NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3
Serena chuckled at Azeid’s prolonged silence, unsure if it signaled agreement or refusal
“But it seems like there’s no way to entirely reject it…”
True, his response now carried a friendlier tone. This appeared to be an opportune moment to press onThis appeared to be an opportune moment to press on. Serena added calmly,
“I don’t mean I’ll do it anytime. It’s a request for approval only for therapeutic contact.”
Azeid, now composed, smiled again and asked,
“And if you’re planning to kill me whenever you feel like it during contact?”
“Then my neck would be on the line too. Do you think I would do that?”
Upon Serena’s confident reply, Azeid nodded in acknowledgment.
“Hmm.”
“Surely, you’re not thinking of seeking permission every time we make contact?”
“And if I am?”
“You’d waste a lot of time. In the absence of an Empress, how do you intend to seek permission from an unconscious Emperor?”
While Serena logically pressed her case, Azeid tapped his fingers on the armrest in contemplation.
She didn’t appear to be in league with the nobles in an attempt to seduce him. In fact, she appeared quite annoyed with him.
“Why is that? Have we met before?”
Azeid found her behavior rather unfamiliar.
How does she seem to grasp my thoughts so easily?
But no matter how much he observed her, he couldn’t understand why she acted this way.
Serena waited anxiously for his reply. If she could just get permission for contact, she was determined to fix the Emperor’s careless mindset and lazy behavior.
Seeing Serena growing anxious as Azeid remained silent, she proposed,
“One year.”
“???”
“I will cure you within one year. Just don’t disregard my prescriptions.”
“That’s quite a demand.”
Azeid chuckled, intrigued as he looked at Serena.
“Because I’m confident.”
Serena spoke with confidence, meeting Azeid’s gaze squarely. She truly believed she could save him.
“A bold doctor.”
Azeid found her lack of fear or pity intriguing. Shortly after, he made a decision.
“Fine.”
“…”
“One year. If you can’t fix it within that time, I’ll cut your throat.”
Azeid murmured coldly, tapping his neck lightly. While most people would tremble, Serena was the opposite.
She smiled, as if already envisioning success.
“If you die, I die too. And didn’t you always die before me anyway?”
Afterwards, she politely bowed and said,
“Thank you. I’ll do my best to cure Your Majesty’s illness sincerely. If I fail to save you, please cut my throat cleanly before I suffer unnecessarily.”
Serena’s bold request prompted Azeid to laugh once more, the sound echoing in the chamber.
“Sure. As you wish, I’ll dispatch you swiftly.”
“Thank you.”
“There you go.”
Upon Azeid’s command, a spark gleamed in Serena’s golden eyes.
“I’ll save that Emperor no matter what it takes.”
Her audacious plans remained a secret to everyone.
***
Late at night, in the Emperor’s study.
Azeid was absorbed in reading documents, deviating from his usual habit of retiring to his bedroom. This diligence starkly contrasted with his lazy demeanor during daylight hours.
In that moment, Leonard Carter, his advisor and bodyguard, posed a question.
“I heard you immediately appointed the newcomer from the Imperial Palace as the chief physician.”
“That’s right.”
“Isn’t that too hasty? You’re usually more cautious. Wouldn’t it be better to decide more carefully?”
“Careful?”
“Yes. Since they’ll be by Your Majesty’s side, it’s better to be cautious…?”
Azeid erupted into laughter at Leonard’s advice. Leonard paused, appearing puzzled, while Azeid spoke with a smirk.
“Well, if I’m too careful, I might meet the underground gods?”
“Pardon?”
“Look me in the eye and say it. Ask to touch me.”
“Excuse me?”
Leonard’s eyes widened in surprise. Azeid continued chuckling without explanation, muttering under his breath.
“I don’t want to meet any underground gods.”
“Your Majesty, I don’t under—”
Leonard’s eyes darted around, confused. Azeid’s unusual laughter further perplexed him.
Then Azeid spoke plainly.
“Well, it’s only a year anyway.”
