I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

“We’ll create a sanctum using divine energy. Just temporarily.”

Jack briefly explained the principle behind enveloping the sanctum.

“You know that divine energy and magic are opposing forces, right?”

“I know that much, Jack. They come from different sources after all.”

“Having a divine stone would be ideal right now, but since we don’t have one, this temporary measure should work.”

Divine energy and magic originated from different sources. Divine energy was connected to gods and the heavens, while magic was formed from the earth and nature. Therefore, the two energies could not mix.

When Jack mentioned divine energy, he meant using their repelling properties to prevent interference between spells and divine energies. It acted as a sort of breakwater, using their different natures to separate similar energies and protect each power.

“So, what you’re saying is, we can use the priest’s divine energy to substitute the role of the divine stone?”

“Exactly. It might not last as long as a divine stone, but it should be stable enough for the safety inspection.”

“That’s a good idea.”

A smile appeared at the corner of Serena’s mouth. In reality, a permanent divine stone wasn’t necessary for the safety inspection. To officially use it in the process of curing Azeid, they would have to wait until the Gordon Superior purchased a divine stone. If they could finish the safety inspection with the help of a priest beforehand, it would save time. After all, purchasing a divine stone was only possible after the pilgrims arrived, so it was better than just waiting.

But would the priests agree to use their divine energy? They generally considered it disrespectful to use divine energy casually.

“Do you think the priests would help us? They say divine energy is the power of the gods and shouldn’t be used recklessly.”

When Serena raised the question, Jack replied,

“Usually, they wouldn’t. But who am I? I’m Mr. Jack, the head of the Gordon Superior.”

Jack puffed up his chest, showing off his bravado.

‘Oh, right. He is a famous head of the Superior.’

Serena sometimes forgot about Jack’s status because he usually acted like a jobless guy around town. After all, as the head of the famous Superior, he surely had connections with the priests. Moreover, from earlier conversations at the apothecary with Elda and Genzo, it seemed he also had dealings with the Ferianus Temple. As if reading Serena’s thoughts, Jack mentioned the Ferianus Temple.

“I happen to know someone at the Ferianus Temple. I have plans to visit soon, so I’ll bring it up.”

She had already been planning to visit the Ferianus Temple again, so this was a timely help. Serena smiled gently and responded,

“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”

“No, thank me.”

“Huh?”

Serena looked puzzled as Jack suddenly expressed his gratitude. There wasn’t really anything he could be thankful for in this situation.

“What are you thanking me for?”

“Just, you know. Everything.”

Jack smiled brightly and changed the subject. It seemed very suspicious, but she didn’t think he would reveal more even if pressed.

‘Maybe he means he’s thankful for taking good care of the Emperor?’

After all, this matter was for Azeid, so that assumption made sense. From Jack’s personality, it seemed like he was avoiding embarrassment. Serena thought it was fine and let it go, thinking it was all good.

* * *

A few days later, Jack replied. He could have contacted her through the last communication device, but he sent a letter instead.

[You’re welcome to visit the Ferianus Temple.]

“O!”

Serena let out a short exclamation. She had been waiting for contact, wondering if he had been rejected, but it turned out he was the head of the Gordon Superior after all. It was good news while she was waiting. Below the short and concise reply, there was information on when to visit the temple.

Even if the temple wasn’t popular, you couldn’t meet a priest at any time. Especially if it was a high priest capable of using divine energy, they had to get permission to visit. Without thinking much, Serena recalled the date and flinched.

‘Oh, isn’t that the anniversary of Medeia?’

Upon checking again, it was indeed that day. She thought she should get permission to go out in advance, but it was a day when she couldn’t. Coincidentally, that day was a day off for the palace staff, including Serena. Since Azeid had left the palace early, he had no tasks, making it almost like a day off. On that day, Serena could visit the temple comfortably. She briefly considered reporting to Azeid, but given his current state, she doubted he would remember. He had been more restless and often absent-minded, which worried her a bit.

‘Alright. Let’s just go quietly.’

Serena promptly sent a reply saying she would visit then.

* * *

Jack grinned broadly upon receiving Serena’s letter. Leonard, who was beside him, looked puzzled.

“Are you dating someone?”

“Dating? What? I ended up helping with others’ romances, you bastard.”

