A Villainess's Redemption as a Doctor

Minseok's eyes slowly opened to the soft glow of the morning light spilling through the curtains. 

The air in the room felt still, and for a moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling. 

The previous night's events had left him with little rest, but his mind was too busy to allow him to sleep peacefully. 

He had spent the evening trying to navigate a web of politics he hadn't fully understood until now. 

Balancing the relationships of the people close to him was exhausting, to say the least.

He realized that the palace wasn't just a home to royalty; it was a battlefield where every word was carefully chosen, every gesture scrutinized.

While Seraphina had perfected after years of neglect from her father, he realized that he couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a second. 

He grit his teeth in frustration.

"...I'm…"

A sudden knock on the door jolted him from his thoughts. 

"Your Highness?" Maid Rhea's voice came through, soft and polite. 

"May I enter?"

"You may," Minseok replied, though his voice was tinged with weariness.

The door opened, and Rhea entered, carrying a small tray. 

She placed it carefully on the table beside him, her eyes briefly meeting him with a certain measure of caution. 

She knew the toll the events of the palace had taken on Seraphina, even if the princess showed little outward sign of it.

"The king has requested your presence this evening," Rhea said, her tone respectful but carrying an underlying seriousness. 

"He has called for a dinner"

Minseok blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. 

A dinner with the king was never a simple affair. 

He was not one to indulge in frivolities, and these dinners often carried more weight than any official decree. 

The king's summons was not an invitation, it was an order.

"When?" 

Minseok asked, already sensing that the evening would not bring peace.

"Tonight, Your Highness," Rhea replied, giving him a small bow before continuing. 

"His Majesty... wishes to speak with you about recent matters. The reforms you've been working on"

Minseok's expression darkened, his mind immediately going to the medical reforms he had been secretly pushing forward. 

The king had been slow to approve any change, and Minseok could already guess that his father's patience had worn thin. 

The thought of the king confronting him in front of the other nobles made his stomach tighten. 

The dinner would be a test, a dangerous one.

"I see," Minseok said, keeping his voice calm despite the unsettling feeling in his chest. 

"What is the nature of the discussion?"

Rhea hesitated for a moment, clearly aware of the tension in the air. 

"I... I'm not sure, Your Highness. But His Majesty has made it clear that he expects your full cooperation"

Minseok gave a small nod, his thoughts churning. 

His father's "cooperation" was never offered freely, and any conversation with the king was an intricate dance of power. 

There was no doubt that the dinner would not be simply about medical reforms.

It would be a platform for the king to remind Seraphina of her place or, perhaps more accurately, her lack of power. 

'So he's cutting me off the game before it goes further'

"Thank you, Rhea. I will prepare," Minseok said after a moment, trying to steady his thoughts. 

"Please make sure I am ready in time"

The maid nodded respectfully and left the room, leaving Minseok alone with his thoughts once more. 

Dinner with the king. 

Minseok's heart sank as he considered the implications. 

If the king wanted to speak with him, it was never to offer support or encouragement. 

He could already imagine the coldness in his father's eyes, the subtle yet biting words designed to remind Seraphina that she was never more than a pawn in his grand schemes.

'I am reminded every day, of just how hard your life was Seraphina' 

As he stood and moved toward the window, the weight of his situation pressed down on him. 

Every day, the stakes seemed to grow higher, and tonight, it seemed, would be no different.

With a deep breath, Minseok tried to center himself. 

The dinner would come soon enough. 

It would be another battlefield, but this time, he would walk into it with his eyes wide open.

He spent the rest of his day making medicine in secret with Lady Elira and when evening hit he made his way back to his room.

He stepped out to his deck, looking over at the palace grounds. 

The gardens were dark now, shadows cast long by the evening's approaching dusk. 

He could hear faint voices in the distance, the sounds of the evening's preparations, the hustle of servants. 

And there was a distinct sense of anticipation in the air. 

A knock at the door startled him from his reverie. 

"Your Highness," came Maid Rhea's voice, soft yet firm. 

"It is time"

Minseok nodded to himself. 

The time had come. 

He straightened his shoulders, trying to still the nervous flutter in his stomach. 

