A Villainess's Redemption as a Doctor

The morning sun's dim glow filtered through the royal palace's tall windows as Seraphina wandered through the halls, trying to ignore the whispers that followed her every step. 

His mind was a whirl of thoughts, but one pressing matter today was the conspiracy within the royal council.

As he passed a side corridor, he heard the unmistakable voices of Lord Gavriel and Lady Verena. 

Their conversation drifted through the cracks in the stone.

"I don't think she suspects anything," Lady Verena's voice was as sharp as a blade.

"That's the problem," Lord Gavriel's voice followed, darker than usual. 

"She may be smarter than we thought. We need to discredit her before the others start paying attention"

Minseok paused, his heart racing, but he quickly composed himself. 

His mind spun, discrediting him? 

Before he could step forward, he heard someone approaching. 

It was Reiner.

"Your Highness," Reiner said, his voice tinged with concern as he stepped into view. 

"Are you alright?"

Minseok turned toward him with a forced smile, keeping his composure. 

"Oh, just wonderful," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. 

"Another day of intrigue, another plot to ruin my reputation. Honestly, do they think I don't hear the whispers?"

"It's like a symphony of backstabbing around here"

Reiner looked uneasy, though he didn't show it outwardly. 

"You should be cautious, Princess. I have been hearing rumors myself"

'No shit, that's all I've been hearing since I came back'

"Oh, I'm sure they're just gossip," Minseok replied lightly, though the tension in his shoulders was palpable. 

He let out a dramatic sigh. 

"Honestly, you'd think I was the villain in my own story. How could anyone resist the charm of this face?" 

He gestured to his princess-like appearance and smirked.

Reiner's lips twitched upward, though he clearly wasn't amused. 

"You should not joke about such things, Your Highness. The council has become more… hostile toward you lately"

Minseok gave a theatrical roll of his eyes. 

'Like everyone else'

"Hostile? Reiner, darling, I'm practically their punching bag. It's either that or they're plotting to make me look bad"

"But don't worry, I've handled worse"

"I have a knack for turning things around. I mean, if I can my father's constant bullshit, I'm pretty sure I can handle a little political sabotage"

Reiner paused, his expression softening as he regarded her. 

"You seem more at ease than I expected. But I won't let anyone harm you"

Minseok couldn't help but chuckle. 

"Don't worry, I'm a survivor. Besides, what's the worst they could do? Write nasty things about me in their journals? Oh, wait, they already do that"

He gave Reiner a knowing look, and Reiner's lips twitched as though he was suppressing a smile. 

"I'll make sure you're protected, Your Highness"

"Thank you, my ever-vigilant protector," Minseok said, his voice turning mockingly dramatic. 

"Now, excuse me. I need to go spy on my so-called allies before they ruin my already perfect reputation"

Reiner blinked, clearly unsure whether Minseok was joking or not. 

"I'll accompany you—"

"No need, Captain. I work best alone," Minseok interrupted with a wink. 

"Plus, I need a moment to practice my attitude problems" 

He gave a mischievous grin before turning down another hallway, leaving Reiner behind with a bemused expression.

- An hour later -

Minseok's sharp eyes scanned the council chambers later that morning. 

He'd spent hours gathering information and piecing together the puzzle. 

The key to uncovering the mastermind behind the conspiracy would be patience and subtlety, two things that Minseok was quite good at, especially with his new… charming attitude.

The council members were gathered in hushed tones, whispering behind closed doors as he entered. 

He caught the tail end of a conversation between Lord Gavriel and Lady Verena.

"If she trusts the wrong person, this could all fall apart," Lord Gavriel said with an edge to his voice.

Minseok stepped forward, his voice sugary sweet but cutting. 

"Trust? Oh, how quaint. Trust is such a fragile thing, isn't it?"

The two turned, startled to see him standing there with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"Your Highness," Lord Gavriel greeted, his smile thin. 

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Oh, long enough to hear all your delightful plans," Minseok said with a playful smirk. 

"What's this about trust? I hope you aren't suggesting that I've been trusting the wrong people"

There was an uncomfortable silence. Lady Verena's eyes narrowed.

"That's not what we meant at all," she said quickly, though the hint of defensiveness in her tone was evident.

