A Genius Pharmacist Whom the Empress Is Obsessed With

Confrontation.

“…How did I even wear this in the past?”

Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Eden continued to adjust his cravat. It was made of soft silk, but it felt suffocating to the point of madness. It was clear that it was because he had been accustomed to wearing light shirts, tunics, and robes.

In his thoughts, he wanted to take off the cravat, waistcoat, and everything and just be free, but today he had to wear proper formal attire.

Today was the day of the opening ceremony for the Imperial Medical Hospital.

“Oh, uh, is it here?”

The office door opened slightly, and a woman stuck her head out. It was Sane.

Her gray hair, which was disheveled in all directions, was neatly tied up, and her flushed face was glowing white. It seemed she had received the help of a skilled maid from the palace.

“Come in, Sane. I’m sorry, but could you wait a little?”

After Edoon’s words, Sane shyly nodded her head and headed towards the rocking chair in the corner of the office.

The rocking chair that Edoon had arranged with Sabe was receiving the love of everyone who came to the office. Sane was also one of the people who liked Edoon’s rocking chair.

“When I sit on this chair, I feel…good.”

Sane said this as she started rocking her body back and forth. It was a much more comfortable posture than when they first met.

“Well, that means she’s more relaxed.”

Since the day after she applied to be Edoon’s partner, Edoon wholeheartedly helped Sane with her research.

One of Sane’s research projects was to create a universal antidote that could be used anytime and anywhere. It was made with easily accessible herbs.

“Although the effectiveness of this universal antidote may be slightly lower, it can save those who are poisoned by poisonous plants.”

Some people mocked her research, but for Edoon, it was an interesting topic.

As a pharmacist, it was very enjoyable to create new medicines by blending different herbs.

As a result, Sane and Edoon became much more comfortable with each other in just a few days. They had reached the level of showing kindness as co-workers.

“Hoo…,”

As Edoon finished tidying up her outfit, Sane made a strange sound.

After spending a few days together, it meant that Sane felt uncomfortable in some way when she made a sigh-like sound.

“What’s bothering you, Sane?”

“I, I feel a little nervous standing in front of so many people.”

Sane muttered as she touched her hair.

“I am from Laf. I hope I won’t be considered a burden at the hospital.”

From the perspective of the Empire, the Laf people were exotic and peculiar foreigners.

Not all Empire citizens had an open-minded view like Ella, so it was natural for Sane to worry.

“Don’t worry too much. It’ll be fine. Even if someone complains, I’m sure the hospital director will handle it well.”

Finished speaking, Edoon picked up the decoration that was placed on the drawer. It was the ornament that Sven gave her this morning and said that partners should wear similar decorations.

“So don’t worry and let’s go.”

Edoon held out the decorative medal towards Sane. Sane slowly nodded her head and received the medal with two herbal leaves drawn on it.

***

The Imperial Medical Office opening ceremony was crowded with countless people. The majority of those gathered were commoners.

For nobles who had personal physicians, the opening of the Imperial Medical Office would not make a big difference. But for the commoners, it was different. In a situation where it was difficult to get proper treatment and medicine, they could only cheer for the appearance of the Imperial Medical Office, where they could receive cheap or free medical treatment.

Idun and Sua followed Sven’s guidance and headed to their respective places. The chairs lined up below the table on the left were for the research members.

Sitting in his seat and glancing around, it seemed like Sua was having a conversation with the knight who would be her guard. Fortunately, Sua’s guard seemed to be a woman.

Ella was sitting opposite Idun. Next to Ella, who was dressed in a beautiful blue uniform, there was a luxurious chair adorned with delicate wooden decorations.

‘The Empress hasn’t appeared yet.’

Seeing that she hadn’t revealed herself yet, it seemed like the Empress would only show herself once the food was ready.

Just the thought of facing the Empress made Idun’s heart flutter slightly. It was because of what Ella had told him about Ruedimaine a few days ago.

