The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 51

“I have no intention of repeating the mistakes of my predecessors,” said Crown Prince Ludwig.

He began walking again at a slow pace, and Rashid followed beside him.

“But if the opportunity arises… if it becomes necessary, I believe you would repeat them. Even if it’s not by your will.”

“…I won’t deny it,” Ludwig replied. “Just as the preservation of House Hespelt is your priority, the glory and safety of the Imperial Family are mine.”

A crooked smile touched Rashid’s lips—handsome enough that even that faint smirk could draw attention.

“Then allow me to say this clearly: do as you please with the temple, with other noble families—use them however you want. I don’t care. If it’s within reason, I’ll play along. But no further than that. Especially… don’t touch Tericia.”

“Good grief…”

The Crown Prince shook his head. He had always known that Rashid’s sense of duty toward House Hespelt was strong—but he hadn’t realized just how deep his obsession with the young lady went.

When Rashid spoke about her, his eyes had briefly filled with a glint that resembled something dangerous.

“So what are you protecting—House Hespelt, or her?”

“Who says I have to choose just one?”

If forced to pick, Rashid would rather betray the Imperial Family than either of them. Ludwig realized his question had been foolish and let out a quiet, dry laugh.

“You really are selfish, you know.”

“Naturally.”

They walked again in silence for a few moments.

“I swore my loyalty to you, Your Highness. In return for the wish you granted me.”

“…I haven’t forgotten.”

“As long as you remain my liege, my sword is yours. But—”

Ludwig looked at him without a word.

“If your power ever turns toward Hespelt, then House Hespelt will no longer be your sword. We won’t be used again.”

Rashid smiled gently—but it wasn’t the warm smile he showed Tericia. It was cold. Measured.

Once was enough. House Hespelt had already suffered from the manipulations of the Imperial Family.

“I feel the same. I won’t repeat the mistake of turning the great noble houses against each other to suppress them.”

Rashid, of course, didn’t believe him—and Ludwig knew Rashid didn’t believe him. But neither mentioned it.

There was no illusion of trust between them. Just a mutual understanding: give what must be given, take what must be taken. That distance was ideal for both.

“I hope you’ll continue to trust my loyalty.”

Rashid offered a deep, formal bow, then turned and walked away without looking back.

Ludwig watched his retreating figure with a complicated expression.

Rashid returned home late that night.

After stepping down from the carriage, he instinctively looked up at the Hespelt estate. More precisely—toward her window. The light was off. She must have gone to bed already.

He lowered his gaze with a small sigh. His chest felt tight. He looked down at his hand, clenching and unclenching his fist once.

He couldn’t remember how many days it had been since he’d last seen Tericia’s face. Maybe it wasn’t as long as it felt—but to him, it felt like ages.

It’s late… but maybe I’ll go see her for a moment.

There was a time when he would visit her room without hesitation. But now, he found himself hesitating more and more.

Whenever he watched her sleeping, he would feel a strong urge to reach out and touch her. If he touched her, he wasn’t sure he could stop.

He was afraid that one day, he would cross a line he couldn’t return from.

He took a slow breath, trying to calm his restless thoughts.

“Shall I prepare your bedroom, sir?”

It was Harris, his aide, who had quietly followed behind.

“…No. I’ll go to the study.”

Rashid answered while recalling the work he needed to finish.

The estate was quiet, and the sound of his footsteps echoed faintly off the walls.

“You don’t need to stay. Go rest for the night.”

“Yes, have a peaceful night, sir.”

After dismissing the butler, Rashid stepped into the study—only to pause at the door.

Something was different. A subtle new scent lingered in the air.

He narrowed his eyes, scanning the room to confirm what had changed.

And then he saw her.

Tericia.

The fireplace—unused during the warm season—was glowing softly, and she was seated in the chair beside it, reading a book.

She hadn’t noticed him enter. Her eyes were half-lowered, still focused on the page in front of her.

For a moment, he thought it must be a dream. Maybe he’d just missed her too much, and now his mind was playing tricks on him.

But no… there she was. Her damp hair fell to one side, and she wore a soft indoor dress. Relaxed, elegant, real.

The firelight gave her golden-brown hair a warm glow. His eyes drifted to her slender fingers as they gently turned a page, to her delicate wrist that looked as if it might snap if he held it too tightly.

His gaze traveled slowly up the curve of her pale neck, then settled again on her shining hair.

He suddenly remembered how soft those strands felt between his fingers. Just the memory made his skin ache.

It was like an invisible rope wrapped around his throat. Tight. Suffocating. That unnamed heat crawled beneath his skin, and his mouth went dry.

His body tensed with a strange, breathless anticipation.

He hadn’t had a drop of alcohol, yet he felt lightheaded—intoxicated. Without realizing it, he took a step forward.

