The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 33

“What’s this?”

Crown Prince Ludwig tapped the box that Rashid had placed in front of him, eyeing it with suspicion.

Though the ornate box matched the elegant marble tea table, anything this man offered willingly was something he didn’t exactly want to open.

“Is it poison?”

Rashid raised an eyebrow slightly.

“I didn’t even think of that. Good idea.”

“Hah. You sound disappointed.”

Ludwig smirked, but Rashid only responded with a dry chuckle.

“Please, open it.”

Offering it with an air of formality, Rashid prompted the Crown Prince again. Only then did Ludwig finally lift the lid.

Inside was a neatly arranged bundle of incense wrapped in fine silk, accompanied by a soft, calming scent. It was a portion of the fragrance Tericia had given him, repackaged with care.

“I plan to present it to His Majesty, the Emperor.”

“This?” Ludwig arched a brow.

“His Majesty has trouble sleeping, I’ve heard.”

At that, the Crown Prince let out a quiet laugh.

“And you’re giving it to me because…? Couldn’t you just deliver it yourself?”

“A gift from a lowly young duke wouldn’t mean as much as a recommendation from His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“So you want my endorsement.”

“Feel free to think of it that way.”

Rashid gave a casual shrug, unfazed. Ludwig gave a short laugh in return.

“So? What are you offering me in exchange?”

“I have information on black market trades in the capital.”

“Oh? Then I suppose I’ll have to deliver this lovely scent to His Majesty soon.”

“I also have a list of recent transactions, including the highest-selling items and the names of the buyers.”

“In that case, I might even request an audience with His Majesty tomorrow.”

As Ludwig spoke, Rashid quietly closed the box. An attendant standing behind him respectfully took it and exited the room.

“I’d like to place a personal order for the scent. Is that possible?”

“What would Your Highness like?”

Support that bold usually meant he wanted something more in return.

“I’d like to meet the Lady of Hespelt.”

“…!”

“Your little sister is awfully hard to approach,” Ludwig added with a teasing smile.

“I thought I’d ask for permission first.”

Rashid took a sip of his tea, his expression instantly turning cold—as if to say don’t even think about it.

Watching him, the Crown Prince leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his interlocked fingers. His face was full of amusement.

“I heard Count Clu caused a scene at the estate.”

Rashid hesitated at the mention.

“It wasn’t quite a scene, Your Highness.”

“Oh, please. If the lady felt the need to sprinkle salt on the floor, I’d call that a scene.”

As Ludwig chuckled, Rashid let out a soft sigh. It was probably time to replace a few of the staff. No matter how many he dismissed, the Crown Prince seemed to have eyes everywhere.

“Don’t worry. The Hespelt estate has the fewest spies in the capital.”

Ludwig was excellent at using both money and people. He knew exactly who to place where—and when to retreat.

That was one of the reasons Rashid had chosen to work with him.

“As long as the Duke of Hespelt doesn’t change, I won’t touch your estate. I trust you understand.”

“…”

“It’s about time the Duke made his stance clear, don’t you think?”

Rumors had already begun to spread—that the reclusive current Duke and the increasingly active young duke were a sign of coming succession.

The Imperial family was watching closely.

I should speak with Father soon, Rashid thought.

With unpredictable variables in play, leaving things uncertain would be reckless.

“The border’s getting unstable,” Ludwig said, his voice calm but somber. “Something might happen soon.”

His usual confidence was gone, replaced by a quiet tension—proof that things truly were growing more uncertain by the day.

“If Your Highness remains loyal, Hespelt will always be your sword.”

Because that was what Rashid needed—to protect what mattered.

To that, Ludwig gave a smug smile.

“And I’ll be the worthy king that sword serves.”

＊＊＊

It had been a week since Rashid met the Crown Prince at the palace.

When a servant came to deliver the news that Ludwig had arrived at the Hespelt estate, neither the Duke nor Rashid were home.

“His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“Yes, my lady. He says this is an unofficial visit.”

“And the Duke?”

“Both the Duke and the young master are currently away.”

“Of all times…”

Tericia’s voice trailed off.

A sudden headache struck Tericia.
The fact that a member of the royal family had arrived at the Hespelt estate when no one from the household was present—it was completely unacceptable.

Then again, the Crown Prince visiting without any prior notice was just as unthinkable, but… who in their right mind would question royalty?

“He was taken to the White Salon, right?”

“Yes, I escorted him myself and came straight here,” Harris replied.

Tericia gave him a small, approving smile.

“I’ll serve the tea myself. Please make the necessary preparations.”

“Yes, my lady.”

