* * *

Today was one of those days I’d be working as a “document slave” in Baek Yigang’s office.

At first, I’d complained about wasting such a rare talent like mine in a place like this, but…

Perhaps from all the times I’d been put through it, I’d grown so familiar that I now knew exactly how everything worked.

The imperial palace was bustling in anticipation of a visit from the princess of the Arthe Empire tomorrow.

The Crown Prince’s palace, however, was an exception.

Naturally, since the crown prince himself had no interest in the event, his quarters remained quiet…

“Philip, it seems like some of these documents are missing the seal.”

“Oh, well… His Highness…”

The ordinary rhythm of the day began to crack at precisely 11:59 a.m., just as it was crossing into the lazy afternoon.

After noticing that some documents lacked the necessary seals, I brought it to Philip’s attention, and his black eyes shifted carefully towards Baek Yigang.

“What about Baek Yigang?”

Following Philip’s strange gaze, I turned to see Baek Yigang, sitting exactly as before, pale as if he had stopped breathing…

Huh?

“Wait, what’s happening with him?! Baek Yigang! Breathe!”

“He’s been like that for a while now…”

Startled by my urgent shout, Philip ran a hand roughly over his face, sighing heavily.

Baek Yigang glanced at my frantic outburst, scanning me with a detached look before exhaling slowly, as if nothing was wrong.

Witnessing his persistent state, I also let out a sigh.

“For a while? Since when?”

“Since about an hour after you arrived. To be precise, it looks like the face of someone whose soul has left their body.”

Hearing Philip’s troubled words, I looked back at Baek Yigang.

Now that I observed more closely, he did seem unwell.

His expression was darker than usual…

“But shouldn’t he just rest at this point? That’s strange. He slept well last night, so he shouldn’t be tired.”

“I suggested he rest, but His Highness is quite stubborn. For now, I’ve called the court physician.”

Philip’s gaze flickered to the door as if expecting the physician to arrive any moment.

However, the door remained unmoving and silent.

Seeing this, Philip stood abruptly as if he couldn’t wait any longer.

“Your Highness, I think it would be best for you to retire early today. You don’t look well at all.”

Approaching Baek Yigang again, Philip urged him to rest with an even paler face, seemingly desperate.

If Baek Yigang collapsed, it would be on Philip, the aide, to bear the blame.

It seemed he feared the workload that would follow.

“Enough. Just do as you’re told.”

Baek Yigang shot a sharp look at Philip for the unnecessary fuss and resumed working with his hands moving over the papers.

Knock, knock.

Just as I considered stepping in to intervene, there was a knock at the door.

Philip, his face lighting up, swiftly opened it to reveal an elderly man with a gentle smile stepping in.

“Who is that…?”

“He’s the most senior court physician. Even His Highness can’t dismiss him easily. He’s treated members of the royal family for generations.”

Philip’s whispered explanation made me nod.

This must be the “experienced court physician” briefly mentioned in the original work.

With unhurried steps, the physician approached Baek Yigang and without further question, took his arm.

“You’re still lingering in the palace.”

“Haha, it seems you’re pleased this old man is still around.”

Despite Baek Yigang’s frown and biting words, the physician only smiled, examining him carefully before bowing slightly.

“Your Highness…”

With an odd expression, he paused briefly before smiling softly.

“It seems Your Highness has finally had a good night’s sleep. Congratulations.”

Philip and I tilted our heads at the unexpected comment.

It sounded like he was saying Baek Yigang slept well… but what did that have to do with his current state?

“Your body has been under accumulated fatigue. Now that you’ve suddenly had deep sleep, your body is adjusting to the change. You’ll likely feel unsettled and have trouble sleeping for a few days.”

The physician pulled out several bottles of medicine from his pockets.

“This is a herbal vinegar to help wake you up. It’s great for staying alert during long hours. I never thought I’d be giving this to Your Highness… my work here is fulfilled.”

After leaving advice for better rest and pulling out more remedies, the physician departed.

“Your Highness, as the physician said, it would be best to get as much rest as possible for a while. Perhaps head to bed early like last night.”

Now realizing Baek Yigang wasn’t ill, Philip visibly brightened, organizing the bottles on the desk with a cheerful smile.

“And who’s going to do all this?”

“I will.”

Baek Yigang, indicating the stacks of documents, asked sharply.

Philip pointed at himself, grinning quickly.

“What makes you think you can?”

“Like you once said, Your Highness, I’m good at this.”

Philip seemed determined; if Baek Yigang’s mood improved, there would be fewer sharp glances from him.

“Philip, don’t worry too much. I’ll take Baek Yigang later tonight.”

I patted Philip’s back, glancing at the indifferent Baek Yigang.

“Thank you, Dowoon.”

Ignoring Baek Yigang’s piercing glare, we accepted it as usual and braced ourselves.

Baek Yigang’s insomnia definitely needed addressing.

Yesterday’s chance was missed, but tonight…

---

Twilight fell and evening came.

Philip and I exchanged glances, nodding across the spacious office.

Together, we turned to Baek Yigang, both moving at the same moment.

“Your Highness, it’s time to rest.”

“Baek Yigang, let’s go to bed.”

Seeing us unite so obviously, Baek Yigang looked between us with a mix of exasperation and disbelief.

“What devoted loyalty.”

“You only act so prickly! Look at Philip; he looks like he hasn’t eaten in days because you’re so hard on him!”

I clicked my tongue and gestured at Philip’s worn-out face, causing Baek Yigang’s sharp purple eyes to focus on him.

“Hm. Philip. Is it because of me?”

“How could that be, Your Highness? I’m simply on a diet.”

Philip, with an innocent look, shook his head before Baek Yigang.

Wow, so much for loyalty.

“Philip, I saw you sneaking chocolate. When was that?”

“Ah, did you catch that?”

“…What a mess. That’s enough for today.”

Watching us, Baek Yigang chuckled, shutting the documents on his desk.

I grabbed his sleeve, steering him to the door before he got caught up in more work.

I’d initially planned to address Baek Yigang’s insomnia before the princess’s visit.

And with her arrival tomorrow, tonight was my only chance.

Seeing the physician earlier solidified my decision: Baek Yigang needed restful sleep.

Even if he ended up grateful, tonight I’d ensure his insomnia was treated.

It was strange.

I wanted gratitude but feared it too.

“Baek Yigang, be ready. You might sleep a long time tonight.”

“There’s too much work for that.”

“Leave it to Philip.”

I opened the door, hearing a faint cough behind me.

Philip stood there, looking awkward.

“Um… Dowoon, I can hear you.”

“I meant for you to hear it. Good luck with your diet. Fighting.”

Smiling smoothly, I waved, closing the door with a thud.

This is why chocolate is better shared.

* * *