7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

173

Arnold's unfathomable depth could be likened to a sort of enchantment. Had the atmosphere not been so tense, one might have inadvertently been captivated. Unaware of such things, Arnold lowered his gaze.

"Your ex-fiancé will be under my surveillance for a while longer. But you needn't concern yourself with trivial matters."

"I cannot accept that." Struggling to find her breath, Rishe pleaded with Arnold. "May I accompany you on your next official duty? I will ensure not to be a bother."

"..."

Arnold furrowed his brows before speaking. "It can't be helped. I promised to grant your requests whenever possible."

"Thank you, Your Highness Arnold!"

With a sudden smile, Arnold let out a sigh. Wondering about this, Rishe watched as he averted his gaze. Raindrops tapped against the roof of the gazebo.

"It's just a passing shower. It'll probably stop soon."

"If you say so, then it must be."

"Are you sure you have the time? We could stay here a little longer..."

Saying this, Rishe also looked up at the roof. That's when she noticed.

Carved into the four pillars supporting the roof were figures of maidens representing the seasons. This motif was somewhat familiar to many in this world.

(This gazebo... The decorations on the pillars and railings feature motifs from the Church of Crusade.)

The Church of Crusade was widely followed across the world, especially among nobles and royals.

(Perhaps...?)

Rishe pondered this, and Arnold seemed to sense her thoughts. After gazing at the pillars, Arnold nonchalantly remarked.

"I always thought that structures without living beings maintaining them would quickly deteriorate."

"It seems, however, that they are preserved even without anyone taking care of them."

"Arnold, Your Highness..."

That tone sounded strangely detached.

"Even though no one has ever used this gazebo."

Arnold probably spent some of his childhood in the tower. And he likely knew about the gazebo. Imagining this, Rishe's chest tightened.

(The inscription on these pillars is in Crusade language, celebrating the birth of a beloved child...)

This gazebo was probably built for Arnold's mother, the High Priestess of Crusade, and for Arnold himself. However, earlier Arnold mentioned it had never been used.

Was this gazebo not built according to Arnold's mother's will, but rather as a formal structure?

(Aren't birthdays meant to be celebrated with gratitude for the life brought into the world?)

Thinking of young Arnold, Rishe felt like crying out loud.

(When the previous Arnold looked up at his father earlier, there was a suppressed hostility.)

Even though he was far away, the current emperor might not have noticed it, but Rishe clearly felt it. But that wasn't the issue.

(On the other hand, the emperor's hostility didn't seem to be concealed. It felt more like a playful provocation, not serious... )

Recalling that moment, Rishe tightly clenched her hands.

(The hostility was directed not at me but at Arnold, his own son.)