7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

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Arnold's large hand gently pressed against Rishe's cheeks. "You were about to drink the wine they offered, weren't you? Don't put your lips on some mysterious drink."

Despite Arnold rubbing her cheeks, Rishe managed to argue. "Mm... But, if I don't drink it, it might look suspicious..."

"That wine over there, in the end, it might be... a potential danger..."

Recalling what happened earlier, Rishe remembered as soon as she picked up the glass of wine offered on board, it was promptly taken away by Arnold, who appeared as her attendant.

"Oh, could this possibly be wine from the Sharga Kingdom? Lovely, let me just... Ah!"

"No, you can't. Since milady is weak with alcohol, it's better for her to refrain."

It was an exceptionally smooth confiscation.

Arnold had joined several drinking sessions with Rishe before, so he should know she had a reasonable tolerance for alcohol. Yet, it seemed like she was being deceived without a hint of suspicion.

"Even in a situation like this, there wouldn't be poison in the wine. Being overly cautious would seem unnatural, don't you think?" Rishe suggested.

"Maybe..." Although she acknowledged the valid point, as Arnold looked down at her, Rishe couldn't maintain her composure. "Could it be that Prince Arnold considers pinching my cheeks as a form of punishment?"

If that was the aim, it was certainly effective. Her face kept getting warmer, and she felt utterly embarrassed. Perhaps her inner turmoil was visible. 

Eventually, Arnold sighed softly. "I understand that it's your strategy. But... Don't reveal too many vulnerabilities to them." Arnold's gaze, icy like his blue eyes, was chilling.

She hadn't forgotten that. Yet, because of her wish to rescue all the abducted women safely, even if it meant sacrificing herself, she wanted to explore every option.

She straightened her posture and told Arnold firmly. "I'll use everything at my disposal to help the women."

Despite her resolve, she couldn't help but feel exasperated. "...It's frustrating. All I can do now is wait until I'm invited to that place again."

The abducted women probably didn't suspect the manager at all. That was natural. People wouldn't normally imagine that a merchant would cause harm. The relationship between a merchant and a customer should ideally be built on trust, mutually benefiting each other through business.

"Was my performance sufficient for tonight? Could I have manipulated the slave traders more effectively by using myself better?" Rishe asked.

"Rishe." Startled by Arnold's touch, Rishe's heart warmed at his words. "I'll also be your escort for your outing for dress alterations tomorrow. Can you wait for me to go with you?"

"Eh!? Arnold, you're coming?"

Arnold answered casually to Rishe's widened eyes. "I mentioned that in front of the slave traders. Since there's a chance we might be seen in town, we shouldn't make the lie just for that moment."

In other words, it was an extension of their plan. Though Rishe understood, she couldn't help but worry. "However, Your Highness, tomorrow we might spend a lot of time discussing the embroidery and decorations on the dress. It might be boring for you to wait."

"Why would it be boring?" As Arnold looked down at Rishe, he then softly closed his eyes. "If you're going to wear the wedding dress, I want to see it."

His words made her chest warm. Although she had used it as part of her strategy to avoid war, Rishe secretly looked forward to wearing the wedding dress for her marriage to Arnold. Arnold's words reminded her of that excitement.

He must have noticed that Rishe's heart had been tense. "If you need jewelry to match the dress, get whatever satisfies you. If those items over there aren't stolen goods, you could buy them all."

"But... that would be too conspicuous!" Although flustered, Rishe couldn't help but smile with relief. "Sir Arnold is... spoiling me..."

She felt genuinely happy about it. "Sir Arnold," Rishe gazed up at him with pleading eyes. "There's something I want to ask you about tomorrow's arrangements..."

And when Rishe revealed her request, Arnold's face twisted into a frown with considerable displeasure.