7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

175

"Could it be that the future is already changing?"

For the sake of avoiding a world war, Rishe had been desperately working.

Although there had been slight changes, little by little, she wondered if they had affected things to this extent. No, I don't know...! This exchange could be a possibility that has repeated in all six of my past lives...!! Rishe couldn't have any information to judge that. She reflexively grasped the hem of her dress, then stopped herself before Arnold noticed.

Guthail asked without lifting his face. "Why?" His voice, though trying to remain composed, was clearly trembling. "Is it because of father? Is it because there is someone in our house who betrayed this country and the royal family that His Highness...!!"

"The knights now are like walking on needles. No matter how faithfully one serves, they are met with suspicion from others. It's not about himself, but about the sins committed by your father..."

During the day, Rishe had seen a glimpse of that by disguising herself as a man and infiltrating.

"The elite guard under Arnold, who is rightly valued for his strength and sincerity, is the only place I belong. But..."

Arnold's gaze was cold and exclusive."That's a prior issue."

In that tense atmosphere, Rishe's shoulders twitched.

"Do you pledge your life to the country? I don't need someone who considers that a virtue."

"Your highness..."

"No matter how skilled you are, do you think I can entrust strategies to someone who goes into battle with their own death as a premise? Not even actions taken as the best judgment in a desperate situation, but to come to conclusions before going to the battlefield, like you?"

"That's..."

When Arnold instructed the guards, his policy was to 'survive and fight no matter what'.

"But..."

Clasping his hands tightly, Gutheil bowed his head again to Rishe and the others.

"I apologize for my disgraceful behavior. - I take my leave."

After bowing, Guthail left the pavilion, disappearing into the rainy night scenery. Rishe was about to stand up, but she couldn't move as Arnold pulled her close.

"There's no need to pursue him."

"But..."

However, Rishe knew well that Arnold wouldn't reverse his decision.

"Even if my arm is torn off, I'll swing my sword. Even if my leg is shattered, I'll advance. Even if both my eyes are blinded, I'll find a way to strike at the enemy until the end. That's what this training is for."

When they sparred before, Arnold had said that.

"That leads to survival."

At that moment, Rishe remembered the events of her fifth life. When she, as a hunter, looked at Arnold through a monocular, he pointed to his own left chest with his thumb, as if saying, 'Aim here.'

And what about Arnold when they crossed swords in her sixth life's final battle?

"At that castle, His Highness was always alone."

He had many strong knights as his subjects. However, when he charged into battle, he did so alone, without coordinating with others.

Certainly, Arnold was strong, and perhaps he didn't need other knights, but that shouldn't be the reason.

"In the future, His Highness Arnold..."

Looking up at Arnold's profile, Rishe felt like crying.

"...I couldn't feel a strong will not to die at all..."

That fact terrified Rishe now.

She involuntarily reached out and tugged at Arnold's sleeve.

"...Arnold..."

Arnold might have sensed that Rishe's left chest was hurting.

"...What's wrong?"

"..."

Frowning slightly, he gently touched her cheek with concern.

He couldn't even imagine that Rishe's heart was filled with worry for him.

"I can't put it into words."

Rishe held onto Arnold's sleeve and shook her head slightly.

Then, she lowered her head and spoke.

"Arnold, please consider Gutheil's words... Wouldn't it be a loss for this country if a knight with both skill and sincerity is mistreated within the knight order?"

"..."

After exhaling softly, Arnold reassured Rishe.

"What needs to change is fundamental. Just moving Gutheil alone won't prevent others from facing similar circumstances."

"Your Highness..."

"I can't do it right away. But, wait."

Arnold looked down at Rishe and gave a small smile.

It was a smile that was dark, somewhat enchanting, and filled with a sense of dread.

"Soon, I'll make it happen."

A feeling akin to murderous intent ran down Rishe's spine. This feeling was similar to the indescribable fear she felt when she was found by Arnold's father earlier.

"The rain has stopped, as you said. Shall we go home? If we stay out too long, you'll lose sleep."

Arnold stood up and reached out to Rishe. After hesitating for a moment, Rishe firmly grasped Arnold's hand to hide her hesitation.

The fundamental flow hasn't changed. His Highness still intends to proceed as planned. While maintaining a poker face, Rishe was convinced of this despairing fact. The coup d'état resulting from patricide, and the usurpation of the throne because of it. 

***

On that day, just after the sunset, a young man was walking through the imperial capital of Galkhain. He was wearing a robe, and his face was hidden under a deep hood. Yet, he still kept himself low, glancing around repeatedly.

"Seriously, why do I have to sneak around in a place like this..."

The young man descended the stairs leading to an underground tavern, pondering.

"But, it can't be helped. They're also desperate not to be noticed."

His footsteps echoed against the stone walls. When he reached the door, he adjusted his hood again to conceal his golden hair. And thus, the young man, Dietrich, slowly pushed open the door.