7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

186

After the strategy meeting, Sylvia was escorted back to the inn where the theater troupe was staying by Gutheil. Arnold's royal guards continued to discreetly protect her, and it seemed that hunters under Raul's command were also present, providing a solid defense.

Walking through the corridors of the imperial palace, Rishe felt relieved as she walked alongside Arnold.

"By the way," Amidst the sound of summer insects and the night breeze playing with the hem of her dress, Rishe spoke. "Gutheil's thoughts have changed quite a bit, haven't they?"

"That's only natural. Knights who are selfless and noble are of no value to me." Arnold stated matter-of-factly. "Those with deep desires are the ones who survive on the battlefield and are suited to be soldiers."

(If those who are strong on the battlefield have 'desires'...)

Rishe looked up at his profile and silently pondered.

(Where do you, who claim to have 'no desires', fit into that?)

But she didn't voice these thoughts aloud.

"By the way, thank you, Your Highness Arnold."

"For what?"

"For believing that Sylvia wants to quit espionage, didn't you?"

Arnold beside her remained cold as ever.

"I didn't believe it. Based on the information I have, I simply judged that such thoughts would be likely."

"That's fine."

Even if Sylvia were an enemy of Galkhain, she would be a target for elimination for Arnold. Nevertheless, he listened to Rishe's selfish request and lent a hand in devising a plan to save her.

The decoy operation carried the risk of exposing the target to danger.

"I can only plan such a strategy because Your Highness Arnold is here. Of course, I intend to fight as well, but above all, Your Highness Arnold's swordsmanship is unmatched by anyone."

With a sparkling feeling, Rishe said, and Arnold let out a small breath.

"Perhaps you're trusting me too much."

"I have no reason not to believe in Your Highness's abilities."

Arnold accepted Rishe's straightforward statement with a slight furrowing of his brow.

"But, Your Highness Arnold, you believed in me too, didn't you?" Rishe smiled as she said this, happy about that fact.

For Arnold, Rishe becoming close to Sylvia was an unexpected development.

In the two months since arriving at Galkhain, Rishe had learned many secrets. Some of them could be fatal if leaked to other countries. However, on the day Sylvia collapsed at the theater, Arnold immediately allowed Rishe to go and help her. And he never told Rishe to stop befriending Sylvia. Instead, it seemed like he had concealed his suspicions about Sylvia from Rishe to protect their friendship. Surely, considering Rishe's feelings, he judged that there was no need to reveal the secrets to Sylvia.

Arnold trusted Rishe and silently watched over her. That fact made Rishe's heart beat warmly.

"...Ah, but." Remembering something, Rishe stopped in her tracks. "I'm sorry, Your Highness Arnold... Actually, I told Sylvia one secret."

Arnold also stopped and turned to look at Rishe in surprise. "What was it?"

"It was about you and me."

"Me and you?"

Feeling embarrassed and needing to apologize properly, even if it was embarrassing, Rishe honestly confessed her sin.

"...I told her that we kissed once..."

"............" Arnold probably had an incredulous expression.

Unable to muster the courage to see his expression, Rishe tightly closed her eyes. After a few seconds of silence, just when Rishe felt even more embarrassed, Arnold finally spoke up.

"That was..."

He began to say something, then stopped abruptly. He didn't seem angry, but there was a somewhat awkward atmosphere, perhaps because of Rishe's imagination.

(...Could it be that he's feeling regretful...?)

Rishe raised her head and blinked.

The kiss that happened in the chapel took Rishe by surprise. She was very surprised and confused about why it happened. Moreover, it bothered her afterwards because it seemed strangely familiar, making her wonder if there was something more to it for Arnold.

"Hehe."

"What are you laughing at?"

Chuckling with both hands covering her mouth, Rishe smiled.

Arnold, meanwhile, frowned with an expression of incomprehension.

It was a rare attitude for him, but despite his reluctance, Rishe couldn't help but feel happy as her cheeks relaxed.