I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Chapter 14

‘The woman who seemed so concerned about His Majesty never visited him even once after that incident…’

Seriena marveled at Ophelia’s skill in navigating social situations. To anyone observing, it would appear that she was deeply worried about Azaid.

However, after the accident that day, she neither visited him nor sent any meaningful messages. Instead, it was the Duke of Greenwood who briefly stopped by to see the Emperor.

Oddly, Azaid had seemed distracted that day, which might have spared Ophelia from any reprimand.

Considering that she faced no repercussions despite indirectly causing harm to the Emperor, it was clear that the Greenwood family held significant influence.

‘Right. Even in my previous life, the Emperor was cautious around the Greenwoods, never overstepping his bounds.’

Perhaps it was due to their power that Ophelia’s unpredictable behavior was so well-known. She came and went from the palace as she pleased, a habit no one dared to question.

When Azaid remained silent, Ophelia picked up a glass and approached him, her tone smooth and pleasant as she offered him the drink.

“May I propose a toast, expressing gratitude for Your Majesty’s enduring strength?”

“Apologies, Lady Greenwood, but His Majesty is abstaining from alcohol for the time being.”

Serena interjected tactfully, drawing a sharp, icy glare from Ophelia. Her expression made it clear that she was questioning Serena’s audacity to interfere.

“It’s just one drink. Don’t you think you’re overreacting? It seems you’ve come here as a watchdog in your role as His Majesty’s physician rather than as a noblewoman.”

Ophelia’s words caused murmurs to ripple through the crowd. Unlike her previous condescension, her tone was now laced with a feigned civility, which made it all the more grating.

“A physician? Then, is she the illegitimate child of the Vincent family who recently received the Violet Isring?”

As the whispers grew louder, Azaid cleared his throat, prompting the young noblewomen to shut their mouths like mice caught in a trap.

“It seems there’s some misunderstanding. She is here today not as my physician but as my partner. I expect you to show respect, Lady Greenwood.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I spoke out of turn, overly concerned for your well-being over a mere glass of wine…”

“I’ll accept the sentiment behind your toast.”

“Your Majesty embarrasses me by refusing my offer so plainly.”

Ophelia lowered her gaze with a pitiful expression, as if she had suffered a grave humiliation.

Watching Azaid force a strained smile, Serena thought to herself that if this continued, Azaid, irritated, might very well accept the drink just to end the situation.

If he drank once, refusing further would be nearly impossible. Moreover, all the wine served at the banquet tonight contained Pion Root extract.

When Azaid reached for the glass, Serena widened her eyes and quickly intercepted it.

“Hmm?”

Ophelia looked at Serena in startled confusion. Flashing a brazen smile, Serina spoke up.

“In that case, allow me to save Lady Greenwood from embarrassment by drinking it myself.”

“Excuse me?”

Before Ophelia could react, Serena downed the glass in one go.

It was a rare sight for a noblewoman at a banquet to chug wine as if it were water.

The young noblewomen, who had been fawning over Ophelia moments ago, now gasped in amazement for an entirely different reason.

“G-goodness…”

Though no one completed their sentences, the atmosphere hinted that they all shared the same thought.

After draining the glass completely, Serena handed it back to Ophelia.

“I’ve ensured your honor is intact. Are you satisfied now?”

“…”

Ophelia stood frozen like a statue, seemingly at a loss for how to respond to such an unprecedented act.

Azaid, however, watched Serena with an amused expression. Just as Ophelia opened her mouth to speak, the music shifted to a new tune.

“The music has changed,” Azaid said smoothly, using the opportunity to steer the conversation away. He extended a hand toward Serina.

“Your Majesty, may I have the first dance?” Ophelia reached out instinctively, but Azaid cut her off with a frosty remark.

“How could I when my partner has gone to such lengths for me?”

“But…”

“Return to your partner.”

Azaid’s gentle yet firm rejection left Ophelia biting her lip. Her sharp glare at Serena seemed to promise vengeance.

Unbothered, Serena shrugged and accepted Azaid’s hand. The wine was stronger than expected, leaving her slightly dizzy as they moved to the center of the floor.

“Your Majesty, I must warn you—I can’t dance.”

“Don’t worry. I’m more than skilled enough for the both of us.”

Azaid smirked as he wrapped an arm around her waist. Though annoyed by his overconfidence, Serina followed his lead, knowing he was likely more versed in courtly dances.

