The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 55

“Ardor” became a sensation.
After word spread that a young lady wearing the fragrance had confessed her love to a man she adored and succeeded, the scent became wildly popular.

Thanks to that story and its evocative name, Ardor came to be known as “the scent of love,” and its fame only grew.

In a society obsessed with trends, it quickly became an essential item, something one had to wear or gift when confessing to someone they liked. Ardor was now a fragrance loved by both men and women.

At the same time, rumors began to circulate among the elite about a separate fragrance crafted exclusively for the Imperial family. The fact that it was a luxurious, top-tier scent reserved only for the emperor drove nobles into a frenzy.

Some even tried to make backdoor connections to the Hespelt family’s workshop, hoping to secretly purchase it—even though they knew it was forbidden.

“You could start a full-fledged merchant company with this,” Rashid said, genuinely surprised by the success.

Even accounting for how sensitive the nobility was to trends, this response had exceeded his expectations.

He poured tea for Tericia himself when she visited his office. As the head of the family, offering her tea was a gesture she accepted with a soft smile.

“I’ve almost finished all the preparations. A few things still need to be finalized, but the main structure is complete.”

“Already?” Rashid asked, surprised.

Tericia smiled. “Yes. Sarah Lays will be the one leading the company.”

“Well… that’s an interesting choice.”

Despite his words, Rashid responded as if he had known all along.

“People really can surprise you,” Tericia said lightly.

“They really can.”

“…You already knew, didn’t you?”

Rashid laughed quietly at her slightly sulky tone.

“With her skills? She’s more than capable. I had a feeling.”

He was well aware that Tericia didn’t surround herself with many people—but the few she did have were exceptional.

And Sarah Lays had always stood out. Even when she served as his personal maid, she wasn’t like the others. She was efficient, sharp, and far more practical than delicate. She had the presence of an assistant, not a servant.

“So, what is it you really wanted to say?” Rashid asked with a small smile.

“Hmm?”

Tericia, who had been savoring the tea with a content expression, set her cup down and got to the point.

“I want the merchant group to be officially recognized as part of the Hespelt family’s business network.”

The Hespelt house already operated several trading groups under its name.

“That’s fine. In fact, we’ve been needing a mid-sized business that specializes in luxury goods for women.”

“Thank you. And—”

“And?”

“I’d like you to accept the Lays family as official vassals.”

Rashid, who had been about to reach for a stack of papers at his desk, froze mid-motion. His golden eyes flicked toward her, surprised.

Tericia met his gaze calmly, her eyes glimmering with confidence.

“The merchant group will be a success. The fragrance was just the beginning—I have more ideas ready.”

“…More weapons up your sleeve, huh?”

He repeated her words thoughtfully, a smile forming on his lips.

“At the heart of it all will be the Lays family. Baron Lays is upright and hardworking—he’ll give it everything he’s got.”

“That’s true.”

Rashid nodded in agreement.

“All right. I’ll promote them to full baron status and formally grant them land.”

“…What?”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, genuinely confused.

“You’re agreeing just like that? No objections?”

“Why would I object?”

Tericia looked at him in disbelief. The way he accepted it so naturally was almost irritating.

“Rashid.”

“Yes?”

“You can’t just trust people so easily.”

“Excuse me?”

Now Rashid looked at her with the same disbelief she had just shown him.

“No matter how close we are—even if I’m your sister—I could still ask you for something that might not be in your best interest.”

“…”

“So even if it’s me, you should at least check for yourself…”

Before she could finish, Rashid had already walked over and stood beside her. His tall frame cast a shadow over her face.

“Tericia… isn’t it you who trusts people too easily?”

“…What?”

“It’s only been a few days since we kissed, and yet here you are—so completely unguarded.”

“……!”

Rashid gently took her chin and kissed her lightly. It was just a brief touch of the lips, but her face turned bright red.

“If it benefits House Hespelt, I won’t hesitate. Don’t worry. I’m doing exactly what you asked—growing up well, listening to you.”

Tericia’s face turned even redder.

She parted her lips as if to argue, then gave up with a sigh and pushed him away.

Rashid stepped back willingly, still smiling.

“Please, Rashid…”

He didn’t hide his amusement as he took a step back toward his desk.

Tericia, trying to catch her breath, stood up and moved toward the door. Before leaving, she looked back at him like she had made a bold decision.

“I’m going out. Don’t follow me.”

“Yes, I’m busy too.”

But the way he smiled, she knew the second she left, he’d be right behind her. She tried scowling, but it had no effect.

So she switched tactics.

“Be a good boy, Rashid. Listen to your big sister. I’ll play with you when I get back, so wait patiently, okay?”

She spoke like she was scolding a mischievous child. Rashid looked completely stunned.

Without waiting for his reply, Tericia stuck her tongue out playfully and slammed the door shut behind her.

“Is something special going on today? Lady Tericia looked like she was in a really good mood,” Adler said as he walked into the office shortly after.

He was carrying a pile of documents in both arms and, without hesitation, dropped them neatly onto the duke’s desk.

“…It never ends,” Rashid muttered with a sigh.

Adler’s lips curled up into a smile.

“Since when has it ever ended?”

