I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 77

Lydia Vincent also attended this Medical Association meeting. She hadn’t been invited directly but had come along thanks to her lover, Marco Jung, who had received an invitation.

Since Serena had turned the Vincent estate upside down, the family had repeatedly become the subject of gossip in society. This was largely due to Azaid’s incident of burning the garden cherished by the Viscountess.

To make matters worse, Tyler’s constant business failures had caused the Vincent family’s fortune to decline rapidly. Lydia, whose marriage prospects had vanished, was left with no choice but to prepare for an engagement with the CEO of a pharmaceutical company from the Kingdom of Revan.

Out of frustration, she visited Serena several times but was always kicked out without even catching a glimpse of her.

In the past, she could have relentlessly pursued Serena until her anger subsided. But now, the distance between Lydia and Serena felt like worlds apart.

Her goal was simple—to marry, even as if being sold off, and live a life free of financial worries.

Marco, meanwhile, led her to a gathering of people and began introducing them.

“Lydia, this is Dr. Harman, who treated my injured leg last time.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Lydia Vincent.”

“This gentleman supplies to our firm… And this one is part of our new drug research team…”

Marco flaunted his minor connections, introducing various individuals. With Lydia’s limited memory, she doubted she could remember any of their names.

Nevertheless, she smiled politely and greeted everyone, concealing her disinterest. Soon, the group naturally formed smaller circles, and before the program began, they moved for a brief tea time.

Since the main hall was still in disarray with preparations, they relocated to another reception room. Lydia stifled a yawn, trying hard not to show her boredom.

Lately, that useless Tyler was drowning in alcohol, wallowing in self-pity. The Viscount Vincent often wandered outside, leaving the Viscountess in distress.

‘Serena, if I ever cross paths with that woman again…’

Grinding her teeth at the thought of Serena, Lydia entered the reception room and froze. In the distance, familiar violet hair caught her eye.

It was Serena.

Serena, following Sebastian’s lead, arrived at a reception room adjacent to the main hall. Only two or three people were in the hall, so it seemed most had gathered here.

“You’ve finally arrived.”

Recognizing Sebastian, several individuals waved and motioned for him to join their table. Some were so engrossed in their conversations that they barely noticed the new arrivals.

Sebastian leaned toward Serena and gave her a brief note.

“These are people who could be useful to know someday. Remember them, Serena.”

“I will, Sir Sebastian.”

Serena, unaccustomed to such social gatherings, found Sebastian’s guidance slightly awkward. Still, his advice to pay attention was sound.

A particularly loud individual was the first to address her.

“I’m Tom, in charge of the Association’s finances.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Serena Vincent, attached to the Imperial Palace’s medical team.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you—especially about the answers you submitted during your medical license examination. They were remarkable.”

“Ah, you were one of the graders.”

“Indeed, and a member of the Association’s board too. Haha!”

The hearty laughter echoed through the room.

Serena nodded occasionally as she listened to the introductions. Then, it was the turn of a dark-haired man. Sebastian, looking puzzled, asked,

“And you are?”

“…”

“He’s my assistant,” another man with short red hair answered with a sly grin, noticing the silence. His voice was youthful , hinted at a younger age.

Sebastian briefly shifted his gaze to the red-haired man.

“Ah, Carter’s assistant, was it? What’s your name?”

“…Zed,” the dark-haired man replied, hesitating for a beat as though improvising.

Something about his voice felt familiar to Serena. It was low and brief, making it hard to place, but she was certain she’d heard it before.

‘Hmm? Have we met somewhere? Even the name sounds familiar.’

Serena stared at Zed, trying to recall where they might have crossed paths. He was strikingly handsome—black hair, pale skin, and blue-gray eyes that shimmered with a peculiar hue, commanding attention.

‘If I had met someone like him, I’d remember. This must be our first meeting.’

Perhaps uncomfortable with Serena’s gaze, Zed subtly turned his head, and she noticed his ears flush red. Embarrassed, she also averted her eyes.

At that moment, the man referred to as Carter spoke to Serena.

“Won’t you introduce yourself to me?”

“Oh, nice to meet you. I’m Serena Vincent.”

“Pleasure is mine. I’m Daniel Carter.”

Daniel extended his hand, and Serena shook it. He smiled brightly.

