7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

156

"Truly... Truly, I deeply apologize..."

"...No..."

In the carriage ride back to the castle from the theater, Rishe bows deeply, unable to even look at Arnold sitting across from her. Trembling with nerves, she continues to apologize desperately.

(*I feel like my face is on fire...!!)

The atmosphere inside the carriage has become somewhat awkward since earlier. Becoming aware of it, Rishe's cheeks, and even her ears, grow hot, and her embarrassment only increases.

And it's all because of the actions she took earlier. Rishe declared to Dietrich that Arnold is a kind person. As a result, Dietrich ended up staying in Galkhein for a while. But the reason the atmosphere inside the carriage has become like this is because Rishe touched Arnold.

(*Ugh, what have I done...!! After foolishly issuing a strange declaration while trying to argue with Prince Dietrich, I ended up clinging to Prince Arnold...)

Such behavior is not appropriate for public display.

In that moment of embracing, Rishe recalls how surprised Arnold was and feels like she wants to cover her face with both hands. Arnold's lack of words also makes the silence unbearable.

"In the first place, for arranging a meeting with Prince Dietrich and everything else, I caused you a great deal of trouble..."

As Rishe continues to apologize, Arnold lets out a small sigh.

"I have no intention of restricting your actions. You can meet whoever you want to meet and talk to whoever you want to talk to."

"Your Highness..."

Normally, Rishe would never be granted such freedom.

It's usually Prince Dietrich who is ordinary, and Rishe's mother would take care of such matters. Arnold is the one who's different. Being a nobleman's daughter and the wife of royalty are supposed to entail such restrictions.

"...Still, I want Prince Dietrich to understand that Lord Arnold is a very kind person." With a petulant tone, she says that, and Arnold responds with a sarcastic smile.

"What that man said is true. Your words are sweeter."

"That's not true at all."

"Even if I were to be insulted by such a person, I wouldn't feel a thing. Let the little man bark all he wants. But..." After saying that with a composed expression, Arnold speaks in a slightly lower voice. "I won't tolerate you being looked down upon."

Rishe feels her heart skip a beat again.

(...Even though he's saying all this for my sake...)

What exactly is it about Arnold that could be considered cruel and ruthless? She wonders, but if she were to say it out loud, she'd surely be denied. It seems that to make Prince Dietrich and even Arnold himself understand, she needs to convey it in ways other than words.

"However, I was quite surprised by what happened earlier." Sensing the conversation returning to its original topic, Rishe jumps slightly. "It's rare for you to act like that."

"As... As for clinging to you like that, I sincerely apologize..."

"...That's not the issue." For some reason, Arnold says that with a grim expression, making Rishe tilt her head in confusion. "You seem more straightforward with that man than with anyone else."

"Ugh..."

Indeed, as Arnold points out, Rishe is aware that she tends to be overly blunt with Prince Dietrich.

"It's because I've been acting as Prince Dietrich's chaperone for his whole life and scolded him quite often. I tend to be unintentionally harsh with him because we're childhood friends."

"..."

At that moment, Arnold, leaning against the window frame of the carriage, looks at Rishe intently.

"Rishe."

"?"

Arnold taps the seat next to him.

This gesture indicates that she should sit there. Wondering why he's doing this, Rishe stands up since she was called, then sits next to Arnold.

Looking up at him, Arnold speaks while gazing at her.

"How come you don't scold me?"

"Huh?"

Surprised by the unexpected question, Rishe's eyes widen.

With an expression devoid of emotion, Arnold seems to be waiting for her answer.

(Is he talking about official matters...?)

Feeling puzzled, Rishe expresses her honest opinion.

"I would never presume to scold you, Your Highness."

"Hmm?"

"For example, when it comes to Prince Dietrich, there were times when I felt a sense of urgency, thinking, 'If I don't say something, it'll be too late'..."

"..."

As Rishe speaks, Arnold reaches out. It's a gesture as if he's tucking Rishe's stray hair behind her ear. Then, like earlier at the theater, he gently brushes her dangling earring with his finger.

"Prince Arnold, even if I'm not around, will be just fine..."

Feeling ticklish, Rishe shrinks back and then timidly looks up at Arnold. As Arnold gazes back at her, his blue eyes lower slightly before he speaks. "I don't know..."

Feeling puzzled, Rishe suddenly realizes something. "Could it be that you sometimes want someone to scold you?"

Arnold wore a slightly suggestive expression. It wasn't an affirmation, but since there was no rebuttal, he pondered for a moment.

"Well then, how about, 'You shouldn't work until late every night' or something like that?"

"I could say that to you as well." he replied.

"Or perhaps, 'You should take more breaks and rest'?"

"I could also scold you about that" he said again.

"No, how about, 'You should delegate more of your work to others' or something like that?"

"...Rishe."

Mixing a considerable amount of sincerity with just a hint of humor, Rishe then says to Arnold,

"Well then, how about, 'If you're wary of someone, please tell me too'?"

Then, as if Arnold was amused, he laughed a little with his dark blue eyes.