The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 63

Lady Tericia had arranged for Orzo’s workshop to be set up near the greenhouse, and she visited him whenever she had time to learn about herbs.

Today was no different. She came by to check on the essential oils and continued her herbal studies with him.

Lately, Orzo felt like he was living in paradise.

“Sometimes I wonder if I died and went to heaven.”

Though he spoke in a dreamy voice filled with contentment, it was a bit unsettling to hear. A man with a relaxed expression, muttering to himself while mixing who-knows-what, wasn’t the most reassuring sight.

Most people at the workshop kept their distance—but Orzo didn’t care.

Just having the freedom to make whatever he wanted without a single worry made him genuinely happy.

“Surely, Lady Tericia was sent by the gods.”

Even when she gave him a slightly awkward smile at his excessive praise, he didn’t mind. He couldn’t keep his feelings bottled up.

“I live thanks to you, my lady.”

The words, though heartfelt, could easily be misunderstood. Behind Lady Tericia, Mandy’s eyes sharpened like daggers.

I really should report this to the Duke…

Her mistress had insisted that this man was important, and had made her promise never to tell the Duke anything about him. If it hadn’t been for that order, Mandy would have run straight to Rashid several times by now.

Besides, Lady Tericia only ever responded to Orzo’s words with a smile. It wasn’t her place to talk about it behind her back.

“How’s that project I asked you about coming along?”

“Just a few more tests, and I think I’ll be able to confirm the results. But, my lady…”

Suddenly, Orzo lowered his voice and glanced around cautiously.

“…This thing we’re working on—it’s supposed to be a secret, right?”

Even though he’d already made sure no one else was around, he still didn’t raise his voice. Not even Mandy, Lady Tericia’s personal maid, seemed to be considered trustworthy in his eyes.

“No one can know about it.”

“Not even the Duke?”

At that, Lady Tericia gave a slightly troubled smile.

“Especially not him. This has to stay between just the two of us.”

“Well, of course…”

He scratched his head, thinking it obvious. There was no way anything good would come from people finding out about what they were making.

“Orzo, just in case…”

Lady Tericia paused, then spoke in a quiet, serious tone.

“If something happens to me, you have to finish this. No matter what.”

“Pardon? What are you—?”

“If that happens, you’re allowed to tell the Duke everything. But not until then. Until that day comes, it has to stay a secret.”

“My lady…”

“And once it’s done, you must deliver it to Rashid.”

Orzo swallowed hard, caught off guard by her sudden shift in tone. The words slipped out without him thinking.

“My lady… are you going somewhere?”

“…No one knows what could happen. That’s all I’m saying.”

Lady Tericia gave a faint smile. Her eyes lowered, and for a moment, they seemed filled with quiet sorrow.

Orzo could only stare at her in silence.

＊＊＊

The dagger Lady Tericia had ordered arrived the day before the banquet.

Relieved that it had arrived on time, she let out a soft breath. The one who delivered it was none other than Heinz.

“It feels like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

She greeted him warmly, both happy and grateful as she took the box containing the dagger from him.

“I’ve been busy.”

Heinz opened his mouth like he had much to say, but stopped himself. His short answer carried traces of exhaustion.

It was the first time she’d seen him since their outing.

Normally, Heinz was often away on missions under the Duke’s orders, but for some reason, it really did feel like a long time this time.

“But we made the deadline.”

Lady Tericia said as she took the box from him. The box was made of plain, sturdy wood—simple yet solid even at a glance.

“The craftsman said he worked hard to meet the date. He also said it turned out well.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Lady Tericia smiled softly at his words. She gently ran her fingers over the box before carefully opening it.

Resting on a deep crimson silk, like dried blood, was a dagger about the length of two hands. Its black scabbard was lined with intricate gold trim.

“It’s beautiful.”

Cradling the dagger carefully in both hands, she grasped the hilt and drew the blade.

Shing.

With a clear sound, the polished steel was revealed—sharp and gleaming.

Though it was more ornate than a typical self-defense weapon, the blade was sharp and lethal. It was more than capable of serving as a real weapon.

At the end of the hilt was a jewel—a deep red-purple gem.

“It matches your eye color, my lady.”

At Heinz’s comment, Lady Tericia looked up at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected that.

“The craftsman said he was deeply impressed by you when you placed the order. He was going to leave the hilt plain, but then remembered the color of your eyes and decided to add the gem.”

“Oh…”

She didn’t know how to respond. It was entirely unexpected.

She had asked for a dagger that would suit Rashid, something fitting for him. But now that a part of her was in it too, she suddenly felt shy and awkward.

As her face turned red and she struggled to find words, Heinz gave her a small smile.

“His Grace will like it even more.”

He might not be the most perceptive man in the world, but even Heinz couldn’t miss the feelings she had for Rashid.

And with this dagger, Rashid would no doubt be more than pleased.

“…Do you really think Rashid will like it?”

Lady Tericia spoke after a long pause, her voice slightly husky with hesitation.

“I believe he’ll be truly delighted.”

“I hope so.”

