The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 64

“So, you’re the one who will testify about the family records…?”

“Yes, I will give the testimony. I’ve managed Hespelt’s genealogy for a long time. My word will carry more weight than anyone’s.”

“Is what he said true?”

Count Clu glanced at Sheffer, then asked the cleric.

“Yes, it’s true. I’ve thoroughly examined the family line through three generations—up to the current Duke and his grandfather. But nowhere in the records does Lady Tericia’s name appear.”

“This is… outrageous…”

Count Clu staggered dramatically and collapsed into a worn-out chair.

Clutching his forehead, he let out a mournful sigh.

“For a high noble house like Hespelt to be fooled by some random girl… No, even if they did know, there’s no way the vassals would accept a man who brought a fraud into the family. They’ll never stay silent.”

“This will become a major scandal for House Hespelt.”

At the man’s words, Count Clu struggled to suppress the twitch in his lips.

He couldn’t afford to appear undignified in front of these people. After all, he was about to become the next Duke.

“Sheffer.”

Regaining his composure, Count Clu called his companion. Sheffer reached into his coat and pulled out a pouch, handing it to the cleric.

The pouch was heavy, and the cleric smiled as he took it in his hand.

“You mustn’t be late. Once the banquet begins, you’ll need to appear and speak quickly.”

“You have my word. I’ll be waiting, and as soon as the Count gives the signal, I’ll testify. Just one word from me will change your fate, my lord.”

The man’s confidence made Count Clu laugh heartily. He had a gift for saying exactly what people wanted to hear.

“If only all clerics were like you.”

Count Clu pulled off a ring and tossed it to him.

“If this succeeds, you’ll be rewarded even more handsomely. Consider that a token of appreciation for now.”

Beaming, the cleric bowed and pocketed the ring along with the coin pouch.

After several polite bows, he left the room. Sheffer followed to see him out, leaving the room quiet once again.

Just moments ago, this worn-down inn had seemed pathetic. Now, it felt like the command post for something great and powerful.

“Rashid… Tericia…”

Count Clu sat back in his chair and murmured their names.

By this time tomorrow, he would be the hero who saved the noble house, while those two would be kneeling at his feet, begging for mercy.

The Duke’s vassals would never forgive anyone who had brought disgrace upon the family.

“If Rashid gets sent to the eastern front… the barbarians will tear him to pieces. And as for Tericia, that wretched woman…”

Count Clu rubbed his chin, sinking into thought. His once-handsome nose had been disfigured—all because of her.

He had shown her kindness, and she had repaid him with betrayal.

“Well then, what should I do with you?”

If she begged for her life… he wouldn’t necessarily refuse.

“I’ll be as merciful as I can.”

A crooked smile lingered on Count Clu’s lips for a long time.

＊＊＊

“My lady! What are you doing?!”

Mandy rushed in, gasping, when she found Lady Tericia casually speaking with the head chef in her everyday dress, looking completely unprepared.

She raised her voice without meaning to and startled herself, quickly covering her mouth. Then she hurried over to Tericia’s side.

“My lady, why aren’t you getting ready?!”

This time she spoke in a whisper, her feet shifting nervously.

“Why would I?”

“What do you mean, ‘why’? If the Duke sees you like this, he’ll go ballistic!”

“He wouldn’t…”

Lady Tericia laughed, as if the idea was absurd.

“I’ll start getting ready once I finish helping out.”

“No! If you’re late, His Grace will absolutely take it out on us!”

“…But…”

Lady Tericia, unusually, hesitated.

“I don’t want to attend the banquet tonight.”

She said it quietly, her face filled with unease.

“Don’t say such ridiculous things. If you don’t attend, who’s going to be the Duke’s partner?”

“Well, yes, but still…”

Mandy stared at her mistress in confusion. Lady Tericia wasn’t acting like her usual self.

Then suddenly, something clicked. Mandy’s eyes widened.

“Wait… is this about that time…?”

She remembered the birthday banquet two years ago—back when the Duke had still been the young heir. And what had happened to her mistress that day…

“…I suppose I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

Lady Tericia asked with a resigned smile, and Mandy’s eyes wavered.

If it were up to her, she would’ve told her mistress not to go. But she couldn’t. She knew just how much the Duke was looking forward to escorting Lady Tericia into the ballroom.

Everyone in the Duke’s household knew: the only reason Rashid ever attended the banquet was to escort his sister—and to remain by her side.

“Should I tell His Grace you’re feeling unwell?”

Mandy offered softly.

“No. I couldn’t do that. I didn’t mean it seriously—I was just thinking out loud.”

“My lady…”

“…Make me look beautiful. I want to be beautiful tonight.”

At Lady Tericia’s quiet request, a gentle smile spread across Mandy’s lips. She didn’t need to ask who her mistress wanted to look beautiful for.

“Yes, my lady! I’ll make sure you look absolutely stunning.”

Clenching her fists with determination, Mandy answered with spirit and energy—so much so that Lady Tericia couldn’t help but laugh.

