I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

At the dinner table were Viscount Vincent, Viscountess, Lydia, and her brother Tyler.

Lydia, having changed her clothes, glared at Serena as if she wanted to kill her, but she kept her mouth shut tight.

“It’s been a while, milord.”

Serena elegantly greeted, and the Viscount nodded curtly. As she tried to take the seat at the far end, the Viscount stopped her.

“Come sit next to me.”

“Dad!”

Lydia protested, but she couldn’t continue due to the Viscountess’s disapproval.

She realized that the Viscount’s usual seat was empty, the seat Lydia always occupied.

Feeling humiliated by being pushed aside, Lydia trembled. Serena shrugged and sat on the left side of the Viscount.

On the opposite side, Tyler, the Viscount’s heir, sat, and next to him was Lydia.

“You were looking for me?”

“Yes. I’ve called you several times, but you didn’t come. Even if the palace is busy, it’s not proper etiquette.”

“I lack proper etiquette. Please be lenient for my rudeness, milord.”

Serena chuckled, and the Viscount’s eyebrows twitched. Tyler snorted mockingly.

“You’ve become quite reckless after your success.”

“That’s right. Now that I’m successful, I get to dine with all of you.”

“…”

“It seems to be the first time. Isn’t that right, Mother?”

Serena grinned, looking at the Viscountess, who flinched.

Despite calling her “Mother” in front of Viscount, Viscountess didn’t show any signs of anger or blame. She signaled her son with her eyes.

“Tyler, behave.”

“But, Mother!”

“Enough! What’s this commotion at the dinner table? We can talk after the meal.”

“Sorry, Father.”

Unlike when addressing the Viscountess, Tyler obediently nodded with pursed lips, looking like he was gritting his teeth.

He seemed to be holding back from saying something. The Viscount’s words still held authority, and Tyler couldn’t smile broadly.

Serena nonchalantly ate her food, whether the atmosphere was uncomfortable or not. Even in front of delicious food, her appetite didn’t seem to be affected.

It was when she finished the main course, and dessert was about to be served.

“How’s life in the palace? I heard His Majesty values you greatly.”

The Viscount hurriedly threw out the question, sending a meaningful glance at Serena. His eyes under the drooping eyelids were full of greed and cunning.

‘What would I do if the Emperor valued me?’

“No, it’s not good. His Majesty always avoids me.”

I hate walking in the cold. I’m scared His Majesty will stay in bed forever.

Serena chuckled inwardly, making a joke that wasn’t funny. The meal felt suffocating, but thinking about work made her feel like her digestion would be fine.

“As they say, rumors are often exaggerated. See, Father? She’s nothing special, right?”

“Lydia.”

Lydia muttered under her breath, but the Viscountess called her, and the Viscount warned, “Ahem!” Lydia pouted and mumbled something.

“Lydia is right. I don’t know what rumors you’ve heard, but I’m just a minor figure in the palace.”

‘Don’t ask me to do anything strange.’

“Yes, rumors can be exaggerated. Still, as the royal physician, you should see His Majesty frequently, shouldn’t you?”

“Only when medical attention is needed.”

Every morning, Serena checked on Azeid’s health, but she brushed it off casually. The Viscount kept beating around the bush and didn’t get to the point.

Whatever request he had, Serena had no intention of complying, so she eagerly finished the ice cream dessert that came out. As she nearly finished the ice cream…

“Serena.”

“Yes, Viscount.”

“I’ve always admired you, you know?”

Huh? Me?

Serena met the Viscount’s eyes, wondering if he was joking or forgetting something. The Viscount placed his thick hand on her shoulder.

“Lydia is approaching marriageable age. Tyler is expanding his business.”

“So?”

“I want you to introduce Lydia and Tyler to His Majesty at the upcoming hunt.”

Oh, that.

Despite her many changes, the Viscount was still greedy and clueless.

Without replying, Serena wiped her mouth with a napkin. Tyler, who had been watching, spoke up.

“Are you just going to ignore your Father’s request?”

“It’s not worth answering.”

“What?”

“Viscount, please remove your hand first.”

