"Even so. It's quite natural for you to be able to read Crusade language so proficiently."
(Hmm... Did the conversation just subtly veer off?)
Though she stared intently, Rishe couldn't outmatch Arnold. Reluctantly, she responded to his inquiry.
"I've only learned it to a basic level, so I'm not particularly confident. I couldn't even hope to compare to Your Highness Arnold's proficiency."
Would it be appropriate to bring up the past? Considering Arnold's past reactions, Rishe hesitated to tread lightly. Yet, somehow, she felt much more allowed to be by his side now than before.
So, Rishe decided to ask Arnold. "Your Highness Arnold, who taught you?"
"...No one. I just used whatever books were lying around and learned on my own."
"To learn such a complex language... by yourself!?"
Surprised, Rishe widened her eyes. Even bishops of the Church struggled to acquire Crusade language proficiency, despite diligent study.
"Given the environment I grew up in, it wasn't unnatural to learn from a young age."
(Even so, surely not to this extent!!)
Arnold, being the son of a maiden of the goddess, was said to have the blood of the goddess running through his veins. Even if this fact had been kept secret, there would have been an abundance of Crusade scripture around him and his mother.
"It's surprising. I didn't think Your Highness Arnold would have any interest in such studies."
"In this world, there's no knowledge that can be deemed unnecessary, even if you never use it."
"I supposed you're right."
They surprisingly found common ground, so Rishe laughed.
Still, for a child like Arnold to learn on his own was no small feat.
(Was there a purpose behind young Arnold's learning?)
Learning something considered unnecessary as a child isn't typical. With Arnold's intellect, while it might have been less challenging than for an average person, it still seemed unnatural for the Arnold Rishe knew to invest time in it.
Thinking this, Arnold suddenly spoke as if he had just remembered something.
"...Now that you mention it, there was one time."
Rishe tilted her head, looking up at Arnold.
"I once found additional characters my mother had added next to the Crusade language I wrote."
"...!"
Rishe tensed slightly at those words. Arnold initiating a conversation about his mother was unexpected.
"How was your mother?"
To Rishe's cautious inquiry, Arnold narrowed his eyes.
"I don't know."
Then, he continued dismissively.
"I've forgotten about the past."
"...?"
Was it evident on her face that her heart felt tight? Arnold glanced at Rishe, faintly smiling.
"Why do you make that face?"
"...Because..."
"There's nothing to it... Besides, as you show me what you want to, I remember more and more."
(What I want to show His Highness Arnold...)
Rishe wanted to show Arnold many beautiful, enjoyable, and wonderful things. It was her wish, not something Arnold had requested. Even though she had been selfishly acting on her own, his kind words made her feel like she wanted to rely on him.
Arnold, little by little, seemed to be turning his gaze toward beautiful things too.
"Your Highness..."
Arnold's index finger touched Rishe's lips.
'Quiet,' he signaled, and at the same time, Rishe understood.
Someone was approaching the gazebo.
Recalling the emperor from earlier, her body tensed slightly.
However, the figure that eventually appeared, seeking refuge from the rain, was a man dressed in knightly attire.
"Sir Gutheil."
As Rishe called his name, Sir Gutheil, with a surprised expression, immediately bowed, even in the rain. He was the one Sylvia, the songstress, loved. His humble bow resembled a performance on stage.
"Your Highness Arnold. Lady Rishe. I apologize for intruding upon your relaxation."
('Intruding'...!?)
Realizing this, Rishe felt a bit awkward. Even if they were sitting side by side on wooden chairs, they were probably too close. It was embarrassing, but it was too late to move away now.
"I apologize for the inconvenience. I'll be on my way."
"W-wait, please!"
Gutheil was about to leave with the lantern in hand. Rishe hastily stood up and stopped him.
"Please shelter from the rain here! It'll stop soon. Right, Your Highness!?"
"Y-yeah, it will stop soon."
(That's right, this is the normal reaction!)
It was rare for Arnold to accept Rishe's judgment as a matter of course. When Rishe turned around, Arnold, who seemed a bit annoyed, lazily gave a sign of approval.
"You can take shelter. ...Are you going on patrol?"
"Yes. I noticed two lanterns flickering near the 'Tower' on my way here, so I thought I should be vigilant."
(My lantern and His Highness Arnold's lantern...)
They had been carrying them when they came to the tower. Arnold had hastily shielded her from the emperor's gaze, causing her to drop it, and it had been left there ever since.
Gutheil moved his large frame to one corner of the gazebo and awkwardly brushed back his wet hair.
"Rishe."
"Yes..."
As Rishe stood up, Arnold called out to her, and she sat back down on the chair. In the sound of the rain, an odd silence filled the air, but Arnold seemed unfazed by it.
(...No one usually approaches this tower, right? The lack of maintenance on the walls and the lax pruning of branches that could be entry points must be the reason...)
Even if there were forgotten lanterns, their light wouldn't reach too far.
Gutheil must have been close enough to the tower to notice them, even in the rain.
(Arnold must have been concerned about the possibility of espionage within the castle. ...And at such a time, Gutheil actions would inevitably stand out...)
Arnold couldn't have missed what Rishe was thinking.
With a slightly awkward expression, Gutheil turned to Arnold.
"Your Highness Arnold. Though it may be impolite to intrude in such a place..."
(...Sir Gutheil?)
"Regarding the request I made the other day. About that, have you made a decision...?"
Arnold furrowed his brow even more. "Are you planning to discuss that here?"
It seemed Arnold understood Gutheil's intent. Despite the discomfort, Gutheil bowed to Rishe.
"...I apologize, Lady Rishe, for what may be an unsightly sight. There's no way to apologize for it."
"You needn't worry about me. Please, continue. Shall we sit for a while, Your Highness?"
"Fine. Go ahead."
(What...?)
Gutheil remained unmoved.
He was likely prepared for Arnold's response, even though he knew it might be this way.
(...Arnold doesn't intend to accept Sir Gutheil as a vassal?)
This was different from the future Rishe knew.