The Villainess Enjoys Her Seventh Life as a Free-Spirited Bride (hostage) in a Former Enemy Country - Chapter 41.1: Take that hand
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Chapter 41.1: Take that hand

Bonus Chapters 5/5

Rishe followed Theodore out into the corridor and went straight up the stairs.

There was no sign of anyone other than them in the building, which seemed used to be an inn.

Theodore seemed to have gone up one level, not to the 4th floor, but further up.

Finding the door to the rooftop open, Rishe stepped outside.

The rooftop must have once been where the inns laundry was hung out to dry. The sight of so many sheets flapping around must have been an impressive sight.

Theodore was standing in a quiet place and with the starry sky above.

Your Highness Theodore.

!

His back, like a lost child, jolted and shivered.

Theodore turned to Rishe and looked at her, his lips curving into a pout.

Next to tying them up, are you going to instruct me on how to escape. Should I have gone outside, rather than on a rooftop with nowhere to run?

You never meant to escape.

If he really intended to shake Rishe off, that was exactly what he would have done. He should have gone out.

In response, Theodore let out a huff.

Aye. Id rather have a private chat with you alone now than be outside. I didnt want to behave any more unseemly in front of my brother.

Theodore walked to the edge of the rooftop and turned around, resting his back against the railing.

Sincere shades lurked in his eyes. There was no longer a trace of the aimless boy who had been evading his real motives.

My Big Brother has been trying to keep the credits of the good changes of the country detached from him as much as possible.

He said, squinting and laughing.

As you might have expected, the public has already heard about the major policies that Big Brother imposed. Other petty reforms that were drafted had been indirectly kept under wraps. Or they were made to look like they were drawn up by Father.

The wind that blew in on the rooftop ruffled his soft hair.

On the contrary, theres a strange rumor widespread about Big Brother. Do you know what it is?

You mean His Highness Arnolds brutal behavior in the war?

Thats right. Even you, from another country, must have heard about it. Why do you think the bad publicity about the Crown Prince from the victorious country is spreading to other countries?

When asked like that, the answer required of Rishe was obvious.

I guess His Highness Arnold intentionally spread it?

I think like you. He hid his achievements and tried to spread bad press instead. Its hard to believe that someone, whod do that, is going to be in the front stage and run the country for a long time.

Theodore slowly closed his eyes.

Besides that, Ive also noticed something else when I was spying on him. Hes not attached to his current position. Hes always working so that he can disappear. I found this out because Ive been watching him the whole time.

I dont know what Big Brother is up to for the future. But I dont want to see a wonderful man like him disappear. Dont you agree?

Theodore has no idea what future Arnold would choose.

He has no way of knowing that his brother wasnt going to get off the front stage, but rather start a slaughter in the center of it.

However, the crisis that Theodore sensed might have been tied to that future.

Most of what I did was mimicking Big Brother. If hes going to leave the country to me and disappear, why dont I disappear first? Then he wont be able to do anything stupid.

The same blue eyes as his brothers stared at Rishe.

Its the only way I can be of any use to Brother.

Theodore laughed serenely.

Rishe has a lot she wanted to say to him. And then there were also things she wanted to ask.

What made you decide to talk to me about it?

You said earlier that you were afraid of the same thing I am. If you can read my thoughts, that means youre afraid of Brothers disappearance, too. Isnt it scary if that happens? If something happens to your husband, your position as his wife will be in jeopardy.

In fact, it was for another reason, but Rishe didnt point it out.

There was no way she was going to tell him that his brother was going to be the cause of her death in five years time.

So, you see. If my story makes your fears even more real, I thought it would be worth telling you.

A wicked look glimmered in his eyes.

I figured if I did, Id give you more of a scare.

Rishe felt weary upon hearing such a distorted motive.

Both brothers needed to stop getting a kick out of others emotional turmoil.

Whats with the face? Youve got my loveable Big Brother, so isnt this better? Well, not that he was ever my brother. If youre scared of what the future holds and despairs that you cant stop him from here on, then you might as well take a step back.

With all due respect

The wind was blowing extraordinarily strong. Rishe raised her hands to keep Arnolds coat over her shoulder from being blown away.

I dont plan to be afraid of the future.

Huh?

Theodores eyes rounded.

Rishe then felt a sudden twisting sensation in her feet.

The medicine is wearing off.

The pill she took to cover up her discomfort was starting to lose its effect. It was only a matter of time.

Your brother is most likely planning something crazy, so Ill do my best to stop it by any means necessary.

She took a deep breath and stood firmly. She look ahead and wove the words one by one, without wavering.

Ill spend all I can and borrow all the help I can. Because I dont think I can win by any means against such an impossible man. And for that, of course, Your Highness Theodore

Rishe looked straight at him.

I need your help, too.

Me?

Theodores eyes widened once more, as if surprised.

But he quickly changed his expression and smiled somewhat self-mockingly.

Thats my brothers wife, very confident. But, I dont think that can stop him. Theres no way my words would ever reach that man. So, the best I can do is to get in his way like this.

And yet youve been acting all these two years, havent you? Youve put yourself in a dangerous position, and even gone so far as to get your hands dirty. But if you want to help your brother, you have to be happy yourself.

What are you talking about?

Apparently, Theodore didnt understand what those words meant.

Why should I be happy? Thats not part of Big Brothers future.

Of course, its relevant. His Highness Arnold would never pick a future that will make you unhappy.

And why is that?

Rische told the confused boy.

Youre his one and only brother in the world.

!

Theodore looked at Rishe as if seeing something incredible.

Why do you think His Highness Arnold came to this place alone at this time of night?

Of course to help you.

No, His Highness knew that I was a willing captive. He knew there was no need to help me.

Then again, he sure knew that Theodore would never make fun of roughing Rishe up.