7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

152

"Indeed, the queen practicing swordsmanship is unacceptable! Such a barbaric woman is not suitable for the mother of the Elmiti Kingdom!!"

And on that day, when Rishe returned home, all the training equipment in the house had been disposed of.

"If His Highness Dietrich dislikes it, then naturally, you have no right to do it."

"M-mother..."

"Indeed, both your father and I ordered you to excel. It's all to make you a better queen. Rather than hurt His Highness with the skills you acquire..." Rishe's mother said coldly, as if to admonish her disobedient child. "Such skills have no value at all."

That incident occurred when Rishe was thirteen years old. Still, at that time, Rishe believed that her only purpose in life was to become the future Crown Princess.

So she endured, made efforts, and continued to support Dietrich by his side. Assisting Dietrich in his studies and correcting his behavior were Rishe's roles. But that was only natural, as she was going to be his wife. And just before graduating from the Royal Academy and starting her full-fledged bride training, on the night of the May 1st soirée.

"Rishe Ilmgard Wertsner! You vile woman unworthy of the Crown Prince's fiancée status!"

Dressed formally, Dietrich pointed directly at Rishe and uttered these words in the same tone he had used since childhood.

"At this moment, I hereby annul my engagement with you!"

At that moment, Rishe was finally free.

(Of course, at the moment of the "first" annulment of the engagement. She was too confused to think at that time...)

***

Sitting in a chair in the special room prepared for her at the Galkhein Imperial Theater, Rishe let out a deep sigh. This room was a chamber for members of the royal family and nobility to use for pre- and post-performance discussions. There was no table, just several chairs arranged facing each other, and Rishe sat in one of the long chairs.

And then, she gazed at Dietrich with a heavy heart.

"It's been months since I last saw your face, but you seem more energetic than I thought! Aren't you happy to reunite with me?" he spouted.

(As far as I can remember, this is the first time in this life that I've met His Highness Dietrich after the annulment of the engagement...)

"Are you listening, Rishe?... Hey, hey!"

(There are so many things I want to sort out... But first, above all else...)

Removing the hand from her forehead, Rishe glanced up at Arnold. Arnold slightly furrowed his brows, seated in the same long chair next to Rishe's.

Up to this point, everything seemed fine. But what bothered her was Arnold's right hand.

(...Why is His Highness Arnold holding me so tightly around the waist!?)

Moreover, the distance between us is so close. With his left hand resting his chin on the armrest, Arnold, who casually crossed his legs, silently gazed at Dietrich.

(Although I reluctantly agreed to be placed here because I can't ignore His Highness Dietrich... Even so...)

Rishe recalled the tumult that had occurred just moments ago. The first to move when Dietrich appeared was Arnold. Without hesitation, Arnold took Rishe's hand and tried to lead her out of the theater. However, Rishe stopped Arnold, as it would cause a commotion in the corridor if they continued, disturbing others and the knights.

And now, here they were.

Arnold, seated next to Rishe, seemed genuinely displeased.

(Arnold definitely dislikes the type of person Dietrich is...)

In the first place, from what Rishe observed during soirées and other events, Arnold doesn't seem to like people with loud voices.

(But even so! Why is he holding me so tightly like this...?)

Arnold's hand was firmly wrapped around Rishe's waist.

The distance between them seemed even closer than when they were in the special seats a moment ago.

Even though they weren't dancing, being touched like this in public made Rishe feel uncomfortable.

"Uh, Your Highness Arnold... I'm capable of handling Dietrich's inquiries alone.

"..."

"If you're not feeling well, Your Highness Arnold, you could go to another place and wait..."

"Rishe! You must understand."

"..."

Taking his gaze off Dietrich, Arnold looked down at Rishe and quietly lowered his eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Huh?"

And he said it clearly.

"I'll be by your side."

His somewhat sincere words made Rishe's heart skip a beat.