Jack laughed as if he had heard something ridiculous. His laugh sounded like it could lead to trouble, making Leonard uneasy.

“You’re not just making things up, right, Jack?”

“Do you think I’m the kind to get into trouble by meeting someone?”

“Yeah.”

When Leonard answered without hesitation, Jack scoffed. But he didn’t argue, knowing Leonard’s nature.

‘This is too much, I’m abusing my power for whom now?’

In reality, getting help from the priests wasn’t easy. They had built a solid trust, so it was manageable. Of course, since the Ferianus Temple was favorable towards Azeid, it was partly thanks to Azeid. The priest he introduced was also Azeid’s godfather.

‘Yeah, friends help each other out in times like this.’

Jack thought his plan was pretty good. He didn’t want to see Azeid, hunched like a wilted weed, on Medeia’s anniversary anymore. Then he found a wonderful person to help Azeid. Serena Vincent. A woman who brought a new dynamic to Azeid’s behavior patterns for the first time. Not only did she break through Azeid’s tough exterior, but her actions to change his personality were truly admirable.

‘Plus, Azeid seems to care about her too.’

In Jack’s eyes, it looked like Azeid had special feelings for Serena. Especially when Azeid stormed into the inn with a fierce look in his eyes, trying to pull Serena away from him. It wasn’t just a gaze of seeing a physician. He had never shown such possessiveness even towards Lily, whom he had known for a long time. Since he had never had feelings for anyone, he was probably just confused, thinking it was camaraderie or something.

‘What will you do without me, Azeid?’

Jack chuckled inwardly, sneering. He didn’t mind Leonard looking at him coldly. After putting the letter in the drawer, Jack plopped down in front of Leonard.

“Are you ready?”

“For now. But just in case of an emergency, let’s watch him in shifts.”

“If he messes up again, I won’t let him off, that bastard.”

Jack uttered harsh words, and Leonard sighed deeply. On that day, Azeid was a mess, so much so that Leonard, who usually objected to such disrespect, agreed. Until that day, Azeid hadn’t had any incidents on anniversaries, thanks to Leonard, Jack, Nocturne, and Lily taking turns watching him. This time, Lily couldn’t come to the capital because she was busy hunting monsters that suddenly appeared. From the multiple messages she sent, it seemed she was also troubled about not being able to come. Leonard said,

“But Lady Serena seems to be taking good care of him. She listens well.”

“So you still don’t plan to bring her along?”

“Yeah. We also told her not to come. We can’t bring our physician.”

She wanted to ask Lady Serena to go with her, but that would have Azeid grabbing her by the collar. Leonard was conservative about such things, but Jack was different.

“Heh.”

Jack kept smirking, thinking the plan was going well. Leonard couldn’t hold back and squawked,

“Hey! Why are you smiling weirdly? It’s creepy, you bastard.”

“What’s wrong with smiling now? I’m smiling while chatting with the palace maids.”

“When have you ever.”

“Hmph!”

Jack sipped his tea as if he had no intention to explain.

“Anyway, you don’t need to worry too much.”

“Are you letting your guard down? I hope you remember last time when you got distracted and Azeid almost got hurt.”

“I kept saying I’m sorry about that. How long are you going to talk about it?”

“Until you die.”

“Argh!”

Jack jumped up, pointing towards the door, and shouted,

“Hey! You, go! I’m such a fool for having a bastard like you as a friend, a fool!”

“You were always a fool, Jack.”

“Not going?”

“I’m going, I’m going.”

Leonard watched Jack bark orders while grinning broadly. As he grabbed the doorknob and turned around, he said,

“You’ll die if you’re late.”

“Ah, I’m not late!”

As Jack tried to throw a cushion from the sofa, Leonard quickly opened the door and left.

“I don’t know why everyone lines up for that guy.”

Jack was still annoyed at his bubbling anger, finally tossing the cushion towards the door.

“Ouch!”

Unfortunately, a subordinate who just came in was hit by the cushion and moaned. The subordinate asked as if it was normal,

“Fighting again?”

“We usually play like this.”

Jack rolled his eyes and muttered to himself,

“Later, everyone will have to thank Mr. Jack for this.”

The subordinate ignored his mutterings and left with his tea cup. He always dismissed what Jack said.