I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

T/n: Before reading, I will change Ishid to Azeid for consistency. Please forgive me for the inconvenience it may have caused.

A moment later, Azeid’s daughter’s sniffles naturally ceased. Belatedly, Azeid cleared his throat with a smirk and spoke with a certain dignity.

“When did you notice the package over there?”

“Hmm… I wonder when it was.”

Serena chuckled softly and elongated her words. The Emperor’s casual behavior actually seemed more feeble.

‘The Emperor is subtly foolish. He used to be so intimidating.’

Serena’s fear of Azeid had been almost instinctive. She had felt a primal fear from him, someone who controlled “fire.”

However, two reincarnations had made Serena stronger. In reality, in both lives, he had never once threatened her with fire.

Knowing he wouldn’t intimidate her with fire, standing her ground was just the same.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Hmm? Did I laugh?”

When Serena asked, Azeid gave a dry laugh.

‘Come to think of it, my mood has improved.’

Until just now, he had been barely containing his anger over Viscountess. He had been on the verge of lashing out, but at some point, his anger had dissipated.

Perhaps it was because he burst into laughter after seeing Azeid hiding on the terrace.

‘Living to see the day I receive help from that Emperor.’

Serena marveled anew and rolled her eyes.

“You must have heard it all, but I’ll request an outing on Saturday.”

“Why? To go to Viscount Manor?”

“As a side trip.”

“Do you really need to listen to those people? We could take measures to prevent them from coming to the palace next time.”

Azeid spoke solemnly. It seemed he was genuinely concerned about her.

Serena felt she had grown somewhat closer to him than in her past life.

It felt even more new to her, as she had never experienced the Emperor’s concern before. She tapped his shoulder and spoke.

“Hey, do you think I’d actually report that I’m going to Viscount Manor?”

“And then?”

“I have some herbs to get.”

“If it’s herbs, you could just tell the herbalist.”

“Well, yes, but I have a favorite shop I visit often. I’ll just go quickly.”

Serena spoke confidently with a smile, and Azeid stared at her intently. He seemed hesitant about something.

‘Why is he staring like that?’

Serena raised her eyebrows at Azeid’s intense gaze.

That’s when Azeid suddenly placed his hand on Serena’s head, slowly caressing it.

Serena’s golden eyes widened. His touch was unexpectedly gentle, making it awkward. After a while of receiving this caress, Serena realized and asked.

“What are you doing?”

“….”

“Your Majesty?”

“Oh.”

Azeid seemed to snap out of it at Serena’s words, quickly withdrawing his hand. Then he said something absurd.

“Don’t report every outing; handle it on your own!”

Azeid seemed to grow irritable, then swiftly left the room. He left so quickly that Serena felt like her hair was standing on end.

Left alone, Serena chuckled in disbelief.

“Why, just a moment ago, he was insisting on being informed.”

She awkwardly ran her hand through her hair, puzzled by Azeid’s unpredictable behavior.

‘It’s strange.’

Before she knew it, a faint smile adorned her lips. However, it didn’t last long.

“Oh! Wait, he ran away again?”

Serena realized belatedly that she was looking for Azeid, who had hidden to avoid their walk.

“I can’t believe this guy…!”

Flames flickered in Serena’s eyes. She stormed out of the room, chasing after Azeid.

—

When Saturday arrived, Serena left the palace early in the morning. It was her first outing since entering the palace.

She headed straight to the apothecary. As she walked through the alleys, she saw a modest apothecary with a sign simply reading ‘Apothecary.’

As Serena opened the door and entered, a cheerful chime rang out. The young man sitting at the counter, who had been yawning, shifted his gaze towards the door.

“Welcome… Oh! Serena, sis!”

The young man recognized Serena belatedly and quickly stood up, rushing over. Serena smiled and greeted him.

“Lewin, how have you been?”

“Very well! Sis, you seem to have become even more radiant since entering the palace?”

“Radiant, huh? Can’t you see the shadow under my eyes?”

Do you know how hard it is to take care of an Emperor?

Serena replied playfully, and Lewin chuckled softly. This apothecary was run by a couple who had helped Serena gain independence from Viscount.

