I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Chapter 24

In the banquet hall, Vincent, his wife, Lydia, and her elder brother, Tyler, were seated.

Lydia, who had changed into a fresh outfit, glared daggers at Serena but kept her lips tightly shut.

“It’s been a while, Baron,” Serena greeted gracefully, bowing in courtesy. Vincent nodded slightly in response. As she moved to sit at her usual spot at the end of the table, he called out.

“Sit next to me.”

“Father!”

Lydia exploded in anger at his words, but her mother’s intervention cut her off.

It was only then Serena noticed the empty seat beside the viscount, which was usually Lydia’s place. Lydia, now relegated to a different spot, trembled with humiliation. Serena shrugged and took the seat on Vincent’s left.

Across from her sat Tyler, the heir, with Lydia next to him.

“I heard you were looking for me,” Serena began.

“Yes, I called for you several times, but you never came. No matter how busy you are with palace duties, that’s no excuse for bad manners.”

“Well, I’ve never claimed to be polite, so I hope you understand, Viscount,” Serena replied with a faint smile. Vincent’s brow twitched in irritation. Tyler, seated across from her, sneered.

“Success has made you insufferable.”

“Perhaps,” she said nonchalantly. “It’s allowed me the privilege of dining with all of you, after all.”

“…”

“This must be the first time, isn’t it, my lady?” Serena turned to Vincent’s wife with a sly smile, catching her off guard.

Although Serena addressed her as “my lady” in the viscount’s presence, the woman showed no signs of anger or reproach. Instead, she glanced at her son, signaling him to hold his tongue.

“Tyler, behave yourself.”

“But Mother—”

“Enough! What is this commotion at the dining table? Whatever needs to be said can wait until after the meal.”

“Apologies, Father.”

Unlike when his mother spoke, Tyler immediately lowered his head and pursed his lips tightly in compliance. His clenched jaw betrayed his frustration. It seemed he hadn’t yet outgrown his fear of Vincent’s authority.

Serena, unbothered by the tension, ate her food calmly. Despite the luxurious spread, her discomfort in the environment dulled her appetite.

The meal reached the dessert course when Vincent broke the silence.

“How is life in the palace? I’ve heard His Majesty holds you in high regard.”

His words were accompanied by a greasy gaze, his drooping eyelids betraying the self-serving thoughts behind them.

And what difference does it make if the Emperor favors me?

“Not at all. We don’t get along. His Majesty avoids me whenever possible,” Serena replied dryly, her inner thoughts veiled by a faint smile.

He hates taking walks more than anything. I dread winter because I’m afraid he might never leave his bed.

Though her quip remained unspoken, the thought amused her. The meal had felt suffocating, but thinking about work brought a strange sense of relief.

“See, Father? She’s nothing special, just like I told you,” Lydia muttered.

“Lydia,” her mother called her sharply, and Vincent let out a warning hiss. Lydia pouted and grumbled under her breath.

“She’s right,” Serena said lightly. “I don’t know what rumors you’ve heard, but I’m just a lowly palace physician.”

So don’t get any strange ideas about asking me for favors.

“Yes, rumors are often exaggerated,” Vincent conceded. “But as the royal physician, you must frequently meet His Majesty.”

“Only when a consultation is required,” Serena replied, skillfully dodging the truth. Though she attended to Azaid every morning, she saw no need to elaborate. Vincent continued to circle around his main point, tossing out vague remarks.

Whatever he intended to ask, Serena had no plans to oblige. Instead, she focused on finishing her dessert—ice cream.

She was nearly done when Vincent called her name.

“Serena.”

“Yes, Baron?”

“You know I’ve always been fond of you, don’t you?”

Excuse me? Serena stared at him, her disbelief evident. His words sounded absurd, and yet he placed a thick hand on her shoulder, as if to emphasize his sincerity.

“Lydia is of marriageable age, and Tyler is expanding his business.”

“And?”

“I’d like you to introduce them to His Majesty at the upcoming hunting festival.”

Of course.

There has been no significant change; the count is still a greedy and rude human.

Serena didn’t respond and wiped her mouth with a napkin. Then Tyler, who was watching, spoke up.

“Are you not going to answer when your father is speaking?”

“It’s not worth answering.”

“What?”

“Baron. Please remove your hand first.”

Serena slapped away the count’s hand resting on her shoulder. The Baron’s eyelids twitched, but he obediently lowered his hand.

