I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 18

“Is His Majesty inside?”

“Yes. He instructed not to let anyone in, but I’m guessing you’ll go in anyway?”

At Anna’s question, which seemed to assume the answer, Serena smiled faintly and nodded. Azaid’s bedroom opened effortlessly for Serena.

As Serena entered, she saw Azade’s golden hair already nestled beneath the blanket.

I knew it. He wouldn’t even think about going for a walk unless I came, right?

Clicking her tongue in exasperation at the familiar sight, Serena approached Azaid.

It felt like being a dog owner—but in reverse. While most dogs pester their owners for walks, Azaid was the opposite.

Only when Serena showed up at the designated time would Azaid sluggishly drag himself around.

How does someone who hates moving so much not gain weight? And he even seems muscular.

Having touched his upper body several times before, Serena always found his physique a mystery. Was it just good genetics? How unfair.

“Your Majesty. It’s Serena.”

Even though Serena stood right in front of him, Azaid didn’t react. She knew he wasn’t asleep, but he was pretending otherwise.

Serena stared for a moment at the figure wriggling under the blanket like a larva.

No need for hibernating animals when he’s around.

Azaid would jump at any chance to crawl into bed. Before Serena became his personal physician, nobles had to deliver their reports outside his bedroom door.

Just as Serena was glaring daggers at him—

“I’m tired.”

Sensing her sharp gaze, Azaid mumbled sluggishly, pulling the blanket closer around him.

It was clear he was clutching the blanket tightly, fearing Serena might try to take it away. Serena gently turned him so their eyes met.

“Your Majesty?”

As she smiled faintly, her eyes carried a silent scolding, prompting Azade to speak.

“I’ll go for a walk later.”

“Don’t lie. You’ll just sleep all day.”

“I really am tired today. Truly.”

“You’re tired because you don’t move enough. Walking will help.”

Serena cut him off firmly, dismissing his excuses. Azaid frowned in displeasure.

“I’m saying I don’t want to walk. Just for today…!”

“Thinking ‘just for today will be fine’ is exactly the kind of complacency you need to avoid. Now, up you go. One, two—”

As Serena grabbed the blanket and tried to pull it away, Azade held on firmly, resisting.

“I’m staying in bed. Don’t touch me.”

With that, he turned his back to her, pulling the blanket over himself completely.

Oh? So that’s how you want to play it, huh?

Looking at the stubborn emperor, Serena let out a deep breath to steady herself.

Moments later—

“Get! Up! Right! Now!”

With each word, Serena smacked the blanket repeatedly.

Azaid stared blankly at Serena, who was now dragging him by the hand. The events earlier still felt like a dream.

Have I been too lenient with her? How could she do that?

Having been subjected to such an outrageous ordeal, Azaid felt a deep existential crisis. When Serena had pounded on him through the blanket like she was beating a drum, he was at a loss for words.

Hitting the emperor?

Granted, it hadn’t hurt, but still—wasn’t that unthinkable behavior toward the emperor?

Does she have no sense of self-preservation?

Azaid found Serena’s audacity fascinating. Most people would cower at the slightest hint of his displeasure, but Serena, small as she was, barked back like a fearless little dog.

If he’d truly intended to punish her, he could have done so countless times. But Serena had long since disregarded all boundaries with him.

He felt as though the lines between their professional and personal relationship had completely blurred.

I need to set things straight soon.

That thought lingered in his mind, yet Azade allowed himself to be dragged along without resistance. It was more of a token resolution than anything else.

In truth, before they’d left for the walk, he’d petulantly offered his hand, saying, “Fine, drag me if you can.”

To his shock, she’d actually grabbed his hand and started pulling, as if she’d been waiting for the challenge.

Azaid rationalized that he was simply humoring her. If he truly resisted, Serena wouldn’t have been able to budge him.

So his compliance, in his mind, was an act of generosity. A wide margin of grace granted to Serena for her efforts, however futile.

Yes. This is the only time I’ll let it slide.

Azaid muttered internally, oblivious to how often he’d made similar resolutions before.

Warm sunlight now rested gently on his forehead.

As he lowered his gaze to avoid the brightness, his eyes caught Serena’s hair swaying gently in the light.

The sunlight gave her violet hair a soft, ethereal glow. Tied into a simple ponytail, it reminded him of pink muhly grass swaying in the breeze—delicate and soothing to the soul.