She had many opportunities to learn about herbs since she was young, and naturally developed an interest in medicine as she grew up. With added talent, the rest fell into place quickly.

Especially when she secretly studied under the Vincent Family, they had helped her a lot. It was their pity for Serena’s situation that had been crucial.

After becoming a doctor, Serena had always bought herbs only from this place to repay the kindness.

Now that she couldn’t do that anymore after entering the palace, it remained the most trustworthy apothecary.

And in front of her was Lewin, the couple’s illegitimate son. Serena had witnessed Lewin’s birth, so their connection was old if not deep.

As Serena looked around, she asked, “Where are Mr. Genzo and Mrs. Elda?”

“My father went to gather herbs, and my mother went to deliver goods to Gordon’s shop.”

“I thought you were alone. Can you handle the counter now?”

“Why are you like this? Even I’m a skilled merchant!”

Lewin pouted, thumping his chest. But being just a 12-year-old boy, he looked cute in Serena’s eyes.

“Alright, the skilled merchant, Master Lewin. Can you find the herbs listed here for me?”

“Of course! Here, please.”

Lewin deftly took the note and found the herbs.

“You’re adorable.”

Serena chuckled as she watched him. Then Lewin checked if there were any more herbs needed.

“Oh? Milkweed? Azeid used to like this… and it looks good quality, so I should get some.”

Her thoughts naturally turned to the Emperor’s health.

“Oh, and Lady Medea’s birthday is coming soon, right after the hunting season ends?”

Azeid tended to be very sensitive around his mother’s birthday. It was a terrifying time when he couldn’t sleep well, his appetite dropped, and his immune system weakened.

“I almost forgot about preparing for her birthday. I should buy more herbs that boost immunity.”

With that resolution in mind, Serena gathered the herbs.

Ding-

As if on cue, someone entered the apothecary.

Short-cut brown hair. A sharp and fierce aura. The kind of person who would pick a fight just by making eye contact.

The new customer fit that description perfectly. However, unlike his rough appearance, he entered quietly.

He naturally settled into a chair in the corner, as if he had been here many times before.

“A regular customer, it seems.”

Serena lost interest in him immediately and continued gathering her herbs. The man also didn’t seem particularly interested in Serena.

After a while, Lewin emerged with the herbs Serena had ordered.

“Is this enough?”

Serena was taken aback by Lewin’s voice as she looked up. Because of the stack of boxes, Lewin couldn’t see in front of him and stumbled while coming over.

“Oh my, you need my help.”

Serena quickly stood up and took most of what Lewin was carrying. After confirming the items, she scolded him.

“I was going to ask for a delivery anyway. I just wanted you to check if they have it…”

“Oh, I see. There were too many to carry.”

Lewin scratched the back of his head, laughing sheepishly.

“Shall I send these to the palace then?”

“Yes. Just tell the gatekeeper it’s for Serena Vincent, and they’ll take care of it.”

“Wow, just mentioning your name is enough! You’ve really made it big! Oh, can I still call you ‘sis’?”

“Why are you being so awkward?”

“Hehe. You’re amazing, sis!”

Lewin exclaimed admiringly with a gaze full of admiration.

Lewin also dreamed of becoming a doctor. So it was only natural that he looked up to Serena, who became the youngest doctor in the palace.

It was when Serena felt uncomfortable under Lewin’s fervent gaze and tried to avoid his eyes.

“Serena Vincent?”

The man behind suddenly muttered Serena’s name. Wondering if she misheard, she turned around and found the man staring intently at her.

His green eyes scanned her keenly. Serena met his gaze directly and asked.

“Do you know me?”

“I don’t.”

“You’re quite curt for a first encounter.”

“That’s because you suddenly spoke to me.”

The man chuckled in response. They had only exchanged a few words, but Serena was already tired. Especially since she sensed a hint of arrogance and didn’t want to engage further.

‘Probably heard some rumors and is acting like this. Let’s not get involved.’

Serena thought so and was about to look away from him when Lewin suddenly noticed the man and exclaimed.

“Oh! Mr. Jack, when did you arrive?”