As soon as Harris left, she called for Mandy. She couldn’t possibly meet royalty in her current state. Tericia began preparing in a hurry.

The White Salon was the most prestigious reception room in the Hespelt estate.
With ivory-and-gold furnishings and walls adorned in silk, it was filled with the kind of refined elegance reserved for the most honored guests.

And it was there that Tericia greeted her noble visitor.

“Tericia Hespelt greets His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

She offered a perfect, formal curtsey—graceful and composed.

“Lady Tericia.”

Ludwig greeted her with a warm smile. With his usual charm, he took her hand and placed a courteous kiss on her knuckles.

“You grow more radiant by the day, my lady.”

“You’ve grown more flattering, Your Highness,” she replied with a gentle smile.

Ludwig laughed again. Judging from his relaxed attire, it truly seemed like an informal visit.

“We haven’t seen each other in so long, and you’re still just as hard to win over.”

“…”

She had never once encouraged him, but Ludwig spoke as though heartbroken.
Tericia, though inwardly baffled, kept a pleasant smile on her face.

“You don’t look well.”

“I’ve been unwell, but I’ve recovered,” she replied softly.

Ludwig recalled the period nearly a month ago when she had been bedridden.

That was a rough time, he thought.

Back then, Rashid was impossible to approach. On the rare occasions he appeared at the palace, his presence was so grim it made everyone uneasy.

Made my work easier though, Ludwig mused, hiding his amusement.

“My younger brother is out at the moment,” Tericia informed him as she gracefully sat opposite him once Ludwig had taken the main seat. Right on cue, a maid arrived with the tea.

Tericia poured it herself with fluid, elegant motions. Ludwig watched her with a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

“I know. I came to see you today, not Rashid.”

“…Me?” she asked, a bit surprised, as she handed him his tea.

“I’m here as a messenger today.”

“A messenger?”

“It seems His Majesty was quite pleased with the fragrance you sent. He expressed interest in meeting you personally.”

The Emperor? A personal audience?
Clearly, something had happened without her knowledge.

Don’t tell me…

There was only one person who could have arranged that.
Ludwig chuckled knowingly as realization spread across Tericia’s face.

“I like clever women, Lady Tericia.”

“…”

“His Majesty suffers from insomnia, though it’s not widely known. The fragrance you created apparently helped him sleep soundly.”

As she’d suspected—it was the scent she had sent Rashid. He must’ve passed it to Ludwig, who in turn had brought it to the Emperor.

“His Majesty was pleased and would like to meet the woman behind it.”

“…But the conservatory isn’t even finished yet.”

“With the power of the Hespelt family, it could be completed quickly. And even now, you’re clearly capable of producing enough to supply the palace.”

“…”

It was true. If she could deliver products to the royal household, her business would expand rapidly—and with enough funds, perhaps… she could leave sooner.

“It surprised me that Rashid gave Your Highness the fragrance. But it was you who brought it to His Majesty.”

She chose her words carefully.

“Your favor… I don’t understand it.”

“Don’t you?” he asked with amusement.

“You are not someone who gives without expecting something in return.”

At that, Ludwig burst into laughter. A genuine, hearty laugh.

“You caught me off guard with that one.”

“…”

“Well, I won’t pretend I don’t have my own reasons.”

The laughter lingered faintly on his face as he spoke again.

“But personally, I find you fascinating.”

“Your Highness—”

“Fascinating enough that I want to help you.”

“…”

Tericia’s expression grew uncertain.

So much had changed, and she had no intention of undoing any of it. She was determined to adapt. But nowhere in her plans had she considered the royal family.

Why was the Crown Prince helping her?
Why was she being drawn into royal affairs?

“I also happen to like you and your brother.”

Ludwig seemed pleased by her troubled look.

“Don’t take it so seriously, Lady Tericia. You’ll be receiving an official invitation soon—think about it until then.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

Ludwig stood smoothly, apparently finished with his business.

“Oh, and Lady Tericia,” he added as if suddenly remembering something.

“Next time, may I call you by name?”

“…Would you accept it if I said no?”

“No,” he replied with a dazzling smile.

“Then I’d like you to call me by name too. ‘Ludwig’ is fine—or just ‘Lude’ if you prefer.”

That, Tericia thought, was clearly aimed at provoking Rashid.

“Safe travels, Your Highness,” she said, acting as though she hadn’t heard the comment.

Ludwig laughed again at her dismissive politeness.

“Next time, I’ll be sure to announce my visit properly.”

And just as abruptly as he had arrived—he was gone.

Why are things turning out like this?
Tericia let out a small sigh.

It feels like every day brings something new to worry about.

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