He was the princess and he would have to bear this burden, no matter how uncomfortable or oppressive it felt. 

The eyes of the kingdom were on Seraphina Lumastra, and they would not falter, not even for a moment.

That was how she lived in these moments and he will follow that path when it comes to dealing with these annoying pests.

Rhea stepped into the room, her eyes quick to assess him. 

She nodded with approval at the state of his appearance, but her gaze softened ever so slightly as she took in the tension that clung to him like a cloak. 

"Allow me to assist you, Your Highness," she said gently, motioning for the other maids to enter.

Minseok didn't resist as the maids moved toward him, their motions practiced and swift. 

They had done this countless times, but to Minseok, each step felt more like an act than ever before. 

His body was carefully undressed, the soft fabrics of the gown from earlier slipping off, leaving him vulnerable for just a moment.

The warm water of the bath awaited him, a bowl of scented oils placed beside it to soften the air. 

The maids worked with practiced precision, pouring warm water over his head, massaging the tension from his muscles, and making sure he felt at ease despite the situation. 

Rhea took the lead, her hands gentle as she combed through his damp hair and scrubbed his skin, leaving behind a soft fragrance of jasmine and rose. 

The weight of the palace, the coldness of the king's demeanor, and the uncertainty of what awaited him tonight seemed to melt away in the bath, but only for a fleeting moment. 

Once he was dried and dressed, the maids moved to their final task.

Making Seraphina Lumastra appear presentable to the court. 

The gown was a delicate blend of royal blues and silvers, the fabric smooth and light against his skin. 

Gold embroidery traced the edges, intricate and lavish. 

It was a piece that commanded attention, and yet, it felt like a shackle, one he couldn't remove. 

The makeup came next. 

Soft touches of color on his cheeks, a slight touch of powder to make his skin glow, and then the kohl around his eyes to accentuate the sharpness of Seraphina's features. 

The maids were meticulous, as though they knew the importance of every detail. 

They wanted to ensure that no one would see beyond the veil of beauty that covered the truth.

"Your Highness," Rhea said, taking a step back as she adjusted a stray lock of hair. 

"You are ready"

Minseok met her gaze in the mirror. 

There was no escaping the truth of the reflection that stared back at him. 

Seraphina Lumastra, with all her beauty and grace, was still just a puppet, a tool of the king's will. 

'It's… suffocating… and exhausting…'

With a final, steadying breath, Minseok walked toward the door, the weight of the gown settling heavily on his shoulders. 

He could already feel the tension building, the suffocating nature of the upcoming dinner. 

The king would no doubt ask questions. 

He would test Seraphina's resolve, just as he always did. 

But tonight, Minseok would not back down.

- Dining Hall -

As the door to the dining hall opened, a hush fell over the room. 

The rich scent of roasted meats and fine wine filled the air, but it was the silent gazes of the nobles that captured his attention. 

Every eye in the room turned toward him.

The princess, the image of royalty, yet beneath it all, they could not know what lay hidden within.

King Feran sat at the head of the long table, his eyes narrowing slightly as Minseok entered. 

The nobles, some familiar and others strangers, all waited with bated breath. 

Minseok could feel the weight of the expectations pressing down on him. 

Tonight, he will face the king. 

Tonight, he would prove that he wasn't simply a pawn in the game of power. 

He was Seraphina Lumastra, and he would play the part as many times as it took for him to perfect it.

Minseok walked toward the head of the table with measured steps, each one heavy with the weight of the evening. 

The murmurs around the room died down as he took his seat at the royal table, the sound of his gown rustling faintly in the stillness. 

King Feran's cold gaze never left him, as if weighing every movement, every shift of Seraphina's posture.

The nobles around the table continued to watch in silence, their expressions a mixture of curiosity, respect, and something more calculating. 

Some faces Minseok recognized, members of the royal court, and influential figures within the kingdom but others were unfamiliar. 

Their eyes, too, were on him, no doubt taking note of every detail.

"Ah, Seraphina, you've arrived just in time," King Feran's voice broke the silence, the words polite, but the underlying tone sharp. 

"I trust your day has been... productive?"

