Arnold rested his cheek on the window sill and looked up at the passing Grand Shrine in a daze.

Rishe looked not at the view outside, but at Arnold sitting across from her. She wondered how Arnold felt about the place that was associated with his late mother.

I hope I didnt make him uncomfortable by bringing him here

In all likelihood, the reason Arnold tagged along was to protect her.

He even ordered people to stay away from Arnold Heins fiance except for during the ritual, fearing that the Order might make some kind of move against her.

What Im trying to achieve is to thwart His Highnesss goal.

In other words, to stop the war that Arnold would wage.

If Arnold were to know about Rishes intentions, how would he feel?

Rishe had been staring too intently at Arnold that he turned to glance at her.

Rishe was lost in her thoughts when a shapely hand reached out. After stroking her bangs in a combing motion, Arnold touched her forehead.

I dont have a fever anymore.

She guessed his intentions and said, only to hear him retort, Ive decided not to trust your self-assessment of your physical condition.

Ugh

She lamented. Rishe didnt mean to lie to him, either.

She looked down and asked reluctantly as she raised her eyes once more.

So, what are the results of Your Highnesss diagnosis?

Well, youre fine. Your complexion is much better now.

Arnold withdrew his hand and turned his eyes out the window again.

Moreover, his blank expression was even more emotionally unfathomable than usual.

Um, Your Highness?

Hmm?

Wanting to do what she had been thinking about, Rishe asked him.

Can I sit next to you instead of across from you?

!

Arnolds eyes widened slightly when she asked permission.

The left side of her chest ached again, and she panicked.

N-Nevermind, Im fine facing you!! Right, will you be doing paperworks like you did on our way here?!

No.

With eyes downcast, Arnold tapped the seat next to him.

!

Rishes eyes lit up.

She carefully stood up in the carriage, and Arnold naturally lent her a hand. Using his hand as support, she transferred herself around and sat down next to Arnold.

What are you up to this time?

Well, you know

She extended her left hand and brushed Arnolds sideburns over his ear.

The moment Arnolds attention was drawn to Rishes left hand, she used a trick with her right hand.

Hey!

!

A peach-colored flower crown appeared in front of Arnolds eyes.

From the look on his face, shed say she succeeded in surprising him. Rishe smiled and placed the flower crown on Arnolds head.

Surprised?

.Yeah.

Wonderful. I was worried that youd see through it on the way, so I practiced in the Grand Shrine.

Arnold has a beautiful face, and the flower crown suited him perfectly. If she were to mention it to him, hed surely give her a disapproving look.

I heard that the flower crowns given out at the festival are a blessing from the Goddess.

Rishe.

However, with the way Your Highness is acting, youd probably say you dont need the Goddesss blessing, right?So I knitted this crown for you.

For instance, she didnt think this was enough of an apology for forcing him out.

Still, even if it was paltry, she hoped it would touch Arnold. She hoped that the beauty of the flowers and their sweet fragrance would do some good.

Then is this a blessing from you?

Uh, its not big of a deal to call it that

Ha.

Arnold laughed as he let out a shallow breath.

She felt another sharp pain in the chest at the look he gave her. Arnold gave her no time to ponder over this and said, Ill be damned. Im no match for you.

!?

Rishe blinked, unsure of the meaning of his unexpected response.

Ive never been able to beat Your Highness

That cant be. You just dont know it.

Y-Yeah?

His flat affirmation got her even more confused.

Nevertheless, Arnold squinted next to her. He took off the flower crown, and this time he put it on Rishes head.

The crown looks better on you.

Your Highness.

But I received your blessing.

Obviously, he wasnt annoyed by it.

Rishe heaved a sigh of relief and then giggled with pleasure.

It looked great on you, too, Your Highness. The flowers on top of your head made you so cute.

Stop it.

Oh, a novel look. You were really cute.

Arnold snorted and rejoined sarcastically, Youre indeed getting bolder. After all, youre the one who bit me on the neck.

Ah, youre bringing that up now?!

Rishe hurriedly excused herself from what was already becoming an embarrassing past.

I did that mainly because Your Highness did it first

Mine was a life-saving action. Its different from you who had other options.

Uh-ku-ku!

When she couldnt argue with him and fell silent, Arnold laughed in amusement.

I knew I couldnt win against Your Highness

I told you thats impossible.

Arnold appeared disinclined to explain in detail, and he gently caressed Rishe on the head with a chuckle.

She wanted to question him further, but was ruffled to see his eyes looking at her at close range.

Sure enough, Im feeling weird.

The left side of her chest throbbed in pain.

She recalled Arnolds words when she kissed him in the chapel.

[You dont have to be prepared to be my wife.]

Rishe gripped the hem of her dress tightly and exhaled briefly.

Whenever Arnold touched her, she would feel a faint tingle in her heart. She wondered why that was.

My heart this man pierced hurts so much.

If she wasnt careful, it would be a lot worse than having a sword thrust at her like that time.

Rishe had been wondering what Arnold whispered to her in the last moment of her knightly life. She couldnt help but want to remember those words that were vague and indistinct.

Rishe closed her eyes and rested her forehead against Arnolds arm.

She didnt want Arnold to see her expression but couldnt hide her anomaly either.

Rishe?

Just for a bit

She implored, as if praying.

Im so sleepy, so please lend me your shoulder, Your Highness.

She wondered if he saw through that lie.

But Arnold softly said, All right.

He stroked her hair as if she were a child, and she exhaled while still sticking to Arnold.

Sure enough, His Highness is very kind.

However, that tingling pain still persisted.

It would have been nice if she could sleep it off, but that seemed impossible. The pain that sprouted in her left chest, while strangely sweet, was tormenting Rishe.

T/N: This ends Volume 3 Side Stories will be tomorrow or the next day

You can check out Amekawa Toukos new work while waiting for updates. Ive started it yesterday. The oppressed outcast princess was a legendary reincarnated witch. I dont want you to come and pick me up. Please dont interrupt my nap with my servant.