WIFA Ch 3

Melissa stood in front of Alex’s quarters.

After talking with Viscount Ferris, she went to Alex’s office, only to be told by his aide that he was taking the day off.

“He’s not collapsed, is he?”

Alex’s condition hadn’t seemed that bad in the morning.

With a worried look, Melissa knocked urgently on the door.

After knocking for a while with no response, Melissa grabbed the doorknob and yanked it open.

“Ouch!”

The door suddenly opened, causing Melissa to stagger backward.

“What brings you here?”

“Because you ran away again……”

Melissa’s voice trailed off in her embarrassment.

“Come in.”

Alex let her in without further questioning.

“Wow.”

Melissa let out a genuine exclamation as she took in the interior of the quarters.

His quarters were a separate building and several times larger than Melissa’s room.

But there was surprisingly nothing inside.

The desolate living room contained only a sofa and a low table.

“Sit down.”

“Ah, yes.”

Melissa trotted after Alex as he headed for the sofa.

Sitting across from him, Melissa smiled brightly.

“How are you feeling?”

“So-so. Did you come all this way just to check?”

“I heard you were taking the day off, so I was worried.”

Contrary to her concerns, Alex’s complexion thankfully looked good.

Perhaps because he wasn’t wearing his uniform, he seemed more relaxed than usual.

“If you hadn’t run away, I wouldn’t have had to come looking for you.”

“I felt uncomfortable lying down in a room where a woman lives alone.”

“A doctor is not seen as a woman.”

Alex’s gaze wavered for a moment as he looked at Melissa as if he had realized something he hadn’t noticed before.

“Now that I’m your attending physician, please feel comfortable……”

“Attending physician? You?”

Alex asked back before Melissa could finish her sentence.

“Yes. Viscount Ferris offered me the position today, and I accepted.”

“Hmm.”

He had thought he would never need a doctor by his side, of all things.

He was about to refuse outright, but then he thought of something and changed his mind.

“I see. Then I look forward to working with you.”

Alex’s expression wasn’t good, so she had been nervous about being rejected, but he agreed right away.

Melissa smiled in relief.

“But I have a condition.”

“Yes. Please tell me anything.”

₊˚🦢✩

“Melissa, are you alive?”

Daniel, the senior medical staff, asked Melissa, who had her head buried in the break room table.

Melissa didn’t lift her head, only her hand.

“She’s alive.”

Daniel casually passed her and poured some coffee.

He poured two cups, placing one in front of Melissa before sitting down.

Melissa wiggled her hand a couple of times as a sign of gratitude and sluggishly reached out to grab the mug.

“Drink.”

Daniel said nonchalantly, spreading out the chart he brought.

It was a common sight lately, so it wasn’t anything new.

“Sigh.”

Melissa lifted her head dejectedly.

Her hair was a mess from how much she had tousled it.

“Look in a mirror, too.”

“Ugh.”

When Melissa lowered her head again, Daniel sighed and pushed the chart he was looking at to the side. Then, with a sympathetic look, he clicked his tongue.

“I thought your life would get better if you became the Duke’s attending physician, but why do you keep looking more worn out?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Melissa lamented and gulped down the hot coffee like alcohol.

“Ouch, hot!”

Daniel handed a glass of cold water to Melissa, who was flustered after burning her tongue.

“I just poured it. Are you out of it?”

Melissa let out a weak sigh.

All of this commotion was due to the condition Alex had set.

“If I deem a physician necessary, I will call for you.”

It’s natural for a patient to call their attending physician when they need one.

Thinking it wasn’t much of a condition, Melissa readily agreed.

But then…

“You must undergo a basic check-up. As your attending physician, it’s only natural for me to understand your basic condition and any underlying diseases.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my body.”

“You collapsed from a high fever twice in front of me. You should at least get tested……”

“I don’t deem it necessary. And Doctor, you don’t need to come if I don’t call you. That was the condition, did you forget?”

She hadn’t thought that the subject of ‘deeming’ was Alex himself.

In the end, Melissa was often kicked out without even being able to touch Alex, let alone perform a check-up.

Because of that, she was in a very difficult situation.

Viscount Ferris nagged her every time he saw her, saying she hadn’t even grasped the basics.

Like a shrimp caught in a whale fight, Melissa, feeling the pressure, wasted ten days chasing after Alex.

With a face full of complaints, Melissa gulped down her coffee.

“Why does it taste so bad today?”