Minseok gave a slight bow of his head, keeping his expression neutral. 

"Yes, Father. As productive as can be," he answered, his voice steady, though his mind raced. 

The king nodded, his lips curling ever so slightly, but there was no warmth in his expression. 

"Good. But of course, you have your responsibilities. Your efforts must be put to good use. After all, you carry the weight of this kingdom on your shoulders"

The comment was more a reminder than praise, and Minseok could feel the subtle sting. 

He had no illusions about his place. 

Seraphina was an asset to be utilized, nothing more. 

The king's words were an extension of his belief that Minseok's existence was only valuable if it furthered his goals. 

A toy to be used and discarded when it came to ruin… just like the ending of the novel.

"..."

The atmosphere in the room thickened as the first course was served, a delicate soup, fragrant with herbs and spices, but Minseok barely noticed the food. 

His mind was occupied with the king's subtle jabs, the shifting allegiances in the room, and the fact that every noble present had their agenda. 

"Father, I've been thinking about the upcoming council meeting," Minseok began, trying to steer the conversation into safer waters. 

"I believe it's time to address the ongoing issues with Veldrin. Our position is growing increasingly precarious"

King Feran's eyes glinted with a hint of interest. 

"Is that so? And how do you suggest we approach it?"

Minseok felt the tension rise as all eyes turned toward him. 

It was a risky move, but he needed to gain some ground. 

The Veldrin situation was one of the few matters he could speak on with some authority, having fought in the war and winning against them. 

He had an inkling of what the king wanted to hear, but he also knew he couldn't afford to fall in line too easily.

"I believe we need to strengthen our alliances," Minseok said carefully, his tone calm. 

"Not only with the neighboring kingdoms but also within our own. The nobility's support is crucial for any meaningful action"

"Without unity, our position will be undermined"

There was a brief silence, and then a few of the nobles exchanged glances. 

The room was suddenly alive with low murmurs, their voices almost imperceptible but heavy with meaning. 

'Take that you damn bastards!'

King Feran's gaze didn't leave Minseok's face, his expression unreadable. 

"Unity, you say?" he echoed, his voice thoughtful, though his eyes betrayed nothing. 

"You make a fair point. But tell me, Seraphina, do you think you can unite the factions here at court?"

"They are... a difficult bunch to sway"

The challenge in his words was clear. 

Feran was testing him, seeing if Seraphina had the political acumen to handle the intricacies of the court. 

But Minseok was ready for it.

He had been preparing for moments like this, the subtle games of power and influence that ran beneath the surface.

"I believe it can be done, Father," Minseok replied with confidence. 

"But it will require more than just words. It requires action. If we prove ourselves capable and willing to lead, the rest will follow"

There was a pause before King Feran finally nodded, his sharp eyes scanning Minseok's face as though searching for any sign of weakness. 

"Very well," he said, a hint of approval slipping through the cool façade. 

"We shall see if your confidence proves true. But remember, Seraphina, the game of court is one of subtlety"

"You must never show your hand too soon"

Minseok inclined his head, the faintest hint of a smile pulling at his lips. 

The same bullshit smile he's been giving since he came into this damn world.

A forced doll-like smile that was learned to please others.

"I understand, Father"

The meal continued, but the tension in the air never fully dissipated. 

Nobles exchanged polite words, though Minseok knew they were sizing him up. 

The conversation veered from the state of the kingdom to matters of trade, alliances, and intrigue. 

Every word felt like a small battle, each noble subtly attempting to assert their position, testing their influence.

Throughout the dinner, Minseok remained observant, watching how the nobles interacted with one another. 

He took mental notes on the power dynamics in play, the alliances that seemed tenuous, the veiled threats that hung in the air, the subtle manipulations disguised as casual conversation. 

It was only when dessert was brought out, small delicate pastries and fruits, that the king spoke again, his voice cutting through the din of conversation. 

"Seraphina," Feran called, his eyes once again fixed on his daughter.

"I trust you're… extracurricular activities are progressing smoothly?"

Minseok's heart skipped a beat. 

His efforts to provide affordable medicine to the people had been done quietly, behind the scenes. 

