The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 57

Tericia was resting, though it felt like she had just come back from a battlefield.

After unexpectedly ending up in Rashid’s arms, Dr. Carlson arrived not long after.

Under Rashid’s sharp gaze, the doctor had to treat her while visibly nervous—so much so that Tericia could feel his tension in the air.

Though it was only a mild sprain, just as expected, Dr. Carlson treated her with the solemnity of someone tending to a critical injury.

“My lady, please try not to get hurt again. You’re shaving years off my life,” he muttered quietly as he finished up, repeating his plea more than once before he finally left.

Remembering his words brought a faint smile to Tericia’s lips. Without even realizing she was smiling, she murmured under her breath:

“So overprotective…”

She wasn’t even sure how she’d managed to say “Carry me” earlier. When she saw the fire in Rashid’s eyes, she’d panicked and said the first thing that came to mind—to protect Sir Heinz.

“I must’ve been out of my mind. Asking to be carried…”

“I’d carry you as many times as you like.”

“Rashid?!”

Startled by the unexpected voice, Tericia flinched and tried to sit up—only to wince and sink back into her seat.

A soft groan slipped out. The injury wasn’t serious, but it was just uncomfortable enough to be annoying.

“Are you all right?”

“…I’m fine.”

She sighed and leaned back against the chair again, giving up.

Watching her closely, Rashid knelt down on one knee before her.

“Rashid, what are you—”

“Pardon me just a moment.”

And then, to her shock, he reached for her leg, gently pulling it—dress and all—toward himself.

“What are you doing?!”

Her voice came out shrill with surprise.

“When our muscles are tight, knights help each other loosen them like this. You overdid it today. Just once—let me help.”

“…Really?”

Tericia hesitated, then gave a small nod of reluctant approval.

Rashid began gently massaging her leg over the fabric of her dress. Even through the layers, he could feel how delicate her leg was.

A strange silence filled the room.

There were several layers of fabric between them, and yet the warmth of her skin seemed to reach him. His face began to feel hot.

“You can stop now. I’m fine.”

She couldn’t handle the silence anymore. Her voice was quiet, almost embarrassed. At her words, a small smile tugged at Rashid’s lips.

He was a little disappointed he hadn’t been able to touch her directly—but if he’d tried, she would’ve run for sure. For now, this would do.

He let go of her leg and sat beside her, smoothly changing the subject like nothing had happened.

“The man who caused all this—he’s an alchemist.”

“Huh?”

“The one who ran into you.”

As he spoke, he reached out and lightly tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

“An alchemist?”

“Yes. The one you mentioned before.”

“…Didn’t you say he disappeared completely?”

“We only found traces of his escape. But then, just like that—he showed up.”

“I see…”

Tericia leaned back into the couch, her voice trailing off. Apparently not liking the distance, Rashid shifted closer to her.

She moved slightly as well—and the movement pulled on her injured ankle. Her face tightened in pain, something Rashid didn’t miss.

“…Should I just get rid of him?”

“What?”

“……”

…He’s joking, right? But the soft smile on his face made her question that.

“Rashid.”

“Yes, Sister?”

“…Whenever you call me ‘sister’ in that gentle voice, I get nervous.”

“What did I do this time?”

“It wasn’t his fault I got hurt.”

Rashid’s expression hardened.

“It really wasn’t. I wasn’t paying attention. Sir Heinz isn’t to blame either. So don’t worry too much.”

He didn’t like it, but with her speaking so firmly, he couldn’t push the issue.

At least, not on the surface.

“I just…”

His voice dropped to a quieter tone.

“I hate it when you get hurt. Even a scratch—or a single strand of your hair out of place—makes my mind go blank. I just…”

He stopped himself.

I just want you to stay in my arms, where it’s safe. I want you to look only at me. I want you to belong only to me.

But those thoughts were selfish, and he didn’t need to burden her with them.

“I just want you to stay somewhere safe. Peacefully.”

His words made her smile gently.

“I’m in the Hespelt estate. How dangerous could it possibly be here? You’re just being overprotective.”

“…I wish that were true. But you always find a way to wander into trouble.”

“When have I ever—”

She trailed off, knowing the answer was long.

Rashid gave a soft, knowing smile. He could tell she realized it too. He knew when to step back—she always listened better that way.

“So.”

He casually shifted the subject.

“Would you like to meet him?”

“The alchemist?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve been looking for him for ages. Of course I want to meet him.”

Tericia answered with a soft smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

＊＊＊

“L-Lady Tericia. I’m Orzo.”

The green-haired man in tattered clothes bowed his head deeply as he spoke.

He had been moved to a different room this time. At the center stood the terrifying man he had seen earlier, surrounded by knights.

The woman seated in the chair had been introduced as the lady of the house. He barely managed to remember that and forced himself to greet her.

Orzo was trembling with fear. He’d been told the nobleman he encountered earlier was the Duke of Hespelt.

The one and only ducal house in the Empire.

Even someone like him—who had little interest in noble society—knew the name. And now, he had learned that the woman he’d accidentally injured was the duke’s older sister.

Am I even going to make it out of here alive?

He had escaped from wolves, only to fall into a tiger’s den. Nobles killed people for the most ridiculous reasons—just because they didn’t like the way someone looked at them.

