My partner made an effort for me. How could I do this to her?”

“But…”

“You should go to your own partner.”

Ophelia bit her lower lip at Ishid’s gentle but firm rebuff. She glared at Serena as if she could devour her.

Nevertheless, forced or not, Serena took Ishid’s hand. She felt a little dizzy from the alcohol. As they stood in the center, Serena murmured softly.

“Your Highness, let me tell you up front, I’m not good at dancing.”

“Don’t worry. I’m good, so follow me.”

Ishid chuckled and wrapped his arm around Serena’s waist. Although she felt contempt for his arrogance, she followed.

He was obviously better than her when it came to ballroom dancing.

In fact, it wasn’t an exaggeration, as Ishid skillfully led Serena. They kept an appropriate distance and moved with grace and ease.

As Serena leaned into him for support, her steps were a little unsteady. Occasionally, when their feet brushed against each other, she felt a shiver run down her spine. At that moment, Ishid murmured in a teasing tone.

“Turns out you’re a drunk.”

“An impostor, to someone who protected Your Highness. And don’t tell me what to do now. It’s hard to keep up with you.”

Despite Serena’s objections, she answered him every time. Little did she know that this only amused Ishid more.

After dancing for a while, Ishid, who was quiet, called Serena again.

“Hey.”

“Ugh, don’t talk to me, really…”

Serena was about to grumble, but stopped herself. Ishid’s expression seemed off, as if he was in pain.

“Your Highness?”

Serena called out to Ishid in a surprised tone. Ishid didn’t answer, but his eyebrows furrowed.

His eyes looked gloomy and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Ishid shook his head slightly, as if trying to control himself. His gaze seemed unfocused.

“Why is he acting like this all of a sudden?”

As she continued to dance, Serena watched his condition carefully. It seemed like he was uncomfortable in some way.

“Where does it hurt?”

Serena hesitated and tried to stop dancing, but Ishid stopped her.

“Don’t make a scene. Keep going.”

“But…”

“If I suddenly stop dancing here, who knows what rumors will spread?”

Ishid’s harsh voice made Serena purse her lips. He was an emperor who was the subject of much gossip even before his coronation.

Despite his immense power, he was born into a humble noble family. If he failed to dance properly and left abruptly, it was certain that those who disliked him would gather and speak ill of him.

“I thought you didn’t care about such things.”

Serena stared at him sharply, trying to hide her pain as she continued to dance.

Ishid’s breathing seemed to get heavier, and the hand on her back grew warmer.

“This is strange. I haven’t even had a sip of alcohol…”

But Ishid’s symptoms were eerily familiar, just like before. Suddenly, Serena noticed that his neck was turning red.

This must be an allergic reaction. Confirming the familiar symptoms with her eyes, Serena asked with certainty.

“Did you eat anything before coming to the banquet?”

“Well… I didn’t eat anything.”

“Think carefully.”

“Come to think of it, I had a drink because my throat was dry…”

Indeed, he had.

Although she knew the cause of his immediate symptoms, Serena made an urgent suggestion:

“We can’t ignore this; we need to go to the terrace for emergency treatment right away…”

She had planned to move there and treat him. But Ishid held her tightly and spoke stubbornly:

“No, don’t do it.”

Ishid’s large hand gripped Serena’s back tightly. The once appropriate distance had suddenly become very close, almost as if he wanted to embrace her.

She could feel the scent of Ishid’s cologne tickling her nose. His hand holding her trembled slightly. Serena’s expression stiffened.

“Wait, is he having trouble standing on his own?”

Upon closer inspection, she felt as if Ishid was leaning on her.

“He’s such a strange patient…”

She couldn’t quite understand the complaining Ishid, but she couldn’t refuse him when he looked at her like that.

She spoke reluctantly, knowing that the stubborn emperor wouldn’t listen to her anyway:

“Your Majesty, do you see the rocket around my neck?”

“Rocket?”

Ishid looked at Serena’s neck. A pendant in the shape of a rocket hung from the choker.

“Yes. It contains an emergency painkiller. Let me take it out for you…”

Before Serena could finish her sentence, Ishid tilted his head towards her neck. Then, without hesitation, he bit into Serena’s rocket necklace.

“!!!”

Startled, Serena held her breath. In an instant, something grazed her neck.

A moment later, with a soft thud, the pill inside had entered Ishid’s mouth. His Adam’s apple bobbed once.

“Phew.”

In no time, Ishid seemed to be breathing more easily than before.

“I might gain some weight. This seems to be a fast acting drug.”

“…”

“Why are you looking like that?”

“It’s nothing.”

Serena frowned and lowered her head, still surprised.

“Surprised, huh?”

For a moment, Serena thought Ishid might collapse from their closeness. Well, it didn’t make sense to let go of his hand while dancing.

“But still, the thought of you biting into my necklace…”

Embarrassed, Serena pursed her lips.