“If you’re complaining, why don’t you get some of the coffee the Duke drinks? It must be expensive.”

“He doesn’t even give me a chance to speak, how can I even say something like that?”

“You chased him around that much, and you couldn’t even talk to him? Amazing.”

“Don’t tease me. I’m already frustrated enough.”

Melissa ruffled her hair again with an annoyed face.

“It’s not like I’m going to eat him alive, I just want to do a simple check-up. Is that something to avoid so much?”

Daniel silently left Melissa to vent her frustrations.

There was no point in trying to soothe her, as she was already too upset.

“The Duke dislikes doctors, not you.”

“Aha, so you’re saying that since he dislikes doctors, and he doesn’t dislike me, he doesn’t see me as a doctor?”

“Sorry. I’m not very good at comforting people.”

When she glared at him, Daniel raised both hands in surrender.

“So, Dr. Melissa Blackwell, with all your complaints, what are you going to do now?”

“…….”

Melissa kept her mouth shut.

The special allowance was tempting, but to back down now would hurt her pride and self-esteem as a doctor.

“One time.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll try just one more time, and if it doesn’t work this time, I’ll quit. This can’t be considered a patient choosing their doctor, can it?”

“He refused the examination, but he accepted the attending physician. That kind of persuasion is originally the doctor’s role……”

When Melissa glared at him, Daniel cleared his throat and closed his mouth.

“Alright, good luck.”

Averting his gaze, Daniel sipped his coffee.

₊˚🦢✩

That night, Alex was working in his quarters.

The sound of his pen scratching busily echoed in the quiet, almost silent office.

It was a monster subjugation status report that the Baron, heading to the capital the next day, would deliver to the Emperor.

Alex, who was writing the report with a stiff posture, put down his pen at the sound of the doorbell.

Thinking the Baron might have come regarding tomorrow’s audience with the Emperor, Alex opened the door without asking who it was.

“Oh.”

He made eye contact with Melissa, who was about to ring the bell again.

“How can you just open the door without checking who it is?”

Melissa’s voice, laced with displeasure, reached him.

It was followed by a nagging remark about how someone of his rank as a commander lacked caution.

However, Alex, without any particular reaction, indifferently asked the attending physician who had come unannounced,

“Why have you come when I didn’t call for you?”

“That……”

Melissa hesitated before speaking up with courage.

“I was wondering if you were alright.”

“I’m fine.”

“Then, just a little bit of blood……”

“I’ll decline. Goodbye.”

Melissa quickly stuck her foot between the closing door.

The door caught on her shoe.

Alex frowned and turned to Melissa.

“It’s the foot I injured before.”

“…….”

“It hasn’t healed yet.”

Melissa pointed at her trapped foot.

“……Ow.”

Her clumsy appeal to pain was ridiculous, but Alex eventually opened the door.

“Thank you.”

Although he hadn’t told her to come in, Melissa quickly and naturally entered the quarters.

As Melissa headed towards the living room, the sound of Alex’s footsteps faded behind her.

“Your Grace, where are you going?”

“I was in the middle of working.”

“Ah, I must have interrupted you. Then I’ll wait until you’re finished.”

“…….”

When he frowned, Melissa smiled innocently.

“The sofa looks very comfortable. Please don’t mind me and continue your work.”

“…….”

Her excessive friendliness was disconcerting, but Alex went back into his office without saying anything.

As soon as he disappeared, Melissa breathed a sigh of relief.

She thought she would be kicked out right away, but she had managed to get inside.

She felt a glimmer of hope that she might be able to draw some blood for testing.

The sofa was large and comfortable, which was a bonus.

₊˚🦢✩

“I can’t believe this!”

The next morning, Melissa burst out of Alex’s quarters.

She ran straight to the medical wing and leaned against the station, panting.

“Are you alright, Doctor?”

When Carol asked, Melissa just raised her hand, catching her breath, and said she was fine.

A moment later, Melissa, with a calmer face, lifted her head to check the time.

“I have time before rounds, so I’ll quickly go wash up.”

“Alright.”

Did she not go back to the dormitory?

Carol wanted to ask, but Melissa didn’t seem to be in the state to answer, so she kept her mouth shut.

After Melissa disappeared into the locker room, the Baron entered the medical wing.

Carol waved, and the Baron approached with a smile.

“What brings you here, Baron? Didn’t you say you were going to the capital today?”

“I heard something interesting, so I came to check.”

“What story?”

