A Genius Pharmacist Whom the Empress Is Obsessed With

Worry.

Standing before Ella was Ludimina’s maid, Piaka.

Even though it had been a long time since she became the Empress, Ludimina didn’t have separate maids or aides. No, she didn’t even increase the number of dedicated maids.

Wherever and whenever she went, the only ones guarding the Empress were Polka and Piaka, just the two of them.

In order to properly lead the country, Rüdimine had to handle both major and minor issues in various fields quickly and accurately, so she spent sleepless nights day after day.

There were concerns about her health, as well as concerns about efficiency, and people around her even suggested that she at least appoint a chief secretary or secretary.

However, Rüdimine always repeated the same words.

“It is important to avoid unnecessary complications by keeping those who don’t trust me by my side.”

Since Rüdimine herself said so, no one around her could stop her anymore.

When the ruler focused on matters of life and death, it was natural for those underneath to be affected. Despite being in her mid-20s, Piaka had dark circles under her eyes and her complexion was not good.

“Hello, Ella. What brings you here?”

“I have discovered a good medicine and came to inquire about His Majesty’s opinion.”

“Ah! Please wait a moment!”

It took a considerable amount of time before Ella could enter Rüdimine’s office.

“It’s been a long time. I’m sorry, I had something important to take care of….”

Rüdimine greeted Ella as she cleared the papers scattered on her desk.

“No, Your Majesty. Don’t worry. I came here on my own accord.”

“On your own accord? No, not at all. By the way, what brings you here? It doesn’t seem like it’s time for your treatment yet…”

“Ah, it’s nothing special…”

Clearly, when she was standing in front of the door, Ella had a strong desire to improve her relationship with Rüdimine. However, when she actually faced Rüdimine, Ella couldn’t bring herself to reveal her true feelings.

As Ella hesitated, Rüdimine nodded slowly and spoke.

“Piaka, can you bring warm water and a towel? My left arm itches, so I think I need to wash it.”

Rüdimine was asking Piaka to stand by for a moment. Perhaps understanding her intention, Piaka quickly left the room without a word.

As the sound of the door closing echoed, leaving only the two of them in the office, Rüdimine stood up from her seat.

“Shall we sit down and talk for now?”

Rüdimine guided Ella to the sofa and started to boil tea with her own hands.

“I don’t know what the matter is, but feel free to talk to me comfortably. If there’s something I can help with, I’ll do my best.”

Rüdimine’s attitude was confident and relaxed. It was completely different from when she was in the bedroom.

“It’s not something else, but I want to take on the position of managing the Royal Medical Center that you mentioned before.”

Upon hearing Ella’s words, Rüdimine turned around hurriedly.

“Manage the Royal Medical Center? Suddenly?”

“Yes.”

“But didn’t you say that it would be difficult even with just your university studies?”

“…”

“However, it’s a little strange that I would be entrusted with this suddenly. Is there something going on?”

There was something going on indeed. Not only was Edun, whom they thought had died ten years ago, alive and well, but he was also working at the royal medical center.

“If it’s because of Viscount Peniad’s coercion or because you feel sorry for me, you don’t have to take on the job at the medical center.”

“No, it’s not because of that.”

“Then?”

“Well, just because. I thought it was something I should do.”

Ella’s mouth felt dry as she tried to lie unnecessarily.

To be honest, she couldn’t make a decision on whether she should tell Roudimine that Edun was alive or not.

Ella’s father, Viscount Peniad, took the stance of waiting until Edun revealed it himself.

“He said that, but maybe he’s worried that my sister might make a mistake.”

Just like ten years ago when Roudimine made a mistake and made Edun disappear, it was clear that she was worried that Roudimine might hide him again because of her mistakes.

Although she had changed a lot since then, a person’s innate personality never changed.

As far as Ella knew, Roudimine was a very emotional person.

What would happen if she told Roudimine that Edun was alive?

It could result in Roudimine making a fuss in order to hold onto him. Roudimine’s obsession with finding Edun during the past ten years was close to madness…

If that happened, Edun, feeling burdened, could run away.

