The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 47

The succession of Rashid Carlo Hespelt to the dukedom took place quietly.

Unlike the grand banquet held for the heir announcement, the actual succession ceremony was simple—just a formal record submitted to the temple and approval granted by the Imperial Family.

It was so modest that it felt almost unworthy of comparison to the declaration event.

No one knew what conversation took place between the former Duke and the Emperor, but when Rashid visited the Imperial Palace for approval, the Emperor granted it without hesitation.

It was no secret that Rashid frowned when he saw the Crown Prince smiling faintly behind it all.

Jester Karl Hespelt, now no longer Duke of Hespelt, left directly for the family estate after handing over the title.

No one knew what was said during his final official meeting with his son. People could only guess that it had something to do with Tericia Hespelt.

On the day the former Duke left, everyone in the household gathered at the front of the mansion to pay their respects to the master they had served for so many years.

Now the new Duke, Rashid, stood at the front to see him off—alongside Tericia.

“Tericia.”

He softly called out her name. It had been a long time since he last said it.

“If you ever find yourself without a place to go… you’re always welcome here.”

There was a slight stir behind them. He hadn’t said anything like that to his own son, yet here he was, offering such words to her.

Tericia was taken aback. She didn’t show it on her face, but she had never expected to hear such kindness from the former Duke—not even once in her life.

“My lord.”

“I may not have done anything for you, but… I can at least give you a place to rest.”

Rashid’s face darkened slightly in response.

“That won’t be necessary, Father.”

“Well, I suppose that’s for the best.”

The former Duke looked at Rashid briefly, then turned his gaze back to Tericia.

“Stay well.”

“Yes, my lord. Please take care of yourself too.”

“…Yes.”

His expression faltered slightly when she called him “my lord” with perfect politeness to the end, but hardly anyone noticed.

After exchanging a few more quiet words, the former Duke boarded his carriage and departed. With the dust of his departure, an era came to a close.

Later, the knights, vassals, and staff of House Hespelt gathered in the central hall of the estate.

“My Lord Duke.”

Tericia held the hem of her dress and gave a respectful bow. At the same time, everyone present knelt on one knee.

“Tericia.”

Rashid’s voice was calm, but it echoed clearly through the hall.

“Glory to Hespelt.”

After offering her respect, Tericia rose and took Rashid’s hand. She kissed the ring engraved with the crest of House Hespelt.

Following her, Knight Commander Roben Heinz, Advisor Adler Reissfeld, and the rest of the vassals stepped forward one by one, pledging their loyalty by kissing the ring.

There were no unnecessary words. The solemn sight of each person silently swearing loyalty to the crest of House Hespelt felt sacred.

Once the final oath was complete, Rashid looked around at the people who had gathered.

These were now the ones he would protect.

“Glory to Hespelt.”

Rashid nodded in answer.

Thus began the era of the new Duke of Hespelt.

＊＊＊

“Young Duke—no, I suppose I should say Duke now—you’ve officially succeeded the title, haven’t you?”

“Yes. Due to various circumstances, it was all done quietly within the household.”

And quiet it had been. The former Duke had left, and the oath of loyalty had been taken that same day.

How could anyone describe the solemnity of that moment in words?

To Tericia, who had watched Rashid receiving the pledges of loyalty from just beside him, it was unforgettable. He looked every inch the true Duke of Hespelt.

The memory brought a gentle smile to her lips.

To hide her expression, Tericia lifted her teacup and took a sip. It was a graceful, soundless movement.

Josephine watched her closely.

How could a young lady like her have stayed hidden from the world for so long?

There had been barely any rumors about her in society. At most, she’d only heard whispers referring to her as a “blemish” on the Hespelt family name.

Clearly, rumors are not to be trusted.

Josephine carefully sipped her tea as well, mindful not to make a sound.

“It would’ve been nicer if there had been a proper banquet, though.”

Emily suddenly blurted out the words, unable to hide her irritation. Perhaps it was jealousy, watching her friend speak so comfortably with someone she didn’t like.

“Yes, Lady Emily. There will be a banquet soon. We’ll need to make a formal announcement to the public eventually.”

“……”

Tericia replied softly, and Emily clamped her mouth shut. No matter how many times she tried to provoke her, Tericia never reacted.

She just smiled gently, like an older sister indulging a younger one. It made Emily feel like a childish, immature little girl—and she hated that.

I didn’t even want to come here.