But the king's words made it clear that the monarch was already aware of what was going on.

He always was.

"..."

"Well?"

'Talk, speak, do something but move you moron!'

"Yes, Father," Minseok answered carefully, hiding the tension in his voice. 

"I am working on expanding access to necessary treatments for the common folk. It is something I believe will benefit the kingdom in the long run"

They had this talk so many times that he realized what the king was aiming for, to break his will by forcing him into uncomfortable situations.

The king's gaze sharpened, his lips pressing together in an almost imperceptible frown. 

"Benefiting the kingdom, you say? We shall see"

Minseok's fingers tightened around his goblet. 

The king's approval was never easily granted, and the way his father's cold eyes lingered on him made it clear that this was far from a simple conversation about charity. 

It was another warning.

One that told Minseok to tread carefully.

The dinner continued in uneasy silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. 

King Feran's gaze never wavered from Minseok, and his silence felt like a weight pressing down on him as if the monarch were dissecting his every word, every action.

The nobles around the table, sensing the shift in the conversation, grew quieter. 

They, too, seemed to be waiting for some sign, a move, a misstep, something that would give them leverage. 

But Minseok refused to show weakness. 

Every word, every gesture, was calculated, his mind working behind the mask of Seraphina Lumastra's poise.

After a long stretch of silence, the king finally spoke again, his voice low and measured. 

"You should know, Seraphina, that our kingdom has enemies beyond the borders of Veldrin. The merchants and nobility within our walls are often just as dangerous"

"Your efforts to aid the people will be viewed as… an imposition. A threat to the status quo"

Minseok's heart clenched, but he remained outwardly calm. 

This was what he had been preparing for, the direct confrontation with the other nobles and the king's subtle attempts to undermine his actions. 

The tension was palpable, but Minseok refused to falter.

"And yet, Father," Minseok replied smoothly, his voice soft but firm, "it is precisely that status quo that needs to change"

"Our kingdom will not prosper if we allow the disparity between the nobility and the common folk to widen further"

"They will turn against us eventually. I would rather act now, while we still have the chance to build trust among the people"

The king's lips tightened at this, and for a moment, Minseok thought he saw a flicker of something like amusement in his eyes. 

It was a fleeting moment, but it was enough to unnerve him.

"You speak of trust," Feran said slowly, his voice a low hum, "but trust is a commodity in short supply in these halls"

"And you would do well to remember that some of the people you wish to help may not be so eager to accept your efforts"

"There is power in the suffering of others, Seraphina"

Minseok stiffened, but he kept his voice steady. 

"Power that ultimately destroys. And power that can be taken away when the people grow tired of being oppressed"

The king's gaze hardened. 

And this was the moment that Minseok knew he crossed a very delicate line.

"You think you know how the world works!"

"Be careful, my dear. You do not yet understand the full weight of the game you've chosen to play!"

The words stung, but Minseok held his ground. 

He wasn't going to back down. 

He wasn't Seraphina, the daughter that the king could control.

No, he would fight for the reforms he believed in, no matter the cost.

Before he could respond, one of the nobles, an older man with a sharp nose and a calculating gaze, spoke up, breaking the tension that had settled over the table.

"Perhaps the princess is simply ahead of her time," the noble said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. 

"Her heart is in the right place, though the methods may need some refinement"

Minseok forced a smile, recognizing the tone for what it was, an attempt to placate the king while testing the waters. 

He had seen this type of political maneuvering before. 

The older nobles were often the most dangerous, hiding their true intentions behind layers of politeness and charm.

"Yes, perhaps," Minseok replied, keeping his voice light. 

"But as you said, refinement will be needed. Perhaps in time, we'll find a way to balance the needs of the people with the expectations of the court"

The noble gave a small nod, his smile never reaching his eyes. 

"Indeed, Princess. Time will tell"

'...Yes… time will tell…'

As the meal wore on, the conversation shifted again, though the tension never fully left the room. 

It was clear to Minseok that the nobles were all testing him, probing for any weaknesses, any cracks in his resolve. 

And the king watched silently, offering no support, no guidance, only the weight of his gaze.

