I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Chapter 45

“I’m under no obligation to dance with you, am I? Tonight, all my dances belong to His Majesty.”

Ophelia flatly refused without a hint of hesitation. Something about Nocturne’s demeanor suggested ulterior motives.

But Nocturne wasn’t the type to back down easily. As if he had anticipated her response, he spoke smoothly.

“Neither of us has a partner present, so what’s the harm?”

“…”

“My hand is starting to feel quite lonely, Ophelia.”

When Nocturne extended his hand again with a teasing smile, Ophelia begrudgingly placed hers in his. She didn’t want to create a scene or make it obvious that they weren’t on good terms.

Nocturne’s grin widened as he led her to the center of the ballroom. As the orchestra began playing, and the two moved in sync with the music, Nocturne spoke again.

“There’s going to be a terror attack during the second act.”

“!!!”

“I thought you should know, considering how hard you worked to prepare for tonight’s ball.”

“Who’s behind such madness?”

“James.”

James was one of the three young lords who often conspired to trouble Nocturne. Tightening their proximity, Nocturne’s hand slid from hers to rest on her waist as they danced closer.

“That lunatic seems keen on playing with fire using a magical device.”

“And why are you telling me this?”

Ophelia’s suspicious gaze narrowed as she questioned him, and Nocturne chuckled softly.

“Well, because I know you won’t just sit back and allow someone harmful to your family to act freely.”

“Should I trust a bastard like you or believe James?”

“At the very least, you’ll trust what you can see with your own eyes.”

As the dance ended, Nocturne leaned in, pretending to kiss her hand, and discreetly placed something in her palm. Ophelia looked down to find a magical device detector.

“See for yourself. That device will be with James during the second act.”

“You’re insufferable, Nocturne Harrison.”

“Why, thank you, Ophelia Greenwood.”

With a smug smile, Nocturne walked away. Ophelia glared after him briefly before scanning the room, searching for someone.

Serena attended the ball as Nocturne’s partner at his request. As a royal physician, her presence wasn’t strictly necessary, and she hadn’t planned on bringing a partner. When Nocturne asked her to accompany him, she agreed without hesitation.

Nocturne had explained that he needed to speak with Ophelia during the ball and wanted Serena to keep Azaid occupied. Knowing Ophelia’s temperament, Nocturne assumed she’d stick close to Azaid otherwise.

“I plan to hand this matter over to Ophelia.”

“Will she cooperate?”

“Ophelia sees anyone who harms her family as a pest. Is that answer enough?”

“It is. Anything else you need?”

“That will suffice. I’ll handle the rest.”

With this plan in place, Serena managed to signal Azaid and keep him distracted, ensuring Nocturne could speak with Ophelia.

But—

“Your Majesty, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“You’ve been staring at me as though you have something to say, yet you remain silent. I’m curious.”

“You’re the one who called me to the terrace. Shouldn’t you be the one with something to say?”

Azaid’s tone was sharp, his words brimming with pointed irritation.

What’s gotten into this prickly cat now?

Serena glanced at Azaid, who seemed thoroughly sulking. Even his lips protruded slightly in a pout.

His sharp gaze was fixed on the empty air as if ready to shoot lasers at any moment. Serena lightly tapped his shoulder and said, “I do have something to say, but I’m not sure if Your Majesty is ready to hear it.”

“I’m always ready to listen.”

He didn’t seem ready at all.

Determined to soothe Azaid’s sour mood, Serena decided to shift her approach. She turned to face him and asked, “Your Majesty, would you like some chocolate?”

“Do I look like someone who’s obsessed with sweets?”

Just as he was about to snap back, Serena swiftly popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth. Her fingers briefly brushed his lips and teeth in the process.

Azaid froze, staring at her with his mouth slightly agape as he processed the situation. Serena gently closed his mouth with her hand and said with a smile, “It’s good, isn’t it?”

Let’s sweeten the mood a little.

Like soothing a child, Serena continued cheerfully. “I tried some earlier from the table, and they were delicious. I guarantee you’ll like them too, so go ahead.”

