I’m the Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Episode 9

While Serena was lost in thought, Azaid noticed her expression and, with a baffled look, asked,
“Hey, don’t tell me you think I’m talking about an actual cat?”

“Then what is it?”

Is there even such a thing as a real or fake cat?

Seeing Serena’s innocent expression, Azaid sighed and explained,
“I was referring to someone sly like a snake…”

But before Azaid could finish, someone else interrupted the conversation.

“Are you perhaps calling me that sly one, Your Majesty?”

Startled by the unfamiliar voice, Serena turned toward the door.

A man with deep navy-blue hair, who had entered unnoticed, was smiling brightly as he looked at Azaid and Serena. He was the owner of the cat Serena had encountered earlier.

“Oh? It’s you!”

“Fancy meeting you again.”

The man flashed a charming smile at Serena as he greeted her. He seemed to have left the cat elsewhere, as his hands were empty. Upon seeing the man, Azaid frowned and stood abruptly.

“When did you get here?”

“Oh dear, could it be that you missed me?”

The man chuckled as he casually approached. Judging by their interaction, he seemed to share some familiarity with Azaid.

“Still as nauseating as ever. Where did you leave your manners, Count Harrison?”

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I, Nocturne Harrison, have returned after completing the task you assigned and am here to report my arrival officially.”

Nocturne offered a courteous bow, his smile still soft. Serena’s eyes widened at the mention of Count Harrison.

So, this is the infamous Count Harrison, a friend of the Emperor.

During Azaid’s time confined to the annex as a prince, he had four loyal friends by his side:

Leonard Carter, known as the Sword of the Empire.

Nocturne Harrison, a master of strategy.

Jack Gordon, a mysterious merchant and head of the Gordon Trading Company.

Lily Lowell, the Shield of the Empire who managed the group’s chaos.

Though their backgrounds varied, forming an odd combination at first glance, they all shared a critical commonality:

They were talented individuals, unrecognized by society, much like Azaid.

Most of them came from humble origins or were of low priority within their families. Under the previous emperor’s reign, their names were barely known. However, after navigating various challenges, these overlooked figures began to shine.

By the time Azaid ascended the throne, all four had secured prominent positions in their respective fields.

As for Nocturne Harrison, he was originally the illegitimate son of the Greenwood Ducal family. After Azaid’s coronation, he left the ducal household and was granted the title of count.

Now that I think about it, the diplomatic delegation must have returned around this time.

Recalling her past life, Serena discreetly glanced at Nocturne and Azaid. Nocturne had recently traveled south to negotiate a maritime trade treaty with the Kingdom of Pion.

If the count is back, that means a banquet will be held soon. I’ll need to keep a close eye on the Emperor.

Remembering how Azaid had collapsed during the banquet, Serena’s expression turned grim.

Honestly, he’s as fragile as a glass fish. Just a little activity, and he’s out cold.

She stole a glance at Azaid, clicking her tongue internally. Thankfully, she knew the reason behind his fainting.

It was definitely the liquor from the Kingdom of Pion.

The liquor, made from a fruit not found in the Empire, didn’t agree with Azaid and caused him to collapse instantly. It had been a terrifying moment that could have prematurely ended Serena’s life as well.

Though it turned out to be a minor allergic reaction, the memory still sent chills down her spine.

The problem is explaining to him that he can’t drink it.

She couldn’t exactly say, “Hey, you’re allergic to that!” out of nowhere, so she needed another plan.

Right. I’ll prepare an antidote in advance. If he drinks it, I’ll act immediately.

She decided she would cover it up later, claiming it was based on a physician’s recommendation. Just then, Azaid dismissed her.

“You may leave now.”

“Oh, all right.”

Serena, as if she had been waiting for this moment, flashed a bright smile and quickly left the room.

A few days later, as expected, news of a banquet broke out.

After Nocturne’s unofficial meeting with the Emperor, his formal report of his return was followed by the banquet’s announcement.

The banquet was to celebrate the delegation’s success in securing a trade agreement with the Kingdom of Pion.

It was to be held in the Ruby Hall of the imperial palace, making the servants busier than ever.

The scent of flowers filled the palace, as fresh blooms were transported to decorate the venue. The fragrance seemed to linger everywhere.

In addition, before the banquet, old magical artifacts in Ruby Hall were being replaced with newer models, which meant frequent visits from Gordon Trading Company technicians.

“Lady Serena, where are you off to?”