Finally, as the last course was served, a delicate fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate, King Feran stood, signaling the end of the meal. 

The nobles around the table slowly rose as well, murmuring polite farewells to one another.

Minseok stood with them, though his mind raced. 

The dinner had been a battle, and he was left uncertain as to whether he had won or lost. 

The king was still a formidable obstacle, and the nobles, like hungry wolves circling, would not let him rest easily. 

But he had made it through. 

The first of many dinners, and though it had been uncomfortable, it had not broken him.

As he left the dining hall, the sound of the doors closing behind him echoed in the silence, leaving him with only his thoughts. 

The night was far from over, but for now, the only thing he could do was prepare for the next challenge.

Minseok walked briskly through the dimly lit halls of the palace, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions after the tense dinner. 

The nobles, the king's biting words, everything felt like it was closing in on him, like the walls of the grand palace were growing tighter, suffocating him. 

He needed to get away, to breathe, to clear his head.

Without a word to anyone, he made his way towards somewhere he could feel just a bit of freedom. 

- The palace garden -

The night air was cool, a welcome relief from the stifling tension that had hung in the dining hall. 

The scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass filled his senses, grounding him, though the weight in his chest remained.

As he wandered deeper into the garden, the sounds of the palace faded into the distance, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of distant crickets. 

He found a small stone bench nestled beneath a flowering tree and collapsed onto it, his hands gripping the edges of the stone. 

He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, trying to calm the storm that had taken root within him.

The pressure… was unbearable. 

The constant weight of expectations from the king, the court, the nobles… it was all too much. 

His mind flashed back to the cold, calculating gaze of King Feran, the veiled threats of the nobles, and the subtle manipulations that permeated every conversation. 

He had to stay strong, had to keep up the facade, but beneath it all, Minseok felt like he was losing himself.

"Seraphina"

The voice cut through his thoughts like a blade, and Minseok's head snapped up in surprise. 

Standing a few feet away was none other than the man he had encountered last night.

The one who had saved him from the bandits. 

His dark eyes were filled with concern, though his posture remained relaxed, as though he were used to watching from the shadows.

Seraphina's heart skipped a beat. 

She had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed his presence.

"..."

"You," Minseok muttered, his voice tired but with a hint of amusement. 

"Are you always lurking around gardens and bushes, or do you have some other favorite hiding spot?"

The male lead, who Minseok knew as Kaelen, gave a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. 

There was a certain wariness about him, a sense that he, too, had his own burdens to bear. 

Still, he stepped closer, his boots making soft sounds against the grass.

"I was passing through," Kaelen said, his voice quiet, almost soothing. 

"But you seem troubled"

Minseok didn't reply immediately. 

Instead, he looked away, his gaze sweeping over the moonlit garden. 

It was too much. 

The facade, the endless games, the constant manipulation. 

Kaelen, as if sensing the turmoil inside him, took a step closer. 

"You don't have to pretend with me, Seraphina," he said gently, his tone softening. 

"I know the weight you're carrying isn't easy"

Minseok sighed deeply, a hollow sound escaping his lips. 

His shoulders slumped slightly as he leaned back against the stone bench. 

"It never ends, does it?" he muttered. 

"The expectations, the games. My father… the nobles… it's like I'm drowning in it"

Kaelen took a moment to consider his words, then moved closer, sitting on the ground beside the bench, not directly beside him, but close enough to show he wasn't going anywhere.

"You don't have to carry it all alone," Kaelen said quietly. 

"I'm here. And if you ever need to talk, to vent, I'll listen"

Minseok chuckled darkly, though the sound was tinged with bitterness. 

"I'm not sure anyone can truly understand what it's like to be Seraphina Lumastra. To be the daughter of a king who sees you as nothing more than a tool"

Kaelen's gaze softened, his eyes locking onto Minseok with an intensity that wasn't lost on him. 

"I think I understand more than you think. And… I don't see you that way"

Minseok turned his head slightly, meeting Kaelen's gaze. 

The man's eyes were sincere, something rare and genuine amidst all the lies and manipulation of the court. 

It made him hesitate, just for a moment, before he looked away again.

