The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 110

The corridor was filled with the scent of flowers. In the garden alongside the long hall, a small orchestra played softly while food and drinks were laid out for the guests.

People gathered in twos and threes, chatting in the warm sunlight. Their faces were bright, matching the cheerful weather.

Of course, not everyone looked quite so pleased.

“Life really is unpredictable. Who would’ve thought the Lady would become the Duchess?”

“Well, she isn’t yet. It’s only the engagement ceremony, after all.”

“Still, if it’s Duke Hespelt, the weddings practically guaranteed.”

Nearby, Crown Prince Ludwig let out a breath that was half laughter, half disbelief.

“They weren’t even invited—why come and stand around like that?”

“Exactly. If they weren’t happy about it, they should’ve just stayed away.”

It was Josephine Glen who replied, her expression matching the Prince’s dry amusement.

“Shouldn’t Your Highness be over there? With the couple?”

“Why? I’m here to bless them, aren’t I?”

“Then I suppose that’s a relief.”

Josephine smirked. She was glad, at least, that someone here was still sane.

She wasn’t sure how she and the Crown Prince had ended up talking together, but she found herself thinking she’d rather talk to him than be among the people whispering out of jealousy. This was supposed to be a celebration, after all—not a gossip session.

Duke Hespelt hadn’t made a public announcement about the engagement. The only people he had truly invited—meaningfully and sincerely—were Josephine, Emily, and the Crown Prince.

And even then, it was Tericia who had sent the invitations.

The rest had received nothing more than a formal notice. Rashid had even told them they didn’t need to come. But they had shown up anyway.

And now, instead of offering blessings, they stood there gossiping.

Not a single one of them would dare speak their minds in front of Rashid Hespelt. That much was certain.

“The only reason he sent the invitations was to send a message—‘This woman is mine. Don’t touch her, or you’ll regret it.’”

“Of course. That sounds exactly like something he’d do.”

Josephine nodded, now understanding completely.

“Well, the more guests, the better, right?”

“I doubt he cares much about appearances—but sure, let’s go with that,” she said, her tone dry.

Josephine knew waiting alongside the Crown Prince wasn’t the most appropriate choice. Still, it was better than standing with the group of whispering nobles. She lifted her fan to subtly cover her expression and silently wished the main couple would arrive soon.

Apparently, the Crown Prince felt the same. After a few meaningless exchanges between them—

“There they are.”

As murmurs of excitement spread through the crowd, the two finally appeared.

Tericia and Rashid Hespelt entered the corridor arm in arm, their expressions soft and full of affection.

All eyes turned toward them—Tericia with a delicate blush and a radiant smile, and Rashid gazing at her with such warmth that it was almost too much to watch.

“…Wow. I didn’t know his face could do that,” the Crown Prince muttered, almost stunned.

Gone was the usual cold, blank stare and furrowed brow. In its place was a man glowing with happiness. It was… almost sickening.

“She looks so beautiful,” someone murmured in awe beside him.

The Crown Prince turned his head slightly and saw Tericia again.

He had always thought she was pretty. But seeing her now, smiling like that—she looked more beautiful than any flower or jewel in her hair.

“…Yeah. She’s beautiful.”

He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but the words slipped out like a sigh.

Josephine turned to glance at him, a trace of surprise on her face. His eyes were still fixed on Tericia.

It wasn’t a look filled with longing. Not quite. But it was different from what she was used to seeing from him. A little… unfamiliar.

Could it be… does His Highness have feelings for her?

Josephine shook her head slightly. And even if he did—what did it matter?

It wasn’t like Rashid Hespelt would ever let go. If there was any lingering attachment, it was best left behind.

At that moment, the Crown Prince’s gaze shifted to Josephine.

“Your Highness?”

“Don’t say anything, Lady Glen.”

“…Of course.”

Well now, Josephine thought, smiling faintly behind her fan. Someone’s quite self-aware today.

As she lowered her fan, she realized that the couple had already made their way over.

“Thank you for coming,” Tericia said warmly.

Rashid placed a hand over his heart and gave a formal bow. Tericia responded with a graceful curtsy.

The Crown Prince, who had been silently watching the pair, gave a small smile.

“Congratulations on your engagement, Lady Tericia.”

“Thank you.”

There was no hiding the joy in her smile. The Crown Prince almost smiled bitterly in response, but he stopped himself—because he could feel someone watching him closely.

Sharp woman.

She wasn’t just pretty. She was far more perceptive than most gave her credit for. Something about that made him uneasy.

Why am I even standing next to Lady Glen right now…?

Still, it was better than standing with the cluster of nobles whispering behind their fans.

“Well then, enjoy the celebration.”

Rashid gave a brief nod after the formal greeting, and the music swelled again.

The engagement ceremony of Duke Rashid Hespelt had officially begun.