Marie, a passing servant, called out to Serena. Marie was one of the servants Serena had grown close to while staying at the palace. Serena had heard that Marie shared a room with Anna. Smiling brightly, Serena replied,

“Hello, Marie. I was just passing by. Need help with anything?”

“Oh, if you could help me carry this, I’d appreciate it!”

Marie handed Serena one of the baskets she was holding. Taking it in her arms, Serena asked,

“Where are you headed?”

“To the incinerator. The head maid said to throw these flowers away because they’re wilted.”

“Goodness, they still look perfectly fine!”

Serena exclaimed in pity as she looked at the flowers in Marie’s basket. Though some petals were slightly wilted, the flowers were still quite lovely.

Scratching her cheek, Marie explained,
“They are, but there’s no use for them anymore. They’re just taking up space.”

Serena thought for a moment. If the flowers couldn’t be used decoratively, they could still be dried and used for tea or as air fresheners.

“Then give them all to me.”

“What will you do with so many flowers?”

“I’ll find a better use for them than burning them.”

“Then I’ll move them to your room, Lady Serena.”

“No, let’s go together.”

Serena walked through the corridor, firmly holding onto the basket that Marie tried to take from her. After all, it was a gift, and she couldn’t demand delivery too.

When Marie turned a corner, Serena twitched her lips. She knew a faster route.

‘No, if I seem too familiar with the palace layout, it’ll only raise suspicion.’

Having lived through three lifetimes, she was thoroughly familiar with the imperial palace. She knew the quickest way back to her room and all the places the emperor frequently visited. In the past, she had even used a secret passage to save the emperor in an emergency.

However, since her return, she had avoided using the hidden passage. It was a perfect setup to be mistaken for a spy if discovered. Just then, Marie asked casually,

“Lady Serena, you seem quite close with His Majesty.”

“Huh? Close? Not really.”

“Actually, I was quite surprised when I saw you walking with His Majesty the other day.”

“Oh, that day…”

Serena forced an awkward smile as the memory surfaced. It had been one of those rare occasions when she’d managed to drag the emperor out of bed for a walk after much argument. Exhausted from pulling his arm around the garden, she’d somehow gotten through it.

But Marie had clearly misunderstood the situation when she saw them holding hands.

“We’re not close at all.”

More like enemies, really.

Serena had never seen Azaid smile brightly. He was always annoyed with her, and that was no secret. Marie, however, smiled gently and added,

“Oh, come now. I’ve never seen His Majesty keep any woman close except for Count Lowell.”

“Count Lowell?”

“You haven’t met her yet, have you, Lady Serena? She doesn’t visit the capital often as she’s stationed in the northern territories.”

“No, I’ve heard of her. You mean Countess Lowell of the borderlands.”

“Yes, that’s right. She’s very close to His Majesty. She’s currently managing her northern estate.”

Mari smiled brightly, providing answers to questions Serina hadn’t even asked. Most of it was information Serina already knew.

Lily Lowell was a knight hailed as the queen of the north. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say the defense of the empire’s borders relied on her.

She had earned the nickname The Shield of the Empire for her incredible ability to fend off the monstrous invasions that poured in every year. She had also been Azaid’s childhood friend.

‘And she’s the one who received the Red Isring.’

Lily was the only woman in history to have ever been awarded the Red Isring, making her immensely popular among noblewomen.

At that moment, Marie lowered her voice abruptly.

“Oh, by the way, this is just between us, Lady Serena.”

“What is it?”

Serena naturally dropped her voice as well. Marie glanced around before whispering,

“Rumor has it that Count Lowell, His Majesty, and Sir Leonard are in a love triangle.”

It seemed Marie admired Lily, addressing her as “Count” with great respect. Serena found Mari’s innocence endearing and couldn’t help but smile.

“Really?”

“Yes! Some say Count Lowell avoids coming to the capital to prevent their friendship from falling apart.”

“I see.”

Serena chuckled faintly, losing interest. She was well aware of the rumors, but they were utter nonsense.

The emperor already had a woman. It was none other than Lucy Carter, the younger sister of Leonard Carter.

Serina recalled the uproar when Emperor Azaid abruptly announced his engagement to Lucy Carter after the Greenwood family attempted to place Ophelia Greenwood on the throne as empress. Shaking her head, Serina said,

“Marie, that rumor is false.”

Marie, being a close acquaintance, seemed like someone worth correcting. Her eyes widened as she asked,

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, His Majesty has someone else.”