7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

172

"I don't know anyone else who reads my thoughts as well as you." Arnold had an expressionless face, yet his gaze was incredibly gentle. The hand that stroked Rishe's hair was equally tender.

So, Rishe asked somewhat petulantly, "Are you trying to spoil me?"

"Hm."

Then, Arnold faintly chuckled. "See? You've read my mind perfectly."

"Oh, come on..."

While protesting, Rishe also felt a bit ticklish.

Whether when she had contact with the current emperor earlier or at this moment, she felt Arnold was comforting her.

However, she couldn't afford to be too soft.Even as Arnold stroked her hair, Rishe looked into his eyes and pondered.

"If the entity manipulating Fabrannia had also made contact with my homeland, Hermity..."

Hermity was a small country. Due to the need to traverse undeveloped forests and mountains during travel to Galkhein, traffic was not so frequent. The narrow roads and unsuitability for large military movements were likely reasons why Galkhein had not invaded Hermity in the past.

However, Hermity wasn't too far from Galkhein. Except for the difficulty of moving a large armed force, it wouldn't be strange for Hermity to be chosen when plotting something against Galkhein.

"The whole thing is fishy from the start." Arnold frowned.

"Normally, you wouldn't publicly announce a one-sided engagement annulment."

"...Prince Dietrich gave off an impression of being 'someone who might do such a thing' to everyone present at that event..."

The first Rishe, too, was surprised by the engagement annulment itself but didn't question Dietrich's behavior of declaring it at the evening party. Consequently, she just let it pass naturally.

(Perhaps only Prince Arnold from another country realized that Dietrich's actions were odd...)

Rishe reflected on that.

(If the engagement annulment party was part of the 'mastermind's' plan, then it's highly likely that the entity is involved in the coup that will happen a year later.)

With that thought, she let out a small sigh.

"Was Prince Arnold not present in the hall that evening at the party for the investigation of the 'mastermind'?"

"If the aim was to summon me, it's easier to draw me out when I'm alone."

(He naturally assumes he'll be at the forefront again...!)

Normally, the person targeted wouldn't act. Of course, Arnold was stronger than anyone else, but she still couldn't help but worry.

"Did you achieve anything that night?"

When she asked, Arnold blinked slightly. Was he surprised by something? Wondering about it, Rishe observed. Arnold then softened his expression again, almost smiling as he spoke.

"...Yes. I gained something."

"Really? And what was that?"

Arnold slightly narrowed his blue eyes at Rishe, then, looking up at her with anticipation, he revealed something unexpected.

"...I found you."

This time, it was Rishe who widened her eyes in surprise.

"Uh, um, no, not like that!"

"Well, a few minutes after finding you, you jumped off the balcony and escaped."

"Please forget about that incident!"

At that time, she thought she would never see Arnold again and ran off without thinking. She never imagined being proposed to afterward and still being by his side like this. Whether Arnold found enjoyment in seeing Rishe turn red or not, he chuckled as she protested. While expressing her dissatisfaction, Rishe imagined all the things that could happen.

"In this life, I've already gained a lot of experience. There have been many times when the truth behind events I heard about through rumors differed from reality..."

Arnold wasn't just cruel; there was also the fate of the gemstone depletion in Colloyes. The previous maiden of the goddess didn't die at the publicly announced time; there was a mastermind behind Harriet's execution being branded as a villain.

Likewise, the coup Dietrich initiated in his homeland might have had hidden purposes and facts that Rishe couldn't know.

"Perhaps. Is Prince Arnold bringing Prince Dietrich with him for your official duties to investigate the 'mastermind'?"

At that, Arnold gave an obvious frown. "Of course. Besides political reasons, do you think I have any reason to accompany that man?"

"But, Prince Arnold, you're kind, and surprisingly accommodating..." Rishe said earnestly, but Arnold just furrowed his brows even more. It seemed their compatibility as individuals was so poor that he couldn't stand Dietrich even more than others.

"...Anyway. Regardless of whether that man is plotting a coup, you shouldn't worry about it. Even if there's a mastermind behind him, he will fail."

"Yes. Just as Your Highness predicts..."

Even Arnold, who doesn't know the future, asserts confidently that it will end in a splendid failure. Perhaps the purpose of the 'mastermind' isn't the success of the coup itself.

"However, it's unbearable to think of the turmoil caused by a revolution in Hermity. Even if there were reasons for your father to act, a coup wouldn't be wise. I want you to understand that we should consider other methods..."

"Rishe."

Lowering her gaze, Rishe raised her head when called.

"That's not true."

Rishe involuntarily held her breath.

Arnold's words were so cold that it sent shivers down her spine. His blue eyes held a quiet light, like the sea on a moonlit winter night.

"The king holds all decision-making power in his country."

In those eyes, there was none of the warmth Arnold had shown just moments ago.

"No matter how much the people shout until their throats are hoarse or how loyal subjects risk their lives to advise, the king can make decisions without considering any of it."

"Your Highness..."

Hearing those words, she couldn't help but recall a certain figure.

It wasn't just the shadow of the current emperor she had seen just now.

Unconsciously, Rishe imagined the figure of 'Emperor' Arnold Hein, whom she had confronted in the future.

"If the king is an obstacle, there is no other way but to kill him."

Sensing a hint of killing intent, a chilling sensation ran down her spine.

"Prince Arnold..."

To avoid showing any trembling in her voice, Rishe carefully opened her mouth.

"This isn't acceptable to say within the imperial palace..."

"Why? What I just said was about the Crown Prince of Hermity... Well, there might be those who chastise it as disrespectful."

When Arnold narrowed his eyes, he said with a dark smile, "After all, regicide in this country is the most unforgivable sin."

His self-mocking smile was enchanting and frighteningly beautiful. It was so precarious to watch, yet it was mesmerizing, emanating an irresistible aura that attracted everyone.