I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 62

Time passed, and the anniversary of Mydia’s death arrived. As expected, Azaid had left the imperial palace at dawn, leaving the palace unusually quiet.

Serena, after finishing her breakfast and handling some miscellaneous tasks, set off for the Pherianus Temple. She took her time, as the arranged meeting was scheduled for midday.

The Pherianus Temple was situated on a ridge on the outskirts of the capital. The path leading up to it, often referred to as the Pilgrim’s Road, was steep and physically demanding.

Serena climbed the ridge with vigor. Walking was her specialty, and this challenging path posed no difficulty for her. The earthy scent of the trees around her made her hum a cheerful tune without realizing it.

After some time, she caught sight of the modest ivory columns in the distance, and soon after, she encountered a gatekeeper standing before the temple entrance. As Serena approached, the gatekeeper blocked her way.

“I’m sorry, but the temple is closed to outsiders today.”

“What? But I was told to come here today.”

Startled by the unexpected response, Serena’s eyes widened. Then, she remembered the item enclosed with Jack Gordon’s letter.

“Ah, just a moment.”

She rummaged through her bag and retrieved a note bearing the seal of authorization for her visit. Upon examining the document, the gatekeeper’s demeanor quickly changed.

“Oh, you must be the honored guest we were expecting today. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier. I didn’t realize you were someone special.”

The gatekeeper bowed deeply in apology and stepped aside. Still puzzled, Serena asked,

“What’s happening today? I thought the prayer halls were always open.”

“Today is a day of an important ritual, so even worshippers aren’t allowed to enter.”

“A ritual?”

It seemed that some noble had rented the entire temple for a private ceremony.

“Yes. If you head inside and follow the right-hand path, you’ll find the reception room.”

“Thank you.”

With a light nod, Serena entered the temple. Unlike the extravagant Agnis Temple near the imperial palace, the Pherianus Temple exuded simplicity.

Its location was on a less-traveled route. The pale ivory columns supported ceilings adorned with subtle frescoes. The pastel-toned artwork depicted the descent of the god Pherianus, giving the temple an aged, serene atmosphere.

This was Serena’s first visit to the temple itself. During a past medical relief collaboration, they had operated from temporary tents at the base of the hill since most patients lacked the stamina to climb to the temple.

Following the signs, Serena headed to the reception room, glancing around the temple as she went. Occasionally, passing priests made the sign of the cross upon seeing her.

As the gatekeeper had mentioned, the temple was nearly deserted, with only a few priests and holy knights visible here and there.

When Serena finally entered the reception room, a priest who seemed to have been waiting for her turned around, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Oh?”

“Hm?”

Both of them let out an exclamation simultaneously. Serena was just as surprised as the priest appeared to be.

‘What is he doing here?’

She was taken aback to encounter someone she hadn’t expected in this place.

“Are you… Lord Benjamin?”

“So it really is you, Rina.”

Benjamin’s face lit up with a bright smile as he stood.

She recognized him immediately.

He was the second son of the Marquis of Marc, one of the men Lydia had once harbored a crush on. Lydia, who was typically capricious, had pursued him with unusual persistence, making him memorable.

Back then, Lydia would often drag Serena along to social gatherings as her maid, hiding the fact that she was her younger sister in a petty attempt to humiliate her. As a result, Serena had attended numerous social events and witnessed Lydia’s flirtations with Benjamin.

‘I didn’t think he’d remember me.’

Serena found it surprising that he remembered her. How many noblemen would bother recalling the name of a mere maid?

Of course, she wasn’t Lydia’s maid but her sister, though Benjamin likely wasn’t aware of that. Or perhaps he did know, now that Serena had gained more prominence than Lydia.

‘So he really became a priest. A priest of Pherianus, at that.’

When Benjamin had announced his decision to join the priesthood, Lydia had been devastated, refusing to eat and crying endlessly.

Becoming a priest meant dedicating oneself to the divine, forsaking the honors and privileges that came with being the second son of the Marquis of Marc.

For someone as vain as Lydia, there was no way she could imagine sharing in his humble lifestyle. She detested poverty and would never have endured the modest life of a priest.

Of course, Benjamin himself had been indifferent to Lydia’s feelings at the time.

In truth, many young noblewomen admired Benjamin back then for his kind words and impeccable manners.

‘He was overly kind, though, which made me keep my distance.’

To Serena, Benjamin’s excessive friendliness made him an uncomfortable presence. Thinking about the times she had suffered due to Lydia because of him only made it harder to face him.

However, Benjamin seemed genuinely pleased to see her. Greeting her warmly, he said,

“My teacher told me an important guest was coming today, but I didn’t expect it to be you.”