His life was now completely in their hands.

I was better off with those mercenaries…

Orzo trembled, head bowed. As the thought of dying settled into his mind, his eyes began to sting with tears.

“Orzo.”

A beautiful, angelic voice called to him.

He looked up before he even realized it. Lady Tericia, with her vivid violet eyes, was looking at him warmly.

“You’re Orzo the alchemist?”

“Y-Yes, my lady. Well, not exactly an alchemist… I just have a knack for crafting things. It’s how I get by.”

“Is that so? And what sorts of things can you make?”

“All kinds, really. Medicines, mostly. I’m pretty good at making potions and remedies.”

“Oh? That’s impressive.”

She smiled sweetly at him.

“Then you must be good at making oils as well.”

“Absolutely! If you give me the ingredients and tell me what kind of scent you want, I can make it in no time.”

“Good. I’ve been running a fragrance business lately, and I’ve had trouble finding a proper technician. It’d be great if someone with your talent helped me.”

“If that’s the case, I’m honored! I’d even give my life for you, my lady!”

“Thank you. I prefer things to be clear—so, shall we sign a contract?”

“…….”

“…….”

It all happened so fast. Before he even realized what he was doing, Orzo had already signed the document.

The room was silent. Everyone stared at him in stunned disbelief. Even the man who had radiated such deadly pressure earlier now looked utterly speechless.

Only Lady Tericia still wore a calm smile as she looked at Orzo.

“Sir Adler.”

Tericia glanced over the signed contract and passed it to Adler with a graceful flick of her fingers.

He read it quickly, then nodded to her.

“Yes. It’s complete. This man now belongs to Lady Tericia. Should he ever leak what she’s working on, you may have him executed.”

“…Executed…”

Orzo’s mouth fell open.

“Orzo.”

The lady spoke again, her voice gentle.

“Y-Yes, my lady?”

“You’re far too trusting. That’s probably why you’ve been chased by mercenaries—because you’re not a con artist, right?”

“……”

It was the first time he fell completely silent. He looked down, his lips pressed tightly together, as if hiding something he couldn’t say aloud.

Watching him, Tericia glanced at Rashid.

Reading her silent signal, Rashid let out a quiet sigh and dismissed the rest of the people in the room. After one last glance at Tericia, he followed them out.

Now only the two of them remained in the reception room. A table, already prepared in advance, sat between them with freshly brewed tea still steaming.

Tericia lifted her cup, took a quiet sip, and waited for him to speak.

“…There’s no grand reason behind all this,” he finally said after a long pause.

“Why not sit down and tell me over tea?”

Orzo obeyed her invitation and sat down—perching nervously on the edge of the chair, as far from her as he could manage.

When he took a sip of the warm tea, some of the tension in his body began to ease.

Orzo had always been gifted at working with liquids—whether it was tea, medicine, or scented oils to wear. If it was in liquid form, he could make it.

He used to create remedies from common herbs and flowers, offering them to commoners who couldn’t afford proper medicine. His treatments worked well, and he gained a small following.

But everything changed the day he created that thing.

Since then, he had been on the run.

“…You knew I was being chased,” he said quietly.

“I happened to find out.”

“……”

“I imagine you’ve had a hard time,” Tericia said gently.

Her words brought tears to Orzo’s eyes. He began to cry—loudly and without restraint.

Tericia looked startled at first but said nothing. She simply waited until he had cried himself out.

Eventually, the sobs quieted. After wiping his face a few times and sniffling, Orzo finally calmed down.

Tericia poured him a fresh cup of tea.

High-ranking nobles offering tea had symbolic meaning—but Orzo didn’t seem to notice. Not that it mattered. She wasn’t offering it for that reason.

“My lady, you’re… truly kind,” he said, voice still hoarse.

Tericia smiled faintly.

“I’m not being kind. I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

He looked up at her.

“Most nobles don’t ask—they order. Or they threaten.”

“……”

“Yes, please. Tell me what you need. I’ll do it.”

As he wiped his eyes, he spoke with determination.

Seeing that, Tericia gave a slightly awkward smile. After all, what she was about to do wasn’t all that different from what other nobles would.

“Orzo, if you make what I need, I’ll protect you.”

“Protect me?”

“Yes. You’ll create what I request, and in return, I’ll offer you protection—enough so you won’t have to run from mercenaries or anyone else.”

“……”

“Hespelt can protect you.”

It was true. Who could possibly challenge the military might of the Empire’s only ducal house?

But Orzo wasn’t just being chased by mercenaries.

If it were only mercenaries, it wouldn’t be so bad. Once they realized there was no profit in it, they’d back off. He was just a small fry, after all.

But…

He gritted his teeth, remembering the other group that hunted him. Tericia’s offer was generous, but he couldn’t accept it lightly.

“I’ll protect you,” she said again, her voice firm.

“I…”

Orzo began to speak, ready to refuse. But then Tericia said something that stopped him cold.

“Even if it’s the temple.”

His gaze shot to her, wide-eyed.

The temple? No… it couldn’t be…

He stared at her in disbelief.

How much does this woman know?

Tericia remained still, waiting silently for his answer.

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