I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 61

“Form a divine barrier using divine power. Temporarily, at least.”

Jack briefly explained the principle behind the divine barrier.

“You know that divine power and magic are opposing forces, right?”

“Of course I do, Jack. It’s because their origins are different.”

“It’d be great if we had a divine stone right now, but since we don’t, this is at least a temporary solution.”

Divine power and magic stemmed from entirely different sources. Divine power was related to gods and the heavens, while magic originated from the earth and nature. Because of this, the two forces inherently repelled each other and could not mix.

Jack’s mention of divine power implied using its repelling property to prevent interference between spells and divine forces.

It was essentially a barrier, using the opposing properties of the two forces to separate and protect each one.

“So, you’re saying we can use a priest’s divine power to substitute for the role of a divine stone?”

“Exactly. While it won’t last as long as a divine stone, it should suffice for stability testing.”

“That’s a decent idea.”

A small smile played on Serena’s lips. Truthfully, a permanent divine stone wasn’t necessary for stability testing.

After all, when the time came to officially use it in curing Azaid, they’d have to wait for the Gordon Trading Company to procure a divine stone.

If they could complete the stability testing beforehand with a priest’s help, they could save time.

Since the divine stone purchase could only proceed after the pilgrims arrived, this was better than simply waiting around.

But would the priests even agree to use their divine power? Most of them viewed using divine power frivolously as blasphemy.

“Will the priests even agree to help? They don’t just use divine power for anything,” Serena asked, voicing her concern.

“Usually, no. But come on, who am I? I’m Jack, the head of the Gordon Trading Company,” Jack said, puffing up his chest with a display of arrogance.

‘Oh, right. He’s a famous merchant,’ Serena thought to herself.

She sometimes forgot Jack’s influential position because he often acted like a carefree drifter. But as the head of a renowned trading company, it was natural for him to have connections with priests.

Besides, based on his earlier conversation with Elda and Genzo at the apothecary, he seemed to have dealings with the Pherianus Temple.

As if reading Serena’s thoughts, Jack brought up the Pherianus Temple.

“I happen to know someone at the Pherianus Temple. I’ll be heading there soon anyway, so I’ll bring it up then.”

Coincidentally, Serena had already been planning to visit the temple again, so this worked out perfectly. She smiled and replied, “Thanks. I’ll leave it to you.”

“Hey, you’re the one doing me a favor,” Jack said unexpectedly.

“Huh?” Serena tilted her head, puzzled. There wasn’t anything here that warranted his gratitude.

“What are you thanking me for?”

“Oh, just… for everything,” Jack said, dodging the question with a cheerful smile.

It was suspicious, but Serena doubted she’d get a straight answer out of him.

‘Maybe he’s thanking me for taking good care of Azaid?’ she speculated.

After all, this was all for Azaid’s sake, so it made sense if she looked at it that way. Given Jack’s personality, he might just be too embarrassed to admit it outright. Deciding to let it slide, Serena moved on.

***

A few days later, Jack sent a reply. While he could have used the communication orb they’d used previously, he chose to send a written letter instead.

[The Pherianus Temple said you’re welcome to visit.]

“Oh!”

Serena let out a small exclamation. She had almost assumed they’d been rejected due to the lack of response, but it seemed Jack’s influence as the head of a trading company came through.

It was good news, especially since she’d been waiting for some progress. The short and straightforward letter also included a suggested date for the visit.

Even for a less popular temple, you couldn’t just meet a priest anytime you wanted. This was especially true for high-ranking priests capable of using divine power; they required permission for visits.

Serena glanced at the date and froze.

‘Wait, isn’t that Lady Mydia’s memorial day?’

A second look confirmed it. She thought she might need to request permission to leave the palace but realized it wasn’t necessary. That day was a designated rest day for the imperial court staff, herself included.

With Azaid away from the palace since dawn, there wouldn’t be much work for her to do. It was essentially a day off, meaning she could visit the temple without issue.

She considered reporting this to Azaid but dismissed the thought. Given his recent state, he probably wouldn’t even remember. He seemed more on edge and distant than usual, which worried her slightly.

‘Alright, I’ll just go quietly.’

Serena promptly sent a reply confirming her visit on the suggested date.

Jack chuckled to himself after receiving Serena’s reply.

“Are you dating someone?” Leonard, who was nearby, asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Dating? No way. I’ve got enough on my plate just helping someone else with their romance,” Jack replied with a scoff.

His laughter, however, sounded mischievous, as though he were plotting something.

