I Am The Dying Emperor’s Doctor

Azeid was already at Viscount Manor before receiving Jack’s communication. It was a formality, and his purpose was to find Serena.

Leonard was holding back his laughter from behind. However, when the Viscountess and her daughter entered the reception room, he wiped the smile off his face.

“Greetings, Your Majesty, the Sun of the Empire. I am Lydia Vincent of the Vincent Family.”

Lydia greeted Azeid with flushed cheeks. The Viscountess, with a flushed face, spoke next.

“We apologize for not receiving you beforehand. Since the Viscount has been summoned, he will arrive soon.”

Then, naturally, the Viscountess and Lydia sat in front of Azeid.

It was customary for the hostess to entertain guests in the absence of the Viscount. However, the fact that the daughter was present was quite intentional.

The Viscountess was quite excited about the Emperor’s visit. After Serena left in that manner yesterday, the atmosphere at the Viscount Manor had cooled rapidly.

The Viscount lost his temper and threw things around, Lydia was visibly annoyed and scolded the maidservants. Tyler ran away from the castle, leaving the Viscountess to handle the situation.

And in the midst of all this chaos, the Emperor’s visit.

‘Surely this was arranged by Serena?’

The Viscountess thought that the meek Serena had eventually acquiesced to the Viscount’s request.

‘She’s easy to sway. Just be nice to her a bit, and she’ll come over.’

It was unfortunate that Tyler hadn’t returned, but Lydia was there. The Viscountess planned to introduce Lydia first and then find an opportunity to introduce Tyler.

The Viscountess rose from her seat, intending to leave Lydia and the Emperor alone.

“I’ll go check how far he has come. Lydia, take care of His Majesty.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Lydia replied shyly with flushed cheeks. The Viscountess left with a contented expression.

In reality, Lydia was already lost in Azeid’s face.

It was her first time seeing the Emperor up close like this. She had occasionally glimpsed him at gatherings but had never had a conversation with him.

‘He looks even more handsome up close.’

Lydia didn’t expect her gaze to linger on Azeid. Having seen Azeid’s revitalized appearance after meeting Serena, it was natural.

Azeid was slightly uncomfortable with Lydia’s gaze but refrained from asking about Serena’s whereabouts directly. He spoke gently,

“Since the Viscountess has left, there’s something I’d like to ask you separately. Can you answer honestly?”

“Of course. Ask me anything.”

Lydia smiled brightly, feeling pleased that Azeid showed interest in her.

As soon as her mother left, she started chatting without being prompted. It was more natural to steer the conversation towards common interests than blatantly expressing interest.

Lydia had already imagined her wedding feast with Azeid. She smiled broadly and said,

“That’s right. She just had dinner and went back.”

“She went back?”

Azeid was taken aback by the mention of Serena leaving. There was no reason for her to stay here if she had gone back.

Lydia continued speaking about Serena’s reaction and departure without being asked.

“She argued with my father. It’s a bit awkward to witness family disputes in front of His Majesty, but…”

Lydia paused, glancing around before continuing.

“Serena, she thinks she’s the best in the world.”

“Well, she seems pretty capable.”

“Right? I also think so… Uh, yes?”

Lydia blinked and looked at Azeid.

“Objectively speaking, isn’t it impressive for her age to reach the palace?”

“Well, yes. But Serena, her personality is quite something.”

“Something?”

“She doesn’t listen to adults, and when she was young, she used to sneak out of the house and get scolded by my father.”

“…”

“And she has bad habits, she likes to steal things from others, so Your Majesty, be careful if anything goes missing.”

Lydia advised genuinely concerned. However, Azeid’s expression didn’t improve as he listened. Leonard, who was waiting in the background, was also not pleased.

But Lydia, engrossed in gossiping about Serena, didn’t notice this. She wasn’t someone who had such keen insights anyway.

“Once, she messed up the garden’s upkeep, and all the expensive plants withered. She only knows how to study, so what can you expect.”

“Why is the Viscounty’s Young Lady taking care of the garden? What about the servants?”

