IDED | Chapter 41

Chapter 41

“Yes, exactly five minutes. Impressive.”

Nocturne smiled gently, as if nothing had happened. Serena, catching the mood, chuckled and asked,

“Where are we going?”

“The forest path behind the lake is perfect for a stroll. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.”

“That sounds great. But, Nocturne, did you play with fire or something?”

Serena sniffed the air and asked. Nocturne replied nonchalantly,

“Perhaps the smell of firewood drifted over from the kitchen next door.”

“Oh, I see.”

Serena nodded as if convinced, but her gaze soon settled on Nocturne’s white gloves. They were smeared with ash that hadn’t been completely cleaned off.

So, he did play with fire.

It seemed likely that he’d disciplined those brothers earlier. She regretted missing the chance to witness it firsthand. Feeling her gaze, Nocturne smiled awkwardly.

“Well, I’ve been caught.”

“I have a supernatural sense for the smell of smoke.”

“Is that so?”

Nocturne let out a soft chuckle, as if humoring an unremarkable joke. Serena shrugged and asked,

“So, did you tie them up or something this time?”

“Well, more or less. I returned the favor in a similar fashion.”

“Justice served, then.”

Serena giggled and motioned with her chin for him to lead the way. Nocturne extended his hand toward her like a gentleman addressing a noble lady.

“Are you trying to escort me now?”

“Something like that.”

“Though I feel a bit shy, I won’t refuse such guidance.”

Serina willingly placed her hand on his arm. She was already accustomed to being escorted by Leonard, so it didn’t feel awkward.

Nocturne, noticing her easy compliance, walked at a measured pace, guiding Serena along the forest path.

***

The next morning, Serina headed to Azaid’s bedroom for a morning check-up. A maid from Greenwood, standing outside the room, greeted her with a bow before blocking her path.

“You may not enter.”

“Why not?”

“His Majesty is having breakfast with Lady Ophelia.”

The maid wore a badge that identified her as the head maid. Serena stared at her intently and asked,

“Right now?”

It was still early for breakfast, but Ophelia was nothing if not diligent. Azaid must not have liked it, though. The head maid, her expression rigid, replied,

“Yes. What is your business here? If it’s not urgent, come back later.”

Her tone was polite, but it carried the weight of an order, not a request. It seemed she mistook Serina for an ordinary maid, as she didn’t even bother to exchange formalities.

The simplicity of Serena’s attire likely reinforced that assumption. However, her badge from the imperial palace should have been visible—this treatment was going too far.

Serena subtly raised her hand to ensure the Violet Insignia was clearly displayed on her chest and introduced herself.

“Forgive my delayed introduction. I am Serina Vincent, His Majesty’s personal physician.”

The head maid’s gaze lingered on the insignia. For a moment, Serena thought she might step aside, but instead, the maid blocked the door even more firmly.

“I am aware of who you are, Miss Serena.”

She knows?

Serena was taken aback by the head maid’s audacity. Despite knowing her identity, she stubbornly barred the way. But Serena knew that maintaining composure was crucial in situations like this.

“So, you’re aware. Then you must also know that my visit is part of my duties.”

Serena stepped closer, and the head maid raised an arm to stop her.

“Come back later. Lady Ophelia has only just entered.”

The maid looked at Serena as though she were an unwelcome intruder interrupting a cherished moment. Serena had noticed the hostility from the servants since her arrival at this castle.

Their subtle glances carried disdain, likely stemming from rumors about Ophelia’s hardships in the capital. Their loyalty to their mistress was fierce, almost fanatical.

What a tightly-knit group.

Serena sighed internally. Still, she wasn’t one to retreat easily.

If she backed down now, she’d likely find it even harder to meet Azade during the two weeks she was stationed here.

“Step aside.”

Her voice was calm but commanding. She abandoned the idea of seeking permission to enter.

“If you know who I am, then you must also know I received the Violet Insignia directly from His Majesty.”

“…Yes.”

The head maid hesitated, her voice faltering under Serena’s unyielding demeanor.

