7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

195

As they descended backstage, they were unexpectedly called out by someone.

"...Rishe!!"

"Sylvia!? What are you doing here..."

Her presence in the theater was quite contrary to the plan.

Before the performance, Rishe had lied to Sylvia, who hadn't changed yet, about a fake change in the plan.

"Just do your best to be of some help. Now, let's get you into your costume!"

"That won't do, Sylvia."

"Huh?"

"Because you're going to escape with Gutheil from here."

Rishe explained the fabricated plan to the surprised Sylvia.

"We can't afford to have enemy spies among the knights participating in the operation, right? So, apart from the elaborate plan we've announced, Sylvia will escape far away."

"But... what about the decoy for the plan?"

"No one will be on stage. Decoys are for experienced women in combat."

With that said, Sylvia, though with a slightly troubled expression, eventually nodded.

If Rishe had told Sylvia she would be the decoy, Sylvia would worry and refuse to cooperate with the plan. To ensure that the decoy plan went smoothly, Sylvia had to believe she wasn't here.

"Gutheil, Sylvia was supposed to be secretly taken back to the castle...!"

"I apologize, Rishe-sama. That..."

Arnold, standing behind Rishe, interrupted the hesitant Gutheil.

"I ordered it."

"Prince Arnold...?"

With an indifferent expression, Arnold explained calmly.

"It's likely safer to keep her here than risk moving her out of the theater."

"T-That may be true, but...!"

Even if they were in disguise, it would be suspicious for someone to leave the theater right before the performance. Arnold must have been concerned about that.

"I understand Prince Arnold's reasoning. However, couldn't you have told me...?"

"If you knew that the person you're supposed to guard was still in the theater, you'd be worried."

"Ugh...!!"

Certainly hitting the nail on the head, Rishe found herself unable to say anything more.

The way of fighting, deflecting arrows with a sword, was also new to Rishe. If her concentration had been even slightly compromised, it might not have gone well. Arnold must have decided to deceive Rishe at the last moment to ensure her safety to the best of his ability.

"...I'm still immature, after all. I need to become stronger to earn Prince Arnold's trust..."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

Arnold sighed softly, lifted the veil that covered Rishe's face, and looked straight into her eyes.

"...I was worried about you. That's all."

Her cheeks started to burn again, so she shook her head vigorously, hiding behind her veil.

But Rishe wasn't the only one dissatisfied with being deceived.

"I'm mad at you, Rishe!"

"...Sylvia..."

Sylvia, who shouted so, had an almost tearful expression.

In fact, she must have been crying until just a moment ago. Her beautiful eyelashes were wet, and her eyes were red.

"The plan suddenly changes today, and Rishe and Gutheil come to me with different plans!! I'm told to hide in the theater's basement, but something seems off, and Gutheil doesn't let me out!!"

"I'm sorry, Sylvia...! You must have been surprised and scared, right?"

"What scared me the most was realizing that Rishe might be the decoy!!"

It seemed that Sylvia had reached that conclusion on her own, not from what Gutheil had told her. Gutheil looked flustered and worried about Sylvia, who clung to Rishe.

"I apologize, Lady Rishe. I should have skillfully deceived her or given an explanation to reassure Sylvia, but..."

"While calming me, who was crying and saying 'I want to go to Rishe's side,' Gutheil even got hit because of me!"

"Oh dear, Gutheil, I'm so sorry...!"

"N-No, I didn't feel any pain at all, so there's no problem!"

While Rishe and the others were talking, Arnold began to give instructions to Oliver.

Meanwhile, the Royal Guards continued to bring in the enemy's intelligence operatives. There were quite a few of them, but since they were using paralysis potions, there was no need to capture them immediately.

"Sylvia, I'm really sorry for lying to you. ...I just didn't want you to be in any danger."

Sylvia, still clinging tightly to Rishe, said in a tearful voice.

"I just didn't want Rishe to be in any danger, even a little!"

"...Sylvia."

"I'm sorry, Rishe. ...I caused you so much trouble. I'm really, really sorry..."

Rishe hugged Sylvia back and shook her head, saying, "No."

"If I could help my friend even a little, that's all that matters."

After taking a breath, Sylvia timidly spoke up.

"I'm just so glad you're safe, Rishe..."

Saying that, she slowly relaxed her grip.

"Gutheil, I'm sorry for being angry. Everything you did was to protect me..."

"...It was Prince Arnold's accurate judgment, not mine. And if you're safe, then that's all that matters to me."

When Gutheil smiled, Sylvia blushed to the tips of her ears.

Seeing that, Gutheil directed his gaze as if looking at the most precious thing in the world, then began to walk straight towards a certain person.

"Prince Arnold."