7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

154

"Ugh, I... I...!"

But Arnold showed no mercy whatsoever. On the contrary, his contempt for the crying Dietrich only grew colder.

"Did you understand that stripping away all support from a mere young lady and driving her to a place with no ties is equivalent to a death sentence?"

"D-Death sentence!?"

"If you claim you didn't intend that, it only adds to your foolishness. Furthermore, trying to shift blame onto Rishe by flaunting your own incompetence is utterly reprehensible."

"Wa... wait, Your Highness Arnold...!" Rishe hurriedly tried to stop Arnold and whispered to him urgently. "Why are you adding insult to injury in this situation...!?"

"What? Wasn't that glance earlier permission for me to finish him off if necessary?"

"That's not what I meant! Your Highness, you must understand...!!"

Arnold's decision to speak softly perhaps mimicked Rishe's tone. His blue eyes met hers as he quietly whispered.

"I have no reason to show consideration for this man."

(Exactly...!)

As Arnold spoke firmly, Rishe pressed her hand to her forehead.

"In fact, you're too lenient. This man here is the one who broke off your engagement."

"But... being engaged to Dietrich Your Highness is something I truly didn't want. So, why should I be angry about losing something I never wanted in the first place?"

"...Shouldn't you be more harsh than I am?"

Ignoring Dietrich, Rishe and Arnold continued their whispered conversation.

Meanwhile, Dietrich began muttering to himself softly.

"If only... if only my circumstances of birth were different, I could have shone more brightly as myself...! I never wanted to be born as the crown prince..."

Even such statements were interrupted by Arnold's words.

"So, do you think Rishe was born with the intention of becoming your fiancée?"

"W-Well...!"

Arnold shifted his legs, casting a truly disdainful look at Dietrich.

"Let me ask you this then... Do you think Rishe has led an easy life so far, without any effort?"

Dietrich looked away uncomfortably. Arnold, resting his chin on his hand, continued.

"Rishe has only been in this country for two months. Yet when she accompanies me to social gatherings, she remembers the faces of everyone present and engages in conversations tailored to their preferences."

As Arnold spoke, Rishe's eyes widened.

"T-That's true. Rishe has always had a good memory."

"Not just relying on her memory alone." Denying Dietrich's words, Arnold continued. "No matter how trivial the conversation, Rishe listens sincerely. And then, she researches the topics before the next meeting. All this, even though it doesn't benefit her in any way."

"Your Highness Arnold..."

"One of the nobles once brought up a topic about the little-known history of Galkhein. Rishe effortlessly responded to it. That's because she sacrifices her sleep to self-study about this country's affairs."

With that, Arnold's blue eyes gazed quietly down at Rishe. "I know she regularly sends food and drink that boost stamina to the barracks. She even pays attention to my royal guards, whom she barely knows, if it benefits me."

(...For His Highness Arnold to notice such things...)

Feeling her cheeks flush under his gentle gaze, Rishe sensed warmth spreading within her.

"I can list more of her actions like this if needed. There are countless instances where she's done things even without my knowledge."

"Y-Your Highness, you're being too kind. It's not worthy of such praise."

"You should be proud of the efforts you've made as the Crown Princess." Arnold's large hand enveloped Rishe's face, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. "Make sure to let this man know about all the efforts you've put in as my fiancée."

Indeed, there were various motives behind Rishe's actions beyond just avoiding war. As a fiancée attending social gatherings, she didn't want to tarnish Arnold's reputation with her behavior. Moreover, she wanted to fulfill her duties properly. She made an effort to memorize all the royal guards because she wanted to know how Arnold chose his subjects and how he interacted with them.

(...But even though I did it because I wanted to, it's strange to feel happy about being praised...)

It felt like flowers were blooming softly in her heart.

Arnold's hand slowly withdrew from her cheek, but to hide her blush, Rishe covered her face with her own hand.