7th Time Loop WN Vol. 6 Fan Translation

262

If this many knights came to help, Arnold and Yoel, both injured, should be able to avoid further fighting.

But there was no time for relief. As the enemies closed in on Yoel, intending to strike with their swords,

"Yoel!"

Rishe tried to rush forward, but Arnold restrained her.

"Not necessary."

Arnold was right.

Yoel's sword moved in a graceful arc, flashing through the surrounding enemies as if ending a dance.

On the now clearing deck of the ship, his sword reflected the faint sunlight. Enemies fell, and Yoel's path opened up.

Seeing Rishe, Yoel smiled with a sense of relief.

(Thank goodness...)

Rishe breathed a sigh of relief too. A royal guard who approached them announced,

"Your Highness Arnold, Lady Rishe! We've found eleven women confined inside the ship; we'll rescue them immediately!"

All enemies on the deck were now unconscious. Arnold sheathed his sword and said to Rishe,

"With these eleven, the number reported missing from Sharga has been found. Seize this ship and the other one as evidence."

"But Your Highness, the ship with the Galkhein flag that everyone was on, it was arranged hastily, wasn't it? To operate a ship of this size with just one crew..."

Arnold glanced at the ship flying the Galkhein flag.

In the thinning fog, Rishe, from the deck, saw people waving hands, and her eyes widened in surprise.

"The sailors who helped with the fire!"

The people who had extinguished the ship fire a few days ago were among those whom Rishe served drinks in gratitude.

"Oliver arranged for them to be hired temporarily, following the hunter's suggestion. When I said it was for your sake, they all volunteered to take time off from their livelihoods," Arnold said, looking down at Rishe with soft eyes.

"That's because of you."

"...!"

Rishe's heart swelled at those words.

In reality, it was probably Raul's suggestion and Oliver's negotiation skills, not Rishe's strength. And without Arnold and Yoel, this plan wouldn't have succeeded at all.

The day when Rishe's presence would make Arnold stronger was still far off.

(But even so...)

Rishe reached out and clung to Arnold.

In his arms, she suppressed her feelings as much as possible and asked,

"Are your injuries not hurting anymore?"

"..."

To speak privately without being overheard, there was no other way but to embrace like this.

But perhaps it was just an excuse to herself.

"...Ah."

Arnold stroked Rishe's hair and whispered in her ear,

"Thanks to you, they've already healed."

"..."

If she replied immediately, her voice would surely tremble.

Rishe buried her face in Arnold's chest and clenched his clothes tightly. They were finally able to let go when they heard lighter footsteps than the knights approaching.

"――Yoel."

"...?"

Seeing Rishe nestled in Arnold's arms, Yoel frowned, looking somehow complex.

"Thank you for your help."

"You don't need to say that."

In truth, Rishe owed Yoel more than anyone else.

She couldn't say it, but she was truly grateful to him. He was so kind to her, far beyond what she could repay. He was her senior, her 'senpai.'

"...Being with Your Highness Arnold makes you much stronger, huh?"

In a calm yet gentle voice, Yoel said to Rishe.

(Perhaps...)

Rishe felt like she understood a little bit of Yoel's feelings.

(Is he fixated on being with someone in battle to increase the survival rate of his comrades?)

If she were to ask him directly, Yoel would surely deny it.

When Rishe looked up at Arnold again, he slowly released his arm.

"...A strong person who tries to bear and fight alone is someone who doesn't want to hurt others," Arnold said quietly, his eyes narrowed. He must have realized he was being seen through.

"I see."

Yoel smiled, a rare sight with a sword at his waist.

"...Yeah. It wasn't bad."

Spreading the hand that had been holding the sword, he looked down at his palm and then gripped it. After a gesture like confirming something, Yoel placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and said with satisfaction,

"I remembered that I used to long to fight alongside someone."

"...Yoel..."

Rishe had only been able to fight alongside the previous Yoel once before he lost his life.

Even if it was for Rishe's sake, did Yoel, who had let his life go for her, think the same during that battle?

(Even so, I can never make up for it.)

But still, Rishe wished from the bottom of her heart,

(To stop Prince Arnold. To prevent Yoel's death and the blood-stained future of Prince Arnold. For that, I...)

Rishe tightly grasped Arnold's sleeve. He stroked her hair as if comforting her.

Suppressing the urge to cling to him again, Rishe smiled.

Right after that, Yoel, muttering "I'm already sleepy," collapsed on the deck, causing a commotion on the ship.