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

“Seems like the sword has found a worthy wielder.”

The clang between two blades meeting whistled around. Arnold retrieved his sword and sheathed it, while Rishe did the same.

However, both never took their eyes off each other.

“Who are you?”

“Sir knights, better put your swords down or else things will escalate.”

The knights were puzzled by Rishe’s counsel.

However, it’s purely playing with fire if these knights were to confront the Crown Prince of a friendly nation.

(Besides, even with the combined efforts of everyone assembled here, I’m sure they can’t beat this man.)

He is a formidable swordsman. Rishe’s hand that fended him was now completely numb from his blow.

In five years time, he’ll be even stronger, that’s why he is a terrible man.

“Rishe-sama, where on earth did you pick up that fencing trick?”

“That’s a secret and not enough to earn your praise. Even though it was evidently a draw, it was still a long way off.”

“Haha, a secret.”

(Laughing… huh, Arnold Hein….)

Rishe was perplexed at Arnold’s laughter.

In another life, she had always seen him either as terrible as the devil or with a ruthless grim face. Yet now, he’s whole countenance was somewhat bathed in gentleness.

(I’ve known the Emperor Arnold when he was twenty four, so is he now 19 years old? ….. It’s kind of weird. He still has a boyish countenance and a mischievous feline smile on his face…)

His earlier trick was more of an invitation to play rather than an attack. The slight hint of murder was intentional, which triggered Rishe’s response. Though, not to the extent of being tempted by the play.

This chuckle from Arnold jolted Marie and Dietrich, who were stunned, from their reverie.

“Hmph! Guhh, I don’t know who you are, but please don’t interfere with Miss Rishe.”

“That’s right! Who do you think you are!?”

(This stupid prince, don’t you recognize the face of the state guest you’ve invited?!)

Was there no time for them to meet in person before the evening party?

But then again, Dietrich may have no interest in diplomacy at all.

On the other hand, Marie was more sensible and gauged the majestic air exuding from Arnold.

Rishe’s voice may be tremulous, but there’s no question that her courage is better than hers. If it had not been for “The Crown Prince’s fiancee” and “the girl who would employ whatever means to marry the prince,” she wouldn’t have been in conflict with her.

Arnold raised his chin up on Dietrich.

“So that man there is your ex-fiance. He’s more stupid than I imagined.”

“What, what did you say?! Do you want to be executed too?”

“My dear Dietrich, please speak no more……please. He is His Highness, the Crown Prince Arnold, are you still going to provoke him?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. If he’s indeed the Crown Prince, of course I would hold my tongue.”

It was pure denial.

Nonetheless, Dietrich, who has now been educated of who the black-haired man is, turned pale at once.

“Ar, Arnold?! This man, is he the Crown Prince of Garkhain?!”

[Eep…p!!]

The knights unitedly stepped back in petrified embarrassment. And the people, who gathered around to feast on the spectacle, couldn’t help but tremble looking at Arnold.

[That monster Prince who single-handedly annihilated an enemy’s battalion of knights….?]

[Shhh, shut your mouth! You’ll get yourself killed speaking recklessly like that!]

Although their countries are at peace now, this prince had been a terrifying opponent from a former rival country.

Even if the rumors of his bloodthirstiness weren’t as horrible as in five years time, they are still in awe of Arnold. The spectators’ terror manifested in the way they hid behind the knights, as if they couldn’t wait to run away.

(This is so troublesome….)

Rishe took a deep breath, nearly a sigh and raised her head up to Arnold.

[Your Highness, Arnold, may I ask what you were doing? Your Highness must have drawn your sword just for fun.]

[…. haha.]

Arnold seemed to agree.

[Of course, I ought to speak of the main point quickly. No, let me apologize for my rudeness first.]

(Huh, so this man apologizes easily to others at the age of nineteen.)

This was truly shocking. After he was crowned the Emperor, she had heard that he beheaded all the vassals, who remonstrated against what they claimed was a reckless invasion, on the spot.

But what he did next was even more astounding.

[Huh…]

Arnold knelt before Rishe.

(What kind of joke is this?!)

Five years later, this emperor led an elite army and invaded foreign countries.

Arnold, who never bowed before others, was both noble and arrogant. This is simply an incredible sight for Rishe, who had been on the battlefield as his enemy.

In addition, he bowed low, as if he were a knight swearing allegiance to his lord.

If it weren’t for Arnold’s identity, this would have been a picturesque sight. In fact, even those who scurried away in fright a while ago were now sighing as if they had fallen in love.

But Rishe was feeling the complete opposite.

[What are you doing ?! A Crown Prince should never kneel in this kind of place!]

[I apologize for my disrespect, and pray….]

Arnold raised his head up and took Rishe’s hand.

He pulled her quite forcibly forward, and then stared at Rishe’s face up close.

(He’s making me breathless….)

No matter how many times she looks, his face is simply breathtaking and his eyes are almost dazzling.

Well-shaped eyebrows, straight nose, long eyelashes.

His sharply lit blue eyes reminded her of an ice adrift in a distant northern country, as seen from a boat in her past life.

It must be a kind of escapism to think of him in that context.

Arnold pulled Rishe’s attention back.

[Pray, be my wife.]

[…………?]

What? What was that?

When Rishe swept a glance around, she found everyone in a state of stupefaction. She withdrew her gaze and again looked down at Arnold, who was kneeling.

[… Wife?]

[Uh-huh, yes.]

[Your wife?]

[Uh-huh.]

[…………]

This series of affirmation was telling her that what he said just now was no dream.

The moment Rishe realized this unexpected turn of events, her throat throbbed uncontrollably.

(Wait, what the hell does he mean?!)

Her eyes flickered in agitation.

That means getting married. Rishe and Arnold.

With the man who killed her in another life.

(This situation is making me totally dizzy. I don’t know what he means or his aim is… But I’d better answer him quickly.)

As the crowd waited with bated breath, Rishe answered flatly.

[I refuse.]

[…………]

Absolutely.

There’s no need to think twice before refusing anything of the like. Rishe has vowed to survive this time and live a peaceful and relaxed life.

— However, why?

[Ha, hahaha!]

(….What are you laughing so happily?!)

Arnold’s hearty laughter aroused nothing but foreboding for Rishe.