Minseok tilted his head slightly, a mock expression of concern crossing his face. 

"You know, I've heard the most fascinating rumors about a certain plot to discredit me"

"And here I was thinking you two had my best interests at heart" 

He raised an eyebrow and gave a sweet, false smile. 

"What do you think, Reiner?" He gestured to him, who had been following him quietly into the room.

Reiner stiffened but managed to keep his neutral stance. 

"Your Highness, I think we should get to the bottom of these rumors before things get out of hand"

Lady Verena forced a smile, but her eyes were cold. 

"Of course, Your Highness. We are all loyal servants of the kingdom, are we not?"

Minseok looked between them, his smile widening as he turned to leave. 

"I suppose so," he said with an air of lightness. 

"But be careful. You wouldn't want any… unfortunate rumors to start spreading, would you?"

The tension in the room thickened as Minseok exited, a satisfied grin on his face. 

He had no clear evidence yet, but the seed of doubt had been planted. 

Later that evening, as the moonlight bathed the garden, Minseok found himself once again face-to-face with Kaelen Varian. 

"Ah, you again," Minseok said, leaning casually against a stone fountain. 

"Don't tell me you're here to rescue me from another political fiasco"

Kaelen chuckled, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. 

"If only it were that easy. You seem to have everything under control, though"

"Under control?" Minseok snorted. 

"I'm just trying to keep up with the chaos. It's like a never-ending circus around here"

Kaelen stepped closer, his voice lowering. 

"You're more than capable of handling whatever comes your way. But remember, you don't have to do it alone. I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to"

Minseok gave a dramatic sigh, putting a hand on his chest. 

"Oh, how touching. It's like a romance novel, isn't it? A stranger offering me help in my time of need"

Kaelen smirked. 

"Only if you accept the offer"

"Don't tempt me," Minseok said with a wink. 

"But seriously, Kaelen, your offer is appreciated. Just don't expect me to come running to you with my problems every time someone looks at me sideways"

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. 

"You'd be surprised how often people do that"

Minseok let out a laugh. 

"True. Now, off you go, before I start believing you really are my knight in shining armor"

Kaelen bowed with a mischievous grin. 

"I'll leave you to your… circus. But remember, I'm just a call away"

Minseok watched as Kaelen left, a mixture of amusement and wariness in his gaze. 

There was something about him, something intriguing that kept Minseok on edge but for now, the conspiracy was his primary concern.

As he turned back toward the palace, he couldn't help but mutter to himself with a grin.

"Well, at least I have a few new allies in this game. Let's see who's really pulling the strings"

- The Next Day -

The early morning light crept through the curtains, softly illuminating the elegant room where Minseok lay, still groggy from the late-night discussion with Kaelen. 

He had barely slept a wink, the weight of the conspiracy pressing heavily on his mind. 

But the smell of fresh fruit broke through his thoughts as he stirred beneath the covers.

As his eyes opened, he blinked at the sight before him. 

Sitting at the edge of the bed, a faint smile playing on her lips, was Elira Lysandra, calmly cutting an apple with precision and grace. 

Her hair, usually impeccably styled, was loosely tied, and she seemed at ease, her sharp features softened by the morning light. 

"Good morning," she greeted in her usual calm, composed manner, though there was a warmth in her tone that Minseok hadn't expected. 

"I thought you could use something to eat before your meetings"

Minseok propped himself up on one elbow, blinking in confusion for a moment before the reality of the situation set in. 

'Elira. In my room. Cutting me an apple?'

He smirked, trying to mask his surprise. 

"You're up early," he remarked, his voice still thick with sleep. 

"And here I thought I'd have to fend for myself with the royal staff"

Elira chuckled softly, offering him a slice of the apple with a graceful hand. 

"I thought you'd appreciate something more personal," she said, her eyes twinkling with a hint of humor. 

"After all, you've been working tirelessly on our formulas, haven't you? It's only fair I help you in some way"

Minseok took the slice with a polite smile. 

"Well, I'll be honest, this is a bit unexpected" 

He bit into the apple, savoring the sweetness as his mind raced. 

'We've come a long way since our first encounter…'

"You're not the only one working hard," Elira replied, her gaze shifting to the window. 