True to his word, Azaid guided her with ease, maintaining just enough distance to ensure propriety while moving fluidly to the rhythm.

Serena clumsily followed his steps, occasionally grazing his foot and wincing in embarrassment. Noticing her tension, Ajade drawled lazily,

“Who knew you were such a drinker?”

“Calling me a drinker after I just saved you! And stop talking—I can barely keep up as it is!”

When Serena grumbled, Azaid chuckled softly.

“I’m used to seeing you so self-assured. It’s refreshing to see you flustered for a change.”

“What’s so refreshing about it?”

“It’s like an unexpected thrill in an otherwise dull routine.”

“You have an awful sense of humor.”

Despite telling him not to talk, Serena couldn’t help but retort to his teasing, completely unaware that her reactions only amused him further.

As they continued to dance, Azaid suddenly addressed her in a quiet tone.

“Hey.”

“Ugh, I said stop talking—” Serena began to snap but stopped mid-sentence, noticing his unwell expression.

“Your Majesty?”

Azaid didn’t respond, his brows furrowing as if in pain. His eyes were tinged red, and beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. His gaze seemed unfocused, as if he were struggling to stay conscious.

‘What’s happening?’

Alarmed, Serena discreetly observed him while they danced. Something was clearly wrong.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

As Serina, flustered, tried to stop dancing, Azaid stopped her.

“Don’t make a scene. Keep going.”

“But…”

“If I suddenly stop dancing and leave, can you imagine the rumors that would spread?”

Azaid’s rough tone made Serena close her mouth. He was already a subject of much gossip, even before ascending the throne.

Though his power was undeniable, his lineage was low-ranking royalty. Failing to finish a simple dance would only fuel the disdain of those who already opposed him.

‘I thought he didn’t care about such things.’

Serena glanced at him with concern as he continued dancing despite the visible discomfort.

His breathing grew more labored, and the hand resting on her back felt increasingly warm.

‘This is strange. He hasn’t had a drop of alcohol…’

Yet his symptoms resembled something she had seen before. Suddenly, she noticed the reddening of his neck.

It was an allergic reaction. Recognizing the familiar signs, Serina asked with certainty.

“Did you eat anything before coming to the banquet?”

“Not that I recall…”

“Try to think carefully.”

“Well… I might have had a drink because I was thirsty.”

Of course. That must have been it.

Though Serena now understood the cause, she feigned ignorance.

“This won’t do. We need to get to the terrace for first aid immediately.”

Her plan was to move him to a quiet spot and address his symptoms. But Azaid stubbornly pulled her closer, his voice resolute.

“No. Don’t.”

Azaid’s large hand pressed firmly against her back, pulling their bodies closer together. They were so near now that it was almost as if she were in his arms.

The faint scent of him tickled her nose, and his trembling grip on her made Serena tense.

‘Wait. Could it be he’s struggling to stand on his own?’

Looking closely, she realized Azaid was slightly leaning on her for support.

‘Hah, this troublesome patient…’

Serena couldn’t understand his obstinacy. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to stop completely, not when his expression betrayed a vulnerability that made refusal impossible.

‘How does he expect me to say no when he looks at me like that?’

Sighing internally, Serena spoke up. She had anticipated this kind of behavior from the troublesome Emperor.

“Your Majesty, can you see the locket on my necklace?”

“Locket?”

Azaid’s gaze shifted to her neck, where a locket hung from a choker.

“Yes, there’s an emergency painkiller inside. Let me get it out for you, but you’ll need to loosen your hold for a moment…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Azaid leaned his head toward her neck. Without hesitation, he bit down lightly on the locket.

“!!!”

Serena held her breath in shock. She felt something brush against her neck unexpectedly.

With a small click, the locket opened, and the pill inside slipped into Azaid’s mouth. His throat bobbed as he swallowed it.

“Phew.”

Azaid exhaled more steadily now, his breathing visibly calmer than before.

“I feel better already. It must be a fast-acting medication.”

“…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Serena frowned slightly and lowered her head.

‘That startled me.’

For a moment, she thought Azaid was collapsing because of how close he suddenly was. Granted, letting go of her during the dance would have been impossible.

‘Still, biting it like that…’

Flustered, Serena moved her lips wordlessly, unsure of how to respond.