The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Married Life in a Former Enemy Country in Her Seventh Loop. - 5

「Don’t you dare laugh at me, you insolent bunch!!!」

「Dietrich-sama, are you all right? You’re so heartless, Lady Rishe! 」

「You came just in time, Lady Marie. I was hoping to speak with you at some point.」

　When Rishe turned her attention to Marie, her thin shoulders jerked. She needn’t respond like that. She wasn’t going to grab and eat her.

「You’re not only pretty, but also outstanding. I have always had the utmost respect for you.」

「W-What do you mean?」

「You’re such a wonderful person who grew up in a testing environment, yet you never cease to smile warmly. You never put up walls against others, and instead always give consideration to the comfort of those around you. ―― Even now, you’re fending me off to protect His Highness behind you.」

　Marie’s eyes flickered with confusion.

　Rishe chose her words to curb her guilt a bit. 

「It’s all for your family’s sake, right? ―― You have to marry His Highness Dietrich, even it it means getting rid of me.」

「Ah…」

　How many times had he heard of this fact through the years?

　Born and raised in a poor family, Marie had precious younger brothers to protect.

　To ensure they had enough to eat, Marie, who had studied hard and entered the academy, was in desperate need to find someone to marry there.

「However, please keep in mind, it’s you, not others, who should be in control of your life. Do you believe that a man who abandoned his childhood fiancée like this would protect you for the rest of your life?」

　Marie was taken aback and turned her gaze back to Dietrich.

　The man protected behind the girl remained slumped on the ground.

「If you must seize the future, it’s significant that it’s what you sincerely desire, not anyone else’s.」

「My desire?」

「Exactly. I hope you’ll walk through life where you and your family are equally happy.」

　After speaking, Rishe took a bow.

　For a spell, Marie stared at Rishe unblinkingly, as if struck by words she had never heard before. 

(It’s your call what to do now.)

　Truth be told, Dietrich would lose his position as Crown Prince a year later and be ousted.

　His gullible character caught the attention of his vassals, and they instigated him to plot a reckless coup d’etat against the monarch. 

　It ended miserably, however, as it was easily exposed in the early stages of planning, making him the butt of jokes in the entire kingdom.

　It was with such gossip that Rishe heard about Marie’s circumstances.

「Lady Rishe, I…」

　Marie, who knew nothing of her fate, seemed forewarned by Rishe’s words. 

「All my life, I’ve been told 『You’re the older sister, so you should put up with your younger brothers.』Even though it’s been hard and painful, I can only bear it for their sake. So, this is the first time someone has said something like that to me…」

「Making your brothers and yourself happy at the same time is entirely possible.」

「….」

　Marie’s throat trembled and a whimper escaped, as if she were about to cry. Her moist eyes sparkled as beautiful as jewels.

　She sure is lovely, Rishe thought. It was no lie that she wished her happiness.

　However, it was time for her to start walking for her own life, too.

「―― Thwack!」

　Dietrich braced himself vigilantly at Rishe’s sudden grin.

「Well then, this intruder shall take her leave.」

　Although Rishe had unfinished business in her room, she knew that her parents would never let her in the house. She turned her back to them, wondering what to do now.

「Please w-wait, Lady Rishe…!」

「R-Right, stop right there Rishe! I won’t let you go. You’re still hung up on me, but look at your attitude!」

「Oh, God, you’re such a pain in the ass! Have you got nothing else to tell me? We’re over! The end!」

「Knights, seize Rishe!」

　The knights reluctantly chased after Rishe as she tried to leave. Although it was their job, they were tangled too.

　Rishe tried to turn the corner while sympathizing with them, but the next moment she sensed a threat.

「My apologies, Lady Rishe, but I’ll need you to come with me. Just a few more minutes of your time… Uwaaa!」

　Rishe extended her hand toward the knight who was chasing after her and grabbed the sword he carried. She drew it from its scabbard, turned and held it above her head.

　In an instant, a sharp metallic clang resounded.

　Rishe deflected a sword blow that someone swung. 

(Arnold Hein!)

「Heh」　Smirking behind the crossed swords was the man who once killed Rishe.