Baron’s expression was full of mischievous interest.

When Carol tilted her head closer with a curious look, Baron whispered,

“This morning, Dr. Melissa came out of the Duke’s quarters.”

“Gasp!”

“A few of the guys saw it, and the whole Knights’ Order is in an uproar.”

Carol, startled at first, then seemingly understanding, whispered back to Baron,

“No wonder. I noticed her clothes were the same as yesterday.”

“Really? So then, is it true?”

“Hmm. But something feels off.”

Carol crossed her arms with a serious look.

The Melissa she saw this morning didn’t look like she’d just spent a good time with a man.

“Aren’t you Vice-Commander Baron? What brings you here?”

Melissa, who came out wiping her face with a towel, saw Baron and approached the station.

“Good morning, Dr. Melissa.”

“Yes. I’ve given up on being a good doctor, so I might as well try to have a good morning.”

“Excuse me?”

Baron asked back, looking puzzled.

However, Melissa put down the towel with a determined face and adjusted her doctor’s coat.

“Well then, I’ll be going to see Viscount Ferris.”

“Why?”

“I’m quitting as the Duke’s attending physician.”

Melissa smiled brightly.

But her smile was so chilling that Carol and Baron, unable to ask why, closed their mouths like clams.

While the two exchanged glances, Melissa took a deep breath.

Then, she quickly disappeared towards the Viscount’s office.

The couple left behind, fixed their gazes on her back and whispered,

“It doesn’t seem like that kind of thing happened, does it? The atmosphere is quite chilling.”

“You’re right. What did the Duke do? Dr. Melissa rarely gets that angry.”

“What could the Duke have possibly done to Dr. Melissa all night in his quarters to make her so upset?”

But no matter how hard they racked their brains, nothing came to mind.

₊˚🦢✩

“I’m resigning as the Duke’s attending physician.”

The Viscount let out a small sigh as soon as he saw Melissa’s flushed face.

Rather than pointing out her rudeness in barging in first thing in the morning, his intuition told him to appease her.

“Are you giving up on your patient?”

“I’m trying to respect the patient’s opinion.”

Hmm, this won’t work.

Viscount Ferris quickly gave up.

“I admit the Duke is a difficult patient to deal with. That’s why the special allowance is high.”

“I failed to build rapport with the Duke. I don’t think there’s any room for improvement.”

Ah, the special allowance doesn’t work either.

Viscount Ferris gave up on the realistic bait as well.

“Dean Reynolds will be disappointed if he hears this.”

Flinch.

Melissa reacted.

Professor Reynolds, her mentor, was a benefactor who had extended a helping hand to Melissa when she was in difficulty.

“Actually, the Duke has never received treatment from any other doctor besides you.”

“What? That’s impossible.”

“It’s true. He doesn’t get injured often, but he never shows any sign of pain.”

No wonder his whole body was covered in scars.

Melissa grimaced.

“So, when I heard that he received treatment from you, I was quite surprised. And relieved.”

Melissa finally understood why Viscount Ferris and Carol had given her meaningful looks when she mentioned treating Alex.

“Even if he dislikes doctors, why would he refuse treatment?”

There was no way Alex wouldn’t know that if the commander collapses, it would cause chaos in the chain of command.

“Well, everyone relies on the Duke emotionally, so maybe he’s doing it for the morale of the medical officers.”

“…….”

So he endured the high fever and pain, suffering alone?

The image of him stubbornly refusing treatment and telling everyone not to tell anyone, now transformed into a poignant image in Melissa’s mind.

A rising sense of sympathy gradually calmed her anger.

“Anyway, I understand your decision. But how about you decide after a month? If you still don’t want to do it then, I won’t hold you back any longer.”

Maybe her mind will change after receiving the special allowance.

Viscount Ferris decided to buy some time.

“……Alright.”

In the end, Melissa couldn’t refuse any further and left.

Hearing him out, she felt sorry for Alex, and her anger subsided.

Personally, she was also concerned about Professor Reynolds.

Still, she wasn’t completely fine.

‘How did I get so entangled with that man?’

As she trudged back to the station, she happened to see Alex entering the medical wing.

He walked straight towards Baron, who was at the station.

Melissa watched him, standing lopsidedly with her hands in the pockets of her white coat.

Alex exchanged a few words with Baron, and soon Baron left the station.

Then, after exchanging brief greetings with Carol, he turned his head slightly in Melissa’s direction.

Their eyes met before she could avoid it.

