7th Time Loop WN Vol. 5 Fan Translation

Bonus Story: What Arnold Likes

Rishe's known Arnold observed his surroundings quietly with blue eyes, making various judgments.

His eyes were sharp and seemed to see through everything when they met yours. Arnold always had a keen insight and assessed situations calmly.

However, on very rare occasions, his gaze took on a somewhat defenseless atmosphere.

That was when he was looking at Rishe.

(Or rather...)

While processing herbs, Rishe glanced at Arnold.

The courtyard was bathed in strong summer sunlight.

Even though it was sweltering enough to sweat just by sitting still, Rishe was plucking herb leaves on a white round table placed in the garden.

They were fresh herbs harvested just moments ago from the herb garden.

During the summer season, herbs grew surprisingly fast. The herbs picked today were emitting a refreshing aroma of fresh green leaves.

Arnold, sitting opposite, lazily crossed his legs. Leaning on his armrest, he gazed intently at Rishe's hands.

(Arnold seems to have this vague, absent-minded demeanor only when he's watching my hands...)

It could be said that he was absent-minded.

Before, Rishe had thought he resembled a child observing an ant trail, but that's exactly how he appeared.

Although he looked relaxed, he was sincere.

Arnold showed no signs of boredom and was merely confirming Rishe's movements.

"Aren't you bored, Your Highness Arnold?"

"...?"

When asked, he looked puzzled as if wondering why she was asking such a thing.

Even such a gesture made him look younger than usual, which was troublesome.

"Not at all."

"If my helping aids in Your Highness's rest, I would be delighted, but..."

From Oliver, the attendant, Rishe always heard lamentations about Arnold not resting during official duties. But if he was going to take a break, wouldn't it be better to take a nap?

"But it's hot here, isn't it?"

Arnold was literally keeping a cool face, but it was still midsummer outdoors. Despite being in the shade of the trees, she couldn't help but worry.

"You're the one sweating. Are you sure you don't need help?"

Arnold asked oppositely, and Rishe replied enthusiastically.

"Of course! I enjoy doing this work!"

Living in this castle, Rishe's principle was not to burden others with her tasks as much as possible.

Even in farming, she declined the Royal Guards' offer to "handle the hoe for us!" and moved her body herself.

Arnold looked at Rishe and slightly softened his expression.

"...Then it's fine. What about these herbs?"

"Yes! When exposed under specific conditions for a certain time, they enhance their disinfectant effect. When mixed with soap, they become excellent hygiene products."

"These also have a wonderful fragrance. To maintain that state, I'm making ice water."

"However..."

Rishe interrupted Arnold, reaching into the ice water up to her wrists.

"It's necessary to use my hands without gloves and tools. It's important to feel the texture of the herbs with my fingers and apply the right amount of pressure... A-Ahh... it's cold...!"

"That's true..."

Arnold furrowed his brow tightly, looking down at Rishe's red hands.

His eyes were sharp and different from when he was absent-mindedly watching Rishe's hands.

When Rishe tightly sealed her lips due to the cold, Arnold eventually couldn't bear it anymore and reached out to her.

"Rishe... Please remove your hands from there..."

"――...!"

Rishe placed her hands, taken out of the ice water, on Arnold's cheek.

With hands as cold as ice, she enveloped Arnold's contour, smiling mischievously at his surprised expression.

"Hehe!... Is it cold?"

"――――..."

The sunlight shining down from above shimmered through his ocean-blue eyes.

While admiring the world's most beautiful light, Rishe spoke with the mindset of a mischievous child.

"Isn't it refreshing and nice? And I'm glad my hands are warm."

"But, it's still summer, right? Your hands shouldn't have cooled down so quickly after being in the water."

"However much water I used, it shouldn't have cooled so quickly, right?"

Arnold's voice, seemingly unconcerned, made her feel somewhat frustrated.

(Don't overthink it! Stay calm and composed...)

Rishe regained her composure and touched the thin chain around her neck.

Slipping out from under her dress, through the cleavage of her chest, was the sapphire ring Arnold had given her.

"――..."

Seeing Arnold's surprised expression, Rishe noticed and spoke up.

"This ring? I wear it as a necklace during fieldwork and water work."

"..."

Arnold had mentioned Rishe's hands even when he went to choose this ring.

"You do a lot of work with your hands. Mixing medicines, handling chores, moving around busily. I thought it would be nice for you to see a decorative item I gave you worn on your finger."

Recalling that moment, Rishe smiled wryly.

"That's why it's here! You see?"

Once she removed the ring from the chain, she proudly displayed it swinging from her chest.

"See? By wearing it like this on a chain around my neck, I can keep it on me at all times!"

"..."

When Rishe thought of this method, she was delighted with her ingenuity.

The stone, the same color as Arnold's eyes, shone under the sunlight. However, Arnold, who was looking at her confidently, had an expression she had never seen before.

Tilting her head even more as she blinked repeatedly, Arnold eventually lowered his gaze and sighed softly.

"...I understand. If that's what you want, I don't mind."

"?"

Not quite understanding, Rishe replied, "Yes!"

When she removed the ring from the chain, Arnold, who had been gazing at her hands, spoke up.

"Shall I put it on for you again?"

"!!"

What came to mind was the moment when he had put this ring on her. Kneeling, taking her hand, and pressing a kiss to her knuckle.

With a slightly mischievous smile, Rishe shook her head desperately.

"I-It's alright...!!"

Because Rishe's fingertips were no longer numb from the cold water.

On the contrary, they seemed to be getting warmer, radiating heat, making it difficult to conceal.