I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 87

“Are you going out with His Majesty?”

Marie, who had been cleaning the room, asked with wide eyes.

“Yes. I’ll be back soon, so you can rest too, Marie.”

Serena, wearing only her outer garment, was about to leave immediately. At that moment, Marie blocked her path.

“You’re not planning to go out like that, are you?”

“Why? Can’t I?”

“Of course not!”

Marie jumped up and seated Serena in front of the dressing table. She couldn’t stand the sight of Serena’s haphazardly tied hair.

“It’s a date, after all! You should dress up properly.”

“A date…?”

Serena bit her lower lip at Marie’s words. In the past, she would have immediately denied it, but now, for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to do so.

She herself felt that her relationship with Azaid had subtly changed, which made her hesitate even more.

“Today, the sunlight is strong, so it’s better to braid your hair into twin plaits if you’re going to wear a hat.”

“It’s fine—”

Just as Serena snapped out of her daze and tried to stop Marie—

— Why not let the maid do as she pleases? Other styles might suit you well too.

Azaid’s words suddenly flashed through her mind, and during that brief hesitation, Marie emerged from the dressing room. Skillfully braiding Serena’s hair, she chattered away.

“When two people are close, it’s good to try something new.”

“No, I…”

“Oh my, you look so youthful with your hair like this. What if His Majesty falls for you again? Hohoho.”

Marie smiled brightly at Serena’s reflection in the mirror. Her refusal to give Serena any chance to protest made it clear she had no intention of listening.

Serena stared carefully at her reflection, her hair neatly braided.

‘This feels a bit excessive.’

Indeed, just changing her hairstyle had altered her overall vibe.

She was slightly worried that it might look like she’d intentionally dressed up. But since she liked the hairstyle, she decided to leave it as it was.

After Marie had fussed over her outfit as well, Serina was finally able to head to the place where she was supposed to meet Azaid.

Azaid had already arrived and was leaning against a pillar. His golden hair swayed gently in the breeze, appearing smooth and silky. His casual white shirt suited his pale skin remarkably well.

He seemed slightly bored, tapping the marble floor lightly with his foot in a playful manner.

‘Enjoy your date!’

This was all Marie’s fault.

Serena shook her head vigorously, recalling Marie’s teasing words about the “date.”

As if the situation wasn’t already awkward enough, Marie’s words had made her hyper-aware of everything, making her actions clumsy and hesitant.

At that moment, Azaid spotted Serina and broke into a radiant smile.

“You’re here.”

With the sunlight at his back, Azaid’s golden hair sparkled like stars. His blue eyes shone brightly, like the clear sky.

The boredom that had been evident on his face just moments ago vanished as soon as he saw Serena.

“Ah…”

Seeing such a drastic change, Serena let out a soft gasp without realizing it.

Her heart pounded faster and faster.

It was a pace fast enough to make her realize that something was changing.

Serena couldn’t remember how she had managed to return home that day. Once she became aware of her pounding heart, she couldn’t stop noticing it.

‘No way. This can’t be happening.’

Serena shut her eyes tightly, trying to shake off the illusion of a halo surrounding Azaid.

She never thought someone she had never considered romantically would suddenly start appearing as such. And so abruptly, at that.

She quietly replayed Azaid’s actions from that day in her mind.

— What do you think? I think this would suit you well.

— Your Majesty, please stop picking things for me and focus on picking a gift for Lady Lucy.

— Well… Hmm… This one suits you. Let’s buy it.

— Wait, what? Hold on…!

They were supposed to be picking out a birthday gift together, but instead of helping, Azaid ended up buying her gift after gift.

On top of that, he completely forgot their original purpose and was busy dragging Serena around everywhere.

In the end, if she had to sum up the day, it was essentially Azaid following her around, completely mesmerizing her.

— You look cute with your hair braided like that, Rena.

And then he’d make confusing comments—

— Aren’t your legs tired? There’s a famous dessert shop nearby. Ah, not that I particularly want to eat there or anything.

Using ridiculous excuses, he had practically taken her on a textbook date course.

But what truly left Serena dazed was Azaid’s frequent physical contact.

Had his illness changed him in some way? He seemed to find any excuse to touch her.

Even now, look at him.

