I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 58

“I was just wondering if I should let you into the study right now,” Leonard said, smiling awkwardly, revealing his honest thoughts. He genuinely didn’t know what to do.

Serena carefully observed Leonard’s expression and probed cautiously.

“Is His Majesty not in a good mood?”

Leonard nodded weakly in response, saying nothing.

It wasn’t hard to guess why—it was that day soon.

At this time of year, Azaid often seemed like a man reaching the peak of his melancholy. He was visibly drained and tense. As Serena smiled awkwardly, Leonard explained,

“Actually, it’s almost Lady Mydia’s death anniversary.”

He seemed to think this was information Serena might not know, so he cautiously shared it. Seeing Serena listening quietly, Leonard continued.

“At this time of year, His Majesty is a little sensitive. It’s usually best to leave him alone, but…”

“But?”

When Leonard hesitated, Serena encouraged him, saying it was fine and that he could continue. Leonard fiddled with the back of his head before speaking.

“He seems to have been more relaxed around you lately, so I thought perhaps speaking with you might help. That’s why I was hesitating.”

“I see.”

Hearing such recognition from someone as close to Azaid as Leonard made Serina feel oddly shy.

‘So I’ve become close enough to the Emperor for him to say this?’

Coming from the Emperor’s confidant, it wasn’t just a pleasantry. While she hadn’t started the “Azaid Rehabilitation Project” to win his favor, she couldn’t deny she felt pleased.

As she struggled to suppress the smile creeping up her face, Leonard spoke again with a tired expression.

“If it feels overwhelming, it’s probably best to wait until another time. His Majesty’s current state… isn’t very good.”

Leonard couldn’t tell if letting her in would do more harm than good. He worried that it might unnecessarily provoke Azaid instead of helping.

Serena considered Leonard’s advice. She had come to seek permission for something, but it wasn’t urgent.

Still, would waiting improve Azaid’s mood?

From experience, Serena knew that Azaid only grew more sensitive the closer the anniversary approached. Perhaps it would be better to address things today.

Moreover, ignoring someone clearly in distress felt like negligence. Especially when the Emperor’s closest aide had gone as far as to compliment her efforts—how could she shirk her duties?

“Thank you for your concern, Sir Leonard.”

“Does that mean you’ll return another time?”

Leonard’s eyebrows drooped as if he had expected her to back down. Disturbing the Emperor in a bad mood was akin to inviting death. Even someone as bold as Serena had every reason to hesitate.

Just as Leonard was about to offer to escort her out, Serena responded firmly,

“No.”

Leonard looked at her in surprise.

“I can’t just leave after coming all the way here. Besides, His Majesty’s mental health is part of my responsibilities.”

“Lady Serena…”

“Don’t worry about me, Sir Leonard. You can leave now; I’ll simply do my job.”

When Serena grinned, Leonard blinked in surprise. After a moment, he appeared somewhat reassured and said,

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

He gave a polite bow and left with light steps.

Serena watched Leonard walk away for a moment, clenched her fists resolutely, and then took a deep breath before knocking.

“Your Majesty, it’s Serena.”

“……”

There was no response from inside, but neither did a command to stay out come.

Serena took this silence as permission and pushed the door open. Azaid was staring blankly beyond the open window.

It wasn’t the gaze of someone focused on anything in particular—more like someone unsure where to look, his eyes fixed on nothing. The sight of him, so unlike his usual self, surprised Serena.

‘He looks so defeated.’

Azaid’s face reminded her of a drenched puppy—or perhaps a fawn soaked to the bone in a storm.

“Were you watching the weather?”

Serena approached casually and asked. Only then did Azaid turn to look at her.

“What is it?”

“Do I need a reason to come by? You did give me the Isring.”

Serena lightly waved her hand, and Azaid chuckled faintly. Having the Isring meant she could meet with the Emperor anytime. Since he had given it to her himself, her point was valid.

“Well, you usually only come when you have a reason.”

“Were you disappointed about that?”

“Who knows? Maybe I was.”

Azaid, uncharacteristically, didn’t push back against her teasing.

