7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

198

Rishe might have seen Arnold's surprised expression so openly for the first time.

Afterward, Arnold furrowed his brow slightly.

"...Rishe."

"...Yes?"

Before Arnold could say anything, Rishe hastily interrupted him.

"I apologize for such a bold request...!"

Grasping Arnold's sleeve tightly, she squeezed it.

"I simply lack confidence in doing it properly. I understand it's bothersome, but..."

"...That's not the issue." His voice was slightly hoarse. Arnold made an even more serious face and gently touched Rishe's shoulder, who was trembling. "Why are you trembling so much, despite saying that?"

She was aware of her nervousness and tense body. However, it wasn't for the reasons Arnold might have thought.

"It's not because I dislike it or because I'm scared..."

After saying that, she found it strange even to herself.

In the early days after the proposal, Rishe was wary of Arnold and even made him promise not to touch her even with a finger. Eventually, she grew comfortable enough for him to touch her through gloves and eventually didn't mind being touched at all.

When Arnold touched her gently, Rishe's cheeks flushed with nervousness.

However, she had never felt it unpleasant. Even when she was kissed for the first time in the chapel, there was no sense of disgust or fear. It just made her chest tighten.

"I'm sorry..."

Rishe apologized softly, bowing her head slightly.

However, Arnold let out a heavy sigh and then spoke.

"...It's not bothersome, as I said."

"...Huh..."

As she looked up, Arnold still had furrowed brows.

Was that because he disliked it?

Nevertheless, after closing his eyes as if resigned, Arnold touched Rishe's hair before raising her face.

Arnold's fingers combed through Rishe's side hair, gently tucking it behind her ear.

(Oh...)

With that touch, Rishe quickly understood what was to come and her heart began to race.

"..."

She felt embarrassed to be seen with such a red face.

Yet, Arnold scooped up Rishe's chin and made her look up.

(Like the most beautiful artwork in the world...)

His blue eyes and long eyelashes didn't let go of the viewer's gaze. Despite possessing such mesmerizing charm, Arnold stared straight into Rishe's eyes. Finally, Arnold traced Rishe's lips with his thumb. 

Ticklish and unable to bear it, she let out a small sigh.

"...Close your eyes."

"B-But..."

Trying to say something made her heart pound even faster.

Arnold's blue eyes were transparent under the moonlight of the night before the full moon.

Rishe's figure was reflected in his eyes like the sea.

Arnold gently narrowed his eyes and coaxed Rishe.

"What you want is to practice for the wedding ceremony, right?"

At weddings, it was indeed customary to close one's eyes. Kisses as part of the ritual were meticulously prescribed. However, Rishe also harbored a curiosity to know everything since they were already doing it.

Arnold must have seen through that.

"Come now. Close them."

"Huh..."

With that, Arnold dropped a soft kiss on Rishe's eyelids.

Feeling his lips touch near her eyelashes, she reflexively closed her eyes tightly.

"...That's good."

Arnold praised her for simply closing her eyes, being sweet to Rishe more than anyone else in the world. Nevertheless, Rishe couldn't help but feel somewhat anxious about whether Arnold would indulge all her whims.

(What if he says it ends with a kiss on the eyelids...)

After pondering that in her mind, she tentatively opened her eyes.

And she understood.

"...!"

What poured into her eyes was a very sincere gaze.

(Lord Arnold always fulfills my wishes...absolutely...)

Feeling that realization, she felt dizzy and lightheaded.

Rishe grabbed onto Arnold's shirt. It was terrible of her to ask for a kiss and then be like this.

"There's no need to force yourself."

"..."

She shook her head slightly.

"...Please don't stop."

Rishe just couldn't help but want Arnold to kiss her.

Looking up at Arnold, she pleaded softly. "Please, Your Highness..."

"..."

In response, he inclined her head slightly upwards.

(...Ah...)

This time, she naturally closed her eyes.

With his other hand around her waist, Arnold slowly drew closer.

And then, their lips truly met.