“Ah.”

She finally noticed his presence. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened with recognition.

“Rashid.”

She closed her book and placed it on the table, rising from her chair. Her subtle floral scent filled the room the moment she stepped closer.

“You’re late.”

Rashid stood frozen as she approached. His golden eyes narrowed slightly, as if dazzled by her presence.

“Welcome home.”

Tericia stood before him, smiling so brightly it made his chest ache.

He wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her tight. The desire was overwhelming. He clenched his fists, holding himself back, willing his hands not to move.

Not yet.

He stayed perfectly still, frozen, afraid that if he touched her even slightly—he wouldn’t be able to stop.

Unaware of his tension, Tericia stepped even closer. Her scent filled the air, slipping into his lungs and curling deep inside him.

Addictive.

A quiet, dry laugh slipped out like a sigh.

“Tericia… Sister.”

His voice came out lower and rougher than he expected.

“Mm.”

She smiled brightly, clearly having no idea the effect she was having on him.

“What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.”

Such a natural response—and so unexpected. Rashid barely managed to swallow the groan rising in his throat. The warm ache spreading through his chest was difficult to ignore.

“It’s late,” he said, his voice still hoarse.

“It’s fine. I plan to sleep in tomorrow.”

The way she cheerfully declared her rebellion made her seem impossibly cute—but Rashid couldn’t bring himself to smile. He was the only one suffering here, and it didn’t feel fair.

He seriously considered something.

Should I make her cry?

It wouldn’t take much. Just a sliver of the thoughts currently racing through his mind would be enough.

“You must be tired, right? You probably didn’t eat dinner, so I prepared something light.”

On the table were a few sandwiches and a bottle of wine—clearly brought in by her.

Her unusual behavior was both endearing and maddening. The way she moved, the way her hands fluttered—it was enough to make him dizzy.

He didn’t know how to interpret her actions. It felt like she was constantly, unknowingly, testing his restraint.

“Sit down.”

Still oblivious to his inner turmoil, Tericia guided him to a seat at the table, then sat across from him. Cheerfully, she laid out the food and poured the wine.

With a resigned smile, Rashid took what she offered without protest.

“Is it good?”

“…Yes. It’s good.”

“I’m glad.”

Tericia beamed, watching his face.

There was something different about her tonight—something he couldn’t quite place. Rashid frowned slightly.

“You can tell me now.”

“Hm?”

“Whatever it is you came to say. You’ve been holding it in.”

She lowered her gaze, nervously biting her lip. Clearly, she’d been working up the courage.

Rashid leaned back in his chair and waited patiently, letting her take her time.

“Actually…”

Her voice trailed off. But after a brief hesitation, she lifted her head and looked straight at him.

“There’s something I want you to see. A new fragrance I’ve been working on.”

From beneath the table, she pulled out a small incense burner.

“Didn’t you say you were planning to produce a scent that helps with sleeplessness?”

“Yes, that’s still in the works. But this is something new.”

She gave him a mischievous smile, like she was revealing a secret plot. That little grin—so cat-like—was oddly endearing.

She lit the incense. The fragrance filled the room instantly, sweet and subtle, and drifted into Rashid’s body with every breath.

Caught off guard by her cuteness, Rashid—rarely flustered—felt the shift in his body immediately. His chest tightened, his face grew tense. His heart began to stir.

“What do you think? Do you like it?”

“…What is this?”

His throat felt dry. He loosened his tie and tossed it aside.

“Don’t tell me… is this aphrodisiacal incense?”

His voice came out even lower than before, almost dangerously so.

“W-What?! No! Absolutely not!”

Tericia’s face flushed red with panic.

“It’s not that at all! It’s just… a relaxing blend. Something to soothe the nerves, ease tension, help people open up around strangers. That sort of thing…”

She chose her words carefully, suddenly aware of how easily this could be misunderstood.

Rashid, watching her fumble, slowly stood. The scraping sound of the chair moving across the floor seemed abnormally loud in the quiet room.

“So it’s supposed to ease tension,” she continued quickly, her voice rising a little with urgency. “You know—create a comfortable atmosphere, calm awkwardness, that kind of—Rashid?”

She blinked, realizing he was no longer across from her.

Rashid now stood just in front of her, the fireplace’s glow behind him, casting his face in shadow.

She couldn’t see his expression clearly.

“Relaxing, huh…”

His voice was deeper than she’d ever heard it before. Usually, she found his voice low and pleasant—but this time, it sent a chill down her spine.

“It works quite well.”

In that moment, the fire flickered—and the light caught his face.

His golden eyes, usually bright and warm, had darkened like deep molten metal.

“…!”

Startled, her lips parted—but he was already there.

His lips pressed against hers.

They were hot.

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