If that’s how it was, then so be it—his subdued demeanor felt unlike him. As Serena stood quietly beside him, Azaid mumbled after a long pause,

“…Maybe I was.”

“I’ll visit more often, then. But you’re not allowed to complain about it later, alright?”

“Haha.”

Azaud chuckled softly at her light-hearted remark. It was pleasant to hear such a simple response to something he had murmured without much thought.

Azaid shifted his gaze from the window to Serina. Her neatly tied hair, as always, caught his eye.

Recalling the violet strands that had been loosely scattered in his chambers not long ago, Azaid found himself dazed.

“Why do you always tie your hair up?”

“If I leave it down, it gets in the way while I work. Why? Do you want me to leave it loose?”

Today, Serena seemed willing to do whatever Azaid asked.

What was she up to now, acting so adorably?

Azaid, on the other hand, felt like he could grant any request she made. He didn’t know why, but it felt that way.

“Not really, but since you always tie it up…”

“I’m just used to it. Actually, Marie complains a lot about it. She wants to try different hairstyles on me, but I always refuse.”

Serena giggled as she chatted away about things Azaid hadn’t even asked. He quietly stared at her.

This gaze was different from when he had been absentmindedly looking out the window earlier. Now, his focus felt even more unmoored.

He didn’t know where to rest his eyes. The strange pounding of his heart—was it because his mother’s death anniversary was approaching, or because Serena was standing right in front of him?

Azaid’s reached out, gently touching her long hair as he spoke.

“Why not let your maid have her way for once? I think other styles might suit you well.”

Serena glanced at the hair he held and replied,

“Should I? If His Majesty says so, maybe I should try something different for a change.”

“I’m sure it will suit you. I have a good eye for these things.”

Somehow, Azaid’s eyes now seemed more alive. The lively look was far better than the dull expression he had before.

“Alright. I’ll trust Your Majesty’s judgment.”

“So, what brings you here?”

Azaid’s persistent question made Serena chuckle. It seemed impossible to fool him.

‘Have I really only ever come to him with a purpose?’

With a belated sense of guilt, Serena decided she’d have to drop by without a reason next time. She finally answered,

“I’m planning to go out.”

“Where to?”

“To the Gordon Trading Company.”

“Ah, to pick up the medical tools you mentioned last time?”

“Yes. I’m also planning to stop by the apothecary while I’m there.”

“The one you frequent?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“Do as you wish. If it looks like you’ll be late, let me know in advance.”

“I will. And, Your Majesty…”

At her call, Azaid blinked. Serena smiled and extended her hand.

“Would you like to take a walk?”

“Haha. You’re relentless.”

Azaid chuckled, shaking his head as though giving in. Then, he took her hand. Her warm, small hand was completely enveloped in his.

“A walk will make you feel better.”

“How could it not?”

Without resistance, Azaid quietly followed her, wondering if there had ever been a time he could refuse her prescriptions.

The cheerful sound of a bell rang as Elda turned her gaze toward the door.

“Lady Serena!”

“Elda, it’s been so long!”

Elda stood up quickly, delighted to see the familiar face, and warmly welcomed Serena. Serena grabbed Elda’s hands and shook them enthusiastically.

“It’s been a while, Elda. I missed you last time!”

“Levin told me you dropped by. So, how’s life in the palace? Is everything alright?”

Elda gently pulled Serina to the sofa as she asked with concern. Her nimble hands began preparing tea, showing her experience in hosting guests.

As Serena sipped the tea Elda had poured, she replied,

“It’s a luxury, really.”

This was the best time in her life. At Serena’s mature-sounding response, Elda wrinkled her nose.

“Judging by how you’re talking, it seems you’re doing well. So, are you here to buy herbs again today?”

“No, I came to see you today.”

“To see me?”

Elda chuckled warmly, clearly pleased. She had always doted on Serena, treating her like a daughter even before Levin was born.

After a brief pause, Serena got to the point.

“Actually, I have something I wanted to ask you.”

“Oh, the day has come when you need my advice?”

Elda remarked lightly, waiting for Serena to continue. Placing her teacup down, Serina said,

“Something strange happened recently.”