"Well," Minseok said, his tone light, though he couldn't fully mask the weariness in his voice.

"I appreciate the offer. But I'm pretty sure I'd scare anyone off with all this royal drama"

Kaelen smirked, his lips curling into a small but meaningful smile. 

"I've dealt with my fair share of royal drama," he said wryly. 

"You're not that bad"

Minseok raised an eyebrow, a small laugh escaping him. 

"Is that so? Well, thank you for the compliment, I suppose. I'll keep that in mind"

For a moment, the tension between them faded, replaced by a quiet understanding. 

The weight on Minseok's shoulders didn't disappear, but somehow, it felt a little more bearable, as if for the first time in a long while, someone else understood.

As they sat in the garden, the moon casting a soft light over the scene, Kaelen spoke again, his voice thoughtful. 

"You don't have to do this alone, Seraphina. Some people want to help you. You just have to trust them"

Minseok glanced at him again, noting the sincerity in Kaelen's words. 

He had no idea what Kaelen's true intentions were, but in this moment, he found comfort in the man's presence. 

The court was a dangerous place, but perhaps there was one person, one ally, he could rely on. 

"Maybe you're right," Minseok said softly, his voice more subdued now. 

"Maybe I don't have to do this alone"

Kaelen gave a slight nod, the weight of the words settling between them. 

"You don't. And if you ever need anything… you know where to find me"

Minseok hesitated for a moment, then gave a small, weary smile. 

"You're always showing up in the most unexpected places. I'll have to start watching my back"

Kaelen chuckled, a rare laugh that echoed through the night air. 

"I'll try to be more discreet next time"

Minseok leaned back, looking up at the stars for a moment. 

For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself a small breath of relief. 

The path ahead was uncertain, but perhaps it wasn't as treacherous as he had believed.

With Kaelen's unexpected comfort and his quiet promise of support, Minseok found a small sliver of hope in the chaos of court life.

As the night wore on, the garden grew quieter, the sounds of the palace now distant. 

The moonlight bathed the surroundings in a soft, ethereal glow, and for a brief moment, everything seemed still. 

Minseok sat on the stone bench, his mind still spinning with thoughts of the dinner, the court, and his father's harsh words. 

Yet, for all the chaos he carried, Kaelen's presence had brought a rare sense of peace.

The silence stretched between them, comfortable in its own way. Kaelen stood up slowly, his expression unreadable, but there was a softness in his eyes as he looked down at Minseok.

"Get some rest, Seraphina," Kaelen said quietly, his voice gentle. 

He paused for a moment, then reached forward, taking Minseok's hand with a slow, deliberate movement.

Seraphina froze for a second, her breath catching in her throat. 

Her heart skipped a beat as Kaelen's fingers brushed against his own. 

It was an unexpected, intimate gesture that sent a flutter through her chest. 

Before she could process these emotions, Kaelen lifted his hand to his lips.

He pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the back of Seraphina's hand, his lips warm against her skin. 

It was a simple but deeply personal gesture that sent a wave of confusion through Minseok's mind.

"Goodnight, Princess," Kaelen said quietly, his gaze steady as he let go of her hand, his eyes holding hers for just a moment longer than necessary. 

Then, without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, vanishing as quickly as he had appeared, leaving behind only the faint sound of his footsteps in the dark.

Minseok stared after him, his hand still tingling where Kaelen's lips had briefly touched. 

He didn't know what to make of the moment, what it meant, or what Kaelen's actions truly signified. 

Was it just a fleeting act of kindness? 

Or something more? 

She found herself uncertain, unsure of her own feelings. 

The chaos of court and the weight of her responsibilities hadn't disappeared, but in the quiet aftermath of Kaelen's departure, there was a strange warmth in her chest, one that didn't quite make sense.

"Meh…"

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. 

One thing was certain, he would need to keep a close eye on Kaelen. 

But for now, all he could do was try to make sense of what had just happened.

With a deep breath, Minseok stood from the bench, the night still lingering around him as he made his way back to the palace. 

Tomorrow, the game will continue. 

But tonight, at least, he could hold onto the brief comfort that had been offered to him.