“Your face alone is enough to fill one’s heart with joy.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing, never mind.”

Daniel winced as Zed subtly stepped on his foot under the table, though Serena didn’t notice.

The conversations soon diverged into various topics. Sebastian, glancing at Daniel, commented,

“Carter here is a distant relative of the Carter family. He’s also acquainted with the Viscount Carter, I believe.”

“Indeed, we’re on good terms. The Viscount adores me,” Daniel replied with mock humility.

Sebastian chuckled, remarking, “The esteemed Viscount Carter? That’s hard to believe.”

“Of course, my research has no connection to the Carter family,” Daniel added.

“What kind of research do you do?” Serena asked, intrigued.

Daniel, delighted by hus interest, eagerly answered,

“I work on skin regeneration. My dream is to achieve eternal youth.”

“Eternal youth?”

Could such a thing even be possible?

Of course, I’ve read records about an ancient race that lived eternally without aging, feeding on blood.

Serena found herself curious about Daniel’s peculiar history. Any new field of study always had the power to make her heart race. Sebastian chimed in.

“Mr. Carter is known as an eccentric in the industry. He’s all about appearance, as long as the face looks young.”

“More specifically, young and beautiful. Not just young.”

“Isn’t it the same thing? Isn’t youth itself beauty?”

“You’re saying that because you’ve never been handsome yourself, Sebastian.”

“Back in my day, all the women in the village chased after me.”

“And yet, no witnesses to back it up. Don’t tell unverifiable stories.”

As Daniel pouted and refuted Sebastian at every turn, Sebastian’s face flushed with embarrassment. Feeling sorry for him, Serena shifted the topic.

“So, have you figured out how to stay eternally young?”

“Are you curious?”

Daniel leaned in suddenly as he asked, his eyes glinting mischievously. Somehow, she had the ominous feeling that admitting her curiosity would lead to something dangerous.

When Serena remained silent, Daniel continued.

“Actually, I have discovered my own method to never age.”

“Really?”

“Yes. If you’re curious, I could show you my lab as a special favor.”

His voice grew increasingly secretive as he leaned closer, almost whispering into Serena’s ear.

“But only if you fulfill one very, very modest wish of mine.”

“A wish?”

“Yes, it’s—urk!”

Before Daniel could finish his sentence, he was abruptly yanked back by Jed, who had accompanied him. Zed, his eyes blazing, spoke sharply.

“That’s enough. Master.”

“Why are you interrupting? This is bad for business!”

“Quiet.”

At Zed’s gritted voice, Daniel hunched his shoulders. Although Jed was introduced as an assistant, he seemed more like a watchdog.

‘And did he just speak informally? Or was that my imagination?’

Though Daniel was somewhat overwhelming, Serena didn’t find him entirely unpleasant. He seemed genuinely passionate about his field, and Serena herself had an eccentric streak when it came to medicine.

“I’ll think about it if I get the chance later.”

“Really? You promise? Pinky promise!”

Daniel wagged his tail like an excited puppy, only for Zed to clamp his mouth shut.

What a dynamic duo of a master and assistant.

As someone who typically worked alone, Serena found people who worked with assistants fascinating. Watching Jed restrain Daniel felt like a comedy skit, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

“By the way, did you choose your assistant based on his looks too?”

“Of course. The number one condition for joining my lab is being handsome or beautiful.”

“Ah, so that’s why Zed got the job?”

“Exactly. If it’s just looks, there’s no one in the empire who can compare to Zed. Honestly, I’d love to—uh, well, I mean, to own a portrait of every one of his expressions. Yes, portraits.”

Daniel’s voice trailed off, and Serena burst into laughter at his antics.

“You really are someone who takes appearances seriously. If you ever meet His Majesty, I bet you’d follow him around endlessly.”

“Oh, I almost did… but…”

“So, you’ve met him already. Still, stalking is a crime, you know.”

“I envy you, Miss Serena. You get to see that face every day.”

Daniel let out a series of exaggerated sighs. Suppressing a laugh, Serena responded.

“Well, His Majesty’s face is certainly hard to forget. Objectively, he is quite handsome.”

“Cough! Ahem!”

At that moment, Zed, who had been sipping champagne, choked abruptly.

“Oh my, Mr. Zed. Are you all right?”