Melissa immediately turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.

Fortunately, Betsy happened to pass by, so she naturally struck up a conversation and left the spot.

‘Is she avoiding me?’

They definitely made eye contact.

Alex stared blankly at Melissa.

Carol, following Alex’s gaze, noticed Melissa and subtly said,

“Dr. Melissa, I heard you’re resigning as the attending physician?”

Alex only frowned slightly and didn’t say anything.

He hadn’t agreed to the attending physician for medical treatment anyway.

So it didn’t matter to Alex if Melissa quit.

“I’ll be going now.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Take care.”

Even if she wasn’t his attending physician, there would be many ways to find out about Melissa.

Still, it felt awkward and irritating.

Without knowing why, Alex silently moved on.

₊˚🦢✩

The capital of the Cedes Empire, befitting a continental superpower, was the most developed and prosperous place.

The Imperial Palace, located in the very center of the capital, was magnificent and splendid.

“Alex sent you?”

Baron, who was waiting in the Emperor’s office, rose from his seat.

Lucian, the young emperor of the Cedes Empire, walked in gracefully, his blond hair as splendid as the palace, or even more so, fluttering in the air.

“Yes. It’s about the gate appearance.”

“Really? Sending Vice-Commander Osern means it must be important.”

Unlike Baron’s serious face, Lucian’s tone was light.

He casually perched on his desk and quickly scanned the report Baron handed him.

“I see.”

Lucian tossed the report onto the desk as if throwing it away.

“How long do you think it will take for the barrier to collapse?”

“Since the gate appearance period has shortened, I think it will happen soon.”

The emperor fell into deep thought with a serious face.

But only for a moment, his handsome lips soon curved into a smile.

It had only been a month since his ascension to the throne.

To solidify his position as the new emperor, the most effective way was to show achievements that would excite the citizens of the empire.

And there was nothing like monster subjugation for that achievement.

It would be good to remind the citizens of the power of the time-honored founding myth once again.

“Tell Duke Norton. I’ll go myself.”

“Your Majesty will go in person?”

Baron asked in surprise, and Lucian smiled.

“Why are you so surprised? Just because I became emperor doesn’t mean I’ve changed that much.”

“But since you’ve ascended to the throne, you don’t need to put yourself in danger……”

“As you know, there’s an important reason for subjugating the monsters. There’s no need to waste time.”

“Ah.”

Baron bowed his head apologetically.

Despite the dramatic development of weapons, it was still inefficient to completely eliminate monsters.

Pistols and rifles had difficulty penetrating the monsters’ thick hides.

Large-scale anti-aircraft guns caused significant collateral damage.

Therefore, Alex or Lucian, both Sword Masters, were the most effective ‘weapons’ against monsters.

As the emperor said, if the two of them joined forces, they could end the monster subjugation the fastest.

“It is regrettable that our strength is insufficient.”

At Baron’s words, Lucian shrugged nonchalantly.

“Don’t mention it. It’s because it’s the Yellow Knights that they’ve come this far. Any other requests?”

“Before we launch the main operation, we need rear personnel and medical staff to protect the civilians.”

“Ah, right. Prepare enough additional supplies.”

“Thank you. I’ve organized it separately, so I’ll inform the relevant departments.”

“Do that.”

Lucian smiled lightly at Baron, who was standing still at attention.

“Are you planning to return today?”

“No. I plan to depart early the day after tomorrow.”

“I see. Since you’ve come to the capital after a long time, get some rest. I’ll see you at the Yellow Knights’ garrison next time.”

₊˚🦢✩

“Wow. That’s so flashy, is that also the army?”

“It’s the army. And His Majesty’s direct elite forces. They say it’s a collection of only elites.”

Melissa and Carol were watching the Emperor and his Royal Guards, who had just arrived, through the break room window.

Alex greeted the emperor in front of the headquarters.

Dressed in the Yellow Knights’ uniform, he looked impeccable.

His perfectly fitted uniform, as if made for him, was even subtly sexy.

“Thanks to our Duke, my eyes are blessed today.”

At Carol’s admiration, Melissa made a sullen face.

She agreed, but she was tired of that uniform now.

She had chased him around so much that it was familiar to the point she felt like she could attach the rank insignia and numerous medals on the uniform to their correct positions with her eyes closed.

“Is this the first time you’ve seen His Majesty in person, Carol?”

“I’ve seen him from far away, looking as small as a bean. This is the first time this close.”

