I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

“Yes, it took exactly five minutes.”

Nocturne smiled softly, pretending nothing had happened. Serena laughed and asked,

“Where are we going?”

“The path behind the lake is perfect for a walk. It’s even more beautiful at sunset.”

“That sounds nice. But Nocturne, have you been playing with fire?”

Serena sniffed the air and asked. Nocturne answered nonchalantly.

“Maybe the smell of the burning wood from the kitchen next door drifted here.”

“Oh, I see.”

Serena nodded in agreement but then noticed the ash on Nocturne’s white gloves.

‘He did play with fire.’

It seemed he had just taught those men a lesson. Too bad she missed the chance to see him in action. Nocturne noticed her gaze and smiled awkwardly.

“Oops. You caught me.”

“I can smell fire like a hawk.”

“Really?”

Nocturne chuckled, as if he heard a trivial joke. Serena shrugged and asked,

“So, did you tie them up without actually tying them?”

“Well, something like that. Paid them back in a similar way.”

“Mission accomplished, I see.”

Serena giggled and gestured for him to lead the way. Nocturne offered his hand like he was escorting a lady.

“Are you trying to escort me?”

“Something like that.”

“Though it’s a bit embarrassing, I won’t refuse.”

Serena gladly took his arm. She was already used to being escorted by Leonard multiple times, so it didn’t feel awkward.

Nocturne began to guide her down the forest path at a comfortable pace.

* * *

The next day, Serena went to Azeid’s room for a morning check-up. Greenwood’s maid, waiting outside, greeted her and then blocked her way.

“You cannot enter.”

“Why not?”

“His Majesty is having breakfast with Miss Ophelia.”

The maid had a badge indicating her rank as head maid. Serena looked at her intently and asked,

“Right now?”

It was still early for breakfast, but Ophelia was diligent. Azeid wouldn’t like it. The head maid replied with a stern face.

“Yes. What is your business? If it’s not urgent, come back later.”

Her tone was soft but authoritative. She didn’t even bother with introductions, clearly thinking Serena was just another maid.

Serena wore simple clothes, making it easier for the head maid to overlook her. Still, she had a badge from the royal palace, which should have been a clue.

Serena subtly placed her hand near the Violet Ezring on her chest and spoke.

“Sorry for the late introduction. I am Serena Vincent, His Majesty’s physician.”

The head maid’s gaze landed on the Violet Ezring. Serena expected her to step aside, but instead, the maid blocked the door more firmly.

“I know. Ms. Serena.”

She knew?

Serena found it absurd that the maid blocked her way despite knowing her identity. But she needed to stay calm.

“If you know, then you must also know that my visit is part of my duties.”

Serena stepped closer, but the head maid blocked her with her arm.

“Come back later. Miss Ophelia just went in.”

The head maid looked at Serena as if she were an intruder disturbing a peaceful moment. Serena knew from her previous visits that the servants were hostile towards her.

They kept stealing glances at her, likely influenced by Ophelia’s tales from the capital. They looked at her with the eyes of someone staring at an enemy.

‘They really are loyal.’

Serena sighed inwardly. But she wasn’t the type to back down.

If she backed off today, she knew it would be hard to see Azeid during her two-week stay.

“Step aside.”

Serena ordered in a calm voice. She gave up asking for permission.

“If you know who I am, you should also know that I have the Violet Ezring from His Majesty.”

“Yes.”

The head maid hesitated, intimidated by Serena’s demeanor.

“I can see His Majesty anytime. Even if Miss Greenwood is inside.”

“…”

“Are you going to keep blocking my way?”

“My apologies.”

The head maid bit her lower lip and reluctantly stepped aside. She seemed to struggle to hide her frustration. Serena knocked on the door without looking at the maid.

“Your Majesty, it’s Serena.”

After a moment, she heard permission to enter from inside the room.

* * *

Azeid looked at Ophelia, who had brought a grand breakfast, with an expressionless face.

“What brings you here so early?”

“I heard Your Majesty started having breakfast early.”

Ophelia smiled brightly and continued as she poured tea.

“I wanted to make you breakfast today, so I woke up early.”

Azeid looked at Ophelia with tired eyes. It was because Serena had started forcing him to eat breakfast after her morning check-ups.

If it weren’t for Serena, he wouldn’t be eating breakfast at all. Ophelia seemed oblivious to this.

Azeid was annoyed, having his rest disturbed before Serena arrived. But he couldn’t be rude to Ophelia in Greenwood’s domain.

Azeid stirred the stew filled with beef and said,

“This food is a bit heavy for breakfast.”

“It’s a special restorative meal from Greenwood. It’s very good for your health, so please eat it all.”

“Right. But it’s too heavy for breakfast. Bread and milk would be enough.”

Azeid avoided meat in the morning because of poor digestion. Serena knew this and usually served him simple meals in the morning.

Things like apples, yogurt, warm milk, and bread. Ophelia widened her eyes and exaggerated,

“Oh my, does your physician only care that little about your breakfast?”

“Is it a matter of care?”

“Of course! If it were me, I’d meticulously manage your meals every day.”

“Serena already does.”

Azeid answered bluntly, displeased by Ophelia’s criticism of Serena. As Ophelia flinched, he continued.

“Considering my stomach, Serena’s breakfast is far more thoughtful than this.”

“How could you say that…”

Ophelia trembled. Azeid clicked his tongue, noticing she only had a salad in front of her.

“Besides, look at how different our meals are. I wonder if you can survive on that.”

“I’ve been trying to eat more lately.”

Ophelia quickly defended herself, clearly feeling guilty. But Azeid didn’t care.

He started eating the stew, wanting to get rid of Ophelia quickly. Her face brightened up immediately.

She seemed more sensitive than before, likely scolded by the duke. Ophelia asked cautiously,

“How is the taste?”

“The chef did a good job.”

“I’m glad. May I continue to prepare your breakfast while you’re here?”

“Well, that’s a bit difficult.”

He didn’t want to endure Ophelia’s company for two weeks. Being around her gave him a headache.

Their personalities didn’t match, so it was better for both to avoid frequent interactions.

“Why? Do you prefer the physician’s breakfast?”

“It’s not about preference…”

Knock, knock.

Before Azeid could finish, there was a knock on the door. A clear voice followed shortly.

“Your Majesty, it’s Serena.”

“…”

Ophelia pursed her lips upon hearing Serena’s name. Azeid smiled and said,

“As you can see, I already have someone to take care of me, so there’s no need for you to bother.”

“I heard you brought her again. But please consider me for these two weeks.”

“Do I have to?”

“…”

“Thank you for the stew. See you at the ball later.”

Azeid wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, signaling for her to leave. Ophelia looked dejected.

“I understand. See you later.”

Ophelia gracefully lifted her skirt and headed to the door. When the maid opened the door, Serena saw Ophelia and looked surprised.

Ophelia, feeling a surge of emotions, glared at Serena before storming out. Serena watched Ophelia disappear like a tragic heroine.

The head maid hurried after Ophelia, and Azeid called from behind.

“Aren’t you coming in?”