"I've been speaking with several of the other nobles to gather support for our project. I think the people need this more than ever, and it's time someone took action"

Minseok nodded thoughtfully, momentarily forgetting the mystery of her presence. 

"You've been quite the advocate for the common folk lately. Honestly, I didn't think you had it in you"

'I mean I knew but gotta act stupid'

Her gaze flicked to him, her expression unbothered. 

"I didn't either," she admitted, her voice softening. 

"But people's lives are on the line, Seraphina. I may have been raised to look at them as pawns, but now… now I see them as people. And they deserve better"

Minseok couldn't help but appreciate the sincerity in her words.

Despite their complicated history, he was starting to see Elira in a new light. 

The noblewoman who once seemed so distant, even hostile had now shared the goal of improving the lives of those less fortunate.

"Well, we can't change everything overnight," Minseok said, pushing aside his lingering thoughts. 

"But we're on the right track. One formula at a time, right?"

"Exactly," Elira replied with a small, determined smile. 

"And with the right support, we might just succeed"

- Later that afternoon -

After Elira had left to continue her political dealings, Minseok found himself in the palace's herbalist wing, alongside Miro, the senior healer. 

The small, cluttered space smelled of various herbs, oils, and ointments, an oddly calming scent for someone as entangled in the palace's web of politics as he had become.

Miro, with his sharp gray eyes and weathered appearance, stood at the counter, sorting through medicinal plants. 

As Minseok approached, Miro gave him a glance, his hands never stopping their work.

"You've been making progress with Lady Elira," Miro noted, his voice low but perceptive. 

"I can see it in your eyes. There's a new dynamic between you two"

Minseok shrugged, trying to brush off the weight of his thoughts. 

"I suppose you could say that. It's strange though, she's really changed. I never thought she'd give me another chance to prove myself again"

Miro let out a short chuckle, not looking up from his task. 

"Why wouldn't she? Even I can see that you meant no harm and only wanted to find ways to deliver the medicine faster"

Minseok looked at Miro, his face reflecting a brief flash of introspection. 

"Is that so? I guess I owe her another thank you"

Miro gave him a soft chuckle, "That would be nice but remember to not waste this opportunity"

"If you work together, you might change the course of this kingdom"

Minseok let out a soft breath, the weight of Miro's words sinking in. 

"I will. It's not just for me, after all. It's for the people. For the future"

After he met with Miro, Minseok found himself walking through the palace halls when he bumped into Lord Aleron.

Who was standing in a dimly lit corridor, his back straight and his posture impeccable as always?

"Ah, Princess," Lord Aleron greeted with his usual smooth tone. 

"I trust the day has been productive?"

Minseok raised an eyebrow, unsure if Aleron was being sincere or merely playing his usual political games. 

"Productive? Depends on what you consider productive, Lord Aleron" 

He flashed a grin. 

"But did you hear any new rumors swirling around the royal court that I should be aware of?"

Aleron's lips curled slightly, as though he found Minseok's jest amusing, though his eyes remained guarded. 

"Rumors are ever-present in places such as these. However, I suspect you already know most of them"

"You've been very active, shall we say, in recent days. Working with Lady Elira… making strides in medicine…" 

He paused, his tone turning slightly more serious. 

"It seems you've become quite the figure to watch"

Minseok couldn't help but lean in slightly, lowering his voice. 

"Well, I have to keep people on their toes. You wouldn't want me to get too complacent, would you?"

Aleron's eyes glinted with something unreadable, and for a moment, Minseok felt a shiver of unease. 

"No, Your Highness. I would never suggest such a thing"

Minseok didn't let the tension show on his face. 

"I'm glad we're on the same page," he said smoothly, offering Aleron a polite smile. 

"You know where to find me if you need something. I'm sure you have plenty of schemes of your own to manage"

Aleron's expression shifted into something less playful and more calculating. 

"Indeed, Princess. And I will always be here when you need me. You only have to ask"

As Aleron walked away, Minseok watched him carefully. 

Something was unsettling about the way he spoke, something that made Minseok's instincts twitch with caution. 

The more he interacted with Aleron, the less certain he felt about where his loyalties truly lay.

