7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

193

At this point, the Royal Knights should have captured the enemies in the audience. However, the majority of them are likely targeting this stage to silence the "Songstress Sylvia."

In order to draw the enemies' attention, Rishe deliberately steps forward. It's crucial to keep the enemy under the misconception that "this is their only chance." Anyone who knows Sylvia's true identity as a spy and manages to escape this theater means no peace for Sylvia's future.

"The real Sylvia should be under the protection of Sir Guthail. Thanks to Prince Dietrich, the Royal Knights deployed under the guise of guest security won't let any enemy slip through..."

All the Royal Knights are personally trained by Arnold. Though normally gentle, their demeanor changes entirely in combat. But above all, having Arnold nearby is reassuring. Rishe flicks her dress, dodging the enemy's sword. As she bends with her veil fluttering, Arnold's sword grazes above her head.

As the enemy in front of Rishe falls, Arnold reverses his blade. Rishe, still on the ground, swiftly rotates her body, tripping the enemy who tried to reach Arnold. With a quick movement, Rishe applies a small cut, activating the numbing agent on her blade. Arnold then helps Rishe up, and they effortlessly dispatch two enemies attacking from left and right.

Their backs touching, they effortlessly switch positions, almost as if dancing. The music continues to play in the theater. Rishe recalls the night they first danced with Arnold.

Their backs gently touch as they maneuver. Rishe leans against Arnold's back and whispers softly.

"There are enemies remaining in the audience. Likely two archers. They're targeting us. Move while using the enemies as shields."

Despite their synchronized movements, they strike the incoming enemies once again.

Rishe thinks that Arnold's movements are not only those of a skilled swordsman but also of a natural supporter of her desires. With Arnold clearing many enemies, Rishe feels free to move.

"A commander who boosts the morale of allies fighting together and maximizes their abilities... How reassuring it must have been for the knights to be on the battlefield with his Highness..."

Now Rishe feels that power herself. Arnold, while overwhelmingly strong, always respects Rishe, understanding and supporting her desires.

"When a girl learns swordsmanship... it's indecent to become stronger than men. You should focus only on your studies."

Rishe was forced to quit practicing her beloved swordsmanship because of her mother's words.

"As you'll become the prince consort, you must always support your husband. It's desirable to remain behind and support your husband instead of stepping forward."

She was taught to live not for her own desires but for what she should do in the future to become a suitable prince consort. However, Arnold, who wanted Rishe as his consort, promised her a different life.

"If you wish to take action and ask me to fulfill it, I will never oppose it."

While swinging her sword beside Arnold, Rishe looks up at his profile.

"He asked me what I wanted for my birthday... very politely."

Arnold has given Rishe many things, not just on her birthday.

Living in the palace, a field for growing medicinal herbs, her desired maidservant... The ring Arnold gave her is a treasure she never wants to part with.

She thought she didn't want anything more. But from her heart, a desire to ask Arnold for one more thing arose.

(If I were to ask His Highness Arnold for one more thing...)

Artificial flower petals gracefully dance on the stage of combat. Enemies fall at their feet, and the tension in the theater diminishes.

(I'll tell him later. There are only a few enemies left... but I'm worried about the archers somewhere in the audience.)

As Rishe scans the audience, she sees a figure rising in the Royal Box.

"Prince Dietrich?"

Dietrich's role here is to highlight the presence of a foreign crown prince and enhance the credibility of the numerous Royal Knights.

Arnold, visibly annoyed, mutters, "What is he doing..."

But Dietrich, despite being restrained by the Royal Knights, twists his body and shouts.

"Watch out!! There are archers in the audience!!"

Arnold and Rishe react instantly upon hearing Dietrich's words.

As two arrows are released simultaneously, Arnold and Rishe step forward together.

Two arrows are more irregular than one. They manage to intercept each arrow.

Rishe looks up immediately, but the archers have disappeared. They're lying unconscious in a corner of the audience, arrows sticking out of them. Spotting a figure with a bow in the corner of the fourth tier, Rishe breathes a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Prince Dietrich... And, Raul..."

With the disappearance of the murderous intent from the hidden archers in the audience, Dietrich, still being restrained, seems to be protesting something.