I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 37

Serena had a brief conversation with Nocturne about mana cores before heading straight to the imperial palace. As the carriage moved, she recalled the story Nocturne had shared.

“There were no casualties, but the garden was damaged beyond repair.”

“Although he said to bill the repair costs to the imperial family, no noble would dare actually do that.”

“It seems His Majesty was venting his anger…” (At this point, Nocturne hesitated, gauging Serena’s reaction.)

“Since then, Madam Vincent has been too embarrassed to step outside the estate.”

“Young Lady Vincent has recently returned to society, but the stares she receives aren’t exactly kind. Everyone’s afraid associating with her might draw the emperor’s ire.”

Oh, Emperor.

What on earth have you been up to this time?

No matter how much Serena thought about it, she couldn’t understand Azaid’s eccentric behavior. Had he gone after her only to lose track of her and vent his frustrations? But why take it out on an innocent garden?

The situation left Serena with mixed feelings. On the one hand, his tyrannical rampage was undeniably terrifying. On the other, the fact that the target was the Vincent family brought her a certain amount of satisfaction—especially since he’d burned down that cursed crystal garden. It felt as if a long-standing weight had been lifted off her chest. Like solving a problem without lifting a finger.

“We’ve arrived.”

At the coachman’s announcement, Serena stepped out of the carriage and headed directly to the gardens. It was around the time when Azaid would have finished his walk and begun enjoying dessert.

As she crossed the garden, she saw Azaid leisurely having tea under the gazebo. He had just finished his dessert and was quietly gazing at the trees, looking so much like a contented cat that Serena couldn’t help but chuckle, momentarily forgetting her original purpose.

Hearing her laughter, Azaid turned to look at her.

“Back from Nocturne?”

“Yes, and I heard something rather surprising.”

Serena wiped the smile from her face and approached him.

“Whatever it is, sit and tell me. Standing there like that makes you look unnecessarily intimidating.”

“Is there something you’re feeling guilty about, Your Majesty?”

As Serena obediently sat across from him, a maid brought out a new teacup and poured her tea.

“I suppose Nocturne told you about the Vincents.”

“Why did you do it?”

This was the question Serena had wanted to ask all along. No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t fathom why he’d destroyed the Vincent estate’s garden. She had no choice but to ask him directly.

Azaid shrugged, as if the question wasn’t worth answering.

“I just didn’t like it.”

“That garden is famous, you know. It’s full of rare flowers that the noble ladies love.”

“Is that so? To me, it just looked like a bunch of cheap blooms.”

Well, of course it would, considering the imperial palace only cultivates the finest plants.

Serena rubbed her temples, exasperated by Azaid’s casual dismissal. What frustrated her more was that she couldn’t exactly argue against him.

Leaning forward, Azaid propped his chin on his hand.

“So, that’s why my physician came rushing in as if the world was ending.”

“Who said I was upset about it? Honestly, I found it quite satisfying.”

“Really? Should I burn down a few more places, then?”

Azaid said this with a cheerful laugh, his words chilling despite his demeanor.

Would he really do it if I asked?

The thought startled Serena, and she quickly shook her head.

“No, thank you. There’s no need to ruin anyone else’s life.”

“Why? Families like the Vincents are better off erased from the nobility altogether.”

“They’ll collapse on their own soon enough. No need for Your Majesty to dirty your hands.”

“If you say so.”

Azaid, seemingly losing interest, began poking at his empty dessert plate with a fork. Judging by his expression, he wanted another serving but was holding back because she was there.

“Would you like another one?”

“Hmm?”

“Consider it a special reward for diligently following your treatment lately.”

“…You’re the first person to boast about giving me dessert in my own palace.”

“Don’t want it?”

“Who said that?”

Fearing she might change her mind, Azaid quickly ordered the maid to bring more dessert. Soon, plates of lemon madeleines were brought out for both of them.

“You didn’t have to prepare one for me.”

“Good food is meant to be shared.”

“Well, thank you.”

Serena smiled faintly at his peculiar logic and cut a piece of the lemon madeleine with her fork. The cake melted in her mouth, the refreshing citrus flavor spreading pleasantly, followed by a sweetness likely from fig preserves.