As the sun began to set, Crown Prince Ludwig Arun Latran arrived at the Duke of Hespelt’s estate.

“Your Highness.”

Rashid greeted him at the entrance.

Dressed in a black formal uniform, Rashid was striking—almost blindingly so. Simply calling him handsome didn’t do him justice. The black attire emphasized his tall stature and lean, athletic frame.

The Crown Prince’s red-and-white ceremonial uniform highlighted his own elegance as well.

With black hair and a black uniform, Rashid stood in sharp contrast to the golden-haired prince clad in white—yet they somehow complemented each other perfectly.

Noble ladies in lavish dresses and young misses couldn’t take their eyes off the two of them. A few sighed with regret, knowing they could never have such men as their own.

The other men, dressed just as formally, cast envious glances at the pair, aware of how superior they looked by comparison—but of course, neither Rashid nor Ludwig paid them any mind.

“You’ve done well with the decorations.”

The Crown Prince glanced around the ballroom as he spoke. The second-floor gallery was adorned with Hespelt’s grand crest, commanding the space with its weight. Meanwhile, the first floor had been softened with flowers, ribbons, and lace, giving the hall a gentle warmth.

The overpowering presence of the family crest was beautifully balanced by the floral fragrance and delicate atmosphere.

“Thank you. It was my sister’s work.”

“I heard you decided not to announce guests as they arrive.”

“Yes. It’s just a simple birthday celebration—there’s no need for formal announcements.”

The relaxed, unstructured format clearly suited the Crown Prince’s taste. Guests would arrive and enjoy themselves freely, with no entrance order or ceremony.

“Right. There’s nothing particularly joyful about aging another year.”

A subtle, unreadable smile crossed Rashid’s face.

“You must enjoy getting older.”

“I wouldn’t say I hate it.”

At his reply, the Crown Prince chuckled and playfully tapped Rashid’s shoulder.

“Some gaps just can’t be closed, after all.”

Rashid frowned slightly at that.

“There’s no need to rub in something we both already know.”

“Well, I am the perfect age to match Lady Tericia.”

“If you’re looking to volunteer for the Eastern Front peace talks, I’m happy to recommend you.”

“So petty.”

The Crown Prince grumbled with a grin, only half-joking.

Just then, Lady Tericia descended into the central hall.

As if in perfect harmony with Rashid, she wore a delicate celadon lace gown that rustled softly as it flowed with her every step—wrapping around her and then drifting away like a wave.

Depending on the light, the dress shimmered between gray and pale jade, complementing her perfectly.

Her hair, styled differently than usual, was adorned with small gemstone pins and a ribbon that trailed down her back, drawing attention to the graceful line of her neck.

With every step she took, the ribbon swayed, and the gems in her hair caught the light. Rashid couldn’t take his eyes off her as she approached.

He couldn’t even remember the last time they had spoken comfortably like before.

“I hope you like your birthday gift.”

Had she smiled and said that yesterday—or was it earlier today?

His throat felt parched, as if with an unfamiliar thirst. Even the formal uniform that once felt proud and dignified now only felt stifling.

“…I know I’ve said it before,”

the Crown Prince murmured after a long pause,

“But she’s truly beautiful.”

Though he agreed completely, Rashid dared not say it aloud. Just one word, he feared, and the moment might disappear.

Lady Tericia walked directly toward Rashid.

Rashid…

As always, she gave him a gentle, smiling glance and moved her lips without a sound—just his name. When their eyes met, her smile brightened, almost dazzling him.

After a long gaze, she turned toward the Crown Prince and bowed gracefully.

“Thank you for coming, Your Highness.”

Her voice brought Ludwig back to his senses. He smiled.

“You are as radiant as ever, Lady Tericia.”

He reached out, helping her to rise and pressing a courteous kiss to the back of her hand.

“You always exceed expectations.”

“Thank you,”

she replied with a small smile, lowering her gaze slightly. A soft blush warmed her cheeks.

“If I were to ask to escort you tonight… would I be rejected again?”

Her clear laughter was answer enough.

“My answer hasn’t changed.”

At her reply, Ludwig chuckled.

“I always hear the same thing. But since tonight is the Duke’s birthday, I suppose I should concede—just this once.”

Lady Tericia lowered her eyes politely, smiling still. Her graceful composure in the face of any words was admirable. Anyone would envy that unwavering affection she held.

If only I had met her a little earlier… things might have been different.

The Crown Prince took a quiet step back with a bittersweet smile.

Rashid, clearly displeased with the exchange, furrowed his brows and held out his hand to her.

As always, Lady Tericia placed her hand atop his without hesitation.

He pulled her hand gently, securing it against his arm.

“It’s time to head inside. We should at least acknowledge that Your Highness has arrived.”

“Such a bother.”

The Crown Prince sighed as elegantly as he could, then nodded and began to walk.

Rashid and Lady Tericia followed behind.

At the signal of Rashid’s nod, the knight at the door raised his voice and announced:

“The young sun of Latran—His Royal Highness, Prince Ludwig Arun Latran!”

The banquet had officially begun.

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