7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

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(It's unlikely they'd hide something incriminating that could be found out in the open. Yet, it's not too obvious either. It's an exquisite spot.)

To avoid revealing her inner thoughts, Rishe searched with gloved hands. While observing Rishe like this, the knight squad captain seemed to chuckle. "Apprentice knights are truly naive. But still, to present a non-heir from such a high-ranking noble family to His Highness... Well, I'm sure Prince Arnold must be quite troubled."

Though intended for Arnold not to hear, the captain's voice seemed too overtly ingratiating.

"... " 

Arnold showed no reaction to the captain's words.

(As always, His Highness behaves impeccably.)

Rishe chuckled inwardly and continued her inspection. Inside the dusty wooden crate, there were only items that didn't seem to warrant confiscation.

(A lamp made to resemble the banned shell lamp... The surface, which should shimmer in seven colors when hit by sunlight, had an ambiguous border between yellow and orange.)

Rishe closed one eye and carefully examined the seams. Having dealt with similar items in her merchant life, she knew what to look for.

(Why bother making counterfeit banned goods and placing them among confiscated items?)

Raising her head from the box, Rishe wiped her nose with the back of her hand. Turning back, she showed the lamp to the knight squad captain.

"Captain! This item is undoubtedly a Rasha lamp, isn't it?"

"You seem to be quite knowledgeable, Lucius." The knight captain nodded in agreement with Rishe's words.

"Indeed. This item, if circulated, could lead to diplomatic issues with Rasha. It was hidden in the cargo I personally inspected, and we're currently confirming all the cargo from that ship."

(Just as I thought. This counterfeit lamp is evidence that the captain and his subordinates are doing their job properly.)

However, this counterfeit was exceptionally well-made.

(Without calling in a merchant for appraisal, it would be difficult to detect such a skillful forgery.)

Knowledge about Rasha's products wasn't widespread in Galkhein.

(Repeatedly experiencing life and having merchant experience really paid off.)

While pondering this, Rishe returned the lamp to the box and observed the knight captain.

(The tension in the captain's spine seems to have relaxed compared to before. His blinking increased when he looked at Prince Arnold, but otherwise, it's returning to normal.)

Arnold seemed to have noticed what Rishe observed. As their gazes met, Rishe spoke to Arnold. "Your Highness Arnold, I'd like to confirm the warehouse over there next!"

"Is it locked?" Arnold asked.

"Yes. I'll call my subordinates right away, so please wait a moment."

Arnold then turned his gaze to the knight captain. "I hope the head of the squad hasn't forgotten the location of the key?"

Before Arnold could give any orders, the knight captain hastily straightened his posture. "O-of course not! I'll personally fetch it immediately, please wait a moment!"

With uncertain steps, the knight captain hurried off somewhere. Only Rishe and Arnold remained in the brick alley.

"With that kind of panic, it seems it'll take some time before we receive the key."

Arnold sighed as he reached out to Rishe. "There's dirt on your cheek." With gloved fingers, he gently wiped her cheek.

"To do literal dirty work before trying on wedding attire..."

"I-I'll take another bath before the fitting...!" Rishe replied.

Remembering the previous time her cheek was wiped, Rishe felt more nervous this time but still accepted his touch. As she closed her eyes tightly, Arnold seemed to notice something. While wiping her cheek, he leaned in closer to Rishe's neck.

"Your Highness...?"

Even though there was no one around, this distance was inappropriate for a lord and a knight. Arnold's breath, murmuring such words, brushed against Rishe's skin.

"...You smell sweet."

Though it was a casual, indifferent remark, it made her feel embarrassed. It was probably the beauty products she used when her skin was polished for the wedding preparations earlier. Flustered, Rishe stepped back, covering her mouth with her heated hands.

"It's fine," Arnold spoke, "At this level, you wouldn't realize unless someone came very close to you."

"..."

This essentially meant that Arnold had been very close to Rishe. Realizing this again, she straightened her back like a knight should.

"Anyway, the priority now is rescuing the abducted women and preventing further casualties!"

Rishe started walking hastily. While keeping an eye on her surroundings, she and Arnold entered a narrow alleyway together.