7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

242

Arnold placed his hand on Rishe's head.

"Never again," he murmured.

His touch was more of an embrace than mere contact. With a faint, almost wistful sigh, he buried his face in Rishe's hair.

"I'm sorry."

Rishe felt his gentle indulgence, his apology, yet he never nodded in agreement.

(...What does Arnold see in his own future reflected in his eyes?)

Rishe knew he wasn't one to make unfulfilled promises. Despite harboring many secrets, Arnold never broke his promises to Rishe. It was precisely because she believed in his sincerity that it hurt so much.

(His desires lie far beyond the distant end of war...)

Slowly closing her eyes, tears threatening to spill, Rishe suppressed them and pressed her forehead against Arnold's.

(What I've achieved so far will be for Arnold's future...)

"..."

Arnold couldn't possibly know the resolve Rishe made in her heart. Yet he continued to stroke her head, allowing her to cling to him.

"Just a little longer," Rishe pleaded, pressing her forehead against Arnold's neck. "Can I stay by your side, Your Highness?"

Having someone else nearby while injured might not have been what Arnold desired. Perhaps it was because Rishe had treated the rescued woman that Arnold was treating himself, but he allowed it nonetheless.

"Yes."

Feeling the tension in his body ease slightly, Rishe pressed her head against Arnold's, like a small child seeking comfort.

Arnold might have smiled a little. Though she couldn't see his expression, she felt his fingers entwining hers, soothing her.

"Forever?" she pleaded.

"Of course." Arnold said. 

As Rishe relaxed against him, she felt embarrassed about touching Arnold's exposed upper body if she were to regain her composure. But in that moment, she felt warmth and reassurance.

(The sound of his heartbeat...)

Closing her eyes slowly, Rishe let out a sigh of relief.

"The blood coursing through you is protecting you, isn't it, Your Highness?"

"..."

Arnold's response seemed somewhat surprised by Rishe's words.

"Your thoughts always offer unexpected perspectives."

Arnold's finger traced the ring on Rishe's ring finger.

"Much of the influence of the goddess's blood is mixed with legends and facts. Though I've delved into scriptures written in Crusade, the language of the goddess, I cannot say for sure." he explained.

(...That man.)

Thinking of the hooded figure they confronted on the ship, Rishe extended her finger to the nape of Arnold's neck.

"Did your mother...?"

Remembering the night they first met, she once asked about this scar in detail. At that time, Arnold didn't offer any response. But now, lying in front of Rishe, he spoke with a calmness that made her want to cry.

"Yes, she did."