From a distance, Sheffer Verus watched the scene unfold. He quietly slipped through the crowd of chatting nobles, careful not to draw attention. He knew full well that if Rashid noticed him, everything would fall apart.

There was only one chance.

Only one moment to slip past Rashid’s ever-watchful eyes and strike. And that single moment—he would stake everything on it.

Rashid Hespelt. I’ll give you the worst despair of your life.

With a cold gleam in his eyes, Sheffer checked the dagger hidden beneath his clothes and merged deeper into the crowd.

The celebration continued smoothly. After the initial murmurs, people had settled into their conversations. Some approached the couple to offer heartfelt congratulations.

Tericia, who had been quietly worrying that something might go wrong, finally began to relax. She smiled as she accepted the warm words of those around her.

When she had first helped decorate the corridor, she had been filled with dread that something might happen. But everything was going peacefully, and she found herself able to enjoy it.

It was then that the High Priest arrived.

He entered the corridor, spotted Rashid talking with the Crown Prince, and walked straight toward them.

“Your Highness. Duke Hespelt.”

All eyes shifted toward him. At last, people thought—this must be the moment of the formal declaration.

“My apologies for the delay. I came straight here the moment I arrived in the capital.”

The High Priest had been away, tending to temple matters in the provinces. As soon as Rashid requested it, he had returned and come directly to the Duke’s estate.

To formally witness and bless their engagement.

“You’re not late,” Rashid replied with a polite smile.

“Then allow me to congratulate you both—Duke Hespelt, and Lady Tericia.”

He bowed to the couple and closed his eyes. The murmuring crowd fell silent the moment he began to pray.

Tericia and Rashid knelt side by side, backs straight, heads bowed in reverence.

From the High Priest’s lips came the sacred language of blessing. His words, weighty and divine, seemed to descend upon the couple like gentle light.

As the prayer ended, a soft glow radiated from his hands and wrapped around them—then disappeared.

“For your wedding, I hope you’ll consider the main temple.”

With a warm smile, the High Priest reached out and helped the couple to their feet. Then he spoke a little louder:

“Congratulations on your engagement, Duke Hespelt—and to the future Duchess.”

Applause and cheers rang out at once. People flocked toward Rashid, eager to offer their congratulations to the rarely smiling Duke.

“Congratulations, Lady Tericia!”

Tericia turned to Josephine with a bright smile.

“And please, stop being so on edge all the time,” the Crown Prince said, addressing Rashid with a smirk. “Congratulations on your engagement, Duke Hespelt.”

Rashid narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. The Crown Prince laughed loudly, as if pleased by the consistency.

While they answered people’s well-wishes, something brushed against Tericia—a sensation both familiar and cold.

And there, beyond the crowd… stood it.

The presence that once spoke in riddles from the blank, white space. The Voice.

Why is it here?

No one else seemed to notice it. They passed right by, offering smiles and blessings, completely unaware.

A chilling dread crept into Tericia’s chest.

The figure had a sorrowful expression. And when their eyes met, it gave her a faint, resigned smile. As if it were saying goodbye.

Why? What’s happening?

Tericia tried to move toward it. But too many people surrounded her. She couldn’t push past them.

The presence looked at her gently, lips parting in silence.

[I’m sorry, Tericia.]

No sound came out—but somehow, she knew. It had spoken those words to her.

The music grew louder. The voices of the crowd became a blur. People moved, and light swirled—but none of it reached her.

Then, a tear fell from the presence’s eye.

At the same moment, a searing pain ripped through Tericia’s back.

Everything stopped.

She looked around in disbelief.

No… this place—

The black curtains swaying… the flashes of lightning outside the windows… the night of the thunderstorm. The place where she had died.

Tericia slowly looked down at herself.

Just like before, a sharp blade protruded from the center of her chest.

Her eyes followed the shining silver blade. And then, she looked up again.

“Ra…shid…”

Rashid was staring at her, his face pale with shock.

Rashid couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Just moments ago, they had been smiling, holding hands.

Now, Tericia stood frozen, her face drained of color, looking right at him.

Her gaze lowered to her chest. Rashid instinctively followed it.

There, catching the light, was something that should never have been there.

A silver dagger, glinting cruelly—piercing through her chest.

Rashid stared in horror.

[Remember, Tericia: one life for another. The Duke’s life was taken by Clu. Heinz’s life will be claimed by someone else. So… whose life will pay for Rashid’s?]

Take mine. If it’s for him… I’m willing to die.

Yes. She had said that before.

That the Voice could take her life—if it meant saving Rashid’s.

But if I had known you’d make that face, Rashid…

If I had known it would look like that—so full of despair—I wouldn’t have said it.

I’m sorry, Rashid.

“Ra…shid…”

I’m sorry… my beloved Rashid…

“TERICIA!”

His voice tore through the air, raw and panicked, as Tericia’s body crumpled toward the ground.

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