I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 44

“Magical orb, huh…”

Nocturne’s expression was calmer than expected, almost indifferent. Anyone watching might think it was someone else’s problem. Serrna found his reaction puzzling but decided to continue speaking.

“Yes, the red color made it look quite dangerous. After the first part of the ball, the three of them had already agreed to conspire together.”

“They probably plan to act during the second part since causing trouble during the first part would inconvenience Duke Greenwood.”

“…It’s your matter, yet you seem far too relaxed about it.”

Serena expressed her doubts about Nocturne’s repeated calm demeanor. Nocturne shrugged and explained.

“I’m used to my brothers’ pranks. I can roughly guess what they’re up to.”

“At least I know the time and place now, which is fortunate. Of course, it would be safest if you didn’t attend the ball, but that’s not an option, is it?”

Nocturne nodded lightly in response to Serina’s question.

“You said the orb was red?”

“Yes. To be exact, it was closer to a clear scarlet. They might even have something else up their sleeves.”

“Hmm…”

Nocturne stroked his chin for a moment, then gestured for Serena to come closer. When she leaned in, he whispered something in her ear. Upon hearing his words, Serena stared at him in shock.

“Is that possible?”

Nocturne nodded confidently.

“Yes, as long as you help me.”

“Of course. I owe you something anyway.”

“Glad you haven’t forgotten.”

Nocturne smiled leisurely, and Serena shrugged.

“I always remember favors and pay them back as soon as I get the chance.”

“That’s an admirable principle.”

“Well then, I’ll see you later.”

As Serena rose from her seat, Nocturne offered his arm.

“Allow me to escort you back to the manor.”

“Sure.”

Placing her hand on his arm, Serena walked alongside him.

As night fell, chandeliers sparkled magnificently, and candles were lit throughout the venue. Thanks to the maids’ tireless efforts all afternoon, the ball opened in splendid fashion.

Greenwood Castle was as bright as daylight despite the night, filled with a subtle floral fragrance and the appetizing aroma of delicious food.

Carriages lined up continuously at the entrance as nobles in elaborate attire presented their invitations and entered. The grand orchestra filled the hall with its majestic performance.

In the midst of the bustling crowd, Azaid barely paid attention to the conversations around him. Next to him, Ophelia clung to his arm, laughing gracefully.

This ball marked the beginning of the hunting festival, making Ophelia, the daughter of Duke Greenwood, Azaid’s partner for the occasion.

Her unusually bright expression was evidence of her satisfaction. Azaid, however, remained absent-minded. The person occupying his thoughts was nowhere to be seen.

Considering she hadn’t been spotted all afternoon, she was likely holed up in her room, engrossed in her research or whatever else she did. Earlier, she’d taken an armful of books from the library, likely to spend the day reading them.

Azaid wasn’t even aware of how often Serena crossed his mind. He brushed it off, attributing it to the embarrassing incident that had occurred.

In truth, it had been a bit shocking. The faint scent of her, the warmth of her skin, and the soft touch of her hand on his lips lingered vividly in his memory. Just thinking of her made his heart pound again.

“I must not be feeling well,” Azaid muttered, rubbing his chest. Thirsty, he reached for a champagne glass.

As he sipped, the grand doors of the hall swung open, and two familiar figures entered, exuding a harmonious aura.

It was Serena and Nocturne. Azaid froze, lowering his glass.

“Oh my, it’s Miss Serena,” Ophelia remarked in a sugary tone upon recognizing her. A victorious grin adorned her lips, pleased to have secured Azaid’s attention for herself.

Azaid stared at Serena and Nocturne with a conflicted expression. Just that morning during her check-up, Serena had shown little interest in attending the ball.

Yet now, she seemed to be enjoying herself immensely. His gaze drifted to Serena’s hand, resting lightly on Nocturne’s arm. His champagne glass began to tremble.

‘When did they get so close?’

Come to think of it, reports mentioned that Serena had been meeting Nocturne frequently lately.

While she claimed it was for advice to progress her research, could it have been more than that? Azaid recalled the recent reports.

“Has anything unusual happened to Serena? Any trouble with the Greenwood household staff?”

“While they’re hostile, there hasn’t been any major incident.”

“Still spending all her time in her room, claiming to be researching?”

“Actually, no. Today she went on a walk with Count Harrison.”

“…What? A walk with Nocturne? Why?”

“I’m not sure. He seemed to be showing her around the estate. Their mood appeared amicable, with no signs of conflict.”