Apparently, the person Jack had arranged for her to meet wasn’t Benjamin but his mentor. Serina responded with a faint smile.

“It’s a coincidence we crossed paths. I heard you became a priest, but I didn’t realize you were serving in the Pherianus Temple.”

“Oh, I haven’t been here for long,” Benjamin replied, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. It seemed he had switched to this temple partway through.

Serena decided not to press further and responded lightly, “I see. The priest robes suit you well.”

“Come, have a seat. My teacher should be here shortly.”

Following Benjamin’s guidance, Serina took a seat opposite him. He poured her a cup of tea that he had already prepared and placed it in front of her.

“It’s been such a long time. I’ve been hearing news about you in the capital lately, so I figured you were doing well.”

“I see.”

“I heard you left Vincent Manor some time ago.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t know you were Lady Vincent’s younger sister. If I’ve been rude to you in the past, I apologize.”

Benjamin lowered his head slightly, looking genuinely regretful.

I had no intention of blaming him. He had become a priest even before Serena became a doctor.

So, he must have learned late that she was Vincent’s illegitimate child. Serena waved her hand dismissively as she spoke.

“It’s okay. It’s not like I’ve ever revealed it myself.”

“Since we’ve met like this, it’d be nice to see each other often, wouldn’t it, Rina?”

Benjamin asked warmly with a friendly smile. He still seemed overly kind, just as he had been in the past. Back then, he had been kind even to Serena, who had come as a maid.

A nobleman being kind to a maid—no wonder he was popular. His gentle nature had undoubtedly played a big role in that.

The problem, however, was that his kindness had triggered Lydia’s jealousy. Lydia, already displeased with Benjamin’s kindness to everyone, had exploded when he extended that same kindness to Serena.

‘That was such a nuisance.’

Serena shook her head at the memory of Lydia’s obsessive tantrums. She never wanted to experience such drama again. Seeing Serena’s delayed response, Benjamin spoke up.

“Oh, should I not call you Rina anymore? It’s become a habit.”

“Yes, please be mindful of it from now on.”

When Serena firmly drew the line, Benjamin widened his eyes in surprise. Then, moments later, he grinned and said,

“You’re still as guarded as ever.”

“You’re the one who has no boundaries, Young Master.”

“Young Master? It’s been so long since I’ve heard that. Fine, let’s make it fair. You can call me Benjamin, then. How about that?”

Benjamin chuckled as he patted Serena on the shoulder. Just as she was about to refuse, someone entered.

“My apologies for being late.”

A calm, deep voice accompanied the entrance of an older priest. Serena stood up immediately to greet him.

“Hello, Father. I’m Serena Vincent. Thank you for allowing me to visit.”

Serena made eye contact with the priest and smiled softly. As she was in a position of asking for help, she wanted to make the best impression.

However, the priest stared at her silently for a while. As the silence stretched, Benjamin leaned in to whisper to him.

“Master?”

“Ah.”

The priest quickly composed himself and addressed Serena.

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Raffaello, servant of Pherianus.”

Raffaello extended his hand for a handshake. His hand was rough with calluses, like those of a swordsman, and bore a cross-shaped scar, making him seem far removed from the image of a sheltered priest.

Serena firmly shook his hand and replied,

“Nice to meet you, Raffaello.”

“I hope I haven’t inconvenienced you by taking up your time. Benjamin, have you been treating our guest well?”

“Of course! We even had a nostalgic chat after a long time. Right, Rina?”

Benjamin winked as he spoke, seemingly ignoring Serena’s earlier request. Though she wanted to correct him again, she hesitated in front of Bishop Raffaello.

“Oh? You two know each other?”

Raffaello looked surprised. Serena felt a bit uncomfortable with Benjamin’s sudden familiarity but managed an awkward smile.

“We’ve run into each other a couple of times back at the main estate.”

“That’s a bit disappointing, Rina. I thought I treated you pretty well.”

“……”

Benjamin pouted slightly, looking hurt. As Serena stared at him blankly, Raffaello tactfully intervened.

“Benjamin, it seems our guest wishes to speak with me privately.”

“Yes, Master. Call me if you need anything. See you next time, Rina.”

Benjamin bowed and left the reception room at Raffaello’s instruction. Only then did Serena exhale a quiet sigh of relief.

She had never gotten along well with people like him, who would act overly friendly with anyone, hiding behind such an innocent face.

Even though she had clearly asked him not to call her Rina, he continued to do so. Was he doing it on purpose, or was he just naturally simple-minded?

Not knowing how to deal with him made her feel quite uneasy. At that moment, Raffaello spoke to Serena.

“You said you needed divine power?”