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen her hair completely untied.

Serena always wore the same hairstyle, likely for practicality at work.

Her hair at the banquet wasn’t bad, though.

Recalling Serena’s half-up hairstyle from the banquet, Azaid smirked faintly.

He’d been genuinely surprised at the time, seeing her dressed up instead of her usual modest appearance. Her already refined features had shone even more brightly that night.

Without realizing it, Azaid reached out toward her hair.

But just as his hand was about to touch it, Serena suddenly stopped and turned to face him.

“Your Majesty, can’t you walk on your own now?”

“!!!”

Caught red-handed, Azaid’s blue eyes widened in panic, like a child caught doing something they shouldn’t.

Serina’s expression was filled with discontent. Fortunately, Azaid hadn’t fully extended his hand yet, so it seemed she didn’t notice. His hand awkwardly recoiled.

What was I about to do just now?

Azaid tilted his head, puzzled by his impulsive behavior. At that moment, Serena spoke.

“What? Please.”

It seemed she was struggling to drag him along on the walk. Well, it made sense; forcing a grown man like Azaid to join her for a stroll couldn’t have been an easy task.

Coincidentally, he was just about to suggest they walk together, but her earnest plea stirred a mischievous urge in him. With a sly smile, Azaid refused.

“If you dragged me out, you need to take responsibility.”

He loosened his hand and continued his teasing.

“Or, we could just head back now.”

“We haven’t even been out for 20 minutes!”

Serena grabbed his hand again, clutching it firmly as if to say, Where do you think you’re going?

Azaid let out a small laugh at her decisive action but quickly hardened his expression. The joy he felt at her holding his hand again unsettled him.

What is this? Am I feeling… relieved?

The strange surge of emotion made him frown. It was fleeting, leaving him uncertain.

Perhaps he had simply grown used to her presence, seeing her every day like clockwork.

This can’t happen. I can’t let this happen.

Suddenly on high alert, Azaide released her hand.

“Enough. I’ll walk on my own.”

He then spoke with an air of authority and strode ahead, his steps firm and deliberate. This shift in attitude was an attempt to reassert his dignity, as he felt he’d been too soft with her lately.

After all, her constant, unreserved contact had dulled his awareness, making walking hand-in-hand feel far too natural.

This is dangerous. She’s an incredibly dangerous woman.

Azaid tensed his body like a cat with its fur on end.

Meanwhile, Serena stared blankly at his abrupt change in demeanor. She didn’t feel the supposed authority in his voice that he was trying so hard to project.

What’s gotten into him?

Though she didn’t know what had caused his shift, she was thrilled at not having to drag him along anymore.

Well, whatever. Freedom at last!

Serena inwardly celebrated as she happily followed behind Azaid. She tilted her head to catch his gaze, smiling brightly.

“So, you’ve finally decided to enjoy this walk! That’s a wonderful development.”

Her cheerful face, practically glowing with excitement, only served to irritate Azaid further.

“You’re too happy. It’s annoying.”

“Let’s agree to just walk for an hour,” she replied casually, ignoring his irritation and flashing a smile. Relieved to have her hands free, she even started skipping lightly.

Azaid stared at her retreating figure, his expression incredulous.

What’s with her? Did she hate holding hands with me that much? Why is she so happy about this?

He was the one who let go first, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling of having been rejected.

Azaid glanced down at his empty hand, a sudden hollowness creeping in. He scowled and rubbed his palm against his clothes, as if trying to erase an unpleasant sensation.

Later that day, Serena returned to her room, feeling content after wrapping up her daily tasks. As she entered, Marie, who was switching out the water jug, greeted her.

“You’re here early today.”

“I lightened my workload.”

“Your workload?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Humming a little tune, Serena took off her coat. Her good mood was thanks to Azaid, who had cooperated so well during their walk.

After washing up and changing into her nightwear, Marie spoke again.

“Oh, right. A letter came for you. I left it on the table.”

“A letter?”

Serena tilted her head, puzzled, as she walked toward the table. No one came to mind who would send her a letter.

I wasn’t expecting anything…

The letter was placed face-down, as if to hide the sender’s name. Curiously, she picked it up.

“…!”

The moment she saw the sender, her expression froze completely.