The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 59
“He actually turned Ardor into an oil-based perfume in just three days.”
Sarah commented that the fragrance’s popularity had only grown now that it could be carried on the body.
There were already perfumes in the market, of course—but the one he made was top-tier. The scent was subtle, long-lasting, and refined.
“Even so, he’s being paid far too much.”
One of the main reasons Adler had come to see Tericia today was to bring up that very matter—Orzo’s wages.
No matter how skilled the man was, the compensation he received was unprecedented.
He was allowed to research freely, and any material he requested was procured for him without question—no matter how rare or costly.
It was as if Tericia were showering a lover with gifts, handing over every expensive ingredient he asked for. Naturally, it had begun to irritate Rashid.
“The Duke…”
Adler cleared his throat carefully.
“What about Rashid?”
“…He’s jealous.”
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous.”
Tericia laughed, as if she had just heard the most absurd thing in the world.
“Why would Rashid be jealous? I’m just employing him.”
Adler pressed his lips together tightly.
If your attention were on a falling leaf, the Duke would envy that too, he thought.
One of these days, he swore, he’d make her see what Rashid truly felt.
“He’s important to me,” she said softly, looking down as she walked slowly.
She was lost in thought.
How could she explain this in a way that wouldn’t make Rashid worry?
“I want to profit from fragrances. That’s the best way to build influence here.”
“……”
“As long as that’s what everyone believes, that’s enough.”
Adler knew immediately that wasn’t the truth.
Tericia had no interest in power or status. She was someone who could move the Duke himself with just a word.
If she wished, Rashid would do anything for her. And knowing that, she never asked.
Every word she spoke, every action she took, was calculated with care.
And now she said she was trying to build influence?
“It’s a smokescreen, then.”
Adler said bluntly.
“I like that you catch on quickly.”
She smiled faintly.
“Officially, he’s just making perfume. Under my employment.”
“…What are you really planning to make?”
“I’ll tell you when the time comes.”
She beamed—a smile that left no room for further questions.
“Sir Adler.”
“Yes, Lady Tericia?”
“I’ll do anything for Rashid. That’s all you need to remember.”
“…Understood.”
Adler bowed and excused himself. Only after leaving did he realize he’d barely touched on the topic he originally came for.
The Imperial Court’s monthly noble council was a meeting for the aristocracy involved in governance. Held once a month, it was where policy was discussed and shaped. Participation was both a right and an obligation.
It was a place of duality: nobles pushing their agendas while claiming to serve the Empire’s best interests.
Today, the session was being presided over by the Crown Prince. The Emperor had long left routine affairs to him unless a truly major decision was involved.
Though the transfer of power was a formal narrative, the Crown Prince knew well—his father only allowed him the reins to show that the true power still rested with the Emperor.
“And so I was saying…”
“I’ve heard rumors that…”
The Crown Prince rested his chin in his hand, elbow propped casually on the armrest, as he half-listened to the chatter around him.
These people were here to curry favor, not contribute meaningfully. They smiled, flattered him, laughed at all the right moments.
None of them mattered.
He knew full well that these same nobles would turn their backs on him the moment power shifted.
Then, a ripple of murmurs stirred near the entrance of the chamber.
“He’s here.”
The Crown Prince responded to the whisper beside him with a detached nod, waiting.
“Your Highness.”
Rashid approached and gave a deep bow of respect.
“Duke Hespelt.”
Crown Prince Ludwig inclined his head in return. Someone beside him promptly gave up their seat, and Rashid took it as if it were routine.
“You don’t look well.”
“…Was it that obvious?”
The Crown Prince offered a faint smile at Rashid’s words.
No one else had noticed the storm brewing behind his calm face. Yet the man who had arrived last was the one who saw right through him.
“I still have a long way to go. That you noticed right away…”
Rashid didn’t reply.
The Prince’s expression remained formal, unreadable.
“Negotiations aren’t going well, I take it?”
“Have any of them ever gone well? They’re always a mess.”
He smiled as he said it, but his words were biting.
It was clear—he was in no mood to be diplomatic today.
“Shall we walk a bit?”
The Crown Prince stood, and Rashid rose to follow him without a word.
They strolled quietly away from the meeting hall.
Only once their aides had fallen away behind them and they reached a quiet, empty corridor did the Crown Prince speak his mind.
“His Majesty refuses to make a decision. That’s the real problem.”
He always referred to the Emperor formally, as His Majesty. Despite being the Emperor’s only heir, there was nothing familial in their relationship.
The Emperor loomed above him—not as a father, but as a ruler. And the Crown Prince served, not as a son, but as a vassal.
Even now, as the named heir, he knew his position was fragile—his future still hung on his father’s whims.
The Emperor reminded him of that every chance he got.
