7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

170

"Are you scared?" Arnold softly asked Rishe, looking at her in his arms. "There's no need to be afraid. I'm here."

With his lips buried in Rishe's hair, he whispered softly.

(He's protecting me...)

Rishe was enveloped by Arnold, feeling protected. But she couldn't just accept that. No matter how scared she was, no matter how overwhelming the pressure was, Rishe wanted to act for Arnold's sake.

So, she reached out.She reached out desperately to wrap her arms around Arnold's back, who was facing his father. And then, she hugged him tightly. As if seeking solace from her beloved lover.

Remembering the gesture of the opera singer Sylvia she had seen before, she imitated it. Through the embrace, she could feel Arnold's surprise, rubbing her forehead against his chest. Her heart pounded wildly, and her ears burned. For various reasons, she couldn't bring herself to raise her head.

Would hugging him like this be an obstruction to Arnold? But clinging to his body, which felt much larger than it looked, provided a sense of security.

"Rishe."

Arnold pretended to kiss Rishe's cheek.

Even though he didn't actually touch her, the gesture alone made her body ticklish and jump. After comforting Rishe once more by hugging her tightly, Arnold turned his face forward again and looked at his father in the distance. 

The atmosphere became tense again, and Rishe held her breath once more. She felt like she was breaking into a cold sweat, trying desperately to control her trembling lips. Although the confrontation lasted less than a second, it felt like an eternity to Rishe. The beating of her heart sounded unnaturally loud in her ears.

Surprisingly, it was Arnold's father who first dissipated the hostility.

(...Has he disappeared?)

It was an abrupt and anticlimactic ending. It seemed that the current emperor had left the corridor. Although Rishe sensed it through his presence, she still couldn't move.

"Rishe. Are you okay?"

Called by her name, she exhaled shortly.

With her forehead pressed against Arnold's chest, Rishe slowly opened her mouth.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness Arnold."

Her voice, squeezed out somehow, sounded terribly hoarse.

"I reflexively tried to draw the sword."

If she hadn't done that, Arnold wouldn't have been forced into such an awkward position. Her heart was still pounding loudly. Nevertheless, Rishe took a deep breath and apologized to Arnold again.

"I apologize for causing you trouble with my thoughtlessness."

"No trouble has been caused. ...That man's timing was just too unfortunate. I should be the one apologizing for not explaining the situation."

Said so, Arnold held onto Rishe as if to comfort her, patting her head gently.

(Ugh...)

She felt like she had become a small child again. But her tense muscles were gradually relaxing. Arnold looked down at Rishe, who had her forehead against his chest, and asked.

"What were you meaning to do when you tried to draw the sword?"

Not understanding the reason for the question, she raised her head slightly and looked up at Arnold.

"It wasn't just a move like 'just drawing the sword and being ready,' was it? That's why I was a moment too late to stop you."

("'Too late'... In my perception, I was stopped in an instant, and thanks to Your Highness, I didn't have to draw the sword.")