7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

182*

"His Highness Arnold was suspicious from the beginning, right? That's why he took time out of his busy official duties to take me to the opera that night..."

"..."

Indeed, Arnold's actions seem meticulously planned.

It could be said that on the day Rishe met Arnold, his main purpose was not the diplomatic soirée itself, but rather an investigation into the entity targeting Galkhain.

Arnold, likely investigating long before that, must have become wary of the opera troupe arriving at Galkhain at that time. And he probably had suspicions about Sylvia even then.

I recall having this conversation after taking our seats in the theater.

"Anyway, tonight's star is singer Sylvia. It's been a while since I heard her sing, so I'm really looking forward to it."

"Have you ever seen an opera with that actor before?"

When Rishe mentioned Sylvia's name, Arnold paused for a moment as if pondering something. That reaction might have been due to Rishe, who knew nothing about it, admiring the intelligence officer Arnold suspected.

"I heard about the situation the next day from Theodore through Oliver."

Arnold probably discussed the day Sylvia came to thank Rishe.

"There are not many people who visit castles in other countries without an appointment. It is even more difficult to imagine that famous opera performers haven't learned such etiquette. It was an action that I can only believe was aimed at getting closer to the central figure."

Guthail, upon hearing this, pressed his forehead as if contemplating something, then took a deep breath and spoke up.

"I have had this question since that day when I sent Sylvia there. There was a feeling that someone was monitoring Sylvia from afar."

"...A spy?"

Sylvia raises her head and looks at Gutheil hesitantly. Guthail, finally meeting her gaze, apologized to Sylvia.

"It wasn't some unknown person who was monitoring me, but a knight of Galkhein. But isn't the fact that someone else is watching over me scary for a woman? She hesitates to tell you and has no choice but to keep quiet and protect herself. I felt sorry for not having it."

"...That's why you drove me to the inn that time?"

"It's obvious."

Guthail asserts this clearly in a strong voice.

"My role at that time was to never scare you and protect you."

Tears slowly welled up in Sylvia's eyes. Sylvia looked down in panic, trying to hide it.

"I... I was surprised to hear such words. But, I'm sorry."

Sylvia tries to laugh, but everyone can tell that her voice is shaking.

"You already understand, right? I am an intelligence officer who has been ordered to infiltrate Garkhain, and Lord Gutheil has also been ordered to do so..."

"Sylvia"

Rishe calls out her name to stop her words.

"Gutheil must be well aware that you did not approach him for that purpose."

When Rishe looked at Gutheil, he nodded seriously and said.

"That's right, Sylvia. The day I met you for the second time, I confided in you about my father. Do you remember?"