The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 41

“I was asleep for a whole day?”

Tericia’s hand paused mid-meal.

“Yes, you slept through an entire day without waking,” Heinz confirmed.

“An entire day…?”

Her hand slowly lowered to the plate. Seeming to lose her appetite, she only took a sip of water.

“You’re not going to eat more?”

“It’s fine. I’ll just enjoy the refreshments while you’re out hunting.”

Rashid knew she was using that as an excuse, but he didn’t call her out on it. In fact, he felt oddly reassured—at least she was acting like her usual self.

“…What happened to Count Clu?”

After a short silence, Tericia asked the question. Rashid casually handed her a napkin as if it were no big deal.

“He’s been stripped of his titles and had all his property and holdings confiscated—aside from his title.”

“……”

“Don’t think that’s excessive. I wanted him executed. Father’s intervention is the only reason I held back.”

“The Duke did?”

“Yes.”

“Then I won’t have to see him in the capital for a while.”

“That’s right.”

Rashid noticed her sigh of relief.

After what happened, of course she’d feel that way…

He hid his expression behind a drink of water.

Tericia had always disliked Count Clu. Even as a child, she had gone out of her way to avoid him. At some point, though, her dislike had grown into something deeper—fear.

Why is she afraid of him?

Rashid didn’t know. Everyone close to her swore there had never been any significant interaction between her and the Count. Tericia herself had said the same.

But every time she encountered him, the change in her was obvious. Her hands would go cold, her face would turn pale, no matter how much she tried to hide it.

It wasn’t just dislike. It was fear—raw, visible fear.

And yet… she always stands her ground.

She was bold. Strong. Beautiful. She faced that fear and never backed down.

Every time Rashid saw her like that, his heart would race.

“What are you smiling about?”

Apparently, he had been smiling without realizing it. Tericia looked at him curiously, like she’d just spotted something strange.

Rashid, pleased that she was even looking at him, replied:

“Just had a pleasant thought.”

“A pleasant thought?”

“Yes. But I’m not telling you.”

His gentle smile left her momentarily speechless.

When did he become so secretive?

Rashid raised a hand to signal a servant to clear the table. Moments later, a tray of delicate desserts was brought to Tericia.

“Have something sweet. We’ve got a bit of time before we leave for the imperial hunting grounds.”

As Rashid casually finished his meal, Tericia let out a small, incredulous laugh.

“After wasting a whole day, you’ve finally arrived.”

As soon as they reached the hunting grounds, Crown Prince Ludwig appeared, clearly waiting for them.

“Lady Tericia, are you feeling alright?”

It was only natural that word of what happened at the pre-hunt banquet had reached the Crown Prince.

Ludwig had learned about the incident later and personally worked to keep it from spreading. Thanks to his efforts, the matter had been quietly resolved.

“I was simply tired, Your Highness.”

“Of course. Strange events tend to exhaust both the body and mind.”

At his words, Tericia offered a gentle smile.

Ignoring Rashid’s sharp stare, Ludwig took her hand and kissed the back of it with exaggerated courtesy—then, glancing at Rashid, added a smug little smirk.

“What a shame, losing the first day of the hunt. Seems I’ll be this year’s winner after all.”

“Congratulations,” Rashid replied flatly.

“Can’t you show at least a little jealousy?”

“Fine. I’m jealous.”

“…Why do I even bother talking to you?”

Ludwig shook his head as if he regretted speaking at all. Tericia laughed, clear and bright.

The sound caught Ludwig off guard. He was struck by her smile. She usually only smiled softly, quietly—but hearing her laugh out loud made his chest flutter unexpectedly.

“So then, what’s the real reason you came running as soon as we arrived?”

Sensing Ludwig’s lingering gaze, Rashid subtly shifted, stepping in front of Tericia as if to escort her—shielding her from view.

The Crown Prince raised his eyebrows, amused.

“Is there any special reason? I just wanted to go hunting with you. It’s been a while since we spent time like this, hasn’t it?”

Rashid frowned slightly. He had planned to spend the day lounging in the Hespelt tent, keeping an eye on Tericia. That plan now looked to be falling apart—and he didn’t like it.

“I’ll be fine. Go on and enjoy your hunt.”

“Are you sure you’ll be alright on your own?”

“Mandy and Sarah will be with me.”

“Lady Tericia, I’ve already sent tea and refreshments to the Hespelt tent. Please enjoy them and rest comfortably.”

Unable to bear watching them go back and forth, Crown Prince Ludwig inserted himself into the conversation.

