7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

257

Here on the ship, Yoel understood his surroundings. "Hmm," he muttered softly, pressing his forehead against the iron bars as if playing around.

"Dealing with the sea and ships requires special moves, so we really need your assistance, Yoel ...However..."

As the pin inserted into the keyhole produced a satisfying click, Rishe, having opened the cage door, looked around again.

Perhaps the women were being kept asleep to prevent any disturbances during confinement. While they might be conserving their strength, Rishe still worried about their mental and physical well-being.

"Above all else, rescuing these people should be our top priority."

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

"Yoel, before the battle, could you lend a little help in ensuring the safety of these women?"

Despite expressing such a wish, Rishe knew the likelihood of it being granted was low.

Rishe's words, not coming from a junior, probably wouldn't reach Yoel. He would likely be eager to leave this hold immediately and draw his sword.

Yoel's eyes only sparkled when he was handling his sword.

(He might say he'll leave me behind... Just like back in the days of our knightly lives.)

But at that moment, Yoel blinked slowly and spoke.

"...Okay."

"Huh?" Surprised, Rishe widened her eyes as Yoel picked up the lamp hanging on a pillar and crouched in front of a nearby cage.

"First time someone asked me for something other than wielding a sword." he said.

(...That might be true. But from my perspective as a 'junior,' I've been taught shortcuts by Yoel, and he's cooked snacks for me...)

While it was rare to be teamed up with him on the battlefield, he had helped her in other ways multiple times. Even though this version of Yoel didn't know that, those memories were precious to Rishe, and the reason she looked up to him as a senior.

(Maybe he's happy to be relied upon?)

Was he illuminating the area with the lamp for Rishe, who was about to open the cages?

Yoel's eyes, which might appear brown at first glance, were revealed to be golden when hit by light. He stared at Rishe and tilted his head.

"Can you 'wait' properly? That good?"

"......Yes." Rishe smiled and knelt beside Yoel, inserting the pin into the visible keyhole. "Thank you, Yoel."

"......Mhm."

Yoel was born into a noble family, with older brothers and sisters. Since they hadn't met as juniors in this life, he might be exhibiting the traits of the youngest child even towards the younger Rishe.

(No... He's naturally relied on me too.)

While feeling nostalgic, Rishe stood up and took the dagger hidden in her dress hem.

"Let's go up. First, let's take control of this ship and hold it until Galkhein's ship arrives."

"――Wait."

Yoel firmly stopped Rishe.

"I'll go ahead alone."

Saying so, he stepped forward before Rishe, picked up the lamp, and faced the nearby door.

"You should stay here to protect the girls, right?"

"I..."

Before Rishe could answer, Yoel interrupted.

"I understand. We should cooperate and move forward hand in hand, right?"

Perhaps Yoel had been told that many times before.

Working together on the battlefield and following through with planned strategies were necessary for victory. Even in Rishe's knightly life, she had preached this to Yoel. However, even though she had finally thought they could truly fight together, she had ended up getting Yoel killed for her sake.

"But if I do that, I'll become weaker."

"Yoel..."

"I'll... do it alone."

Rishe looked up at Yoel and stated without hesitation. "My role here is to protect your freedom."

In that moment, Yoel gasped.

"Yoel, please continue on your path alone. I will take on the role of removing anything that obstructs your path."

"...You..."

"Please do not look back. Yet, please leave everything unnecessary to me."

Rishe knew what Yoel's fighting style was like.

A prodigy in swordsmanship, he darted around freely, his eyes shining brighter than anyone else's on the battlefield. Yoel, Rishe's 'senpai', was such a swordsman.

"Now! Yoel!"

Instead of Yoel, Rishe opened the door, announcing, "This is your battlefield."

"――――..."

After looking at Rishe for a moment, Yoel reached out his hand.

For some reason, Rishe felt her head being gently pat.

Feeling a bit of the knightly life in that gesture, Rishe widened her eyes.

Then, like a bird taking flight from the window, Yoel leaped out of the dim cabin.