7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

Bonus Story: What to Call Him

"Hey. Do you always refer to your fiancé as 'Your Highness'?"

That day, when questioned by Raul in the courtyard of Vinlise Castle, Rishe blinked in surprise.

"Raul, what do you mean by that...?"

"Well, you're going to be his wife, right? You're currently in the engagement period, about to enter the wedding ceremony soon."

"Uh..."

Though it's a well-known fact, being reminded of it again feels embarrassing.

Raul, in the guise of Curtis, shrugged casually, continuing in a seemingly reasonable manner.

"If you're close enough as fiancés, isn't it a bit awkward to keep calling him 'Your Highness'? When you're alone together, something like 'Lord Arnold' or a more familiar term would be more appropriate, don't you think?"

"Lord Arnold...?"

"Hmm, I see."

With a smirk, Raul teased Rishe further.

"In this country, after becoming officially husband and wife, the proper way to address your high-status husband would be as 'My Lord,' right?"

"...In private settings, that would be the case, yes..."

"But suddenly switching from 'Your Highness' to 'My Lord' might be too much of a change, considering the wedding is just a month away. During the engagement period, it might be better to use a more intimate term than 'Your Highness.'"

Rishe furrowed her brows.

(In my mind, 'Lord Arnold' is already a quite endearing way to address him...)

In her past life, she would casually use full names like 'Arnold Hein.' Raul, in his hunter persona, had a similar habit, but she kept that thought to herself.

Instead, she asked Raul, "Are there any specific terms for engaged couples in Galkhein?"

"Hmm, I've heard of something like that."

Though his smile seemed dubious, Raul was well-versed in various social customs. Hence, he might understand Galkhein's customs that Rishe wasn't aware of.

"Perhaps using a nickname or another term could be good, don't you think? Maybe then, you'll get a different reaction from 'Lord Arnold' as well."

...

"Anyway, I'd like to hear Lord Arnold's opinion..."

"...Is that why you came here with such a determined expression?"

In the office of the seaside castle, Arnold frowned as he looked at Rishe.

In the background, his attendant Oliver seemed to be holding back laughter. When Arnold quietly glared at Oliver, the attendant apologized and left the room.

"I apologize. I'm not very familiar with Galkhein's customs."

Rishe, feeling dejected, asked Arnold.

"However, isn't it the feelings of the one being addressed that matter the most when it comes to terms of address?"

"...,"

"Therefore, I came to inquire if Lord Arnold has a preferred way of being addressed."

Arnold put down his pen and rested his chin on his hand.

"Firstly, even if there were customs specific to the engagement period in Galkhein..."

"Eh!"

It seems she had been completely fooled.

Sometimes, Raul would tell unnecessary lies. She resolved to protest when she saw Raul next.

"In any case... Even if there were such customs, I have no intention of making you change."

"Th-that's not right! If I were to act improperly or go against the customs of the royal family, I would want you to point it out!"

If a princess's actions were improper, it could reflect poorly on the crown prince. Rushing to speak, Arnold continued looking at Rishe.

"I have no intention of changing anything about you, even after we're married."

"...You mean the way I address you?"

"That's right. Even after marrying me, there's no need for you to change."

She quietly accepted his words.

When a woman becomes someone's wife, many things are expected of her. When the husband is the crown prince of a nation, there would naturally be many more expectations placed on Rishe.

However, Arnold was considering even the smallest details to ensure Rishe's freedom of choice.

(But...)

While she felt grateful for his sentiments, there was also a faint sense of loneliness.

This feeling was similar to when she was told, upon receiving a ring from Arnold, that she didn't need to wear it.

That's why she spoke without hesitation.

"My... husband."

"...!"

Arnold's expression showed a slight surprise.

Seeing this, Rishe smiled faintly as she continued.

"I intend to call you that once our wedding ceremony is complete."

"..."

"...Calling you 'husband' feels the most natural to me."

The education she received as a princess in her homeland was still deeply ingrained in Rishe. Even after marriage, Arnold would surely become 'My Lord' to her.

However, saying it out loud made her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"...Of course, if Your Highness doesn't mind! But you did say I could address you as I wish, didn't you?"

"..."

"And, since it's embarrassing, I might only do it when we're alone, until I get used to it..."

"..."

Arnold let out a sigh.

"...Do as you please."

"Y-Yes!"

Though relieved by his response, Arnold still furrowed his brows.

(He seems to be troubled... in some way.)

With that thought in mind, Rishe silently resolved to practice the new name beforehand.