The knight had grinned foolishly as he finished the report, oblivious to Azaid’s growing irritation. That day, the knight inexplicably found himself on the receiving end of Azaid’s glares.

A twisted smile played on Azaid’s lips. For some reason, his mood was far from pleasant. No, it was downright foul. Ophelia, unaware of his inner turmoil, spoke up again.

“She must have come as Nocturne’s partner. Considering how often they’ve met recently, it’s no surprise they’ve grown close.”

“Grown close?”

Azaid’s gaze wavered. Glancing at him, Ophelia added fuel to the fire.

“They look good together, don’t they? Perhaps His Majesty should arrange a match between them. I’m sure they’d both comply if it were a royal decree.”

Her sly suggestion only stoked Azaid’s simmering frustration. For her part, Ophelia was relieved to see Serena accompanied by Nocturne.

The truth was, she had been extremely dissatisfied the last time Azaid and Serena became partners. And the feeling she had when she saw the two of them lying in bed together.

She felt humiliated by the mere fact that she had been outdone by the daughter of a baron. It was even more shocking because it was the emperor, who had never allowed anyone to approach him.

In her mortification, she had sobbed uncontrollably and refused to eat, but unexpectedly, Nocturne had come to visit.

“Ophelia, are you going to keep wallowing in this pitiful state?”

“Leave me alone. Who are you to call me pitiful and scold me?”

“Why not use this opportunity to just give up on His Majesty? He has no interest in you anyway. He’s indifferent to everyone.”

“This isn’t something I can just give up on, Nocturne. This is about our family’s honor. If you’ve betrayed the family, go and do your business quietly. Why are you coming to me?”

“To laugh at your pitiful state as much as I can. As expected, you’re as pathetic as ever, Ophelia.”

Using her visit as an excuse to rub salt in her wounds, Nocturne had left Ophelia simmering in frustration. Fueled by resentment, Ophelia decided to put an end to her reclusive lifestyle and show everyone how well she could carry on.

She didn’t want to appear pathetic in front of Nocturne. She despised him. She had disliked him ever since he first entered the duke’s castle, looking like a pauper.

She hated that he was her father’s illegitimate child. It was supposed to be just her; she was her father’s only child after her mother had died during childbirth. There had only been her until Nocturne appeared late in the picture.

If he was going to come, he should’ve at least tried to integrate, but no, he left the family entirely. It felt like abandonment, which made her even more upset.

‘Nocturne doing something good for me—what a rare sight.’

Ophelia chuckled briefly and glanced at Azaid, only to be startled. His gaze was as sharp as a blade.

“Are you asking me to play matchmaker now?”

“Ah! That’s not what I meant!”

“Instead of meddling in others’ affairs, focus on your own.”

Azaid spoke in a tone laced with irritation before turning his head—towards Serena, of all people.

Azaid stared intently at Serena and Nocturne, who were whispering to each other, signaling back and forth. Were they exchanging sweet nothings?

Azaid’s eyes burned with intensity as he watched them. Serena eventually turned her gaze to Azaid, signaling him with subtle hand movements before quickly averting her eyes. The exchange happened so swiftly that only Azaid noticed it.

‘Let’s meet on the terrace.’

Her glance towards the terrace, coupled with a hidden gesture between the folds of her dress, was clear evidence.

Azaid snorted. What could she mean by asking him to come to the terrace while she still had her partner by her side?

Yet, despite his cynical thoughts, his feet naturally carried him toward the terrace.

“I think I’ll take a short break on the terrace.”

“Oh, I’ll come with you,” Ophelia quickly offered.

Azaid waved her off.

“No need. You’ll enjoy mingling with others more, so stay here.”

“But—”

“You’ll be my partner for the entirety of this hunting festival anyway. I’m genuinely tired, so let me be alone for a while.”

“Understood.”

Ophelia couldn’t stop him any further and reluctantly stepped back. Azaid moved towards the terrace as if something urgent was waiting for him there.

As Ophelia stared after him, someone called out to her.

“So this is where you’ve been, sister.”

Before she realized it, Nocturne had appeared beside her. Unlike his usual sarcastic tone, his voice was polite.

Ophelia turned around in surprise, only to realize Serena wasn’t with him. She glanced around and asked cautiously.

“Where is Miss Serena?”

“She stepped away to adjust her outfit.”

Switching back to his usual sarcastic tone, Nocturne moved closer to Ophelia. His sudden show of familiarity made her step back warily.

In response, Nocturne closed the gap again, gracefully extending his hand.

“Since you’re alone, why not join me for a dance? It’s been a while.”