7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

149

That night, in front of the most prestigious theater in the capital, a large crowd had gathered.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating tonight's performance, their expectations soaring. In the lobby, separate from the general audience, nobles dressed in their finest attire mingled, socializing before the show.

Though the atmosphere was calm, there was an underlying sense of excitement in the air, akin to gentle ripples on the surface of water.

But soon, the gazes of many in attendance were directed towards a particular point.

"Rishe, take my hand." 

"Yes, Your Highness Arnold."

Prompted by Arnold walking beside her, Rishe took his hand.

At that moment, the quality of the conversations in the lobby seemed to change. From what Rishe could discern, most of the voices now sounded filled with surprise.

The nobles all glanced at Rishe, who was dressed for the theater, before turning their attention to Arnold, who was leading her.

Adorned in formal attire, with a red cloak over his black gloves, Arnold wore an expression that seemed disinterested in everything.

(Everyone must be quite surprised... )

For the nobility, the theater served as a sort of social arena. And Arnold, prior to Rishe's arrival in the country, rarely even attended the palace soirées. For such a crown prince to be escorting a woman to the theater like this would undoubtedly be a shocking revelation to the nobles.

(I never imagined that merely mentioning it casually would lead to arrangements being made so swiftly within a few days.)

Walking on the red carpet, Rishe looked back on the events of a few days ago. With less than a month left until the wedding ceremony, preparations had become frantic. Borrowing Arnold's office, Rishe and Oliver had been discussing the details of the upcoming day while engaging in small talk. Unconsciously, Rishe had muttered:

"A performance at the capital's theater tonight? Oh, I would love to go." 

It was almost like a soliloquy, a mere wishful thought. However, Arnold, who had been sorting through documents at his desk, looked up and seemed to glance over at her. When Rishe stopped and met his gaze, he spoke in such a manner:

"Understood. Wait here for a moment."

"Huh?"

"Oliver."

"Yes. As you command, my liege." 

Before Rishe could even blink, several days had passed, and seats for the opera had been arranged.

(I see now why His Highness acts so promptly... When he decides to do something, he doesn't procrastinate but acts immediately.)

Perhaps due to the intrusive glances, Arnold's profile seemed somewhat displeased.

However, when Rishe looked up and met his gaze, that sternness softened momentarily. Though his expression remained unchanged, his eyes conveyed a sense of tranquility. Arnold reached out with the hand that was free and gently touched the earring dangling from Rishe's right ear.

"Eek..."

"Your hair is caught in the small chain."

Saying so, he gently stroked the chain of the earring before tucking Rishe's loose hair behind her ear. Even through his black gloves, the sensation was ticklish. The surrounding nobles seemed to react as if they had witnessed something they shouldn't have, causing a stir in the lobby. It felt oddly embarrassing.