7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

211

Rishe, whose wrist was grasped by Yoel, leaned back slightly before asking,

"Um, excuse me, sir. Before we begin our conversation, may I inquire about your name and position?" she asked.

"...My story is necessary for the match...?" Yoel reluctantly replied, his voice tinged with drowsiness.

With this, Rishe could finally address him by name. She continued cautiously, mindful not to accidentally refer to him as "senior Yoel."

"Unfortunately, I cannot accept your proposal for this 'match.'" she continued.

"Why? I even properly introduced myself..." A sulking Yoel glanced up at Rishe.

"Well..." Rishe used a self-defense technique, swiftly freeing herself from Yoel's grip. With her free hand, she quickly pushed aside his fingers and twisted the arm that had been grabbed.

Once both hands were free, Rishe gently pushed Yoel's shoulder, causing him to sink into the bed and groan as he pressed his hand against his forehead. "...Spinning... My vision's spinning..."

"You were given something by the pirates, weren't you? It hasn't fully worn off yet, so please rest." Rishe stated firmly, then observed Yoel from a short distance away.

In her sixth life, Rishe had heard stories. Yoel had headed to Garkhein for undercover investigation, rescued abducted women, and met Prince Arnold there.

Rishe had wanted to hear about Garkhein, so she had begged Yoel before he slept.

Listening to Yoel's tale from the lower bunk of the bunk bed while he occupied the upper bunk, Rishe imagined Garkhein. When Yoel mentioned meeting Arnold Hein, Rishe couldn't help but comment with a sigh. "Senior Yoel, you managed to restrain yourself from attacking Arnold Hein, didn't you?"

"I would never hold back in that situation. Of course, I drew my sword." he replied.

"You drew your sword!?" Rishe exclaimed.

"Heh."

"No, I'm not praising you!"

However, Yoel interjected with a "but."

"That man didn't even draw his sword against me."

Recalling that moment, Rishe looked down at Yoel on the bed and sighed. "Master Yoel, let me explain. The gentleman with black hair you encountered on board is Prince Arnold Hein, the crown prince of Garkhein."

"...That guy?" Yoel showed interest again. He squinted his golden eyes, likely trying to recall Arnold's face.

"No wonder I thought he wasn't an ordinary person from just his footsteps... He's the one who supposedly single-handedly turned the tide of many battles..."

"But, Master Yoel," Rishe reminded him firmly, much like she would as a knight. "Please refrain from drawing your sword against Prince Arnold Hein without warning."

"Why?"

"Also, attacking him is prohibited."

"Why?"

"For various reasons!"

Yoel seemed thoroughly unconvinced, pouting. "...I don't need your permission for anything."

(If this were before I shared a room with Yoel in my knightly life, I would have been completely at a loss. But now, I can clearly see how to handle him.)

Ultimately, the commander had told her, "Only Lucius can rein in Yoel." Rishe was well aware of the words that would captivate Yoel.

"Fine. If you won't play with me, I'll find 'Prince Arnold' myself..."

"Yoel," as Yoel attempted to sit up, Rishe grinned. "...Shall I assist with negotiating the match against Prince Arnold?"

Yoel's ears perked up, much like a keen animal. "...Negotiating the match?"

Gradually, an intrigued glint appeared in his sleepy eyes.

"Master Yoel, surely you'd prefer a fair, serious match with Prince Arnold rather than an ambush?"

"...A fair, serious match..." Yoel slowly rose, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking up at Rishe. "I want that."

"Heh. I thought so."

With Yoel now fully engaged in listening to Rishe, she silently apologized in her mind.

(I'm sorry, Senior Yoel. My suggestion was merely to 'negotiate.' I never promised that the match would happen. It's a completely shady, downright deceitful merchant's tactic, but it's for your sake!)

Though it pained her, she couldn't afford to turn a duel with Arnold into a diplomatic issue. While she had escaped unscathed in her sixth life, there was no guarantee the same would happen this time.

"Then, Master Yoel. Instead of negotiating with Prince Arnold, could we ask for your assistance as well?"

"Assistance?"

"It seems a letter from King Sharga has reached Prince Arnold. You came from Sharga to investigate the pirate human trafficking incident, correct?" Rishe asked.

Yoel squinted in confusion. "...Come to think of it, what are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're like a fluffy, coral-colored confectionery. You jumped onto the ship and fought those guys with those skinny arms of yours, right?" Yoel stood up, barefoot, and approached Rishe. "You're a girl, but a knight from Garkhein? ...But you're also in a position to negotiate with Prince Arnold. Strange."

"Master Yoel, please refrain from standing up; I'm feeling dizzy again."

"Firstly, Prince Arnold stood by you on that ship and protected you from me..."

Leaning in close to Rishe's face, Yoel squinted as if trying to see through her eyes. "Rishe. What are you to Arnold Hein?"

"I am..."

Rishe was aware of the footsteps quietly approaching from behind, but what happened next was unexpected and urgent.

"Ahh!" A figure stood behind her, lifting her gently. She instinctively placed her hand on their shoulder but regretted the contact. The more parts of her touched, the faster her heart raced.

Looking down, she saw Arnold, glaring at Yoel with displeasure. "...My wife."

"W-Well, technically, I'm still your fiance...!?"

As Arnold held Rishe nonchalantly, her cheeks flushed.