The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 117

Tap, tak-tak-tak. Footsteps echoed down the hall.

They were light and cheerful, running toward where Rashid was. But just before the door—they suddenly stopped.

Rashid let out a quiet chuckle without meaning to.

The person behind those steps had probably stopped right outside, catching her breath and straightening her clothes. And soon, that door would open.

“Rashid!”

With a bright smile on her face, Tericia burst into the room, calling his name.

“Sister.”

He had learned that she liked being called that. So he always did. And whenever he did, her face would light up even more, and she’d hug him tightly.

Rashid liked her hugs. They were soft and gentle, like a warm blanket in spring sunlight—cozy and soothing, wrapped in her familiar scent.

Sometimes, he would even pretend to have a headache, just so she’d fuss over him and hold him close.

When he saw her beautiful purple eyes filled with concern for him, something warm and ticklish stirred deep in his chest.

“Want a snack? I brought cookies and pudding today.”

“Okay.”

He wasn’t really into sweets, but oddly enough, the ones Tericia brought were always fine. Somehow, everything tasted good when it came from her.

“They said they’d bring juice too, but I’m not sure.”

Tericia took out the cookies and pudding from the basket and placed them in front of Rashid as she spoke.

She didn’t have a personal maid to assist her yet. So, every time, she went to the kitchen herself and brought the snacks.

Rashid, on the other hand, had his own attendants—he only had to say a word, and they’d bring him whatever he wanted. But Tericia would go and bring everything back with her own two hands.

He never complained. In fact, he liked it. Everything she did for him felt meaningful—special.

“Is it good?”

“Yeah.”

Tericia smiled softly as she watched Rashid nibble on the cookie with his small mouth.

She found him so adorable—especially because he never turned down the snacks she brought. At first, he’d said not to come and refused to eat. But now, he didn’t seem to mind her visits.

Before they knew it, sitting together in Rashid’s study on the third floor, eating snacks and spending time together, had become a daily habit.

Sometimes she couldn’t see him because he was busy studying. But if she waited in the study, he’d come back when his lessons were done.

And when she greeted him with a bright smile, Rashid would always smile back, happy to see her.

“What should I bring tomorrow?”

“…Cake.”

Tericia loved cake. Rashid knew that. He knew just how happy she looked when eating it.

He also knew she only ever brought treats that he would enjoy. So this time, he said something she liked.

He wanted to see his sister’s happy face as she ate the cake.

“You want cake? Okay, I’ll bring it!”

Just as he expected, Tericia beamed. Her purple eyes sparkled, and her bright smile grew even wider.

Watching her face, Rashid found himself smiling too—without even realizing it.

“Ah.”

Tericia’s eyes lit up.

“Rashid, your eyes…”

“Hm?”

Her small, pale hand reached out and brushed aside the strands of hair covering his face. The movement was graceful, almost like a dance, and Rashid’s eyes followed it, caught in the moment.

“Your eyes are so pretty.”

“My… eyes?”

Golden eyes were a symbol of House Hespelt—black hair and golden irises.

Rashid’s eyes were especially brilliant, but he always kept them hidden behind his hair. As if he didn’t want anyone to see. It was partly out of resentment toward his cold and distant father.

“Yeah, they’re beautiful. Like the sun.”

Rashid didn’t know how to respond.

He looked away awkwardly, glancing around—until suddenly, he looked up and met her gaze directly. Her sparkling violet eyes stared right into his. And reflected in them—was his own flushed face.

Ah… Just as something was starting to stir inside him—

He felt a warm touch just above his eyebrows. Tericia had gently kissed him on the forehead.

He froze in shock, but she just smiled sweetly at him.

“You’re beautiful. You shine like a jewel.”

“……”

Then, as if she couldn’t help herself because he was too cute, she pulled him into another hug, swaying gently from side to side.

Rashid didn’t understand.

How could she call him pretty, or cute, every single time? No one else ever said things like that to him.

But he didn’t dislike it. In fact… sometimes, he thought he wouldn’t mind hearing it even more often.

Snack time was nearly over. Seeing the sun casting long shadows across the room, Tericia stood up.

She packed up the leftovers and placed the whole pouch into Rashid’s hands.

“I’ll bring cake tomorrow. See you then!”

Waving her hand, she skipped out of the room—completely unaware that Rashid’s face had turned bright red, ready to burst.

Cake tomorrow. Cake tomorrow.

Tericia hummed the promise like a song as she ran toward her bedroom, making sure she wouldn’t forget.

Her smiling face was glowing with joy. The massive, intimidating Grand Duke’s estate no longer felt scary—it felt warm and wonderful. After all, she had a sweet and adorable little brother now.

With that happy thought, she ran down the hallway, face full of laughter—until…

“Tericia.”

She froze at the gentle voice calling her name.

“Tericia.”

Her mother.

The second time her name was called, Tericia stopped moving and slowly turned around.