That evening, Minseok stood in the royal gardens, taking in the quiet beauty of the courtyard. 

The faint scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass filled the air. 

He had always found peace here, away from the politics of the palace.

But as he walked deeper into the garden, his thoughts returned to the conspiracy within the council, the subtle shifts in Elira's demeanor, and the cryptic words of Aleron. 

Was he just imagining things, or was the kingdom inching closer to the brink of chaos?

"Your Highness" 

The soft voice broke through his musings, and Minseok turned to find Reiner standing a few paces behind him, his expression unreadable. 

"The rumors are now spreading across the kingdom," Reiner said, his voice low. 

"It seems the council's discontent with your… actions is growing. You should be cautious"

'Across the kingdom? I knew those morons would cause me even more problems'

Minseok straightened, trying to mask the unease creeping up his spine. 

"I've been cautious. But you're right to be concerned. Things are shifting, and I'm not sure who's going to make the next move"

Reiner stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. 

"Whatever happens, I will protect you, Your Highness. You're not alone in this"

'Oh thank god I have him by my side as well… another person to guide me to the right direction'

Minseok smiled, though there was little humor in his expression. 

"I know, Reiner. And for that, I'm grateful. But the real question is who can we trust in this court?"

"The whispers are getting louder, and I don't like where they're leading"

Reiner didn't answer, but his eyes spoke volumes. 

Minseok could feel the weight of the kingdom's uncertain future pressing down on them both.

The tension in the air thickened as Reiner's words hung between them. 

Minseok glanced toward the horizon, where the sun was beginning to dip lower, casting long shadows across the royal garden. 

The peaceful atmosphere felt at odds with the growing storm brewing within the palace walls.

'... Say something, this is getting uncomfortable'

"Cough"

"I won't pretend to have all the answers," Minseok said quietly.

"But I'll make sure the kingdom doesn't fall into chaos. Not while I still have breath in this body"

Reiner studied him for a moment, his gaze as sharp as ever. 

"You're not alone in this fight, Your Highness. The guard, the people, they trust you more than you think"

Minseok offered him a brief nod, though his mind was already racing. 

He had to tread carefully. 

The whispers about his rise in influence, and his efforts to make medicine affordable for the common folk, was all starting to stir trouble in the council. 

No one was prepared for someone like Seraphina to disrupt the status quo. 

But Minseok had to see it through.

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind," Minseok said with a small, appreciative smile, though his thoughts remained distant.

- The following day -

Minseok sat at the royal study preparing for another meeting with Miro, a knock on the door startled him. 

He barely had time to rise before the door opened, and Lord Aleron stepped inside, his usual composed demeanor not betraying anything unusual. 

"Your Highness," Aleron greeted, his voice as smooth and calculated as always. 

"I trust you're well?"

Minseok straightened, sensing the subtle tension in the air. 

"I'm getting by. What brings you here today, Lord Aleron?"

Aleron's gaze flickered briefly to the piles of notes and herbal scrolls scattered on the desk. 

"I hear you're busy preparing for a new round of supplies to be gathered for the medicinal project with Lady Elira. Perhaps you'd like to discuss a few details with me?"

Minseok raised an eyebrow. 

"I'm sure Lady Elira is handling most of it. Why would you want to get involved in this, Lord Aleron? It's hardly something for someone of your standing"

Aleron's smile didn't falter, but Minseok noticed the slight tightening around his eyes. 

"One might say that I take an interest in anything that affects the well-being of the kingdom"

"After all, a healthy population is a productive one. And you, Princess, seem to be focusing your efforts on quite an admirable cause"

'Bullshit, I know you're trying to pull some dirt on me for insurance'

Minseok bit his lip, his one thought was loud and clear but he had to be careful with how he responded. 

Aleron was always careful with his words, but today there was something more calculated beneath the surface. 

"Perhaps you're right," Minseok said, keeping his tone neutral. 

"But if you're truly interested, I'd suggest you talk to Lady Elira. She's handling the logistics"

Aleron's gaze narrowed slightly, though his smile remained unchanged. 

