7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

174

"Even so. It's quite natural for you to be able to read Crusade language so proficiently."

(Hmm... Did the conversation just subtly veer off?)

Though she stared intently, Rishe couldn't outmatch Arnold. Reluctantly, she responded to his inquiry.

"I've only learned it to a basic level, so I'm not particularly confident. I couldn't even hope to compare to Your Highness Arnold's proficiency."

Would it be appropriate to bring up the past? Considering Arnold's past reactions, Rishe hesitated to tread lightly. Yet, somehow, she felt much more allowed to be by his side now than before.

So, Rishe decided to ask Arnold. "Your Highness Arnold, who taught you?"

"...No one. I just used whatever books were lying around and learned on my own."

"To learn such a complex language... by yourself!?"

Surprised, Rishe widened her eyes. Even bishops of the Church struggled to acquire Crusade language proficiency, despite diligent study.

"Given the environment I grew up in, it wasn't unnatural to learn from a young age."

(Even so, surely not to this extent!!)

Arnold, being the son of a maiden of the goddess, was said to have the blood of the goddess running through his veins. Even if this fact had been kept secret, there would have been an abundance of Crusade scripture around him and his mother.

"It's surprising. I didn't think Your Highness Arnold would have any interest in such studies."

"In this world, there's no knowledge that can be deemed unnecessary, even if you never use it."

"I supposed you're right."

They surprisingly found common ground, so Rishe laughed.

Still, for a child like Arnold to learn on his own was no small feat.

(Was there a purpose behind young Arnold's learning?)

Learning something considered unnecessary as a child isn't typical. With Arnold's intellect, while it might have been less challenging than for an average person, it still seemed unnatural for the Arnold Rishe knew to invest time in it.

Thinking this, Arnold suddenly spoke as if he had just remembered something.

"...Now that you mention it, there was one time."

Rishe tilted her head, looking up at Arnold.

"I once found additional characters my mother had added next to the Crusade language I wrote."

"...!"

Rishe tensed slightly at those words. Arnold initiating a conversation about his mother was unexpected.

"How was your mother?"

To Rishe's cautious inquiry, Arnold narrowed his eyes.

"I don't know."

Then, he continued dismissively.

"I've forgotten about the past."

"...?"

Was it evident on her face that her heart felt tight? Arnold glanced at Rishe, faintly smiling.

"Why do you make that face?"

"...Because..."

"There's nothing to it... Besides, as you show me what you want to, I remember more and more."