“This kind of solicitation is illegal. Are you trying to make me a criminal?”

“You’re saying strange things. Your brother is introducing you to his superior, so how could that be illegal?”

“Who is the sister and brother in this?”

“…….”

“Baron. Get a grip. It was you who kicked me out, remember?”

As Serena shot back sharply, the count chewed his words and said,

“No matter what, you are Vincent’s blood. As long as your name has Vincent in it…”

“Yes. There was a time when I considered myself part of the Vincent family. Of course, it fell apart in just a day.”

This place was one where even a day of living would reveal its true colors.

Serena smiled slightly and stood up. Having finished her meal, it was time to leave.

“The meal was delicious. Now, as promised, please don’t interfere with my affairs any longer or show any interest.”

“Serena Vincent!”

Bang-!

The Baron shouted and slammed his fist on the table.

“Can’t you sit down immediately?”

“What if I can’t?”

As Serena stood her ground, the Baron’s eyes turned bloodshot. Lydia and Tyler remained silent, observing the Baron’s expression.

After all, he is the great Baron Vincent, with absolute power in this castle. But Serena spoke without flinching.

“Calm down. You and your daughter are exactly the same.”

“You will regret this. I warned you.”

“Goodbye.”

Ignoring his warning, Serena slightly lifted the hem of her dress to show courtesy and left the dining hall.

Clang-!

Hearing the sound of dishes breaking behind her, it seemed the Baron had swept the table again.

After stepping out of Vincent Castle, Serena felt refreshed. It seemed like having a drink at such a time would make her feel even better.

‘Should I have just one drink before heading back?’

Serena checked her watch and turned her steps toward the town.

The town at night was bustling with energy. The lights hanging from the ceiling sparkled to keep the darkness at bay.

The delicious street food offered by vendors stimulated her sense of smell as she passed by. Just as Serena was about to enter a tavern.

“Ugh-.”

A moan was heard from the dark alley. Serena paused as she was about to open the door and turned her head toward the direction of the sound.

The streetlight was off, making it difficult to see with the naked eye. It sounded like an animal, but if it were a person, they might be asking for help.

As a doctor, she couldn’t ignore it, so Serena moved toward the corner. And when she turned on her portable magic tool—

“Ugh!”

The man in the corner swiftly covered Serena’s mouth with one hand while pointing a knife at her throat with the other.

Dae-guru-ru.

Serena lost her magic tool due to the sudden attack. It all happened so quickly that she had no chance to resist.

The magic tool rolled away, illuminating Serena and the stranger. However, it was hard to recognize who he was since she was being threatened with her back turned.

“Haah. Kugh-.”

The man seemed to be injured, repeatedly exhaling harsh breaths. The smell of iron from blood filled the air, indicating he was quite hurt.

As Serena held her breath and stayed still, the man loosened his grip on her mouth. He still threatened her with the sharp knife pressed against her neck.

“Who are you? Who sent you?”

“…….”

“Not gonna talk? Do you really want to die?”

His voice was sharp and seemed very agitated. Serena felt a bit scared but calmly spoke up.

“Excuse me.”

“…….”

“I don’t know who you are, but you shouldn’t be threatening someone who came to help you with a knife, right?”

This is why people run away when they see injustice. Because of people like you.

Serena continued speaking to help calm him down.

“You look injured; let me help you. I’m a doctor.”

“A doctor? What kind of nonsense… Wait a minute… you?”

The man seemed to growl more at Serena’s words but then suddenly fell silent. It was a moment of surprise for Serena.

“Kugh.”

The knife that had been aimed at her neck moved away as the man slumped down.

As soon as he leaned against her, Serena recoiled in disgust and threw him to the ground. When she turned to check his face, her eyes widened in shock.

“Jack Gordon?”

It was definitely Jack Gordon. It looked like he had been ambushed by someone, with a laceration on one eye and blood flowing from his abdomen.

‘Did he run into a robber or something?’

Serena examined Jack’s complexion with a serious expression. She had heard he had considerable talent in swordsmanship.

Yet, seeing him in such a state, it seemed he had barely survived an assassination attempt.

‘Who could it be? Just like Azaid’s friends, all hurt and in chaos.’

Serena grumbled as she rummaged through her bag. Even though he was the one who had threatened her just moments ago, she had no hesitation in treating him.