Standing behind her was her mother—elegant and beautiful, like a painting.

With a pale face, the duchess walked slowly toward her daughter, who stood frozen in place.

“When someone calls you, you should answer, Tericia.”

“…Yes, Mother.”

Her mother was dressed even more beautifully than usual today. And as she drew closer, Tericia instinctively took a step back.

Whenever her mother called her like that… something bad always seemed to happen.

“Were you with Rashid just now?”

“Yes.”

“You seem to like that boy quite a bit.”

“……”

When her daughter didn’t respond, Lady Boren smiled—beautifully.

She placed her hands on Tericia’s shoulders and slowly leaned in close to her ear.

“Tericia, don’t get too close to him. It will only lead to trouble—for you, and for him.”

Her voice was terrifyingly sweet.

She was supposed to nod. She was supposed to answer her mother.

She knew that.

Lady Boren looked at her pale-faced daughter and smiled with grace. She gently brushed her delicate cheek with one elegant hand, then straightened her posture.

Tericia trembled. Her skin crawled, like insects crawling beneath it.

Lady Boren walked away, her expression calm and composed, the corners of her lips curled in a faint smile.

Watching her mother’s back grow distant, Tericia clutched her now cold hands tightly together.

She hadn’t been able to say anything. Not “yes,” not “no.” Not anything.

Something’s wrong with Sister.

Rashid stared at Tericia, thinking to himself.

Ever since the day they shared cake together, she had seemed… off. Her smile was still as pretty as ever when she looked at him—but something wasn’t right.

“Sister?”

“…Hmm?”

Tericia, lost in thought, only responded after Rashid had called her several times.

“Sister, are you sick?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“……”

But her complexion still looked pale.

“I think I’ll go rest.”

That day, she got up earlier than usual.

“I’ll walk you back.”

“It’s okay. I want to go alone.”

She firmly refused his offer to accompany her and returned to her room on her own.

What’s going on?

She was low on energy and barely spoke. Rashid was sure something was wrong.

There’s no way I can just leave it like this!

He decided to go ask her directly.

Just as he arrived at the door to Tericia’s room, the person standing there wasn’t his lovely sister—it was her mother, Lady Boren.

“Rashid. Is something the matter?”

Was she coming out of Tericia’s room?

Lady Boren’s voice was warm and gentle. Her face wore a graceful smile—something she had never once shown him before. But still… something felt off.

“Ah… I… about Sister…”

“Tericia?”

His throat suddenly felt dry. Rashid looked up at Lady Boren, his eyes shaking.

“Sister’s been acting strange.”

“…Strange how?”

“She doesn’t talk much. She just stares off sometimes. And…”

“Oh dear.”

A sharp laugh echoed through the hallway. Despite the smile on her lips, the sound sent chills down Rashid’s spine. He instinctively took a step back.

Lady Boren, however, seemed pleased. Her smile widened.

“I see.”

“…Do you know what’s wrong with her?”

“Of course I do.”

She lifted a delicate fan, covering part of her face.

As the smile faded from her lips, her curved eyes became more pronounced. Though they looked like they were smiling, they held no warmth—only a chilling glint.

“Would you like to know too?”

“…Yes.”

“Then come with me. I’ll tell you everything.”

Something felt wrong. He shouldn’t go with her.

But the young boy just wanted to see his sister’s usual smile again. The way she used to be.

After hesitating for a moment, Rashid took a step forward.

“That’s a good boy.”

Lady Boren smiled sweetly.

Mother had been quiet for a while now. Watching her closely, Tericia slowly began visiting Rashid again, bit by bit.

Just like always, her little brother welcomed her with a bright face.

“Sister, are you not sick anymore?”

“Yeah, I’m all better.”

“…I don’t like it when you’re sick.”

Rashid awkwardly hugged her.

Surprised, Tericia paused for a moment—then gently wrapped her arms around him in return. A comforting warmth spread in her chest.

“It was just a little sickness.”

“…I’d rather be the one sick than see you like that.”

“Don’t say things like that.”

“But still…”

“I’m not going to get sick again. So don’t you get sick either, okay?”

She meant to scold him gently. Releasing the hug, she put her hands on his shoulders and pulled back just slightly.

“Ah!”

A sharp cry escaped Rashid’s lips like a reflex.

Startled by his own outburst, he quickly covered his mouth. His face had gone pale.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

As Tericia stepped toward him, Rashid stepped back in alarm.

“Rashid?”

“It’s nothing, really!”

Worried by his reaction, Tericia moved in closer—but Rashid suddenly stood up.

“I’m going now, Sister.”

And before she could say a word, he rushed out of the study.

“…What’s with him?”

Left alone in the room, Tericia murmured to herself in confusion.

Was Rashid hiding something? No way…

“Trouble will come, Tericia. For both of you.”

Her mother’s words echoed in her mind.

Suddenly, a terrible feeling settled over her heart. Her chest tightened, filled with dread.

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