Carol giggled softly in anticipation.

“I hear His Majesty is a tremendous beauty, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

“The Vice-Commander will be upset if he hears that.”

“Who cares?”

Carol’s curt tone suggested they hadn’t reconciled since their last fight.

“Why don’t you just make up already?”

“Hmph. No way. I won’t even if he gets down on his knees and begs.”

“You don’t even remember what you fought about in the first place.”

Melissa chided in a somewhat indifferent tone.

She knew well from experience that the saying, “A lovers’ quarrel is a renewal of love,” was true.

Carol glared at her husband, standing right behind Alex, with a disgruntled face.

“Don’t get married, just date. It’s too complicated trying to break up.”

“You don’t mean that.”

Melissa chuckled, rested her chin on her hand, and waited for the emperor to appear.

Since they couldn’t see the whole procession from the break room window, they had to wait until Alex approached closer to see the emperor’s face.

Soon, the Royal Guards parted to both sides, and the emperor walked between them.

Finally facing the emperor, Alex saluted, and the emperor patted his shoulder, followed by a brief conversation.

“Wow, his blond hair is so shiny.”

The blond hair, as if dyed with melted gold, shone dazzlingly in the early summer sunlight.

Alex stepped aside to let the emperor pass.

The emperor, about to move on, looked around and turned his head towards Melissa and Carol.

The moment she met the emperor’s sharp, shining golden eyes, she had the illusion that he smiled faintly.

Melissa, surprised, lifted her head, which had been resting on her hand.

‘No way.’

They were quite far apart; there was no way their eyes really met.

And he certainly didn’t smile.

As she blinked in surprise, the emperor entered the headquarters with Alex.

The Royal Guards moved in unison according to Baron’s instructions.

As the bustling scene ended, Melissa and Carol moved away from the window and sat at the table.

“Dr. Melissa, which one is your type? Still the Duke? Or His Majesty?”

“What do you mean ‘still’? Why are you so sure the Duke is my type?”

Melissa’s expression immediately turned serious.

“Why? You kept saying he was a very handsome man from the moment you first met him.”

“Th-that’s……”

Melissa stammered, seemingly flustered.

“I have eyes, too, so I know he’s handsome. But that doesn’t mean he’s my type.”

Carol smiled, staring intently at Melissa as she coyly denied it.

“Then His Majesty?”

“Why are we talking about this? It won’t happen anyway.”

“Why not? What’s wrong with you? You’re pretty, capable, and have a good personality.”

“Oh, I know that.”

She laughed playfully in response, but Melissa knew realistically it was difficult.

A normal relationship and marriage were impossible for the daughter of a fallen Earl’s family, and on top of that, the daughter of a criminal.

Melissa had already realized this fact during her medical school days.

Not that she had any thoughts about dating or marriage, then or now.

“Then which one is your type, Carol?”

“What’s the point? I’m a married woman.”

Carol said indifferently, resting her chin on her hand.

“Well, this is a really pointless conversation.”

“So make up with the Vice-Commander quickly. You need to focus on reality.”

“Sigh.”

Carol pouted and let out an exaggerated sigh.

Now that the emperor had arrived, Baron would be extremely busy.

She briefly regretted not reconciling sooner, as they would become awkward if they missed the opportunity.

Carol subtly turned to Melissa.

Melissa, seemingly having lost interest in the emperor, was indifferently reviewing a chart.

“Dr. Melissa, are you really going to resign as the attending physician?”

“It’s not up to me.”

Without looking up from the chart, Melissa answered indifferently.

“I’m the one who said I’d quit, but the fundamental problem is that the Duke doesn’t want it.”

“Hmm.”

Carol narrowed her eyes and stared at Melissa, who was engrossed in the chart.

Until now, Viscount Ferris was the only medical staff member involved with the Duke.

Carol did have conversations with Alex, but that was because she was Baron’s wife.

However, Melissa was not only involved as medical staff but also had personal conversations with him.

Although she was neglected, Melissa was the first person besides Baron to set foot in Alex’s quarters.

So, Carol thought Melissa must be a significant presence to Alex.

“Has the Duke called for you since then?”

“No, not at all.”

There had been no monster appearances, so there was no chance to encounter Alex.

Since she said she was quitting, Viscount Ferris even encouraged her to take it easy.

So Melissa had been doing nothing related to Alex.

Or rather, it was safe to say she was avoiding him.

“Doesn’t it bother you?”