“And I don’t know what Edun thinks of my sister.”

Considering Edun’s personality, she didn’t think he would hate or resent Roudimine, but what was inside a person was something no one knew.

Roudimine was the one who hurt Edun. So there was still a possibility that Edun might dislike Roudimine.

For this reason, Ella didn’t want to bring up the story of Edun to Roudimine. No, she was scared. She was afraid that her decision would bring about irreversible consequences.

But if she pretended not to know anything and kept her mouth shut, it felt like she was deceiving Roudimine, so she couldn’t feel good about it.

“No, deceiving is the right word. No matter what the reason is, I am having these concerns because I don’t trust my sister.”

Unable to say anything, Ella listened as Roudimine spoke with a faint smile.

“I asked you something unnecessary, didn’t I? I would be relieved if Ella took care of it. I have no choice but to trust someone else, but still, I need to be able to trust them.”

“….”

“Thank you, Ella, for taking on the job at the royal medical center.”

“….”

“I might not know anything else, but I think I have at least one good younger sister.”

As Roudimine’s words grew longer, Ella’s heart became heavier.

This can’t go on. With that thought in mind, Ella finally spoke, thinking about the reason why she had come to Roudimine’s office.

“…Your Majesty. No, Sister.”

Perhaps it was because she hadn’t heard the word “sister” in such a long time. Ruddymin’s eyes, which had been curving beautifully, suddenly widened.

“Can you promise me just one thing?”

Pheniad had been a shadow noble family serving the emperor since ancient times. So, this time too, she had to trust the ruler, the empress.

***

“….”

Why is this woman here?

Eden doubted her own eyes.

As Eden stood frozen in place, the woman seemed to feel his gaze and raised her head, which had been lowered.

“Oh! Ah!”

The woman, who locked eyes with Eden, let out a strange exclamation. The woman he had met in the hallway was the suspicious woman he had encountered in the pharmacy.

“I guess that woman also works at the Imperial Medical Center.”

Sven, who was standing beside him, whispered to Eden.

“Only those related to the Imperial Medical Center can enter until the opening ceremony. Even messengers can’t come in.”

While Sven was explaining various things to Eden, the woman wearing glasses approached Eden, stepping softly.

“Ah, here, I didn’t expect to see you here!”

“Oh, yes.”

Of all the people, it had to be a colleague from work. Eden nodded his head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“It seems like you also work at the medical center. Nice to meet you. I’m Suane!”

Suane bowed her waist. Although no sound came out, Eden had the strange feeling that he heard a slight creak.

Although he had sensed it in the pharmacy, her body movements were really like a malfunctioning doll.

“…My name is Eden. Nice to meet you.”

“Heehee.”

The woman who received Eden’s greeting let out a strange laughter as if she was delighted.

“Well then.”

Now that the awkward greeting was over, Eden tried to pass by the woman. Although they were colleagues, there was no need to get too close.

However, Suane seemed to have no intention of letting Eden go.

“If you have time, how about having tea or something?”

“…Tea?”

“Yes, yes! Right in front is my personal office.”

Sane pointed his finger towards somewhere.

Only research fellows at the Imperial Medical Center were allowed to have personal offices.

“Being a research fellow, she must have some decent skills….”

However, there was no reason for him to have a drink with a woman. From their first meeting, things had already become complicated with this woman.

Furthermore, Sane’s behavior was quite suspicious. Whether it was in the pharmacy or now, she couldn’t meet his gaze directly, only stealing glances at him. It was as if she had committed a crime.

“I’m sorry, I’m a bit busy.”

“Huh? Oh?”

“If you have a chance, please invite me later. I would appreciate it.”

“But, but!”

When Sane tried to avoid her and change direction, she rushed over again, blocking his path.

“You won’t regret it if you come to my room!”

“….”

“Because I have recorded every herb in the world. So, you will be able to find the information about the licorice you were looking for!”

“It’s alright.”

“No, really, just come once! I’m not lying! Okay?”

While Sven was openly frowning, the woman called Sane continued speaking without caring.

In a way, she was quite an extraordinary woman.