"I've already spoken to her. She's more than willing to collaborate with the royal council to ensure the project's success. But I thought I might offer you some advice, if you're open to it"

Minseok wasn't sure if Aleron's suggestion was genuine or another veiled maneuver, but he didn't let his suspicion show. 

"I'm always open to advice, Lord Aleron. What did you have in mind?"

"Simply this," Aleron said smoothly, stepping closer to the desk. 

"The project you're spearheading has the potential to sway public opinion in your favor"

"However, I'd caution you to tread carefully. Not everyone in the council is as supportive as Lady Elira or Miro"

"There are forces at work who might find your rising influence... undesirable"

"I understand the stakes, Lord Aleron," Minseok said, his voice calm. 

"But I'm not backing down. The people need this. And if that bothers some people, so be it"

Aleron studied him for a long moment, his smile tightening ever so slightly. 

"Very well, Your Highness. I only wished to offer my counsel" 

He bowed his head. 

"But remember, every decision has its consequences. You may not see all of them just yet"

As Aleron left, Minseok sat back in his chair, his mind whirling with possibilities. 

'Creepy jackass, I know he only cares for himself but he said he wouldn't help me if I dig myself a hole so why is he helping now?'

Later that evening, Minseok found himself walking through the castle corridors, lost in thought. 

His meeting with Aleron had unsettled him more than he cared to admit. 

It wasn't just the warning, it was the underlying implication that there were deeper schemes at play.

As he passed a set of grand windows overlooking the palace gardens, he saw Reiner standing by the railing, his silhouette stark against the fading light. 

Minseok hesitated for a moment before approaching.

"Captain," Minseok greeted as he came to stand beside him, his gaze following the distant horizon.

Reiner turned to face him, his expression unreadable. 

"Your Highness. Something on your mind?"

Minseok sighed, his shoulders sagging. 

"Aleron visited me today. He's warning me about the growing opposition within the council"

"Some aren't too happy about my... involvement in these projects"

Reiner's jaw tightened, but he said nothing for a long moment. 

"I suspected as much. There's always resistance when someone challenges the old ways. Especially in a place like this"

Minseok clenched his fists, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. 

"But it's more than just resistance. I think Aleron's been working behind the scenes"

"Playing both sides and giving advice, all while keeping his true intentions hidden. I can't tell who he's truly loyal to"

Reiner stepped closer, his voice low. 

"You're not wrong. Aleron is dangerous because he knows how to play the game. But you're not alone, Princess"

"The people are starting to see your efforts, and that will count for something"

"No matter how many whispers they spread in the council, you've got something they don't, a purpose"

Minseok turned to face him, appreciating the sentiment. 

"Thank you. But we need more than just support from the people. We need to know who's working against us and why"

Reiner's eyes darkened. 

"And we will. I'll see to it that we uncover who's pulling the strings"

"For now, though, keep your head down and keep working"

"Your influence is growing, and the more you do, the harder it will be for them to stop you"

Minseok nodded, his resolve hardening. 

"Right. I won't back down. Not this time. I have a kingdom to save"

Just before Reiner spoke again, his words were interrupted by something completely unexpected.

A sudden thwack echoed in the air, followed by a sharp sting at the back of Minseok's head.

"Ouch!" 

Minseok cried out, stumbling forward from the unexpected blow. 

He rubbed the back of his head and spun around, eyes wide in confusion. 

"What in the—"

Reiner was immediately by his side, his arms reaching out to steady him. 

"Are you alright, Your Highness?"

Minseok blinked rapidly, still disoriented.

"I—what was that?" 

He glanced around, but there was no sign of anyone near them. 

Reiner's expression turned to concern. 

"That came out of nowhere. Someone must've thrown—"

Before Minseok could respond, the world around him seemed to distort. 

The sound of the garden's evening breeze disappeared, replaced by a soft hum that grew louder in his ears. 

The ground beneath him felt unsteady, as if shifting beneath his feet, and a swirling darkness filled his vision.

Reiner's voice cut through the haze. 

"Seraphina—!"

Then, everything went black.

"..."

Minseok's eyes shot open, but the world he saw was not the royal garden, nor the familiar castle halls. 

Instead, he found himself standing in a vast, ethereal realm, a space that felt both alien and oddly familiar at the same time. 