Serena slapped the Viscount’s hand off her shoulder. The Viscount’s eyes twitched, but he obediently withdrew his hand.

“This kind of request is illegal. Are you planning to make me a criminal?”

“You’re talking nonsense. It’s just you introducing your sister and cousin to your superior. How is that illegal?”

“Who’s a sister or cousin here?”

“…”

“Viscount, get a grip. You’re the Viscount, remember?”

Serena shot back sharply, and the Viscount muttered, “You’re Vincent’s bloodline after all. As long as your name has the Vincent Family…”

“Yes. There was a time I thought of myself as part of the Vincent family. Of course, it shattered in just a day.”

This household was a place where you could figure out the dynamics in just one day.

Serena chuckled and stood up. She had finished eating, and it was time to leave.

“The meal was delicious. As agreed, I won’t interfere in my affairs anymore. Please don’t show any interest either.”

“Serena Vincent!”

Bam!

The Viscount shouted loudly and slammed his fist on the table.

“Why can’t you sit down right away?”

“What if I can’t?”

Serena stood her ground firmly, and the Viscount’s eyes turned bloodshot. Lydia and Tyler remained silent, watching the Viscount’s expression.

After all, he was the great Viscount Vincent, with unmatched power in this castle. But Serena didn’t bat an eye and said,

“Calm down a bit. You and the lady are exactly alike.”

“You’ll regret this. Consider this a warning.”

“Goodbye.”

Ignoring his warning, Serena raised the hem of her dress slightly, gave a nod of farewell, and left the dining room.

Crash!

From behind, the sound of dishes breaking indicated that the Viscount had once again swept the table.

***

After a stroll through the Viscount Manor, Serena felt refreshed. She thought a drink would make her feel even better at a time like this.

“How about a drink before leaving?”

Serena checked her watch and turned her steps towards the tavern.

The night was bustling with life, and the lively atmosphere was invigorating. Lights hung from the ceiling twinkled brightly, ensuring it wasn’t too dark.

The aroma of delicious street food from the vendors teased her senses as she passed by. Just as she was about to enter the tavern…

“Kuk-.”

A groan came from a dark alley corner. Serena didn’t open the door but turned her head in the direction of the sound.

With the streetlights off, it was hard to see clearly. She wondered if it was an animal noise, but there was a chance it could be a person seeking help.

As a doctor, Serena couldn’t ignore it. She moved towards the corner, and when she lit a portable light…

“Ugh!”

A man in the corner swiftly covered Serena’s mouth with one hand and held a knife to her throat with the other.

Thud, thud.

Serena dropped the portable light in the sudden attack. It happened so quickly that she couldn’t resist.

The light rolled and illuminated Serena and the unfamiliar man. But with her back turned, it was hard to tell who he was.

“Hey, who are you? Who sent you?”

“…”

“You’re not going to talk? Do you really want to die?”

The aggressive tone seemed very excited. Serena was a bit scared but calmly spoke up.

“Excuse me.”

“…”

“I don’t know who you are, but it’s not nice to threaten someone who came to help.”

This is why people run away when they see people like you. Because of people like you.

Serena tried to calm the man down with her words.

“It looks like you’re injured. I’ll help you. I’m a doctor.”

“A doctor? What, are you some kind of fake from… Wait… You?”

The man seemed to calm down a bit at Serena’s words but then fell silent again. Serena was puzzled.

“Kuk.”

The knife that was pointed at her neck seemed to move away, and the man slumped down.

Serena, disgusted by the sudden attack, threw him to the ground. As she turned to check his face, Serena’s eyes widened.

“Jack Gordon?”

It was indeed Jack Gordon. He had a bruised eye and was bleeding from his abdomen.

‘Is he a robber?’

Serena examined Jack’s face seriously. She had heard that he was quite skilled in martial arts.

But seeing him in this state, it seemed like he barely survived an assassination attempt.

‘Maybe he’s a friend of Azeid’s. Everyone’s hurt and in chaos.’

Serena rummaged through her bag, determined to treat him despite him being the one who threatened her.