She couldn’t understand why she had to sit in this place. That morning, Josephine had shown up and dragged her along without even telling her where they were going.

Had she known they were visiting the Hespelt estate, she never would’ve agreed to come. With a frustrated sigh, Emily stood up.

“May I take a walk?”

She asked abruptly, unable to hold her irritation any longer.

“Of course. The gardens at Hespelt are perfect for a walk.”

Tericia called over a maid who had been waiting outside and instructed her to escort Emily through the garden.

As Emily stepped out, guided by the maid, laughter drifted from inside the room.

“…!”

A surge of frustration welled up inside her. Her footsteps became tense and impatient.

The Hespelt estate was known for being maze-like—one could easily get lost—so wandering off on her own wasn’t an option.

“When you’re ready to return, just ring the bell. I’ll come and get you,” the maid said politely before retreating.

Now truly alone, Emily stood in the peaceful garden—but her mood couldn’t have been worse.

If she were at home, she could at least throw a tantrum. Here, nothing was within her control.

“This is so irritating!”

She lashed out at the neatly kept vines in frustration.

“Ouch!”

A thorn pierced her finger. Reflexively, she brought it to her lips. The metallic taste of blood met her tongue.

“I really don’t like this…”

She sank to the ground, her voice trembling with frustration.

She didn’t like that Josephine was happily chatting with that noblewoman, ignoring her completely. And she especially didn’t like the way that woman sat at the head of the room, looking down on her as if she belonged there.

Even getting hurt like this—somehow, it felt like that woman’s fault too. Her heart felt heavy, and tears threatened to fall.

“…So then…”

“Yes, exactly…”

At that moment, voices began to approach. One was low and short, clearly a man, while the other spoke in longer phrases.

Emily quickly crouched down and lowered her head. The voices came closer—then suddenly stopped.

The silence was strange.

When she cautiously lifted her head, her eyes locked with two pairs of unfamiliar ones staring directly at her.

“Who is that?”

A man with black hair and golden eyes asked sharply.

Her heart sank. The weight of his gaze was overwhelming—so piercing she could hardly breathe.

“She’s Lady Feder,” said the brown-haired man beside him, dressed in uniform. “Lady Glen and Lady Feder were reported as today’s guests.”

“You met her once before—near the young lady’s quarters.”

“…”

The dark-haired man glanced at her briefly, then asked flatly,

“Did I?”

His tone made it clear she wasn’t even worth remembering. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.

As he disappeared, the brown-haired man sighed quietly and extended a hand toward her.

“You’d like to go back inside, wouldn’t you?”

Although it was phrased as a question, there was no mistaking the subtle firmness in his tone—it was clear she should follow him.

“…Yes.”

Emily wasn’t clueless. She took his hand and stood up.

“I’m Roben Heinz, Captain of the Hespelt Knights. I’ll escort you.”

“The maid said she would come if I rang the bell,” Emily replied, trying to hide her embarrassment.

“If I left you in the care of a maid now, Lady Tericia would have a few words for me,” he said with a faint smile.

Left with no choice, Emily followed him. He adjusted his pace to match hers.

“…Um,” she began hesitantly after walking in silence for a while.

“Yes, my lady?”

“That man earlier… He’s the Duke of Hespelt, isn’t he?”

Black hair and golden eyes—those were unmistakable signs of the Hespelt bloodline. And in this house, only one man carried them.

Emily recalled the few brief times she’d seen him and asked softly.

“Yes, that was the Duke,” Heinz replied.

“I see…”

Emily lowered her gaze, cheeks tinged pink. Just like before, there was something about the young Duke of Hespelt that was impossible to ignore.

It would be amazing if someone like him were part of a marriage discussion.

She pictured herself as Duchess of Hespelt, standing beside him. It wasn’t a bad image at all.

She fanned herself lightly to cool her warming face.

Watching her, Heinz quietly clicked his tongue in his mind.

Another poor girl falling for the Duke’s appearance…

He had likely seen her once or twice before, but Rashid had already forgotten her—that much was clear.

It wasn’t hard to imagine what things would be like once Rashid started actively appearing in social circles as Duke.

The only person who exists in his world is Lady Tericia. But more and more young ladies will dream of becoming the Duchess, completely unaware of that.

He felt a touch of pity for Emily Feder, who was reaching for someone she could never have.

But that was all.

Without revealing his thoughts, Heinz calmly led her back to the main house.

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