Lewd Courtship - Chapter 44

Killian’s cheeks flushed red as he tried to explain its purpose.
In his mind—now slightly overheated—an image of Rachel’s backside appeared.

Yesterday, due to poor aim, he had accidentally left a handprint on the inside of her b*****k. By now, that mark was surely ringed with a bruise.

I need to apply ointment…

Raised in the conservative Empire, Killian could hardly imagine the situation of a subordinate baring the cleft of their bruised b*****k. All the more, he could never picture a princess allowing the male Imperial physician to examine such a private area.

Thus, he felt a sense of duty to see to Rachel’s injury himself. Since it was a wound he had caused with his own hand, he intended to prepare the salve and give it to her before it worsened. This was Killian’s plan for the day.

Hmm… today, Your Majesty’s cheeks have reddened, and your breathing has quickened by eleven beats.

While Killian hesitated, the Imperial physician patiently waited, counting his breaths. Before long, Killian managed to suppress the flush on his face.

As always, he spoke in a calm tone—but the physician’s keen ears caught the lingering quickness in his breath.

“For… the place where the handprint was left.”

“When you say ‘handprint,’ which part of the body do you mean, Your Majesty?”

“Is it necessary to say it aloud for you to make the ointment?”

“If you want the best results, it’s better to tell me directly.”

“…The butt—no, the area below the waist, above the thigh.”

Though inwardly taken aback by the unexpected location, the Imperial physician maintained a calm facade and nodded. This was a moment where his strict professional ethics shone.

“Yes, I understand. It should take about an hour to prepare. I will bring it to you when it is ready.”

“Alright.”

Perhaps because of the embarrassing nature of the conversation, Killian felt a thirst and reached for his teacup. The physician rose from his seat and bowed respectfully to the Emperor.

As he lowered his head, he mentally went over the list of medicinal herbs that would go into the ointment. And then, suddenly, a realization struck him—herbs. Yes, herbs. The very same kind used to make this tea.

“Your Majesty, wait…!”

Knowing full well it was disrespectful, the physician grabbed the Emperor’s wrist. Startled, Killian froze mid-motion. The pale pink liquid in his cup swayed and rippled with the jolt.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

“My apologies, Your Majesty. In my haste, I committed an offense. If you wish to punish me, I will accept it without complaint.”

The physician, just as shocked by his own action, quickly released Killian’s wrist and knelt down, offering a sincere apology.

Killian’s eyebrow arched sharply. The Imperial physician he knew was not the type to commit an act of disrespect without cause. For him to grab the Emperor’s wrist, there had to be a reason.

“Is there poison in the tea?”

“No, nothing of the sort. Every serving is thoroughly tested for poison before being brought to you.”

“Then what?”

“In my opinion… this tea may be the cause of your arousal. I believe we need to examine the properties of its main ingredient, Semensty.”

“You’re saying this tea is the cause?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Killian set the teacup down and stared at the pale pink liquid inside. The physician took a moment to choose his words before calmly voicing his theory.

“You drank this tea during the banquet as well, didn’t you?”

“That is so.”

“And on the day of the hunting competition, as well as yesterday morning.”

“That’s correct.”

“Semensty is an herb that boosts vitality. Herbs of this kind can sometimes cause side effects such as headaches, palpitations, irritability… and arousal.”

“The Porhen royals who drank the tea with me were perfectly fine. Is it possible that only I would be affected like this?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Side effects may not occur at all, and even when they do, the symptoms and severity differ from person to person. Until we finish investigating, I recommend refraining from drinking that tea.”

“Side effects, huh…”

Killian recalled his unusual behavior over the past few days. It matched exactly with the symptoms the Imperial physician had just described.

Of course, the physician’s guess could be wrong, but even in Killian’s own judgment, it seemed quite plausible. He tapped the table lightly with his fingertips as he looked down at the physician.

“Rise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The physician straightened his knees and stood. Killian continued in a slightly gentler tone.

“If that is the case, what should I do from now on?”

“Simply go about your daily life as usual. However, since we must confirm the cause, I advise that you spend time with the Princess today without drinking any tea.”

“Hmm… In that case, I only need to take the ointment with me when I meet her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will prepare it immediately and bring it to you.”

Killian gave a silent nod of agreement. After offering another bow, the physician promptly turned toward the door.

Killian watched the Imperial physician’s figure quickly retreat into the distance before realizing their business wasn’t yet finished. Meeting the Princess wouldn’t be complete with just an ointment, after all.

“Ah, Imperial Physician.”

The physician stopped and turned back at the call.
“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Tell the King that I wish to continue the palace tour from where we left off yesterday.”

“Yes, understood.”

The physician offered his third parting bow and headed once more for the door. Just before stepping out, he cast a quick glance at Killian. Today, his sovereign’s face seemed unusually flushed and his breathing quick.

Hmm… This isn’t His Majesty’s usual preference. No, it can’t be.

Once in the corridor, the physician quickly erased the image of the Princess that had popped into his mind. Most likely, His Majesty was coming down with a cold. He decided he would also prepare some medicine for that as he quickened his steps.