The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 128.3

Crown Prince Ludwig stared at her, beyond disbelief.

“I’m running away,” Tericia said simply.

“…Duchess.”

Ludwig let out the longest, deepest sigh as he looked down at the desserts she had brought as a gift.

The table was filled with an assortment of snacks, as if she had toured every famous spot in the capital. And then there were those strange flowers and little trinkets—who knew what they were for?

“You seem to have visited far too many places for someone on the run,” Ludwig said, raising a brow.

Tericia simply smiled brightly.
“I haven’t left the estate in so long. I thought I’d do a little sightseeing while I was out.”

The Crown Prince looked over at the young ladies lounging comfortably in his private retreat—one maid, two noble daughters, and the Duchess herself, cheerfully beaming at him.

They chatted among themselves, giggling and sharing stories of their fun little adventure.

When his gaze returned to Tericia, she offered him a sweet smile.

“Does Rashid know you’re here?” he asked.

“If he knew, it wouldn’t be a runaway now, would it?”

“…I suppose not.”

“But I imagine he’ll find out soon. Maybe he already has.”

Ludwig held back a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as he looked at her.

“You’re really putting me in a difficult position, Duchess.”

“I’m always grateful to you, Your Highness.”

“Grateful? Then why are you—?”

“This is simply the safest place I could be.”

That cheerful response left Ludwig speechless for a moment.

“Rashid trusts you, you know,” she added, matter-of-factly.

“Trusts me…” he echoed, with a dry laugh.

“He’d worry no matter where I went.”

That, Ludwig couldn’t deny. He knew all too well that Tericia had a way of getting caught up in… situations. And Rashid, knowing this, tried to keep her constantly within arm’s reach.

“Even if there’s no danger, he wouldn’t believe that.”

Her soft smile was impossibly bright.

“Which is why, if I’m going to wait for him, I should at least do it somewhere safe.”

“And you’re telling me… the safest place is the Imperial Palace?”

“Yes. The safest place in all of Latran—aside from being at Rashid’s side.”

“…Unbelievable.”

Husband and wife, so perfectly alike.

Ludwig couldn’t even feel annoyed anymore. It was just… ridiculous.

“I know I’ve caused you a lot of trouble, but since I’m already imposing, I might as well stay a little longer.”

“…You’re starting to sound just like Rashid, Duchess. Bold and shameless.”

“Am I?”

Tericia laughed again, not the least bit flustered.

The girls nearby looked over at her laugh, but she didn’t seem to notice—or care.

Instead, she leaned in slightly and whispered.

“As a small token of my gratitude…”

Her tone was low, almost secretive.

“I’ll give you a good deal on Hespelt’s Panarin.”

Ludwig flinched—his heart skipped a beat for reasons he couldn’t explain—and leaned back.

But when he processed her words, he leaned forward again, voice serious.

“You’re releasing it commercially?”

“Yes. I spoke with the High Priest and agreed to adjust the formula and volume for civilian use. There’ll be two types of Hespelt’s Panarin.”

“And the supply for the palace… that’ll be the same version used by the knights, I assume?”

“Of course. And I plan to offer it at the same price as the general-use version. What do you think?”

“Rashid is a dear friend of mine. You’re welcome here anytime.”

Ludwig pressed a hand to his chest and spoke with solemn dignity—as if officially receiving her visit.

Then came a commotion outside.

“…Sounds like Rashid’s arrived,” he muttered with a sigh.

Tericia gave an apologetic smile.
“That was faster than I expected.”

“Actually, I think he waited longer than you realize.”

Before the words had even fully left Ludwig’s mouth, Rashid appeared. His presence, sharp and commanding, was accompanied by the scent of wind—he had clearly come on horseback.

“Rashid!”

Tericia’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him, and she stood to greet him.

He had been storming in with urgency, but the moment he saw her face—smiling, healthy, full of warmth—he stopped.

“Tericia.”

His expression softened visibly, even his voice turning gentle. At this point, Ludwig wasn’t even surprised.

Leaning back in his chair, he watched the scene unfold.

Tericia ran to Rashid and threw her arms around him. He wrapped her in a firm embrace, then gently pulled back just enough to look her over.

Her cheerful face. Her bright eyes. Her usual self.

Only then did he fully relax.

“Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Yes. It was nice, getting out again after so long.”

“I’m glad.”

As his tension melted, Tericia leaned against his chest, her voice turning sweet.

“But I suppose it’s time to go home now.”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Rashid smiled quietly, and Tericia smiled back.

Behind her, Mandy was already standing at the ready. Josephine lifted a hand and waved lightly.