How splendidly and confidently she must have grown up, and whether she still remembered him even a little bit of what Ella had said. He had heard that she was ill, but now he wondered if she was fine.

As Idun was lost in his thoughts about the Empress, Sven seemed to notice someone and straightened up. There weren’t many people who could make Sven bow his head in this situation.

When Idun turned his head, he saw Viscount Peniard walking towards them, dressed neatly in a dark blue uniform.

“You’re here, Viscount.”

Idun also greeted the Viscount with a bow.

“Yes, you. Have you been well? Idun, have you been well too?”

After exchanging greetings, the Viscount instructed Sven in Mouar and then approached Idun and whispered.

“Idun, there is something I would like to discuss before dinner, as there is still time.”

If the Viscount was saying this, there was clearly a problem that needed to be addressed before the meal.

Idun obediently followed the Viscount.

*

The place the Viscount took Idun was a secluded garden. As Sven kept watch around them, the Viscount began to speak.

“Idun, are you planning to act under your real name from now on? If you wish, you can use an alias.”

“…An alias?”

“Yes, an alias. It’s okay to change your hair color as well.”

The Viscount was suggesting that Idun conceal his identity.

“Is it because of Her Majesty?”

“…It’s not simply because of Her Majesty. Ella has already told Her Majesty that you have returned.”

The Viscount covered his ears and eyes. It seemed to mean that there were people he had planted in the palace.

“Idun, what I am concerned about is you.”

“….”

“If you stay at the Imperial Medical Office, you will inevitably meet many people. Among them, someone will surely be curious about you and naturally try to uncover your past exploits. Don’t think of what I’m saying as an exaggeration. You…”

The viscount hesitated before continuing.

“Because you are a special person in many ways….”

It seemed that the viscount was aware of Eden’s different abilities and worried that Eden might reveal his own abilities.

“Before the specific list of royal medical personnel is announced, this is your last chance to hide your true identity.”

“I’m fine.”

Eden answered without hesitation.

He would not openly reveal his power. The power he possessed was a seed that could cause chaos, so it was best to hide it if possible.

However, he had no fear of his power being revealed and did not intend to hide it like in the past.

“No matter what happens, I will protect my people, and I believe that those around me will protect me as well.”

The viscount’s eyes widened as he listened to Eden’s answer. It seemed that he thought Eden would naturally hide his identity.

“I never doubted that Count, I always trust and protect you. Whether you are Eden or anyone else.”

“Thank you, Viscount.”

In response to Eden’s grateful words, the viscount burst into laughter.

***

“Ah, it’s been a few days since we last saw each other, and your face looks so tired.”

Piacca continued her nagging.

Curious about whether her face really looked that terrible, Rudiomine looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Whether it was because she had lost weight or her face had become worn out, the woman in the mirror looked exceptionally splendid. It was unbelievable that it was Rudiomine’s own reflection.

“Oh? Your Majesty, is something bothering you?”

Piacca, who had been busy playing with her hands, opened her mouth. Following Piacca’s gaze, Rudiomine turned her head and noticed her trembling left hand.

Not only her left hand, but Rudiomine’s whole body was trembling.

“Would you like me to bring you some medicine?”

“No, no. I’m fine. Can you bring me a cup of tea?”

No matter how hard she tried to calm herself, the fact that she was going to face Eden became more burdensome.

“…Should I pretend to be sick and not attend the opening ceremony?”

As much as she had longed to see Eden, as the time to meet him approached, fear gradually crept in.

The cold gaze Eden had when they met at Umstendel Castle. Just the thought of meeting that gaze again felt like her throat was filled with a big stone.

“Ella said Eden doesn’t hate me or hold any grudges against me….”

In reality, a person’s emotions could change greatly when they actually met.

“No, it can’t be like this.”

Hadn’t she made a promise to herself that she would endure anything if it meant being able to find Eden again?

“Let’s not do anything that we’ll regret.”

Rudimine repeated this to herself, clenching her fists tightly.