The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 128.2

At first, Sarah didn’t quite follow.

But as Mandy’s meaning sank in, Sarah’s face slowly transformed—eyes wide with dawning horror.

“…Don’t tell me.”

“Yes. That,” Mandy sighed, nodding heavily.

“I was helping her get ready this morning, and… well… it’s obvious.”

Mandy trailed off, her cheeks flushing red at the memory. Sarah’s face, too, darkened with concern.

“Our lady’s body is still delicate… This might actually become a real problem.”

“…I’ll work on gathering good medicinal herbs for recovery. Talk to Doctor Carlson. Let him know discreetly.”

“Got it…”

Both women let out a deep sigh.

Even after that, they lingered for a while longer, their eyes fixed on the third floor—on the window where the duke and duchess’s shared bedroom was located.

Unlike most noble couples, Rashid and Tericia did not use separate bedrooms.

The Hespelt estate had a room specifically designed for marital use—connecting the Duke and Duchess’s respective chambers—and it had simply become their room.

On the very first night they returned home, Tericia had asked—lightly, but hopefully:

“Are we going to use separate rooms?”

Rashid had shut it down instantly.

“Why would you say something so terrible?”

The very idea seemed to offend him.

Tericia could only let out a long, tired sigh.

Will my body even survive this…?

Now, over two months into their marriage, she was starting to worry—genuinely.

Every night. Not once or twice. Every night.

And it wasn’t just her stamina that was wearing thin—her pride, her strength, even her ability to stay awake until the end—were all tested.

Even on the nights she declared she wouldn’t give in, she somehow always ended up underneath him, trembling with pleasure, completely swept away.

And after that… blackout.

The more embarrassing part was… Tericia didn’t hate sleeping with Rashid.

Unlike Rashid, who seemed to come alive every night, Tericia was growing more and more exhausted. Just the other day, she had dozed off during a conversation with Harris in the study.

The mortification she felt when she realized it was immeasurable.

“…I have to do something.”

Tericia sighed and muttered to herself.

At this rate, she was starting to wonder if her life might actually be in danger.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by Mandy’s voice.

“My Lady, Miss Josephine and Miss Emily are here.”

“Oh, let them in—quickly!”

Tericia rose from her seat, clearly delighted.

“What’s wrong with your face?” Josephine asked sharply the moment she saw Tericia.

“Your Grace, you look unwell,” Emily added, her expression filled with genuine concern.

“…Do I look that bad?”

“Yes. You’ve lost weight. Your skin is still glowing, but your complexion is pale,” Josephine replied immediately, eyes narrowed with worry.

She had been shocked the moment she saw Tericia—so different from how she had looked at the wedding.

“Did something happen between you and the Duke?”

“No… he’s been nothing but sweet.”

“Then why—”

“…”

When Tericia didn’t answer right away, Josephine’s gaze turned to Mandy.

“Mandy, what’s going on?”

“It’s not exactly something wrong, but…”

Mandy’s face turned serious at the question, and the tension in the room shifted. Josephine and Emily leaned in, listening closely.

“This is all the Duke’s fault.”

“…What?”

“Mandy!” Tericia and Josephine said at the same time.

“The Duke?”

Why would he be causing trouble? He was supposed to be the ideal husband—gentle, respectful, and madly in love with her sister!

“Explain. Now.”

“The Duke is just… being way too much with My Lady,” Mandy said gravely.

“…What?”

“That’s not what she means!” Tericia jumped in quickly, trying to stop her.

But Josephine didn’t budge and gave Mandy a look, urging her to continue.

“Go on.”

“Mandy…”

Encouraged, Mandy gave in and started to explain—face burning with embarrassment.

“It’s just… every night, the Duke is… um… and in the mornings when I help her dress, she can barely stay upright. And when she bathes, there are marks all over her body and…”

Her voice trailed off. Her face was red as a rose.

“That’s enough.”

Tericia cut her off, sure that if Mandy kept going, there wouldn’t be a shred of dignity left on her face.

An awkward silence filled the room—thick with embarrassment.

It was Josephine who finally broke it.

“…Sounds like you’re very loved.”

“Exactly…” Tericia mumbled, drinking her tea quickly and looking away.

She had lost weight, yes—but her expression didn’t seem unhappy. Her pale complexion was likely just fatigue, not stress.

She actually looks… happy.

Josephine found herself smiling in spite of everything.

Well, with a husband who adored her that much, of course he wouldn’t hold back.

Watching her friend fan her face while avoiding eye contact was somehow adorable.

“You should take some good herbal medicine,” she offered.

“She’s drinking tonic every day,” Mandy replied immediately. “The merchant guild’s been delivering all the best ingredients we could find. But…”

“…Ah.”

Another silence fell over the room.

How exactly were they supposed to phrase this situation?

While Josephine hesitated, trying to find the right words, Emily, who had been quiet this whole time, suddenly spoke.

“Do you want to run away?”

“…Huh?”

All eyes turned to her. She blinked, confused by the attention.

“Did I say something wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.

“No. Actually, that’s not a bad idea.”

Josephine turned to Tericia with a completely serious look.

“What do you think? Should you run away for a bit?”

“…What?”

“I mean, someone has to teach the Duke the meaning of moderation.”

“…”

Why was she the only one blushing here?

Tericia felt her face heat up again as she picked up her teacup—only to realize it was empty. She put it down with a quiet sigh.

Josephine wasn’t wrong. It was getting harder to keep up with Rashid, and she was starting to feel the toll.

“…Maybe I should.”

Since returning from the palace, she hadn’t gone out properly even once.

“Should I run away?”

Her voice was airy, playful. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she smiled brightly.

“Why are you here?”

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