“Oh, well… Serena just liked to work.”

Lydia awkwardly chuckled. In reality, she had forced Serena to work, but there was no need to inform the Emperor of that.

Seeing the Emperor’s silence, Lydia looked at him innocently. Azeid found her gaze quite unpleasant.

Unable to listen to Lydia’s chatter any longer, Azeid stood up and put on his coat.

“Your Majesty?”

Lydia stood up in surprise, and Azeid spoke.

“I should be going now.”

“What? But…”

“It doesn’t look good to witness family disputes.”

“Oh, I just…”

“It’s said that being thoughtless is innate, but one should be careful with words and actions. Young Master Azeid, you might suffer due to that sharp tongue of yours someday.”

Lydia froze at Azeid’s cold response, unable to continue speaking. Just moments ago, she felt the atmosphere was pleasant, but now it had suddenly turned icy, leaving her bewildered.

Azeid’s gaze was incredibly frigid. He averted his eyes from her as if he had no more desire to converse and headed towards the door.

Coincidentally, he crossed paths with the Viscountess as she entered.

“Your Highness?”

“I’ve enjoyed the tea. I shall take my leave now.”

“But, the Viscount’s carriage has just arrived at the main gate…”

The Viscountess looked bewildered as she glanced between Lydia and Azeid. Lydia’s face had already turned contemplative.

‘What happened? What did I say wrong?’

No matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t figure out what mistake she might have made. It was natural. Lydia felt that Serena was always a target for criticism.

And whenever Lydia insulted Serena, those around her always indulged and joined in. But Azeid’s reaction was completely different, which left her flustered.

Ignoring the Viscountess’s words, Azeid continued walking. Despite Lydia and the Viscountess trying to stop him, he didn’t halt.

Just as he was about to board the carriage after passing through the grand lobby.

“Your Majesty, I apologize for being late!”

Viscount Vincent, who had just gotten off the carriage, rushed to Azeid and blocked his path.

“I hurried here as fast as I could, please forgive my tardiness, Your Majesty.”

The Viscount Vincent was panting heavily. Simultaneously, he felt fortunate to have arrived before the Emperor left. Azeid, with a deeply displeased expression, spoke to the Viscount.

“You’ve taken unnecessary steps. I shall take my leave now.”

“What? Please don’t leave yet, stay a little longer…”

“Ah.”

Azeid turned as if he remembered something. Seeing the hopeful expression on the Viscount’s face, Azeid coldly advised.

“You should properly educate your daughter.”

“Yes, what? What do you mean…”

The Viscount looked at Azeid with a bewildered expression. Lydia, who followed behind, was on the verge of tears.

The Viscountess nudged Lydia’s side, whispering inquiringly about what she had done.

But Lydia, feeling unjust, kept her mouth shut. Azeid spoke authoritatively.

“If you can’t judge the situation and timing, it’s better to stay silent, isn’t it?”

“Gasp!”

Lydia was shocked and covered her mouth with her hand. It seemed as though Azeid might actually cut her tongue off. His reputation as an unpredictable Emperor made it even more frightening.

Seeing Lydia’s reaction, Azeid smirked slightly. The Viscount, who had just arrived, didn’t fully grasp the situation. But with the intention of detaining the Emperor, he spoke with a subservient face.

“Perhaps my daughter’s immaturity has disturbed Your Majesty. I apologize.”

“…”

“Please understand with a broad mind, as girls her age often behave this way.”

“Is that so? Do you truly believe that?”

“Yes?”

“It’s unfortunate your perspective is so narrow.”

“…!”

The Viscount was flustered and couldn’t say anything. Azeid was puzzled by the fact that he was angry.

It was a strange occurrence. He didn’t know why he kept feeling down.

Azeid absentmindedly turned his head and noticed the well-maintained glass garden.

Seeing it, something inside him stirred even more. It was quite a large garden, not easy for a child to tend. The breeds grown there were not easy to nurture either. Azeid, staring intently at the garden, was interrupted by the Viscountess.

“The garden is quite lovely, isn’t it? Would you like to take a walk?”