I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

“Magic orb…”

Nocturne seemed surprisingly calm, almost as if it were someone else’s problem. Serena found it odd but continued.

“Yes, it looked dangerous, with a reddish color. They planned to cause trouble after the first part of the ball.”

“If they disrupt the first part, Duke Greenwood will have problems, so they plan to act in the second part.”

“You seem very unconcerned for someone who’s involved.”

Serena expressed her concern over Nocturne’s calm demeanor. Nocturne shrugged and explained.

“I’ve grown used to my brothers’ pranks. I can guess what they’re planning.”

“At least I know the time and place. Of course, it would be safest if you didn’t attend the ball, but that’s not an option, right?”

Nocturne nodded slightly.

“You said the magic orb was red?”

“Yes, more like a clear scarlet. They might have more.”

“Hmm.”

Nocturne stroked his chin and then gestured for Serena to come closer. As she leaned in, he whispered something in her ear. Serena looked at him in shock.

“Is that possible?”

Nocturne nodded confidently.

“Yes, with your help, Lady Serena.”

“Of course. I owe you anyway.”

“I’m glad you remember.”

Nocturne smiled leisurely, and Serena shrugged.

“I believe in remembering favors and repaying them quickly.”

“A good principle.”

“See you later then.”

As Serena rose to leave, Nocturne offered his arm.

“I’ll escort you back to the main estate.”

“All right.”

Serena placed her hand on his arm, and they walked together.

* * *

As night fell, chandeliers sparkled, and candles were lit everywhere. Thanks to the maids’ hard work all afternoon, the ball opened in splendid fashion.

Greenwood Castle was brightly lit, almost like daytime. The air was filled with a subtle floral scent and the delicious aroma of food.

A steady stream of carriages arrived, and elegantly dressed nobles entered with their invitations. The grand orchestra’s music filled the hall.

Azeid half-listened to the conversations around him, distracted. Beside him, Ophelia clung to his arm, laughing softly.

This ball marked the start of the hunt festival, and Ophelia, the daughter of Duke Greenwood, was Azeid’s partner.

Her bright expression reflected her satisfaction with this arrangement. Azeid, however, felt distant. The person occupying his thoughts was absent.

If she hadn’t been seen since the morning check-up, she was likely in her room, possibly absorbed in her studies. He recalled her gathering a stack of books from the library earlier.

Azeid wasn’t fully aware of how often his thoughts drifted to Serena. He just attributed it to the awkward incident they had shared.

The memory of her scent, the warmth of her skin, and the soft touch of her hand on his lips lingered vividly. Thinking about her again made his heart pound.

‘My health must be off.’

Azeid tried to soothe his unsettled stomach, reaching for a glass of champagne.

As he sipped it, the hall’s door opened, and two familiar figures entered, exuding a cheerful atmosphere.

Serena and Nocturne. Azeid’s face hardened as he lowered his glass.

“Look, it’s Lady Serena,” Ophelia remarked, her voice dripping with smugness. She was pleased to be at Azeid’s side.

Azeid looked at Serena and Nocturne, puzzled. This morning, she had seemed indifferent to the ball.

But now, Serena appeared to be enjoying herself immensely. His gaze fell on her hand resting on Nocturne’s arm, and his champagne glass trembled.

‘When did they become so close?’

He recalled recent reports of Serena’s frequent meetings with Nocturne, supposedly for research. But were they really just studying?

Azeid remembered a particular report.

‘Has anything happened to Serena? Are the Greenwood servants bothering her?’

‘They’re hostile but haven’t caused major trouble.’

‘Is she staying in her room again, claiming to study?’

‘No, today she walked around with Count Harrison.’

‘What? A walk with Nocturne? Why?’

‘It seemed he was showing her around. The atmosphere was pleasant, no conflicts.’

The clueless bodyguard had smiled during the report, earning a glare from Azeid.

A twisted smile formed on Azeid’s lips. He felt oddly unpleasant, no, downright bad. Ophelia’s voice added fuel to the fire.

“She seems to be Nocturne’s partner. They’ve been meeting often, maybe they’re smitten.”

‘Smitten?’

Azeid’s eyes flickered with anger. Ophelia continued, oblivious to his reaction.

“They look well-matched. Perhaps Your Majesty could help them get together? They’d listen to you.”

Ophelia’s suggestion was like pouring oil on Azeid’s burning heart. She was relieved to see Serena with Nocturne, still annoyed at Serena’s previous closeness with Azeid.

Seeing Azeid and Serena in bed together had been infuriating. Losing to a viscount’s daughter felt humiliating. She hated how Azeid, who never allowed anyone close, had let Serena in.

Crying and refusing food, she had been a mess until Nocturne visited.

‘Ophelia, are you going to keep sulking?’

‘Leave me alone. What do you care?’

‘Maybe it’s time to give up on Azeid. He’s never shown interest in you.’

‘I can’t just give up, Nocturne. This involves my family.’

‘I came to laugh at you. You’re still pathetic.’

Nocturne’s visit, under the pretext of concern, had been to mock her. Ophelia had resolved to end her self-imposed exile, determined to appear unbothered.

She despised Nocturne, the illegitimate child who had entered her father’s house and then left. His presence felt like a betrayal.

‘At least Nocturne did something good for once.’

Ophelia smirked but then noticed Azeid’s fierce expression.

“Are you suggesting I play matchmaker?”

“Oh! That’s not what I meant.”

“Mind your own business.”

Azeid’s voice was filled with annoyance as he turned away, looking towards Serena and Nocturne.

The two were whispering and signaling to each other. Were they exchanging sweet nothings?

Azeid’s eyes blazed with anger. Just then, Serena glanced his way.

She gestured subtly, signaling him to the terrace, before quickly looking away. It happened so fast that only Azeid noticed.

‘Meet at the terrace.’

Despite his irritation, Azeid found himself heading towards the terrace.

“I need some air on the terrace.”

“Oh, I’ll join you.”

Ophelia quickly tried to follow, but Azeid waved her off.

“No, stay and enjoy the party. I need to be alone.”

“But…”

“I’ll be your partner for the hunt festival. Just give me a moment.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ophelia couldn’t stop him and watched as he walked away briskly.

Just then, Nocturne approached Ophelia.

“There you are, sister.”

He addressed her politely, unlike his usual mocking tone. Startled, Ophelia turned to face him, noting Serena’s absence.

“Where’s Lady Serena?”

“She’s fixing her dress.”

Nocturne reverted to his usual tone, stepping closer. Ophelia instinctively stepped back, wary of his sudden approach.

Nocturne closed the gap again, gracefully extending his hand.

“Since you’re alone, how about a dance?”