7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

245

Rishe once expressed her "resolve to become his wife" to Arnold in a chapel. At that moment, Arnold responded with an unexpected kiss, saying such a thing was unnecessary.

He was aware of the weakness in the strength held in their intertwined fingers.

"Will you forgive me without giving me a scolding...?" she asked.

Arnold gently held Rishe's hand, which he had been holding, in return. She timidly raised her face, which had been nestled against his scarred neck. Arnold gazed at Rishe with his blue eyes, the color of the sea, as he squinted slightly.

It was the same gaze as when they kissed in the chapel.

(If only he would gently nod and say, "I understand.")

She wished for it again in her heart.

However, what he gave her took a different form. Arnold quietly closed his eyes and gently reconnected Rishe's left hand, entwining their fingers.

"――――!"

Then, a soft kiss was planted near the ring on her ring finger.

"...Your Highness..."

For both Rishe and Arnold, it was something exchanged during a proposal.

It was a custom not found anywhere else in the world.

But Rishe's eyes couldn't help but tremble because he was affirming her wish.

(Even though the promise was not given in words... it's still a promise)

Despite that, Arnold embraced Rishe once again.

"Rishe."

"............"

She felt something akin to a wish in the strength of his arms. However, Arnold never verbalized it.

She could only hear the beating of his heart.

(Even though he despises his father's ways...)

Yet he proposed to her, kept her by his side, and didn't reject her.

And Arnold probably regarded even that fact as his own sin or weakness.

(...He's truly a very kind person...)

Unable to hold back any longer due to that warmth, tears finally began to flow.

(Even though I don't want His Highness Arnold to ever feel pain again...)

She had caused him pain for her sake.

While gazing at Rishe, Arnold traced her wet eyelashes softly with the thumb of the hand that touched her cheek.

"Rishe."

Feeling comforted by the gentle call of her name, Rishe shook her head vigorously.

And for a while after that, Rishe was comforted by Arnold, just like the night when she cried in front of him.

But no matter how many times she was caressed and gently called, her tears didn't seem to stop flowing.

And so, for a while, she continued to trouble Arnold, who was so gentle.

"...Have you calmed down?"

"...Yes..."

Rishe, who had put away Arnold's treatment box, continued to sniffle as she rested her head on his pillow.

Arnold, who had rewrapped his bandages and put on his clothes, was using a pillow next to Rishe.

The light summer blanket felt too warm when they were both under it. Yet, because of Arnold's comfortable body temperature, Rishe couldn't move from where she was.

"Is it really okay for me to sleep with you like this...?" 

Hesitantly asking, Rishe received a calm response from Arnold.

"If you were to return to your room and rest quietly, I wouldn't mind...But if you intend to stay by my side all night, rather than staying awake by my side, you should at least sleep."

The roles had completely reversed from that night when Rishe was hit by a poisoned arrow. 

Back then, Arnold was the one who was going to stay awake and take care of Rishe. So, Rishe had thrown a tantrum, insisting that Arnold couldn't sleep either, and had them sleep in the same bed. Now, Rishe is the one who wants to watch over Arnold. 

(To think my actions would be returned to me like this...)

Hiding under the blanket up to her mouth, Rishe stole a glance at Arnold.

A mixture of embarrassment from having made so many selfish requests and sadness from earlier emotions filled her.

(I should have known that showing it in action rather than persuading with words was necessary.――Instead of crying and pleading for him not to get hurt, I need to prove it.)

Reminding herself, she gripped the blanket tightly.

(If what His Highness Arnold is trying to achieve, even at the cost of getting hurt, lies at the end of the war... ―― I desperately want to stop him and offer him other possibilities.)

Rishe resolved herself once again as she pondered.

(Once we return to the capital, I should... ask before the wedding...)

With such thoughts in mind, Rishe turned onto her side and faced Arnold.

"Your Highness..."

Arnold, lying on his back, looked at Rishe with just his gaze.

"Is your wound actually stable now?"

With her anxiety evident on her face, Arnold gently reassured her with a soft voice.

"There's no problem."

"...Are you saying that to keep me from worrying?"

"You were the one who redressed the bandages. You must have looked at the wound closely."

"But what about your fever from earlier?"

Then Arnold placed his left hand next to Rishe's face.

"Touch my face."

Though her heart raced, Rishe tried not to show it on her face. Slowly, she reached out her hand, tracing over the sheet.

As soon as Rishe's hand gently touched Arnold's, he grabbed her hand with his own.

"Eep!"

With closed eyes, Arnold pressed Rishe's hand against his cheek. Then, he gently rubbed it against his cheek.

While it seemed like Arnold was being affectionate, it also looked like Rishe was being comforted.

Then Arnold slowly opened his eyes. His long lashes cast a shadow over the most beautiful blue in the world.

"...You're warmer than me."