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Even as Tericia offered polite thanks, Rashid heaved an exaggerated sigh—clearly directed at the Crown Prince.

“I suppose I have no choice, then.”

“Just don’t get hurt. I’d rather see you come back in one piece than catch the biggest game.”

“Understood.”

Rashid gave her multiple reminders to rest and do nothing until he returned.

Only after a knight assigned to protect her arrived and began escorting her toward the ducal tent did Rashid and the Crown Prince finally move out.

“You don’t smile much around others, do you?”

“What are you trying to say?”

Once Tericia was out of sight, Rashid’s expression turned cold, and Ludwig couldn’t help but comment on the contrast.

The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes slightly.

“I used to think you were the only one who cared.”

“And what are you implying?”

“Nothing at all. She’s incredible, that’s all.”

“Of course she is. She’s my sister.”

“…I’ve said this before, but you really are scary sometimes.”

Rashid chuckled softly at Ludwig’s words.

“You’d be the same, Your Highness—if you had something or someone worth protecting.”

“Maybe. But not like you. No one’s like you… and no one should be.”

“That’s not something I can change.”

He had been marked from the beginning. He couldn’t live without her. Rashid didn’t deny it.

Just the thought of Tericia brought the smallest, warmest smile to his lips.

Ludwig shook his head, thinking today was full of things he’d rather not see.

Then, deciding it was time, he gestured toward his tent.

“Let’s grab our weapons.”

Only once they were alone did Ludwig finally bring up the real reason he had invited Rashid to hunt.

“The Duke has requested a private audience with His Majesty.”

Rashid didn’t answer, but the flicker in his eyes made it clear—he already knew.

“…So you knew.”

“Yes.”

“So after the hunt, you’ll be Duke Hespelt.”

“That’s correct.”

Rashid replied calmly, without hesitation.

That unshaken tone gave Ludwig a headache.

“Honestly… it’s too fast.”

“Too slow, if anything.”

If it had happened sooner, Tericia might never have had to suffer what she did. If he had held power then, he wouldn’t have let that man get away with it.

Rashid swallowed the rest of his thoughts. It was too late for regrets.

“Hmph…”

Ludwig watched Rashid as he calmly checked his weapons—drawing his sword, testing its weight, then securing his bow.

Barely of age, and already a Duke.
And the current head of the family was still alive and active. To older nobles, this must feel like the world turning upside down.

Even Duke Hespelt is no ordinary man, Ludwig thought, letting out a small laugh.

“The future’s going to be interesting.”

There was a faint trace of amusement in his low voice.

“Once summer ends, the garden should be complete. That means we’ll be able to deliver the royal tribute on schedule.”

Sarah gave her report in a calm, steady voice.

“Until then, the required Sedamen flowers will be supplied by my family’s estate, so there shouldn’t be any delays.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried the timeline might get pushed back.”

“But do you really have to talk business here, of all places?”

Mandy, listening to Tericia and Sarah’s conversation, grumbled as she set down a fresh cup of tea.

“His Highness even sent refreshments, and you’re not even touching them—just talking the whole time.”

Mandy gave Sarah a pointed look, as if accusing her of wearing down their precious lady with endless reports.

“You’re right. I should rest a little.”

Only then did Mandy’s expression soften.

Just then, murmurs rose from outside the tent. Alongside the voices of the knights standing guard, there were unfamiliar voices mixed in.

“Shall I go see what’s going on?”

Sarah asked.

“Yes, please. Go and check.”

She stepped outside and returned shortly after, wearing a slightly troubled expression.

“My lady, you have visitors.”

“Visitors?”

When Sarah lifted the flap of the tent slightly and stepped aside, two elegantly dressed noble ladies came into view.

Tericia recognized their faces immediately.

They were the same young women from the hunting festival’s eve banquet—one with golden hair, the other with red—who had approached her and been turned away without a word.

“……”

Tericia said nothing. She simply looked at them.

She didn’t invite them in. Nor did she ask her maids to turn them away. She just met their presence with a calm, steady gaze.

A moment passed in silence.

“Lady Tericia.”

The taller of the two, the red-haired girl, took a step forward and gave a respectful curtsy.

“We’ve come to sincerely apologize for our rudeness last night.”

“…Bring our guests inside.”

With Tericia’s permission, Mandy quietly stepped away with the teapot to prepare a new batch of tea for their unexpected visitors.

The two girls entered the tent.

“Welcome,” Tericia said.

“Thank you for your grace in receiving us,” the red-haired girl replied with a gentle smile.

Something about her seemed sincere and likable, Tericia thought to herself.

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