“Tasty, right?”

“It’s… fine.”

“When it is, you should just say it is.”

“Am I not allowed to answer however I like?”

“Not if you insist on being difficult.”

Azaid pouted before taking a large bite of his own madeleine. It was evident how much he enjoyed it; his expression seemed to ripple with delight.

Can something sweet make someone this happy?

Serena wasn’t particularly fond of sweets. She didn’t mind the occasional treat but avoided eating too much.

Azaid, on the other hand, seemed capable of devouring an entire cake in one sitting.

He’s been holding back lately, though.

Serena recalled imposing a “sugar restriction” on him during his treatment. For someone who used to eat desserts constantly, sticking to one treat a day must have been grueling. His current joy at polishing off a second plate made perfect sense.

Suddenly, she thought of something Nocturne had said earlier. It occurred to her that she had been stingy with praise when it came to Azaid.

“Your Majesty has a hearty appetite.”

“You’re not about to tell me to stop eating, are you?”

Azaid shot her a wary look, as if afraid she might confiscate his dessert. The fact that this man, who ruled an entire empire, was so defensive about sweets amused Serena to no end.

“I’m not one to give and then take away.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“I was just saying you eat well. It’s a compliment.”

Clink.

Azaid suddenly dropped the fork he was eating with and stared at Serena. When she looked at him quizzically, he spoke.

“Be honest. My health is deteriorating, isn’t it?”

“What? No, of course not!”

“Then why else would you suddenly start complimenting me?”

Azaid seemed so shocked by Serena’s compliment that he had completely forgotten about the fallen piece of food. Feeling oddly guilty, as if she were a bad doctor, Serena gave him an awkward smile.

“I’ll make sure to compliment you more often from now on.”

“No, don’t. You don’t need to.”

Azaid shook his head vehemently, clearly against the idea. Little did he know that his reaction only fueled Serena’s mischievous streak.

Serena, intent on teasing him, pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and leaned closer, placing a hand on the table for balance.

Azaid froze as Serena suddenly approached him. She used the opportunity to gently wipe the crumbs from the corner of his mouth, a playful smile on her face.

“Even when our Majesty eats messily, he’s still so handsome.”

“Argh!”

Azaid instantly realized she was teasing him and let out a startled cry. He sank back into his chair, rubbing his lips furiously, then pointed at her with a trembling finger.

“Serena, stop that.”

“Why? I’m just complimenting you for being handsome.”

“It—it feels weird! Just stop it already!”

Azaid shuddered, visibly unsettled. Despite having dessert left, he abruptly stood up from his chair.

“Your Majesty, you should at least finish your meal.”

“No, thanks. You’ve completely killed my appetite, so you can deal with it!”

Without a backward glance, Azaid fled the room. The sound of Serena’s laughter growing louder in his wake was almost inevitable.

Azaid’s face was filled with confusion as he headed to his bedroom. The spot where Serena’s handkerchief had touched him burned as if he’d been scalded.

The scent of her favorite perfume lingered on the fabric. Though it was an artificial fragrance slightly different from her natural scent, it was one he had grown quite accustomed to.

:Why does this stupid heart keep pounding like this?’

Frustrated, Azaid thumped his chest, trying to calm his erratic heartbeat. It was a futile gesture, as it did nothing to restore his heart to its normal rhythm.

Lately, being around Serena had become increasingly awkward for Azaid. Whenever he faced her, his chest seemed to tighten, and his heart raced uncontrollably.

At times, he felt so jittery that he couldn’t tell if food was going into his mouth or his nose.

“This must be some kind of illness.”

Azaid muttered to himself, glaring angrily at his still-thumping chest. He was oblivious to the startled attendants who flinched and stepped aside as they passed by.

It was when Azaid, battling his internal turmoil, finally arrived at his bedroom.

“Your Majesty, I was just about to come looking for you.”

Leonard, who had been stepping out after confirming Azaid’s absence, recognized him and spoke.

“What is it? Is something wrong?”

Azaid replied curtly, still trying to calm his erratic heartbeat. Leonard explained.

“The Duke of Greenwood is waiting for you in the reception room.”