“Don’t mind us. A carriage from the marquis estate is on the way for us.”

“In that case—Your Highness, we’ll take our leave.”

Tericia dipped into a graceful curtsy. Rashid placed a hand over his chest and bowed beside her.

“Please, just go. The longer you stay, the louder it gets around here,” Ludwig said with a smirk.

Rashid chuckled and gently placed Tericia’s hand on his arm as they walked out together.

She chatted with him the whole way, her face glowing.

The cold-hearted Duke, now wearing a tender expression, listening to his wife’s every word.

Ludwig remained seated, watching the couple disappear down the corridor.

There was a touch of envy in his eyes.

“So, I agreed to sell Panarin.”

“Oh? You said you were going to bring it up next time you visited the palace.”

“Mhm. Since I was already there, I went ahead and spoke with him.”

Tericia spoke casually as she finished her meal and told Rashid about her day. Her cheerful mood softened Rashid’s face as well.

“And I figured, if I had to wait for you, the safest place would be the palace.”

“You made the right choice.”

Clearly pleased with her decision, Rashid nodded with satisfaction.

When he’d heard that the young lady from House Glen had come to visit, Rashid had assumed Tericia would want to go out.

He himself knew he’d kept her inside the estate far too much, and figured some fresh air would do her good. So when she said she was leaving, he hadn’t objected—he simply ordered the Black Knights to discreetly strengthen her security.

Even when he was told her last stop had been the Crown Prince’s palace, he’d been momentarily uneasy—but soon smiled, thinking she’d chosen the safest place to be.

“Next time, come with me,” Tericia said.

“With me?” Rashid asked, looking up.

“Mhm. It was fun going around with Josephine and Emily, but…”

Her cheeks turned slightly pink.

“…it’d be even better going with my Duke.”

Every place she visited reminded her of him. This color would look good on Rashid. He’d love that flavor. That design suits his taste.

She found herself constantly thinking of him. And she realized—rather than doing that, she’d rather just have him by her side.

“Yes, next time, let’s go together,” he said with a soft smile.

Pleased with his answer, Tericia picked up her fork and took a bite of the cake in front of her. She hadn’t tasted any earlier, distracted by her chat with the Crown Prince.

I’ll enjoy it properly now, she thought.

But the moment it reached her mouth—

“Ugh—”

She gagged. A wave of nausea surged up unexpectedly.

“Tericia?” Rashid’s tone sharpened at once.

“Are you alright? Do you feel unwell?”

“No, not really…”

She trailed off, confused.

What was that just now?

Everyone knew how much she loved sweets—especially cake. But now…

“Maybe I overate?” she mumbled, tilting her head.

“Or maybe I’m just tired.”

“Was the outing too much?” Rashid asked.

“No, not that kind of tired…”

It wasn’t the outing that had drained her—it was him.

More precisely, their long, heated nights together.

Rashid’s touches always deepened, escalating until she could barely beg him to stop through her tears. Most nights ended with her passing out in overwhelming pleasure—only after he was satisfied. And even then, he often continued teasing her.

As those memories rose, her cheeks flushed bright red.

Rashid’s golden eyes darkened slightly—he’d clearly caught on to her thoughts.

If they were in the bedroom right now, alone… it was obvious what would’ve happened next.

“Would you like something else instead?” he asked with a sly grin, clearly amused.

“No, I’ll try one more bite,” she replied quickly, shaking her head.

But the moment she brought the cake to her lips again—another wave of nausea.

Watching the couple exchange such intense glances, Mandy had turned red herself. But now, seeing Tericia gag a second time, a thought hit her like lightning.

Before she could even process it, she blurted it out:

“…My Lady, could you be pregnant?”

“…Pregnant?” Rashid and Tericia both echoed in unison, blinking at her.

With both sets of eyes locked on her, Mandy’s face turned beet red.

“I-I just mean… you haven’t had your usual… um, signs. And lately you’ve been more tired, and…”

“Oh… now that you mention it…”

She had been unusually sleepy. And with how persistently Rashid had… loved her…

“Call for Doctor Carlson!” Rashid suddenly shouted, leaping to his feet.

His voice echoed through the hall. Everyone froze. Then, someone near the door bolted out immediately.

And in that moment, a rare sight—the Duke of Hespelt, face pale as snow.

Seven months later, a healthy baby boy was born into the Hespelt Ducal House.

Though the baby came earlier than expected—nearly giving the Duke a heart attack—the boy was strong and healthy.

And when the child celebrated his first birthday, Rashid, overwhelmed with joy, held a grand festival that soon became the talk of the entire Latran Empire.

Side Story – Finale.

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