Serena stared intently at Azaid, who insisted on sitting next to her in the carriage heading to Carter Castle.

What reason could someone with access to all the luxurious carriages in the imperial capital have for squeezing himself into the carriage Lucy had specifically sent for Serena?

And of all the available seats, why did he choose the narrow space beside her?

‘Why does he keep doing things that unsettle me?’

It was an enigma, as puzzling as a riddle.

No. By this point, Serena couldn’t help but notice. Azaid was also interested in her.

But since when?

It was a difficult question to answer, especially since Serena had only recently realized her own feelings.

Perhaps it was from the day he had subtly kissed her palm when he was unwell—or maybe even before that. It was merely a guess.

As her thoughts wandered, Serena felt an inexplicable dryness in her throat. Lately, her mind had been completely consumed by Azaid.

Thinking of him constantly, at all hours.

And him, of all people—the emperor whom she had once considered worse than an enemy in her past life!

Well, she had only truly gotten to know Azaid in this life, but still, this was an unexpected outcome.

Serena felt bewildered as she watched Azaid yawn widely and rub his eyes. Even that sight seemed adorable to her.

‘Ha. They say it’s over once someone starts looking cute to you…’

Serena swallowed the rest of her thought, too scared to confront her own feelings. If she were to properly define them, there would be no turning back.

No, it was already more or less defined—it was only a matter of time now. And her opponent was none other than the emperor himself.

“We’ve arrived.”

At that moment, the coachman announced their arrival at Carter Castle. Azaid stepped down from the carriage and extended his hand.

Serena hesitated for a moment, staring at his hand, before finally taking it and stepping down.

The castle, prepared for the banquet, was filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of pleasant music.

“Welcome, Lady Serena!”

As they entered the hall, Lucy, dressed as dazzlingly as a protagonist should be, rushed over like an excited rabbit. She looked even more radiant than usual.

“Lady Lucy, happy birthday. This is my gift.”

“Thank you, Lady Serena.”

Lucy smiled brightly as she accepted the gift. Her warm welcome to Serina was noticeably different from her mild courtesy toward Azaid, even though he was the emperor.

Despite his presence, the response was lukewarm. Lucy then blushed and leaned closer to whisper into Serena’s ear.

“I’m planning a little event later. You received a key and a ribbon when you arrived, right?”

“Yes, I did. But… what are you planning to do with them?”

“Hehe, you’ll find out soon enough. I’ve prepared a very fun game.”

Lucy placed a finger on her lips, signaling secrecy, and chuckled mischievously.

At the scheduled time, Lucy announced the start of the banquet and thanked the guests for attending.

When the event was in full swing, Lucy lightly tapped her wine glass to gather everyone’s attention.

“Let’s play a little game now. Everyone received a ribbon and a key, right?”

At Lucy’s words, the guests began to rummage for their keys and ribbons.

“The keys have numbers on them. Please proceed to the rooms corresponding to your numbers.”

The guests, murmuring excitedly, began moving to their designated rooms under the attendants’ guidance. Serena followed a maid as well.

“Aren’t you going to tell me what kind of game this is?”

“You’ll find out once you enter. Here we are.”

Serena inserted the key she had received earlier and opened the door. As she stepped inside—

“Have a good time.”

With the maid’s cheerful farewell, the door clicked shut behind her.

‘Wait, did she just lock the door?’

Serena tugged at the doorknob just to be sure, and indeed, it was locked. There wasn’t even a keyhole, making it impossible to open from the inside.

The only things in front of her were blackout curtains and a faintly glowing lantern. Serena pushed aside the curtains and stepped forward—only to see a familiar face.

“Oh, Your Majesty, did you also pick number 5?”

“Serena? You too?”

Azaid looked genuinely surprised to see her enter. Neither of them realized that Lucy had slyly manipulated the numbers.

Serena approached Azaid and asked, “What’s that in your hand?”

“Read it.”

Azaid handed her a card, and Serena began to read aloud.

[Lucy’s Favorite Escape Room Game!

You are currently trapped in a room cursed by a terrifying dark sorcerer.

If you fail to escape within the time limit, you will be turned into frogs by the dark sorcerer’s curse.

Only those who successfully complete the tasks on the table will be able to leave the room.

If you and your partner work well together, escape will be much easier.]

What… was this?