“Hmm, about Lady Tericia’s business venture that you mentioned before…”

Noticing the subtle frown forming between Rashid’s brows, Adler quickly changed the subject. Nothing shifted his focus more effectively than bringing up Tericia.

“The merchant company has been officially registered with the trade guild. All the shops for selling the fragrances have been purchased, and the sales strategies have already been mapped out. At this point, it just needs to be distributed.”

“What about the funding?”

“It appears she used her personal assets. She inherited a sizable sum from Madam Boren, so the scale wasn’t small.”

“Very tidy.”

“Yes, flawlessly so.”

“…Almost too flawless.”

“……”

Adler fell silent. He had sensed the same thing, but it wasn’t something he could say openly—so he simply stayed quiet.

“Tericia really does get things done, doesn’t she?”

“…She does.”

“Where on earth did, she learn all this? No one taught her, as far as I know.”

“……”

“It’s like she’s done it all before.”

At Rashid’s musing, Adler had no answer. He simply stood by and waited as Rashid sat in silent thought.

Tericia’s outing didn’t go quite the way she had intended.
Despite wanting to go alone, things didn’t turn out that way.

As she silently watched the street roll by through the open carriage window, she called out to the person walking alongside the carriage.

“Sir Heinz.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Why are you the one escorting me?”

“For your protection.”

“Yes, I understand that. But why you specifically?”

Aren’t there plenty of other knights?

Tericia didn’t say it aloud, but her eyes asked the question clearly.

“By the duke’s order, my lady.”

“……”

Tericia held back a sigh. She had suspected Rashid wouldn’t let her go easily—but this?

She expected a guard, yes—but Heinz, the captain of the knights?

“You must be having a rough time. A knight captain assigned to protect a mere lady.”

“A mere lady? The duke would be heartbroken if he heard you say that. Besides, it is an honor to serve you, my lady.”

Tericia pouted slightly. She’d meant to tease him just a bit—but he had responded with perfect formality, no flexibility at all.

“……”

“Your safety brings peace of mind to all of us,” he added.

Mandy, seated beside her, nodded in agreement. Now caught between the two of them, Tericia sighed again.

“This is overprotective.”

Heinz gave a faint, awkward smile. He couldn’t disagree—but he also understood the duke’s concerns.

Unlike most noble daughters, Tericia had an unusual talent for attracting trouble.

Even as a child, whenever someone took their eyes off her, strange men would try to approach or harm her. Thankfully, Rashid had always managed to protect her just in time.

But now that he had inherited the title, he was far too busy to stay by her side constantly.

That was why he had assigned people to watch over her in secret. Still, that wasn’t enough to ease his concerns. His worry lingered around her like a faint scent, always present.

In the end, today’s outing only happened after assigning Heinz and three knights to guard her—though Tericia had no idea about the full extent of the escort.

“We’ve arrived,” Heinz announced, offering his hand to help her down from the carriage.

As if she had been waiting, Sarah Lays came out of the store to greet her.

“My lady.”

Sarah’s voice was cheerful and welcoming.

“You must be so busy.”

“I am! But it’s fun. And I have so much to show you—it’s exciting. Please, come inside.”

Sarah smiled brightly as she led Tericia in. The interior, decorated like a high-end jewelry store, was striking.

Until now, shops dedicated solely to fragrances hadn’t really existed. Perfumes were usually delivered directly to noble households through trusted merchant groups.

But Tericia had taken a different approach—creating a luxurious boutique that only sold fragrances and oils, elevating their status to that of fine jewelry.

To prevent scents from mixing, she even created a separate salon space for customers to test the perfumes. Custom orders were taken, tailored to each person’s preferences.

The strategy worked brilliantly. Nobles didn’t just want to buy a fragrance—they wanted a scent that matched their identity.

She also developed fragrance oils that could be worn on the body—placed inside decorative pouches or jewel-like accessories and tucked between the folds of dresses. It became a subtle but personal way of expressing oneself.

Lately, visiting Tericia’s boutique had become just as fashionable as visiting a jewelry store—especially for young noble ladies.

“Your strategy worked perfectly, my lady. The high-end branding really attracted interest from noble households.”

“What about Ardor?”

“It’s the best-seller. Quietly, but steadily. The more discreet it is, the more it sells.”

“That’s a relief.”

Tericia smiled as she looked over the ledger Sarah handed her. For a first venture, everything was going surprisingly well.

“You’re going to continue being the key to this business, Sarah, so please keep giving it your all. Rashid will bring you good news soon.”

“Yes, my lady.”

After a few more instructions, Tericia stepped outside.

As she approached the carriage waiting out front, she paused and turned to Heinz with a question.

“Would it be all right if I walked around a bit before we head back?”

“As long as it doesn’t get too late, I don’t see any issue. If we delay too long, the duke may start to worry.”

“You’re right…”

She hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind. She hadn’t been out in a while, and she wanted to enjoy the day a little longer.

“You’re already here to protect me, Sir Heinz. Let’s take a short walk.”

“Yes, my lady.”

As Heinz turned to inform the coachman, Tericia quietly took her first few steps forward, enjoying the feel of the afternoon air against her skin.

Support The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out