Melissa’s hand, writing on the chart, momentarily paused.

“I don’t have time to worry about a healthy person.”

Melissa calmly continued organizing the chart.

Carol, watching her, quietly rose from her seat.

“I should stop slacking off. I’ll go back to the station first.”

“Okay, see you later.”

With her eyes still fixed on the chart, Melissa waved her pen-holding hand nonchalantly.

Only after hearing the door close did she let out a small sigh and lift her head.

It was a lie to say she wasn’t bothered.

She suddenly worried if he had a fever again or if he was uncomfortable anywhere.

Tapping the chart nervously with her pen, Melissa shook her head vigorously.

At least it was true that she didn’t have time.

There were still many patients, not healthy ones, who needed her care.

₊˚🦢✩

“Still a bare office, I see.”

“A desk and a safe are all I need.”

“Consistently boring bastard.”

Left alone, Lucian plopped down comfortably on the sofa.

Alex also sat down, and the aide nervously served them coffee before leaving.

“Ugh.”

Lucian frowned as soon as he took a sip and immediately put the coffee cup down. It tasted as bitter as poison.

“What’s wrong with this coffee?”

“It’s Keynesian beans.”

“You drink such good beans like this? Is there something wrong with your tongue?”

It was a bit strong, but it didn’t taste particularly strange.

Alex drank his coffee without replying.

Lucian, watching him with a dumbfounded look, clicked his tongue and leaned back on the sofa. Then he turned his head and looked out the window.

The weather, entering early summer, showed signs of getting hotter soon.

“The Muran Empire’s movements are suspicious. You’ve received the report, haven’t you?”

“They also need results since it hasn’t been long since their enthronement.”

“Thanks to someone, the crown prince was completely destroyed.”

Lucian laughed cheerfully in front of Alex.

However, the commander-in-chief of the Cedes Imperial Army, who had led the war against the Muran Empire to victory three years ago, remained silent, seemingly indifferent.

“You should have taken it easy. Then the Muran Emperor wouldn’t be grinding his teeth so much.”

The Muran Crown Prince, who ascended the throne after the war, declared at his coronation ceremony that he would repay the debts from his time as crown prince.

He not only strengthened his military power but also made special efforts to grasp the movements of the Cedes Empire.

“Spies are actively roaming all over Cedes. It’s so blatant that it’s hard to ignore.”

Lucian sighed theatrically and leaned back on the sofa.

“So let’s wrap things up here as quickly as possible.”

“Yes.”

“So.”

Lucian crossed his legs and asked leisurely,

“What’s the situation? The gate opening cycle is getting shorter.”

“Haven’t you already seen it?”

“I stopped. When you noticed.”

“…….”

“Besides, the capital alone is overwhelming. The contents of your report are all I know.”

“Then we have a lot to discuss.”

Alex spread a map on the table.

₊˚🦢✩

After a brief chat, Lucian and Alex went on an inspection of the Knights’ Order.

Acknowledging their hard work and boosting morale was a superficial but important task for the emperor.

Even if the Yellow Knights Order was a private army that pledged allegiance to Duke Norton, not the emperor.

While moving to the medical wing, the emperor casually asked Alex,

“I heard you have an attending physician?”

“It’s just a formality.”

“What do you mean? If you have one, you should make the most of it. Besides, Viscount Ferris praised her skills.”

“So, those skills should be used where they’re really needed, rather than on me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Do you think you can last long? If you don’t want to end up like your predecessor, no matter how much you dislike it……”

“We’ve arrived.”

Although he dared to interrupt the emperor, Lucian, as if used to it, brushed it off casually.

Lucian gave a brilliant smile to Viscount Ferris and the medical staff who came out to greet him.

Alex silently scanned them from behind as they welcomed the emperor.

Melissa wasn’t there.

Perhaps intending to stay out of sight until called, she hadn’t been seen since that time.

She used to be so noticeable, almost annoyingly so, but now she was completely hidden, not even a single hair in sight.

She was a strange woman.

Whether she was noticeable or not, she grated on his nerves.

“Is this all the medical staff?”

Lucian asked, looking at the medical staff lined up on both sides after shaking hands with Viscount Ferris.

“No. Some personnel are on standby in the wards and emergency room in case of emergencies.”

“I see.”

Lucian stepped inside, guided by Viscount Ferris.

Today, the emperor’s final official schedule, the inspection of the medical wing, had begun.

₊˚🦢✩