“…”

“If you’d like more, let me know. I wrapped a few extra in a handkerchief.”

She unfolded a handkerchief to reveal three or four small chocolates, flashing a bright grin.

Azaid found himself at a loss whenever Serena approached him like this. His lips still tingled where her fingers had brushed, and his mouth felt oddly warm, almost… spicy?

Wait, spicy?

Azaid was lost in thought when he flinched. There was something inside the chocolate. Moments later, a sharp taste of alcohol tingled in his mouth.

“……”

“Tastes good, right? I think I’ve eaten about ten of these. I don’t usually like sweet things, but this one has a nice bitter flavor.”

Serena, chattier than usual, was babbling on. Her voice was unusually high-pitched, as if she was excited. Ajaid abruptly snatched Serena’s handkerchief away.

“Stop eating them.”

“What? Are you trying to hog them all for yourself? There’s a ton of them outside anyway; wouldn’t it be better to share?”

Serena pouted and grumbled. When Ajaid hid the handkerchief behind his back, Serena’s eyes narrowed.

Her cheeks were already flushed, and, upon closer inspection, her eyes seemed slightly unfocused.

She’s drunk.

Azaid let out a heavy sigh inwardly as he clenched the handkerchief tightly.

These were whiskey chocolates—a dessert meant for those who enjoyed alcohol. They had a surprisingly high alcohol content, enough to get someone with a low tolerance tipsy after just five pieces.

And she’s eaten ten of them! No, eleven—she just ate another one.

She wasn’t completely drunk, but she was far from sober. For the first time, Azaid found himself at a loss seeing Serena in such a disheveled state. At that moment, Serena shrugged her shoulders and said,

“Well, whatever. Just eat them and cheer up, alright?”

“I already told you—I wasn’t upset in the first place.”

Azaid discreetly tossed the chocolate into the trash. He liked chocolate, but not alcohol. The very idea of mixing the two was repulsive to him. To Azaid, chocolate was perfect on its own.

While he was momentarily distracted, Serena stumbled toward the railing. Seeing her unsteady steps, Azaid was startled and quickly grabbed her by the shoulders. Serena, flashing a silly smile, said,

“Your Majesty, the ground is moving. Is there going to be an earthquake?”

“No, it’s because you’re the one moving, Serena.”

“But I’m standing perfectly still!”

“Then I guess the ground must be moving.”

After their nonsensical exchange, Azaid led Serena to a chair and sat her down before settling into the seat beside her.

“That chocolate you ate—it’s not just regular chocolate.”

“Of course not. It’s from the Greenwood family, so it must be premium chocolate.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Whew.”

Serena took a deep breath before letting her head flop onto Azaid’s shoulder.

“My head hurts. This is all because of you, Your Majesty. Ever since I entered the palace, it’s been nothing but endless suffering.”

No. That’s just a hangover.

Azaid had a lot to say but bit his tongue. Instead, he pulled the bell cord and asked the servant to bring water and a hangover remedy. Whatever reason Serena had for coming here, her drunken state made it clear he needed to sober her up quickly.

A short while later, when the servant returned with the requested items, Azaid held a pill to Serena’s lips and said,

“If you don’t want to end up crawling on all fours, take this.”

“What am I, a beast? Crawling around on all fours?”

“If I hadn’t stopped you, you’d already be crawling.”

“Whatever.”

Serena pushed the hangover remedy away, annoyed. Azaid, undeterred, held the pill out to her again.

“What’s with you? Why do you keep trying to make me take this?”

Serena sent him a suspicious glare, a stark contrast to how relentless she usually was when forcing others to take medicine.

“This is exactly what you always do to me. Now, come on, take it.”

Azaid replied flatly and pressed the pill toward her. Serena shot him a sharp look, as if challenging him.

“You think I won’t take it if you keep pushing me?”

“Yeah, I do. Now, open wide…”

Just as Azaid moved to press the pill to her lips, Serena’s eyes flashed. Before he could react, she snapped her teeth down—biting his fingers along with the pill.