Her face lit up with a shy smile as she lowered her head slightly, trying to hide the warmth rising to her cheeks. The sight of her—both embarrassed and happy—was…

That’s probably the kind of look that drives His Grace even more mad for her…

Heinz turned his head away, trying to hide his reddening face, and cleared his throat quietly.

Lady Tericia didn’t seem to hear. She just kept gazing at the dagger in silence, lost in thought.

＊＊＊

Late at night, the moonlight was the only thing illuminating Lady Tericia’s room. She sat alone in the dim space, with the box containing the dagger resting on the table before her.

The dagger was more beautifully crafted than she had expected. The blade was fine, and the details were excellent.

She had designed it with only Rashid in mind—choosing a black base with gold trim. But she hadn’t imagined a gemstone in the color of her own eyes would be added.

His colors, and hers—together.

Her face warmed again. She wasn’t sure what expression she wore. She just felt that, thankfully, the darkness would hide it.

Lady Tericia slowly lifted the dagger. It had a solid weight to it.

I hope it’s not too inconvenient to carry around.

She had asked for something practical—something he could wear and use for self-defense. It was exactly what she had envisioned.

“Rashid…”

She whispered his name softly.

If he could get through this birthday safely, then it would mean he had also survived the three years he had wandered the battlefield in his previous life.

Of course, the world she lived in now wasn’t much different from a warzone—but still, it wasn’t quite the same.

Lady Tericia let out a long breath.

Tericia.

She could no longer deny it.

She liked hearing him say her name. She liked when he listened to her stories, brushing her hair gently as she spoke.

She liked when his gaze focused solely on her.

If she could just keep living like this by his side—

Does it really matter what form that takes?

Whether it was as his sister or something else entirely… as long as they could stay together.

“Rashid.”

A gentle smile curved her lips.

She had never once properly wished him a happy birthday.

Maybe tomorrow she wouldn’t get the chance either—with all the guests, and everyone wanting his attention.

She placed the dagger back in the box. Her pale fingers brushed over the blade, pausing at the reddish-violet gem before moving to each part of the design, as if leaving a piece of her heart in every detail.

“Happy birthday.”

She spoke softly, with a quiet smile, offering a blessing she still couldn’t give him aloud.

＊＊＊

On the outskirts of the capital, three men arrived at a small, nameless inn.

It wasn’t the kind of place that asked about guests’ identities—as long as they paid well. That’s why it often served those who didn’t want to be found.

The innkeeper checked the coin offered by one of the men and wordlessly pointed upstairs.

“Would you like a meal?”

“No need.”

The man who had paid shook his head.

“If you change your mind, let me know in the morning. I can get you bread and soup. Your room’s upstairs, to the right.”

The innkeeper spoke bluntly before disappearing into the back.

The three men exchanged glances and headed up the stairs.

“Really now! Was it necessary to sneak in like this?”

As soon as the door was closed, Count Clu pulled back his hood and snapped in frustration. His anger was directed at the man who had ordered silence throughout the journey.

“What else could we do? You’re the one who’s in exile, sneaking out like this.”

The man replied dryly, his tone mocking.

“Come on, let’s not fight. We’ve made it to the capital—that’s already half the battle. All we have to do is get inside tomorrow.”

Sheffer quickly stepped in to stop the rising tension. He was right—they had made it this far. The most dangerous part was over.

“I’m done here. I brought you safely to the capital, as agreed. I’d like the rest of my payment now.”

“How rude—!”

“Here, here. Thank you for getting us here safely. If we need you again, we’ll be in touch.”

Before Count Clu could explode, Sheffer handed the man a pouch of coins.

The man silently counted the gold, nodded, and left without another word.

Naturally, Count Clu was fuming.

“How could you hire such a disrespectful man?!”

“Well, that’s how mercenaries are. But he’s skilled—otherwise, we wouldn’t have made it here so smoothly.”

They had hired the mercenary to lead them through secret routes from Count Clu’s estate to the capital.

Since Count Clu was under house arrest, it was the only option.

If Rashid found out that the Count had left his territory by normal means, there was no telling what punishment would follow.

Sheffer had gone through quite the ordeal to arrange the mercenary’s help—but Count Clu seemed to have already forgotten.

This is all because of those two…

He should’ve been the one welcoming guests at the Duke’s banquet.

Instead, he was stuck spending the night in this rundown inn, and it made his blood boil.

“So, when is he arriving?”

“Soon. He’s the one who told us about this inn, after all.”

Knock knock.

Just as Sheffer finished speaking, there was a knock at the door. Count Clu froze in place.

He and Sheffer exchanged glances. Could it be the one they’d been waiting for?

Sheffer cautiously approached the door.

“…I hope I’m not too late?”

A man in a worn brown hood entered as Sheffer opened the door.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Count Clu.”

The man gave a respectful bow, addressing the Count directly.

Count Clu’s eyes widened briefly before he regained composure. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him with such formality. His chest swelled with pride, his shoulders straightening and chin lifting slightly.

“So, you’re the one…”

“Yes. I’m the cleric who will be officiating tomorrow’s certification.”

The man bowed once more with calm dignity.

Count Clu smiled, clearly pleased.

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