7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

183*

Originally, when Rishe mentioned her desire to attend the opera in the capital, it was prompted by Oliver bringing up the topic in casual conversation.

There's also the possibility that Oliver, who was investigating Arnold and the opera troupe due to espionage suspicions, unconsciously chose that topic.

Despite feeling a slight frustration at her own inability to quickly catch on, Rishe continued.

"As Gutheil mentioned, Prince Arnold's Royal Guards were monitoring Sylvia. And at the same time, they were also guarding you."

"Guarding...?"

"There have been four instances of suspicious groups approaching you over the past few days, and one of them resulted in a confrontation with knights."

Upon hearing this, Sylvia paled, and Gutheil furrowed his brow.

This afternoon, when Rishe and the others accompanied Arnold on official business, the knight with them was Raul disguised as Gutheil.

Although they were told that there weren't enough knights for intelligence investigation, it wasn't a widespread investigation. Arnold and Oliver narrowed down their focus to Sylvia and had knights watch over her.

"I was surprised when Prince Arnold accompanied us to the theater this afternoon. Surely, that was because he anticipated the possibility of dangerous individuals around Sylvia or other spies among the theater company."

Rishe gently asked the trembling Sylvia,

"Tell me, Sylvia."

"...You were willing to defy orders even before you met me and Lord Gutheil, right?"

And indeed, the instructions from the intelligence commander really were to drug her.

That incident occurred on the night Rishe met Sylvia.

"I didn't have that kind of conviction. In fact, the very next day, I shamelessly visited the Imperial Palace and tried to get close to you, the future Crown Princess."

"You must have been terrified and embarrassed, especially when the opera was canceled, and you were probably very scared. It wouldn't be strange for you to think you couldn't escape and to comply with orders."

"And on top of that, I lied about falling in love with Sir Gutheil, a knight..."

"You must have realized soon enough that trying to investigate Sir Gutheil wouldn't accomplish anything, right? ...There shouldn't have been any reason to tell such lies."

Because if it was a false love, she could have told Rishe she was pursuing a different knight and used that to get closer to others.

In that way, she cried and clung to Rishe, saying she had fallen in love with Gutheil and didn't need to be comforted.

At that moment, Arnold spoke up.

"Rishe. That's enough."

"Your Highness Arnold..."

Sylvia and Gutheil tensed at his cold words.

"This is a waste of time. Regardless of how much you plead, the conclusion has already been reached."

Rishe sighed and explained to Sylvia and the others.

"Prince Arnold promised me. Sylvia is not engaged in espionage activities in Galkhain, nor has she stolen any information. So, you will not be charged with any crimes in this country."

Sylvia's eyes widened with disbelief.

This was something Rishe had asked Arnold for. Despite Arnold's expression of exasperation at Rishe's naivety, he eventually granted her request.

"But, Sylvia."

Sylvia's shoulders jumped in surprise.

"Of course, this isn't the end of it."

Recognizing the tension in the room, Gutheil spoke up on behalf of Sylvia.

"I'm afraid, Lady Rishe. What does that mean?"

"As Sylvia expressed a desire to leave the intelligence organization, she has lost the organization's trust. They have probably reached their final decision... Your Highness Arnold."

Arnold calmly explained to Gutheil.

"I've heard reports from the Royal Guards about two instances of conflict. They likely approached not to threaten, warn, or give orders, but with the intention of killing."

"...Is that so?"

Arnold's expression remained indifferent.

"She is no longer trusted as an intelligence officer. At this point, even if she were to return with highly classified information from this country, she would likely be disposed of after the information is extracted."

"And, Your Highness, please be more indirect in your expression..."

Rishe hurriedly stopped Arnold. Arnold's essence is kind, but it is directed in a limited way.

(Because Prince Arnold's Royal Guard knights were there, Sylvia was able to safely spend these past few days. But now...)

Just as Rishe was about to speak to the frightened Sylvia, something happened.

"I will protect Lady Sylvia."

"...Sir Gutheil..." Sylvia involuntarily called out Gutheil's name. She seemed unable to believe herself, covering her own mouth with her hand.

On the other side of the round table, Arnold laughed mockingly at Gutheil's words.

"Protect?" His blue eyes seemed to stare at Gutheil as if he were a foolish human. "You alone?"

"..."

Arnold's voice dominated the atmosphere of the room.

"Don't speak with only idealism and emotion. No matter how skilled you may be, do you think you can always protect her from groups targeting her?"

"..."

"It seems your habit of seeking a pointless death won't change. Both the target and the protector will be killed soon."

The tension in the room intensified, and even Rishe felt a stiffening in her spine. But Gutheil, who directly faced Arnold's mockery, calmly spoke up.

"I finally understand the meaning of what you said last night, Your Highness Arnold."

"..."

Arnold furrowed his brow ever so slightly.

"As Your Highness said, I am willing to risk my life to protect Lady Sylvia. ...However, if I were to lose my life, I wouldn't be able to protect her."

Gutheil's gaze shifted earnestly to Sylvia.

"I want to protect her at all costs. Because I want Lady Sylvia to be happy."

"...Sir Gutheil."

"So I won't do anything that would make me challenge death recklessly. ...Lady Sylvia, even if my selfish death would cause you grief."

With the decorum of a knighting ceremony, Gutheil pleaded with Sylvia.

"I am the man who hurt you. ...But, could you please forgive me and allow me to protect you from this danger?"

"...Sir Gutheil..."

Sylvia's voice trembled as she called his name.

But she seemed unable to forgive herself, shaking her head vigorously.

"No..."

"..."

It was a word of rejection.

But mixed in that voice were numerous complex emotions, overflowing uncontrollably.

"...What if something happens to you, Sir Gutheil?"

"..."

Sylvia blurted out the question as if squeezing it out.