The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 92

I still don’t understand why they insist on marching through the harsh terrain of the Membroux Mountain range. Why not just live peacefully on their own land?

The snow doesn’t melt easily once it falls. I’m worried it may delay our advance.

“Rashid Hespelt!”

Finally, Prince Nero Ohellian of the Eastern Kingdom stepped forward onto the battlefield.

Spotting the young duke clad in black armor, he called out his name loudly.

His voice cut through the air and echoed across the battlefield. As it did, the swords of fighting knights gradually slowed—then stopped altogether.

All eyes, both ally and enemy, turned to the two men: one, the Eastern Kingdom’s greatest warrior; the other, a young duke known for his brilliant tactics, overwhelming strength, and terrifying efficiency—the very name of Rashid Carlo Hespelt had become a symbol of fear.

“I’ve long awaited our reunion!”

They had met once before—briefly—during the failed negotiation where Rashid rescued Adler. Prince Nero had not forgotten that momentary encounter.

“So, you’re eager to die sooner than expected?” Rashid said dryly.

“Seems like he wants to hand over his head himself,” Roben Heinz added with a smirk.

Laughter rippled through the Imperial knights. But Prince Nero stood unfazed and raised his voice again.

“To die in battle is a warrior’s pride!”

At that, Rashid scoffed in amusement.

Dying in war? What nonsense.
No matter what, he had to survive. Only by staying alive could he carry out what came next—and claim what he truly wanted.

“Come back alive. Don’t you dare die where I’m not.”

Yes, Tericia. My beautiful woman. I’ll stake my life to keep that promise.

Rashid’s lips curled into a cold, fierce smile.

“You don’t understand what truly matters.”

“What?”

Prince Nero furrowed his brows, not quite catching what Rashid had just murmured.

“I formally challenge you to a duel!” Nero shouted, pointing his sword. “Don’t tell me you’ll hide like a coward!”

His booming voice, followed by mocking laughter from the enemy line, set some of the Imperial knights on edge. But the Hespelt knights, including Heinz, remained calm—almost amused.

“A duel, huh… Must mean he’s lost faith in his army,” Heinz said with a faint chuckle.

“Shall I take his place?” he asked.

“No.”

Rashid lowered the faceplate on his helmet.

“He’s calling for me so eagerly. Wouldn’t it be rude not to accept?”

His tone was casual, but Heinz could hear the irritation beneath it. And when Rashid was in that mood, there was no stopping him.

“Even I have enough mercy to give death to someone who clearly wants it.”

Rashid gave his sword a little flick and smiled darkly.

As he stepped forward, Prince Nero smiled back, visibly excited. By now, he was more interested in fighting a worthy opponent than the battle itself.

“Helmet!” Nero called out.

At his command, a servant rushed out and handed him a helmet before retreating just as quickly. The man wore lighter armor and, judging by his movements, clearly wanted no part in the fight—he ducked back through the soldiers and vanished.

“…Huh?”

Rashid narrowed his eyes, watching the servant closely.

“Something wrong, Duke?” Heinz asked.

“That face looked familiar.”

“Whose?”

“The man who brought Nero his helmet.”

“…Now that you mention it…”

But the man had already disappeared into the crowd of soldiers, and neither of them could locate him.

Am I just being paranoid? Rashid wondered. But Heinz was also glancing toward the enemy ranks, scanning for the man.

While Rashid stood thinking, Prince Nero, growing impatient, called out again.

“Rashid Hespelt! Don’t tell me you’re afraid? If you surrender now, I might spare your life!”

“Who does he think he’s talking to?”

Rashid let out a cold laugh. Clearly, this needed to be dealt with before anything else.

The large prince stepped forward, swinging his sword in a wide arc.

Whoosh—the air split with a threatening sound. Rashid watched him, lifting one corner of his mouth in disdain.

“If he insists on inviting death like that… so, be it.”

He took a single step forward.

“Heinz.”

“Yes, Duke.”

“Once this is over, find out who that man was.”

“You mean the prince’s attendant?”

“Yes. Something about him feels… off.”

“Understood.”

Heinz gave a slight bow and stepped back to let Rashid move ahead. Without delay, he summoned his aide to pass along the duke’s instructions.

By the time the battle ended and dawn arrived, Rashid would have his answer.

He tightened his grip on his sword.

When I return… I’ll propose to Tericia again.

And with that, the duel began.

Tericia,

It seems I won’t be able to write again for some time. I only hope this won’t be the last letter I ever send you.

I’ll write again—soon, I hope.

—Thinking of you, always. Rashid.

“Haa…”

Tericia let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Her eyes remained on Rashid’s letter as her delicate, pale fingers traced the paper. A soft smile spread across her lips—as if he were right beside her.

Ludwig watched her silently, unable to look away.

Her serene expression slowly bloomed into a shy smile, and something deep in his chest ached. His hands clenched into fists, knuckles pale from the force.

So… she’s already given him everything.

No matter how tightly he held onto his lingering hope, Tericia already belonged to Rashid. Not even the smallest piece of her remained for Ludwig.

A long, quiet sigh escaped him.

Only now did he fully realize how deeply he had been holding onto his feelings for her.

Rashid must have known. That was likely why he had always been so wary of him.

Ludwig used to joke that it was fun to tease Rashid, but in truth, it had always been about wanting to get closer to Tericia—just a little more.

And now I see it too late.

The realization struck him like heartbreak. There were still lingering feelings, but it was time to let go.

“Lady Tericia.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

She finally looked up from the letter, meeting the crown prince’s gaze with her usual composure. Her cheeks, slightly flushed from emotion, made her all the more captivating.

If I’d met her first… would she have been mine?
If she hadn’t become the Hespelt duchess… could I have had her?

He’d never know.

He couldn’t be like Rashid—willing to abandon everything to have her. He didn’t have the resolve to cast aside the crown.

Do you love Rashid?

It was a question he didn’t need to ask. He already knew the answer.

Tericia gave a soft, slightly awkward smile as Ludwig stared at her.

“Your Highness?”

“Rashid…”

Ludwig paused, clearing his throat to steady his voice.

He could talk to anyone else with his heart carefully hidden—but not with her. In front of this gentle woman, he felt like a foolish boy again.

“When Rashid returns… will you become engaged?”

At his question, Tericia’s face turned a deep shade of red. Even the tips of her ears flushed. Seeing it, Ludwig’s heart skipped painfully.

He laughed, a bit too loudly, trying to shake the feeling.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead…”

It wasn’t a yes—but it wasn’t a no, either.

Ludwig hid his disappointment behind a charming, exaggerated smile.

“I hope the two of you find happiness.”

He smiled as he spoke, swallowing the last of his lingering hope.

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