7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

158

"Birthday celebration?" For just a moment, Rishe found it curious. But she realized that Arnold was unfamiliar with such a concept. "Your Highness Arnold, do you not do anything for your birthday?"

"We hold a soirée every year on that day. But I've never attended one properly."

Arnold seemed genuinely indifferent. Despite his almost expressionless and cold demeanor, his features were handsome.

("The Garkhain royal family, excluding the Emperor, doesn't attend public events with the citizens...")

In other words, celebrations involving the nation are likely only held by the current Emperor.

"What about with Oliver?"

"Why bring Oliver into this? He's instructed never to behave differently, no matter the occasion."

From what Rishe gathered, Arnold had thin ties with his family. His relationship with his father, the Emperor, was strained, and he had been despised by his own mother. His younger sisters lived elsewhere, and he had only recently reconciled with Theodore.

If Oliver was also under strict instructions not to do anything, then for Arnold, "birthday celebrations" would be something unknown.

"If you must ask whether it's necessary to celebrate, it's not always the case... but at least I want to celebrate others' birthdays."

"I see."

"So, for the next Your Highness's birthday... on the 28th of the twelfth month, may I celebrate it lavishly?"

Looking up at Arnold, Rishe smiled softly.

"By that time, we should already be married. Let's celebrate privately, without a soirée. We'll invite Oliver and Prince Theodore, indulge in delicious food..."

Imagining such a scene filled her with excitement. If possible, she wanted it to be a good day for Arnold. Of course, it wasn't limited to birthdays, but having plenty of good excuses for celebrations was always better.

"You can do what you like. But..." Arnold let out a small sigh. "You'll celebrate your birthday before I do."

"...Ah, that's right." Her voice, tinged with a hint of bewilderment.

"If it's something worth celebrating, then I'll celebrate as much as you want. What would you like?"

"..."

Upon hearing that, Rishe momentarily froze. But it wasn't because she couldn't think of anything she wanted. Arnold seemed to have realized that too.

"Rishe?"

"Well... Actually, I love celebrating others' birthdays, but I feel a bit awkward about my own birthday..."

Arnold showed a perplexed expression.

(Of course, there's also the fact that 'once you turn twenty, you never know when you'll die,' but...)

In every life, Rishe died at the age of twenty, returning to the broken engagement at fifteen. The day she would lose her life varied with each life, but the age of twenty remained constant.

For Rishe, celebrating her birthday inevitably meant becoming conscious of the "remaining time" of her life.

However, there was another reason why she was uncomfortable with birthdays.

"I've never had my family celebrate my birthday. As a child, I was always busy studying. With my schedule packed, there was no time for such things... Oh! Of course, there were many parties held as social events!"

But even those were overwhelmingly busy. During parties, she couldn't even eat, let alone drink, as she had to greet various people.

"No matter how talented you are, being born a woman renders everything meaningless. You should live solely to assist the Crown Prince. A marriage recognized by society. A woman's true happiness lies in marrying such a person and bearing children."

"Today's your birthday? ――I know. I am your mother, after all."

Her parents' words still resonated clearly in her mind.

"More importantly, how far have you progressed in your studies today?"

(............)

Pressing her cheeks with both hands to prevent herself from making a strange expression, Rishe continued.

"So, somehow, when it comes to my birthday, I feel unsure about what to do..."

Even after leaving the country and interacting with various people in her past lives, Rishe had rarely been taught about her own birthday. Instead, she lavishly celebrated others' birthdays, sharing in their happiness.

(I wonder what His Highness Arnold thinks of this.)

While holding her cheeks tightly, she glanced at Arnold and he gently asked for Rishe's answer.

"Do you mean we should do nothing?"

"――..."

Bowing her head, she thought for a moment.

Arnold was indeed trying to respect Rishe's wishes. Understanding this, she took several seconds to carefully consider before slowly shaking her head.

"...I would like to be celebrated. Your Highness Arnold."

Answering like that made her feel somewhat childish. But Arnold, as if it were nothing, gently stroked Rishe's head with his large hand.

"Understood."

(............)

Feeling somewhat relieved, she let out a sigh.

"I... I feel strangely odd. This is the first time I've had such a conversation with someone."

"You don't often talk about your inner thoughts to others."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Now that it was pointed out, it did feel that way. It was also because Rishe had many secrets related to the "loops," but she hadn't realized it until Arnold mentioned it.

"Hehe."

"What's wrong?"

"I wonder if, perhaps, Your Highness knows more about me than I do."

It was somewhat amusing. Arnold didn't say anything, but instead, he stroked Rishe's head once again.

(As I declared to His Highness Dietrich, His Highness Arnold is a wonderful man as a husband... but I must also be firm. I proposed to him on the beach in Vinlice. As His Highness's future wife, I must do my best! I need to confirm Gutheil's status while proving myself to His Highness Dietrich. I'm worried about Sylvia too. Tomorrow, I'll check on her again. And above all, I have my big task of preparing for the wedding...)

At that moment, she remembered the opera from earlier.

(The wedding...)

Rishe gazed intently at Arnold beside her.

(With this person...)

Staring at Arnold's lips, she cleared her throat and made a small noise.

(I want to... I think I want to kiss him again... but we must do it in public?!)

Before her face turned red, Rishe quickly looked out the window. It seemed Arnold hadn't noticed, but this was quite a serious matter. After all, she wasn't mentally prepared for it.

(What should I do...)

While inwardly distressed, Rishe spent the time until she returned to the imperial palace, pondering over the greatest challenge she had faced in her life so far.