The Crown Prince accepted it with a smile—but every so often, the weariness showed through. Of course, there were few people he ever allowed to see his true thoughts.
“His Majesty is getting old. In the past, he wouldn’t have just sat back and watched the East deteriorate like this.”
He rubbed his brow, murmuring as if to himself.
“If we continue to stay unprepared, and they cross the mountains…”
“They wouldn’t dare. The Membrooks are a natural fortress.”
“Do you truly believe that?”
“……”
Even Rashid didn’t believe the words he’d just said. On this point, he agreed with the Crown Prince completely.
“A report came in from Lord Glen—troop reinforcements have been completed.”
“That’s a relief. I’m glad it’s you overseeing the East.”
“……”
The two walked in silence.
“Sometimes…”
After a long pause, Crown Prince Ludwig finally spoke again.
“Sometimes I wonder what I’m even doing.”
“……”
“His Majesty does nothing. The nobles are all busy chasing their own interests. The people complain they’re suffering. I’m given nothing, yet expected to do everything. Everyone claims to support me, but… I don’t know anymore. I don’t even know what I have.”
He looked down at his own hands.
There was nothing in them. Reaching for an invisible dream—how foolish he must look.
Maybe someone like Rashid Hespelt, who could ask for exactly what he wanted and had someone by his side to help him achieve it, was in a far better position.
He regretted even saying this much. When would he ever be able to speak openly without instantly regretting it?
“Your Highness.”
“Don’t say anything. I spoke out of turn.”
The Crown Prince quickly shut himself off again. Watching him, Rashid let out a quiet sigh and pulled a small pouch from inside his coat.
“…What’s this?”
Ludwig took the pouch from Rashid with a puzzled look.
“I didn’t really want to bring it, but…”
Rashid frowned slightly as he spoke.
“It’s a fragrance oil… a gift from my sister.”
Inside the pouch was a small vial. A delicate scent wafted from it. And with it came the sudden image of a certain woman—soft, dignified, and quietly persistent.
“I heard you once said you’d like to have a bottle.”
“…Wait, don’t tell me—you were planning not to give it to me?”
When Rashid didn’t reply, Ludwig gaped.
“Oh, wow. You—seriously…!”
“……”
“I didn’t think you were this petty.”
The Crown Prince raked his hand through his hair, loosening the tidy strands he had so carefully arranged.
“You’re more sly than I gave you credit for.”
“What brings that on all of a sudden?”
“It’s because it’s so sudden! I don’t even know if I should trust you anymore.”
Grumbling, he tucked the pouch carefully into his inner pocket. The gentleness of the motion irritated Rashid just enough to make him speak.
He wasn’t the most patient man when it came to things involving Tericia.
“Let go of those feelings. You may have the fragrance—but nothing more.”
The chill in Rashid’s voice made the Crown Prince stop walking and glance his way.
His face was calm, but in his golden eyes, a flicker of heat flashed before vanishing again.
In that gaze, Ludwig saw her again. Someone who seemed soft and delicate—but never broke. Someone who stood firm.
If that woman were his—if those violet eyes held only him—maybe… maybe he could keep going just a little longer.
“…I know. I know that.”
But you can’t control where your heart goes.
His mouth tasted bitter. If only he’d met her first. That useless regret lingered, clinging like a shadow.
“But anyway.”
The Crown Prince changed the subject suddenly. His voice brightened again, like the previous moment had never happened.
His smile was his usual one—easy, princely, unreadable.
“Your birthday’s coming up, isn’t it? Will you be hosting a banquet?”
Rashid’s expression wavered slightly at the question.
“I’ve said it’s unnecessary, but…”
He trailed off, sounding like a sigh, yet with a faint smile tugging at the edge of his lips.
It’s my first birthday since inheriting the ducal title. Of course she wouldn’t let it pass quietly.
He couldn’t help feeling a little pleased, thinking of the person who was likely preparing everything with such determination.
“I suppose there will be a banquet. There’s someone working very hard to make it happen.”
The Crown Prince instantly caught on to whom Rashid was referring to.
“Well, enjoy it while someone still celebrates you. That’s a blessing too, you know.”
“I agree.”
“…I wasn’t going to go.”
Watching Rashid’s faint smile, the Crown Prince felt a sudden jab of irritation. He might have let go of his ambition, but he could still allow himself a bit of mischief.
So what if it was petty? It wasn’t like he had much else.
“I’ll go, then.”
Rashid’s face tightened immediately. His expression practically screamed don’t.
That alone made Ludwig feel better.
Yes. This was just the right distance between them.
“I’ll personally attend and offer my congratulations.”
“You really don’t have to.”
Too bad.
“A Crown Prince personally honoring a duke’s birthday? You should be honored.”
“……”
“Take it as a gift.”
Watching Rashid’s jaw clench, Ludwig laughed, genuinely enjoying himself for the first time in days.
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