The Villainess Enjoys Her Seventh Life as a Free-Spirited Bride (hostage) in a Former Enemy Country
chapter-78-6

“What is strange about expressing my gratitude?”

Before an evening party started, Rishe, who was waiting in the waiting room next to the hall, asked. Arnold, who was sitting on a chair, raised his eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you say the first time I met Your Highness? My footwork isn’t that of an ordinary lady.”

Rishe bumped into Arnold back then, mistakenly called him “Emperor,” and gave him an extremely polite bow.

Then he chuckled and said, “You have the footwork of a great swordsman.”

Seemingly recalling that moment, Arnold rested his cheek on the armrest.

“I didn’t mean to imply that it was strange. I was just pointing out that it’s not the movement of an ordinary noble lady, but that of a knight or swordsman.”

“That’s right. I’m just an ordinarily noble lady.”

The days Rishe spent as a “Duke’s daughter” were before the time loop. For her who had lived many times over, it was like a distant past.

If that was the case, it was a big deal.

“If there’s anything unnatural about my movements, I must correct it. It would be a disgrace to Your Highness, my fiancé.”

As for Rishe herself, she took pride in her movements which were ingrained in her as a swordsman.

She didn’t care if it lowered her standing. But this time, she was the Crown Princess.

As the fiancée, she must avoid causing trouble for Arnold.

“There is no such thing as a stain.”

“Say that again? I’m sure some people are complaining to Your Highness Arnold for choosing a Duke’s daughter from a weak country.”

Rishe stood in front of Arnold and picked at the hem of her light blue dress.

After giving a bow once, she raised her face and craned her neck.

“Now, feel free to point out. Should I fix how I pull my leg back? Or the way I shift my center of gravity?”

“I don’t know.”

“Come on, Your Highness!”

When Arnold suddenly turned away, Rishe protested.

“I won’t know these things myself, so you have to take responsibility for pointing it out.”

“I apologize if this has bothered you, but there’s no need to correct it.”

“But, I must look unladylike, don’t I? I’ve looked at myself in the mirror many times, but I can’t really figure it myself. I know this may be troublesome, but I would like Your Highness to take a look at…”

Arnold sighed as Rishe rattled on.

“It seems that my words aren’t enough…”

“Eh?”

A black gloved hand caught Rishe’s wrist.

Arnold stared straight at her and said without looking away.

“――You’re beautiful, so I’m telling you to leave it. Don’t fix it.”

“….!”

Rishe swallowed.

After a moment of almost making a funny mistake, she remembered the context of the conversation. The actual meaning of what Arnold was trying to say came down like a thunderbolt.

My stance?!!!!

She immediately straightened her back.

Arnold took his hand away from Rishe’s and spoke in his usual tone.

“Don’t keep thinking of trivial matters such as disgracing me. You just have to act like yourself.”

“But…”

“The people in the banquet hall won’t realize that your stance is that of a swordsman. You can be sure I’m the only one who can.”

“…Oh, r-really?”

“Yeah. So don’t force yourself to bend the beauty of what you’ve lived and gained so far just because you’re the Crown Princess. “

Since he phrased it that way, even Rishe had no choice but to nod obediently.

“Then, I will continue to behave as a swordsman in a dignified manner …”

“Pfft.”

Arnold’s expression softened with satisfaction.

“That’s great.”

You don’t have to sound so patronizing!!!

Unable to say what was on her mind, Rishe sat down on the couch nervously. They would have to wait here for a little while longer before the evening party started.