Azeid chuckled knowingly, unaware of the events that would unfold.
And the next day.
As the tightly shut window of Azeid’s bedroom opened and the blackout curtains were drawn aside.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.”
Upon seeing Serena’s proud expression as she greeted him in the morning, Azeid sensed something was off.
***
When Serena became the chief physician, her first thought was to improve the environment, especially Azeid’s bedroom where he spent most of his time.
The Emperor had an intense aversion to sunlight. If he had a sunlight allergy, that would make sense, but it wasn’t the case.
He simply preferred darkness. He blocked all windows with blackout curtains, relying on artificial lighting day and night.
His sedentary lifestyle, devoid of walks, made him susceptible to illness and premature death.
“I’ve always wanted to tear down those curtains. Today’s the day.”
As Serena approached Azeid’s bedroom early in the morning, a maid stopped her.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Serena Vincent, newly appointed as the chief physician.”
“Oh! You’re the one who got a promotion to chief physician.”
The familiar maid spoke with twinkling eyes.
‘Her name is Anna, right?’
Serena already knew Anna. She had helped Serena numerous times in her past life, always looking out for her convenience.
“May I see His Majesty?”
“Oh, well…”
Anna’s expression rapidly worsened as she spoke.
“I’m sorry, but His Majesty hasn’t started coughing yet. May I ask the reason for your visit?”
“I came to conduct the morning examination.”
“His Majesty doesn’t receive examinations in the morning, or maybe you haven’t heard?”
“No, I’ve heard, but I’m starting now.”
“I see?”
Serena’s bold words made Anna blink in confusion.
“Shall I wake him up?”
“Yes? But…”
Anna appeared awkward, knowing Azeid’s dislike for being disturbed during sleep, a sentiment that resonated with the waiting attendants who grumbled.
‘Well, someone had to do it. This corner of the palace is a mess.’
Serena confidently extended her hand towards Anna.
The ring on Serena’s finger gleamed, engraved with the royal emblem. Anna noticed the ring and gasped.
“Oh? Is this…”
“It’s a gift from His Majesty, bestowed upon me upon my appointment as the chief physician.”
The ring Serena wore, called ‘Ezring,’ was a symbol that indicated the wearer was favored by the Emperor, allowing them to command without a formal promise.
Historically, Emperors imbued rings like Ezring with a fraction of their power, symbolizing loyalty from their subjects. When the Emperor died, the power would vanish, but the noble possessing the ring would gain immense wealth and honor.
Not all rings were empowered equally. Depending on the gemstone’s color, the level of favoritism varied.
From red to violet, each gemstone color represented varying levels of favoritism.
The closer the gemstone’s color to violet, the greater the favor it symbolized. Serena’s ring bore a violet gemstone.
While it was just a symbol with no actual power, possessing it granted many privileges. Many nobles coveted even a single violet gemstone.
Serena remembered when Azeid handed her Ezring.
‘This is…’
‘A Violet Ezring. Since you risked your life, it’s only fitting to grant you the corresponding rights.’
‘…’
‘In a year’s time, I wonder what color ring you’ll wear.’
The Emperor, with a proud smile, seemed to be enjoying the spectacle.
Was it luck that smiled upon the daring?
Serena looked at Anna with a smug smile. Anna’s demeanor shifted immediately upon noticing the ring.
“It’s Violet.”
“Yes, that’s right. His Majesty granted me permission for anything related to treatment.”
“I see.”
“So, don’t worry about any potential harm. I’m just here for a genuine morning examination. Normally, it’s standard, but His Majesty hasn’t been receiving morning examinations until now.”
“Well, he usually oversleeps…”
Anna mumbled sheepishly. It seemed like a feeble excuse even to herself.
“It’s for medical reasons, so rest assured. If anything goes wrong, I take full responsibility.”
“Understood. Please, come in.”
Anna relented under Serena’s firm tone.
‘Good. Everything is proceeding smoothly.’
Serena hummed a tune to herself as she opened the door and walked in.