The ground was a soft, shimmering white, with strange lights floating in the distance, illuminating the space in a soft glow. 

No walls, no ceilings, only endless stretches of luminous mist surrounding him in every direction.

Confused and disoriented, Minseok tried to make sense of what was happening. 

He reached out to steady himself but found no physical sensation of the space, his hands simply hovered above the light surface.

"Where am I?" he murmured aloud, his voice strangely muted in the silence.

A voice, gentle and regal, echoed around him, as though it was carried on the very air. 

"You've come"

Minseok spun toward the source of the voice, and there, in the mist, stood a figure. 

A woman, draped in a flowing gown of deep violet, her hair as dark as the night, and her eyes glinting with an intensity that both drew him in and unsettled him at once. 

Her presence was commanding, almost royal, and yet there was something painfully familiar about her.

"Who are you?" 

Minseok asked, his voice betraying a mix of curiosity and caution.

The woman stepped forward, her regal air never faltering as she gazed at him, her expression unreadable. 

"I am Seraphina Lumastra"

Minseok's breath caught in his throat. 

"Seraphina... Lumastra?" 

The name felt heavy in his mouth, and his mind raced to make sense of the situation. 

'This is her… the original Seraphina?'

Seraphina's lips curved into a faint, almost wistful smile. 

"It seems we finally meet, though it is not the way I expected"

Minseok took a step back, trying to process the situation. 

"Wait, what's going on? I was just—" 

He stopped himself, unsure if he should voice his confusion aloud. 

His mind swirled with thoughts of his recent life, his work as Seraphina, his goals, the dangerous political games, and the ever-growing sense of being watched by unknown forces.

Seraphina, as though sensing his unease, looked at him with something akin to sympathy. 

"You've taken my place," she said softly, her voice laced with a quiet sorrow. 

"And now, you find yourself trapped within the life I left behind"

Minseok's confusion deepened. 

"Trapped? But I'm trying to change things, Seraphina. I'm trying to redeem you, no, us!" 

He paused, the realization hitting him all at once. 

"This isn't just some dream, is it?"

Seraphina's eyes softened as she shook her head. 

"No, it's not. This is the place between worlds, the space where souls meet before the path forward becomes clear" 

She looked at him, a knowing expression in her eyes. 

"You've taken on my fate, my burdens, and my past. But the question remains, how will you carry them forward?"

Minseok felt a tightness in his chest as the weight of her words settled on him. 

"I—"

Before he could continue, the mist around them began to shimmer, the soft glow intensifying. 

It felt as though the very space itself was pulsing, vibrating with energy. 

The dreamlike realm flickered, like a flame flickering in the wind.

Seraphina extended her hand toward him, her gaze steady. 

"The future is in your hands now, Minseok Lee"

"You must decide whether to follow the path I left behind or forge a new one"

Minseok reached for her hand, though part of him was still reeling from the shock of everything. 

'Her fate... my fate…'

This was no longer just a mission of redemption. 

This was a battle for a life that wasn't his own, for a kingdom that had fallen to the weight of its own political games and corruption.

"I won't let it end the way it was meant to," Minseok said quietly, his resolve hardening. 

"I will change this, even if it means tearing down everything that has held this kingdom together for centuries!"

Seraphina's lips parted as though she were about to speak, but before she could, a blinding light washed over them, and everything around Minseok began to swirl once more.

Suddenly, Minseok felt a jolt in his chest, and he gasped as he blinked against the brightness of the waking world. 

He found himself back in the royal gardens, crumpled on the ground, his head throbbing from the impact. 

Reiner was kneeling beside him, his face etched with concern.

"Seraphina?" 

Reiner's voice was low, almost panicked. 

"Are you alright?"

Minseok blinked several times, struggling to orient himself. 

His head still hurt from the impact of the apple, but it was the vision, the dream, that lingered in his mind. 

The realm, the woman who had called herself Seraphina... the weight of it all was suffocating.

"Captain…" Minseok muttered, still disoriented. "I think... I should get some sleep, I'm rather tired right now"

"O-of course, I'll take you to your room, please rest"

Minseok closed his eyes as Reiner picked him up and held him in his arms, slowly walking back to the palace.

'Everything… will be resolved… when your wish is realised'