7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

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Arnold, sitting back resting his chin on his fist, let out a small sigh before speaking. "...A letter arrived from the Kingdom of Sharga recently, along with a response to the wedding invitation. It seems that there are several reports of ships being attacked in the area, and also several cases of abduction."

It was as Rishe had heard in her knightly life. At that time, the Kingdom of Sharga suffered greatly from pirate attacks.

"According to the investigation in Sharga, it's highly likely that the stolen goods are being bought and sold in Galkhein. Regardless of the monetary value, they want to rescue those who have been victimized and are seeking cooperation."

"So, the pirates are using this city of Beztria for their trade." Rishe concluded.

"To buy and sell stolen goods, you need a reasonably large market. Among the cities where cargo can be directly unloaded from ships, Beztria is the most suitable." Arnold replied.

Rishe knew about Beztria because she had heard about it from Yoel in her knightly life. But Arnold seemed to have pinpointed this city accurately based on his own knowledge and predictions.

"Sharga getting involved in criminal activities doesn't matter much, but pirates are different. We can't ignore them since we can't separate ourselves from the sea." Arnold stated. "We can't predict when pirates who venture into Sharga's waters will plunder our seas. Galkhein is already being used for the trade of stolen goods and abducted people."

Rishe lowered her head, tightly gripping the hem of her dress.

(Because of that, the "weapons" from Sharga will end up in Galkhein. That's because the pirates sold them to Galkhein, which will be used in the war a few years later...)

Then Rishe wanted to confirm one more thing. "Is this matter also being kept secret from Father?"

"It would be even more troublesome if he found out. I have a general idea of what that man's intentions are." Arnold replied.

(So, when His Highness Arnold visited Beztria, the pretext of a "pre-wedding trip" with me was just right.)

Rishe wanted to stop Arnold's war. And just as much, she couldn't overlook piracy and human trafficking. Moreover, she knew Yoel's feelings from her knightly life.

"Please let me help too, Your Highness Arnold." she pleaded.

"...Fine." Arnold muttered.

"Thank you very much!" Rishe's eyes sparkled brightly. And in her heart, she apologized to Arnold once again.

(My goal is to stop Arnold's goal... the war.)

In other words, it meant obstructing Arnold's wish. Moving without disclosing that, she was essentially acting to Arnold's detriment. She was fully aware that it was unforgivable.

(I'm betraying His Highness Arnold. At least in other aspects, I must sincerely help him...)

While thinking about that, Olivier stepped towards Arnold. "Speaking of which, my lord. Currently, the Imperial Guards are guarding the women..."

"I understand," Arnold answered, "There are probably still victims left. I'll reconsider the guard formation." 

As Arnold showed signs of returning to work, Rishe gently raised her hand. "Then, I'll go check on that... um... the sleepy swordsman with the fluffy hair."

The women who had been imprisoned on the ship were each taken to see a doctor. In the midst of that, Yoel alone was brought to this mansion based on Arnold's decision that "individual questioning was necessary."

In this life, Rishe didn't even know Yoel's name. At this point, Rishe hesitated on what to call Yoel and chose words to describe him concisely, but Arnold made a sour face.

"...Are you going to examine him?"

"Yes, it's about time for him to wake up. It's better to hear from him sooner for the upcoming investigation, isn't it?" Rishe replied.

Arnold stood up silently and walked towards Rishe, who was tilting her head.

"I won't restrict what you do. But..." Saying so, he reached out his hand and  touched Rishe's coral-colored hair. "Please be careful."

Surprised by the gentle stroke through her hair, Rishe made a small squeak. Covering her mouth with both hands, Rishe looked up at Arnold with a bright red face.

"After I finish giving instructions to the guards, I'll come check on you."

"You... Your Highness, you're busy, so you don't have to...! Um, that person... didn't seem like such a bad guy... yeah, really! He seemed very gentle! He seemed like a good person!"

(For His Highness Arnold, Senior Yoel also seems very suspicious...)

Arnold repeated, as if to remind Rishe. "I'll be there later."

This worried her. She knew it, yet she couldn't help but feel happy about his concern, feeling utterly embarrassed by herself.

"U-Understood! Um, then I'll go...!"

"Please take care, Lady Rishe." Oliver said as she was leaving. 

"Thank you, Olivier!" Being watched by Olivier, who seemed somewhat amused, Rishe, feeling flustered, left the room on the third floor and headed downstairs.

(Stay calm, stay calm...! But come to think of it, why did His Highness Arnold touch my hair!? Even if I know he means no harm...!)

Shaking her head vigorously on the stairs.

(Be strong, for now, focus on Senior Yoel!)

And then, in front of the door of the guest room, she spoke.