“You’re not up to something stupid again, are you, Jack?”

“What do you take me for? Do you think I’m some troublemaker?”

“Yes.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Leonard answered, earning himself a disdainful snort from Jack. Still, Jack didn’t bother arguing, as he was well aware of his reputation.

“Unbelievable. Do you know how much I’ve bent the rules for this?”

Convincing a priest to help wasn’t easy. It was only possible because of the strong trust Jack had cultivated with them over time.

Of course, given the Pherianus Temple’s favorable attitude toward Azaid, this could also be attributed to Azaid’s influence. The priest Jack had reached out to was, after all, Azaid’s godfather.

‘That’s what friends are for, though,’ Jack thought, feeling satisfied with his plan.

Every year on Lady Mydia’s memorial day, Azaid became a pale shadow of himself, like a withered weed. Jack couldn’t stand seeing him that way anymore.

And now, he’d found someone who could truly help Azaid: Serena Vincent.

She was the first to break through Azaid’s icy, prickly demeanor and even change his personality. Her boldness was impressive.

‘And it looks like Azaid has feelings for her, too.’

In Jack’s eyes, Azaid seemed to harbor special emotions for Serena.

That piercing look in his eyes when he burst into the inn, the way he tried to separate Serena from Jack—it wasn’t how you’d treat just any physician.

Azaid had never displayed such possessiveness toward anyone, not even Lily, who had known him for years. Since he’d never shown interest in women before, he was likely mistaking his feelings for camaraderie or something equally misguided.

‘Honestly, where would you be without me, Azaid?’

Jack smirked, feeling quite pleased with himself. He paid no mind to Leonardo’s cold, disapproving gaze.

After placing Serena’s letter in a drawer, Jack plopped down in front of Leonard.

“Is everything ready?”

“For now. But we’ll need to stay on guard in case of an emergency.”

“If he pulls another stunt this year, I won’t let it slide,” Jack said, his tone sharp.

Leonard sighed heavily. Usually, he would’ve reprimanded Jack for being irreverent, but this time he silently agreed. Azaid had been a wreck every memorial day, and the only reason there hadn’t been any incidents so far was due to the constant vigilance of Jack, Leonard, Nocturne, and Lily.

This year, Lily couldn’t make it due to a sudden monster outbreak requiring her presence in the field. Judging by the multiple messages she’d sent, she seemed uneasy about her absence.

“Still, Serena seems to be taking good care of him. He actually listens to her,” Leonard remarked.

“He’s still not planning to take her, right?”

“Yeah. He’s the one who told us not to come. No way He’d bring his attending physician.”

Truthfully, I’d love to ask Miss Serena to accompany us, but if I did, Azaid would grab me by the collar.

In these matters, Leonard was conservative. But Jack was different.

“Hmph.”

Jack kept smirking, satisfied that things were going according to plan. Leonard couldn’t hold back and snapped.

“Hey! Are you gonna keep laughing like that? It’s creepy, you jerk!”

“Now you’re even complaining about me laughing? Coming from the guy who grins like an idiot around the palace maids.”

“When have I ever?”

“Hmph!”

Jack sipped his tea, clearly uninterested in explaining.

“Anyway, you don’t have to worry too much.”

“Is that complacency I hear? I hope you remember the last time you got distracted, Azaid nearly got hurt.”

“I’ve already apologized for that countless times! How long are you going to bring it up?”

“Until the day you die.”

“Argh!”

Jack suddenly jumped up, pointing toward the door.

“Hey! Get out! What kind of idiot keeps someone like you as a friend? I must be the idiot here!”

“You were always an idiot, Jack.”

“Are you leaving or not?”

“I’m going, I’m going.”

Leonard smiled brightly, watching Jack growl and bark his orders to leave. Just as Leonard reached for the doorknob, he turned back and said,

“If you’re late, you’re dead.”

“I won’t be late!”

As Jack was about to throw a cushion from the sofa, Leonard quickly opened the door and left.

“I don’t get what’s so great about that guy that people are lining up for him.”

Still fuming, Jack couldn’t hold back his frustration and ended up throwing the cushion toward the door.

“Ow!”

Unfortunately, the cushion hit a subordinate who had just walked in, causing him to groan in pain. The subordinate, seemingly used to this, asked,

“Did you two fight again?”

“This is just how we mess around.”

Jack rolled his eyes and muttered to himself,

“They’ll all thank me later, every single one of them.”

The subordinate ignored his muttering and silently collected the teacup before leaving. After all, he’d heard it all too often to take it seriously.