7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

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Now, Rishe didn't want to regret touching like this. Yet, she knew Arnold's intelligence well.

(Perhaps my fear was conveyed through the hand I held with His Highness Arnold.)

Unable to look at Arnold, Rishe bowed her head.

(That man closed the borders immediately after committing patricide and never leaked any information about the canal renovation.)

In her life as a knight, Rishe had heard many stories like this.

It was news that arrived late from abroad while Rishe and the other knights of Sharga were desperately fighting against Galkhein's warships.

(The thorough information control was beyond mere laws and regulations, and included executing shipbuilders.)

What Rishe had just wished for was contrary to such a future. She had spoken to ensure that the beautiful prayer for the voyage remained unchanged.

Arnold's failure to affirm that might have been out of fidelity to Rishe.

(I've reviewed all the materials on public works in Galkhein. The canal's transformation was not part of any public plan. If there's a reason why this scenery might disappear someday, it's because of what His Highness Arnold is secretly advancing.)

Her heart was now beating at a different pace.

(A casual response. Only I, who know what His Highness Arnold will do in the future, would notice...)

It would have been better if that were just Rishe's misconception that she could laugh off.

(Perhaps Arnold has begun to place Raul, skilled in espionage and covert operations, by his side for the coup...)

Just as Rishe sensed the answers to her previous questions, Arnold calmly asked her.

"—What's wrong?"

His voice was still so gentle and soft that it made her want to cry.

Rishe was convinced that Arnold's bloody path forward was because he was a cruel person but for a reason within him that was unwavering.

"...It's nothing."

While keenly feeling her own weakness, Rishe strengthened her grip on Arnold's hand.

(His Highness Arnold kills his father. And he starts a war for conquest. Even since I came to this country, he has been preparing for that...!)

And Rishe had to stop Arnold's atrocities by any means necessary.

Slowly raising her face, she gazed at the beloved person in front of her. Arnold's eyes were straight, gazing at Rishe, and then turned away.

(His Highness Arnold... my beloved husband.)

For Rishe, he was the only one, the only person she longed for.

(...No matter what, my existence is his enemy...)

"...Rishe." Arnold spoke, the softness gone from his voice.

Suddenly feeling a bad presence, Rishe's gaze shot upstream. Floating there was a very large sailboat.

"...That ship."

The slowly advancing ship was probably heading out to sea.

At the same time, Arnold, who had been looking up, let go of Rishe's hand. There was a lamp-like light swaying on the deck, held by the woman.

"Prince Arnold!"

It was unusual for a woman to be on a ship leaving at this late hour. While it wasn't impossible, what surprised Rishe was that she recognized the woman.

"The woman on that ship is the one we rescued from slavers..."

At that moment, Arnold pulled Rishe close. At the same time, there was the sound of an arrow cutting through the wind from across the riverbank.

With Arnold's arms protecting her, Rishe immediately followed the trajectory of the arrow with her eyes. Like a white bird tearing through the night sky, the arrow descended sharply towards the woman on the boat.

"Ah...!!" The moment Rishe cried out, the arrow pierced through the woman's lamp. The glass lamp shattered, and the woman screamed.

(――No!)

A fire quickly spread to the deck.

Rishe hurriedly looked across the bank of the canal, but she couldn't see where the archer might be. In this situation, the priority was to rescue the passengers. The sound of military boots echoed, and several elite guards rushed over.

"Excuse me, Your Highness Arnold! What's...!?"

The surrounding security was handled by Arnold's excellent elite guards. Sensing the unusual situation, they had rushed over.

"Coordinate firefighting activities and cooperation with the canal authorities; separate personnel other than messengers for firefighting and evacuation guidance, rescue, and relief. Immediately relay this to Oliver and gather reinforcements." Arnold commanded to his guards.

"Yes, sir!"

"Visit the sailors' houses nearby and increase the number of hands experienced in handling ships. I will direct everyone available."

(Sorry. Thank you for letting me act freely, Your Highness Arnold...!)

He must be worried. While silently apologizing to Arnold in her heart, Rishe ran parallel to the ship.