7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

246

Arnold's body temperature was always lower than Rishe's. But now, it might not just be a simple temperature difference; there could be other factors at play.

(Everything was fine just now...!!)

Arnold had exposed his upper body until a little while ago.

Thinking calmly about being spoiled by being put on his lap and lying on his back, her face kept getting hotter and hotter.

(Could it be that I behaved very indecently...!?)

Seeing Rishe pout silently, Arnold raised an eyebrow in amusement. Even as he smiled gently like that, he didn't let go of her hand. Arnold, who was kind but occasionally mischievous, toyed with the finger from which Rishe had removed her ring to sleep, as if to check it.

"Your expression really changes a lot."

"Mmmmm..."

Although she couldn't retort, she also felt relieved at the familiar exchange. Arnold's injury seemed to be calming down.

As Rishe weakly squeezed his hand back, she silently prayed through their joined hands.

(...May His Highness's pain ease soon.)

And then she informed Arnold.

"The woman we rescued from the ship is resting in a room under the guard of the Royal Guards. Since her treatment is complete, I have come here as per Your Highness's instructions after leaving her in Oliver's care."

***

After getting off the burning ship, Arnold had given precise orders to his subordinates before tending to his own treatment. To prevent news of Arnold's injuries from spreading, Rishe stayed with the woman and calmed her down while attending to her minor injuries.

In reality, Rishe was probably less composed than the woman. Suppressing the trembling of her fingers, she behaved as usual even in front of the Royal Guards. She remembered the relief when Oliver, who knew the situation, visited the mansion where the women were being protected.

"Rishe, leave the rest to me. I have heard the details from His Majesty, so I would like to hear the story leading up to the ship catching fire."

"Thank you, Oliver."

"No need to thank me... If His Majesty is working in his office, please go stop him and make him rest."

Oliver's joking tone was probably meant to calm Rishe down. Addressing Arnold's loyal retainer, Rishe spoke up.

"Oliver. What that woman told me was――..."

***

She relayed what she explained to Oliver to Arnold, who was next to her.

"The hooded man who appeared on the ship seems to be the same person who escorted that woman in Sharga. At least, it seems highly likely."

"She said she couldn't see his face clearly. But judging from his voice and build, it's highly probable that he has golden hair and deep aqua eyes. While informing the Royal Guards of his characteristics, we're considering the possibility of disguising, focusing on searching for injuries like fractures."

In that situation, Arnold had shattered the man's arm bones. That was a characteristic that couldn't be easily concealed, even more so than hair and eye color.

However, there was no room for optimism.

"That man will probably manage to escape."

"Yes."

Rishe shared the same opinion as Arnold.

The Royal Guards were excellent, but they could tell from the man's movements when they faced him. After all, even though he was injured while protecting Rishe, Arnold couldn't catch him immediately.

(And he's someone who can choose to "jump from the height of that ship into the canal" without hesitation. Unless Raul happens to be there and pursues him, he won't be able to track him down...)

He was an opponent with the strength of a knight and the agility of a hunter. Even if the Royal Guards did their best, that man would have taken precautions in advance.

"The name he gave the woman was Thaddeus, but... that should be a fake name."

But the irony he left behind might be a clue to analyzing him.

"...Is it true that His Highness Arnold resembles his mother...?"

...

Even asking such a question was a bit of a struggle for Rishe.

The last time Arnold saw his mother, she must have looked horrific.

She must have shown on her face that she didn't want to remember it.

Arnold, who was lying on his back, turned over towards Rishe. With pillows lined up next to each other and their hands still clasped, they were in a position where they faced each other closely.

Although she was worried about whether it would affect the wound, the stabbed right side was on top, so it might be less of a burden.

"Objectively, one could say that."

...

Arnold intertwined their fingers more deeply, perhaps to comfort Rishe. Arnold's fingers, with their beautiful shape, were a bit rough from regularly gripping a sword. The joints and bone lines were firm, making them resemble works of art.

Feeling the firmness in his fingers, Rishe naturally squinted her eyes.

"In that case... Is that man someone who knows that His Highness Arnold's mother was a priestess of the goddess...?"