“I have the right to meet with His Majesty at any time, even if Lady Greenwood is present.”

“…”

“Will you continue to stand in my way?”

“…My apologies.”

The head maid bit her lip before reluctantly stepping aside. She seemed to be trying hard to mask her frustration. Without sparing her another glance, Serena knocked on the door and spoke,

“Your Majesty, it’s Serena.”

A short while later, permission to enter was granted from inside the room.

Azaid looked blankly at Ophelia, who had come early in the morning carrying a hearty breakfast.

“What’s the reason for your visit at this early hour?”

“I heard that His Majesty has been coughing early in the morning and eating breakfast,” Ophelia said with a bright smile as she poured tea.

“I woke up early today because I wanted to prepare breakfast for you myself.”

Azaid stared at Ophelia with hollow eyes. It was Serena’s efforts, forcing him to eat after his morning check-up, that had led to this change.

If not for Serena, he would never have enjoyed breakfast, but Ophelia seemed oblivious to that fact.

Azaid, intending to sleep until Serena arrived, was irritated by the interruption. However, since this was Greenwood’s estate, he couldn’t act rashly toward Ophelia.

Stirring the stew brimming with beef, Azaid commented, “This is rather heavy food for the morning.”

“It’s a restorative dish unique to Greenwood. It’s excellent for regaining energy, so please don’t refuse and eat it all.”

“I see. But it’s still too heavy for breakfast. Bread and milk would suffice.”

Azaid avoided meat in the mornings because it didn’t sit well with him. Serena, understanding his eating habits, usually provided simple meals like apples, yogurt, warm milk, and bread.

Hearing him mention bread and milk, Ophelia widened her eyes dramatically and exclaimed, “Oh my, does His Majesty’s physician only put in that little effort for breakfast?”

“Is it a matter of effort?”

“Of course! If it were me, I would meticulously manage every meal His Majesty eats every single day.”

“Serena is already doing that.”

Azaid, displeased by Ophelia’s remark undermining Serena, responded curtly. As Ophelia flinched, he continued, “Compared to a breakfast that doesn’t consider the state of my stomach, Serena’s meals seem far more thoughtful.”

“How could you say such a thing…?”

Ophelia trembled. Azaid clicked his tongue, noticing that the only thing on her plate was salad.

“Furthermore, look at the difference between your plate and mine. I wonder if one could even live on such a meal.”

“I’m trying to eat more these days,” Ophelia quickly explained, sounding defensive. It wasn’t a topic Azaid cared to delve into.

To hasten her departure, Azaid put a spoonful of stew into his mouth. At that, Ophelia’s face lit up. Her fluctuating mood suggested she had been chastised by the Duke recently.

“How is the taste?” she cautiously asked.

“The chef’s skills are impressive.”

“That’s a relief. Then, may I continue preparing your breakfast during your stay here?”

“Well, that might be difficult.”

The thought of enduring Ophelia every morning for two weeks wasn’t appealing. Being around her only gave Azaid a headache.

“Why? Do you prefer the breakfast prepared by that physician?”

“It’s not about preference…”

Knock, knock.

Before Azaid could finish his sentence, a knock came at the door, followed by a clear voice.

“Your Majesty, it’s Serena.”

“…”

At the mention of Serena’s name, Ophelia bit her lower lip. Azaid smirked at Serena’s timely arrival and said, “As you can see, I already have someone taking care of me, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourself.”

“I heard you brought her along again. Still, please spare me some attention during these two weeks.”

“Is that something I’m obliged to do?”

“…”

“Thank you for the stew. I’ll see you at the ball later.”

Azaid wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, signaling her departure. Ophelia looked sullen.

“Understood. Until next time, then.”

Lifting her skirt gracefully, Ophelia curtsied before heading to the door. When the maid opened it, a startled Serena looked at Ophelia.

Feeling a surge of resentment, Ophelia glared sharply at Serena before storming out.

Serena watched her disappear like the heroine of a tragic play, her expression unreadable. As the head maid outside hurriedly followed Ophelia, Azaid’s voice called from behind.

“Aren’t you coming in?”