7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

185

Sylvia's throat let out a small sound.

"A decoy plan..."

Sylvia's expression was like finding a distant light in the darkness.

"Will you help with the plan? Sylvia?"

Rishe stood up from her seat and smiled at Sylvia as she approached her.

"It might require a lot of courage. But without your help, this plan won't succeed."

"O-of course...!!"

As Sylvia stood up, she tightly embraced Rishe.

"I'll do anything I can...! I'll be the decoy or whatever you need. Anything, I will."

"Thank you. With Sylvia's help, this plan will surely succeed."

As Rishe affirmed this, she noticed Sylvia's trembling throat.

"...I'm sorry. ...I'm sorry, Rishe...!"

(I should be the one apologizing, Sylvia.)

While thinking such things in her heart, Rishe hugged Sylvia back.

(Sylvia has always blamed herself. For being involved in espionage, for hiding it from Lord Gutheil and me... Amidst all that, she won't easily agree out of guilt when I offer to help. That's why I explained the 'decoy operation' to Sylvia, knowing it involves danger.)

She gently stroked Sylvia's back as if comforting a child.

(I'm sorry. ...Please forgive me for asking you to lie to me, to help you.)

When Rishe glanced at Arnold, he remained seated with his chin resting on his hand, looking pensive.

This time, Arnold was Rishe's accomplice. She felt relieved that Arnold, being rational, agreed to it. She also informed Gutheil.

"Gutheil. Naturally, this plan involves danger for Sylvia. ...I would like you to protect Sylvia more than anyone else."

"That is my wish. I shall protect you, Lady Sylvia."

"...Gutheil..." Sylvia, with a tearful voice, called out the beloved's name, then clung tightly to Rishe again. It seemed like a gesture of rejection, but Rishe knew it was just Sylvia being embarrassed. She found Sylvia's actions endearing and giggled.

"Sylvia. You're cute."

"Enough, Rishe...!"

With a pouting expression, Sylvia returned to her usual way of speaking, different from the polite tone she had used just moments ago. Rishe felt happy about that and hugged Sylvia tightly again. Sylvia chuckled and said, "That tickles," feeling slightly better, relieved.

"Listen, Sylvia. We need to ask for the cooperation of the members of the opera troupe."

"...They don't know anything about my secret..."

"Exactly."

Earlier today, when they visited the theater, Rishe observed the movements of the troupe members.

And it seemed Arnold did the same.

When they consulted about visiting the theater for the flower petal making last night, Arnold offered to accompany them. At that time, Rishe was surprised, but Arnold's words were based on the understanding that Sylvia was involved in espionage.

Arnold likely checked whether there were any suspicious members among the troupe members Rishe concluded that there was nothing suspicious about the troupe members, and she was confirmed when she heard that Arnold felt the same way.

"We don't need to tell them everything. But since the plan we're about to discuss involves the members of the troupe..."

Sylvia, looking puzzled, was seated, and Rishe returned to her seat. Arnold, seated next to her, still had a bitter expression.

"Your Highness Arnold, Lord Gutheil, and I, along with a few others, will protect Sylvia and capture the spies. Thank you for agreeing to this plan, Your Highness Arnold!"

After Arnold sighed, he looked at Rishe with a somewhat reluctant expression, then silently conveyed, 'Do what you want,' with just the movement of his lips. Rishe felt strangely trusted, and it made her very happy.

Rishe turned to the people at the table and announced, "The performance will resume five days from now, on the 29th of the 7th month, at 7 PM."

Gutheil and Sylvia looked at Rishe with nervous expressions.

"Let's begin preparing for the decoy plan!"