I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Serena had a brief conversation with Nocturne about her mana core and then headed straight to the palace. As the carriage moved, she replayed Nocturne’s words in her mind.

—

“There were no casualties, but the garden is beyond repair.”

“The emperor suggested they bill the repairs to the royal family, but no noble would dare to actually do that.”

“It seemed like His Majesty was venting his anger…(Nocturne glanced at Serena for a moment) and since then, Viscountess Vincent has been too embarrassed to show her face outside.”

“Lady Vincent has recently started appearing in social circles again, but people don’t look at her kindly. They’re afraid of incurring the emperor’s wrath by associating with her.”

—

Oh, emperor.

What on earth have you been up to?

Serena couldn’t comprehend Azeid’s eccentric behavior. Had he gone to the Vincent estate just to release his anger after failing to catch her? Why burn the garden?

She felt a mix of emotions. While it was shocking that he had acted so tyrannically, the fact that the target was the Vincent family brought her some satisfaction.

Especially since he had burned that cursed glass garden. Serena felt a weight lifted from her shoulders, as if a long-standing burden had been removed. It was like reaping a reward without lifting a finger.

“We have arrived.”

At the coachman’s announcement, Serena stepped out of the carriage and headed straight to the garden. By now, Azeid should be finishing his walk and having dessert.

Crossing the garden, she saw Azeid leisurely enjoying his tea under the gazebo.

He had just finished his dessert and was gazing at the garden trees, looking like a contented cat. Serena momentarily forgot her purpose and chuckled.

Azeid turned at the sound of her laughter.

“Did you have a good visit with Nocturne?”

“Yes, and I heard some very interesting news.”

Serena wiped the smile off her face and approached him.

“Whatever it is, sit down and tell me. Standing there like that makes you look scary.”

“Feeling guilty about something?”

As Serena sat opposite him, a maid brought a new cup and poured her some tea.

“Let me guess, Nocturne told you about the Vincent family.”

“Why did you do it?”

This was what Serena wanted to know most. She couldn’t understand why he had destroyed the Vincent estate’s garden. She had to ask the person responsible.

Azeid shrugged as if the question was trivial.

“Just because. The garden wasn’t that impressive.”

“That garden is quite famous. It’s filled with rare flowers that many noblewomen love.”

“Really? All I saw were cheap flowers.”

That’s because only the finest plants are grown in the palace.

Serena rubbed her neck at Azeid’s broad generalization. It was infuriating that she couldn’t refute his statement.

Azeid leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

“That must be why you rushed to see me as soon as you entered the palace.”

“I never said I didn’t like it. To be honest, it was quite satisfying.”

“Really? Should I burn some other places for you too?”

Azeid said with a sinister smile.

Would he really burn other places if I asked?

Serena quickly shook her head, startled by the thought.

“No, we don’t need to cause unnecessary trouble.”

“Why not? The Vincent family is better off removed from the nobility.”

“They’ll fall on their own anyway. No need to dirty your hands.”

“If you say so.”

Azeid lost interest and poked his empty dessert plate with a fork. It seemed he wanted another serving but was restraining himself because she was there.

“Would you like another?”

“Huh?”

“It’s a special reward for your diligent participation in your treatment.”

“I’ve never heard of anyone making a big deal about eating their own dessert in their own house.”

“Don’t you want it?”

“Who said that?”

Azeid quickly instructed the maid to bring more dessert before Serena could change her mind. Soon, a second serving of dessert arrived for both of them.

“You didn’t have to prepare one for me too.”

“Good things should be shared.”

“Thank you.”

Serena chuckled at his odd logic and cut a piece of lemon madeleine with her fork, taking a bite.

The sweet lemon flavor melted in her mouth, followed by a hint of fig.

“Is it good?”

“Yes, it is.”

“That’s how you should respond.”

“Can’t I answer however I want?”

“If you can call it speaking.”

Azeid pouted and took a big bite of his lemon madeleine. His face showed pure joy as he savored the taste.

‘How much does he like sweets?’

Serena didn’t particularly enjoy sweets. She could handle a piece now and then, but she generally avoided them.

Azeid, on the other hand, seemed like he could eat an entire cake in one sitting.

‘He has been restraining himself lately.’

Serena recalled the sugar diet she had imposed on him.

He had gone from eating desserts constantly to just one a day. Seeing him enjoy his second plate so happily made sense.

Serena suddenly remembered praising Nocturne earlier. She realized she had been sparing with her praise for Azeid.

“Your Majesty, you have a good appetite.”

“You’re not going to tell me to stop eating now, are you?”

Azeid gave her a wary look, making Serena laugh. He was so concerned about losing his dessert. Who would think this man was the emperor?

“I’m not the kind to take back what I give.”

“Good.”

“I was just praising you because you look good eating.”

Clang.

Azeid dropped his fork and stared at her. Serena looked at him curiously, and he spoke.

“Honestly, tell me. Is my condition worsening?”

“What? No.”

“Otherwise, you wouldn’t suddenly start praising me.”

Azeid seemed so shocked by her praise that he had forgotten the dropped piece. Serena felt a bit like a bad doctor and smiled awkwardly.

“I’ll praise you more often from now on.”

“No, don’t. That’s not necessary.”

Azeid shook his head vigorously, clearly uncomfortable. Little did he know that this reaction only made Serena more determined.

She decided to tease him and pulled out a handkerchief. She leaned over the table to get closer.

Azeid stiffened as Serena suddenly approached. She wiped the crumbs from his lips with a smile.

“Our Majesty looks handsome even with crumbs on his lips.”

“Ah!”

Azeid realized she was teasing him and yelled, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his lips. He pointed at her and shouted.

“Serena. Stop that.”

“Why? I was just complimenting your handsomeness.”

“It… it feels weird! Just stop!”

Azeid was visibly flustered and stood up abruptly, leaving his dessert behind.

“Your Majesty, you should finish this.”

“No thanks. You’ve ruined my appetite. You finish it!”

Azeid fled without looking back. Serena’s laughter echoed behind him.

—

Azeid’s face was full of confusion as he walked to his bedroom. The spot where Serena’s handkerchief had touched felt like it was burning.

Her handkerchief carried the scent of her usual perfume. It was an artificial fragrance, different from her natural scent, but familiar to Azeid.

‘Why is my heart pounding like this?’

Azeid pounded his chest, frustrated by his racing heart. It was a foolish attempt to calm it down, but it didn’t work.

Lately, Azeid felt awkward around Serena. Her presence made his heart race and his chest tighten.

Sometimes he was so flustered that he couldn’t even tell if he was eating or breathing.

“This must be some kind of illness.”

Azeid muttered to himself, glaring at his still-pounding heart. He didn’t notice the servants flinching and stepping aside as he passed.

He was lost in his thoughts by the time he reached his bedroom.

“Your Majesty, I was just about to come find you.”

Leonard, who had been coming out of the bedroom, recognized Azeid and spoke.

“Why? What’s going on?”

Azeid replied curtly, still trying to calm his racing heart. Leonard answered.

“The Duke of Greenwood is here to see you in the reception room.”