7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

179

Rishe hastily grabbed Dietrich's arm to stop him. Seeing Arnold, who was standing at a distance, looking somewhat puzzled, she conveyed an apology with the shape of her lips. Arnold was busy with official duties, so she couldn't afford to be too intrusive.

"What's the matter, why are you stopping me, Rishe?"

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

Arnold, with a slightly furrowed brow, gazed at them intently for a moment, then resumed giving instructions to Oliver. He seemed to have been distracted, and Rishe felt apologetic.

"Let's discuss this later, Your Highness Dietrich. We can't have complicated conversations here..."

"Hmm... Well, I suppose that makes sense..."

Dietrich, relatively easily persuaded, glanced at Arnold again and then spoke.

"That man... is quite similar to you. You've always lived with the goal of becoming the prince consort, haven't you? You always had that look on your face, as if that were the purpose of your life since childhood."

Rishe was taken aback by the unexpected words.

"You sacrificed personal happiness to fulfill your duties as a public figure. You never went out to play, never begged for sweets as a reward for studying, never even had birthday parties! I couldn't understand it at all! You always seemed to be enduring, and if becoming the crown princess was the result of all that endurance... I thought it would be better for you not to become that."

There were rare wrinkles between his eyebrows.

"In that case, would you be happy as Arnold Heinz's consort, Rishe?"

"Your Highness Dietrich..."

Dietrich, Rishe's former fiance and still a childhood friend, had always been worried about her. So, being looked at with such concern by Dietrich was a first for her. Thinking about it, Rishe couldn't help but smile wryly.

"I've occasionally received concerns about whether I can be happy in this marriage. However, happiness is not something given by someone else; it is something you attain for yourself."

While saying this, she glanced at the knights standing on either side of the door.

"I am confident that as Arnold Heinz's wife, no matter what fate may come, I can confidently say 'I had a happy life' at the moment of my death. And..."

Then she turned to Dietrich and smiled.

"I mentioned this, didn't I? That I would prove to you, Your Highness Dietrich, how wonderful Arnold Heinz is as a husband."

"...Indeed, you did say that..."

Rishe smiled faintly and declared to Dietrich,

"I must say, I never thought a bride-to-be who seems destined for unhappiness would utter such words!"

"Hmm...!"

Dietrich seemed to ponder for a moment, then spoke with a frustrated expression,

"Hmm...? No, wait, Rishe! Certainly, I've come to understand just how excellent Arnold has been as the crown prince these past few days!! But as for what you're saying about how wonderful a husband he is, I haven't seen that at all, have I!?"

"Huh... Oh, um... Wait, but...!?"

"Hahaha! You let your guard down, Rishe!! So, what you call proof has yet to be fulfilled!! After all, for the past few days, I've been either observing official duties or attending social events where I've been terrified of Arnold's gaze!!"