Reincarnated as the Final Boss of an Eroge, but I Just Want a Peaceful Life After the Game Ends - Chapter 10: The Saintess and the Witch

Chapter 10: The Saintess and the Witch

It had been a few days since Sidol Meltrix was expelled.

After shutting herself in her room and refusing to attend school,

Ivelia Milenitrum finally returned to the academy.

Sidol Meltrix—the lazy, arrogant, disgraceful noble.

A fool who brought class discrimination into the academy and got himself expelled.

In the game, he was also called fat and ugly, but in this world, the “fat” part didn’t apply.

And Ivelia Milenitrum, who had been close to that Sidol.

Her reputation among the students had completely crumbled.

Nervously, she reached for the classroom door—

It was her first day back in a while.

But the moment she touched it, there was a loud thud and a strong impact that knocked her off balance—

Ivelia fell to the ground.

(Did someone… slam into me?)

She quickly stood up and looked toward the floor.

There, sitting on the ground, was none other than the Saintess—Hanna.

“Ouch!”

“What do you think you’re doing!?”

The one who stepped between Ivelia and Hanna to shield the saintess—was Ars, from Class D, just like Hanna.

But no one questioned why those two were anywhere near the door of Class S, where Ivelia had been standing.

Everything conveniently worked out in Ars’s favor—

All thanks to his skill: [Protagonist Privilege★].

It was a mind-affecting skill that manipulated the thoughts of those around him.

This [Protagonist Privilege★] subtly bent the world to follow the original scenario of Violation of Eternia.

In this case, the narrative was being rewritten as:

“Ivelia is bullying Hanna, the commoner-born saintess.”

Ars had his eye on someone.

Fina Eternia—the second princess of the kingdom.

It was common knowledge that she had a close relationship with Sidol Meltrix.

Especially among students who had been enrolled since elementary years, there wasn’t a single one who didn’t know.

And Ars didn’t like that one bit.

So, to drive a wedge between Fina, Sidol, and Ivelia,

He started harassing Ivelia—the other girl close to Sidol—hoping to isolate Fina.

That aligned perfectly with Luna Faustler’s own agenda, so the two began working together.

And the most convenient pawn in their plan… was Hanna.

A commoner, yes—but also a saintess. That gave her just enough status to be useful.

Hanna, for her part, was more than happy to help Ars.

Of course, she had her own ambitions as well—

But for now, she was still just a commoner with a slightly elevated title.

“I was just trying to enter the classroom—”

“Don’t lie! You just tried to hurt the saintess! Is it because we’re commoners—!?”

Ars cut off Ivelia’s explanation before she could finish.

“It’s alright, Ars. Things like this happen all the time. So don’t worry about me—I’m fine.”

The saintess gave a gentle smile as she said that.

“You should be grateful for the saintess’s kindness!”

With that, Ars led her away and returned to Class D.

The surrounding students, remembering how close Ivelia had been to Sidol, began lumping her together with him—

And just like that, this one encounter spread a new rumor:

That Ivelia, like Sidol, looked down on anyone of lower status and acted arrogantly.

(That smell… blood?)

Ivelia winced slightly.

She had a sharp sense of smell—and the scent of human blood coming from Ars and Hanna was unmistakable.

Fina arrived a little while later.

“Eve, I heard you had some sort of run-in with Ars and the saintess this morning. Are you okay?”

“I’m alright. You might not believe this, but… I was just about to walk into the classroom when they bumped into me and started making accusations.”

“I believe you, Eve. If they weren’t at fault, then what were they even doing in front of our classroom? They’re from Class D, right?”

“Exactly. But no one would listen. And…”

Even from Luna, who sat nearby, Ivelia could smell the same scent of blood.

Ivelia knew that Ars was living at the Faustler family estate, staying in the dorms for the Faustler house guards as a trainee.

She also knew that around the same time, a maid who had once served Sidol under House Meltrix had gone missing.

Investigations revealed that the maid was also a noble and was skilled in the use of throwing weapons.

Sidol was dead.

So that smell of blood—this must be the reason.

With Fina standing right in front of her, Ivelia managed to steady herself and let her thoughts run deep in silence.

(If that’s true, then the culprit is without a doubt…)

Luna probably wouldn’t make a move directly.

Which meant the ones most likely to act were Ars and the saintess.

She needed to think of a way to deal with them first.

(But to do that… I need to get stronger. I’ll make sure to avenge Sidol—no matter what!)

“Fina. I just remembered something I need to take care of.”

“Huh? All of a sudden?”

“Yes. There’s something that’s been bothering me. There are only a few days left before summer break, so I’ve decided to prioritize this. I probably won’t be coming to the castle during the break, so let’s meet again in September.”

“Wait, what!? You said you wouldn’t leave me. That was a lie!?”

“I’m not leaving you, Fina. I promised, didn’t I? But there’s something more important I have to take care of right now. You remember what I said, right? That I want to uncover the truth.”

“Yeah… and that’s about Sidol, right?”

If that was the case, Fina had no way to stop her.

She hesitated, her words caught in her throat.

Ivelia stood up gracefully, picked up her bag, and gave Fina a small nod.

“Well then, take care.”

Without attending class, she walked out of the room and left the academy entirely.

Just as she turned back one last time, the sunlight pouring through the window caught on the [Last Leaf] ornament in her hair—

A soft glow reflected straight into Fina’s eyes.

“Haa… she’s gone… And now I have to deal with that one all by myself…”

Fina’s muttering never reached Ivelia’s ears.

She rested her chin on her left hand.

On her ring finger, the [Ring of Power (Mana Ring)] shimmered a deep crimson red.

◆

Summer break came to an end.

Accompanied by her attendants, Fina returned to the academy.

When she entered the classroom alone—

There she was.

Just as Ivelia had said, the two of them hadn’t met at all over the summer break.

Fina had gone out of her way to visit the Milenitrum family estate multiple times, but Ivelia had never once returned home since before the break even started.

And now, here she was—standing right in front of her.

(What incredible magical energy… She feels like a completely different person.)

“Good morning, Fina.”

Ivelia noticed Fina approaching and greeted her calmly.

Caught off guard, Fina shyly returned the greeting.

“G-Good morning, Eve. You don’t look that different, but something about you feels completely changed.”

“Yes, I’ve been working really hard. And Fina, I’m sorry for making you come all the way to see me so many times.”

“No, it’s fine, really. By the way… did they mess with you again today?”

“They did. But this time, I ignored them. How about you, Fina? Were they bothering you?”

“Not when you’re around. But before the break? It was awful. Even though I kept saying I wouldn’t have private conversations with anyone except the man I’ve chosen, they just wouldn’t back off.”

“Hehe… They really don’t know how to listen, do they? No—actually, I should say those three don’t.”

“Three?”

“Yes. But someday, you’ll understand too, Fina.”

The two of them kept talking, happily enjoying their reunion for as long as time allowed.

From that day on, Ivelia returned to the academy regularly.

Whenever she was asked to demonstrate magic during class, the results were shocking.

Her power and precision were on a completely different level—far beyond any of the other students.

Winter was approaching.

Clashes between Ivelia and the saintess had happened before.

But this time, something would happen.

That morning, while Ivelia was on her way to class—

Hanna stuck out her foot to trip her.

“What do you think you’re doing? Who do you think you are?”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Right on cue, Ars stepped in between them, as usual, and shielded Hanna.

“That’s enough! Do you want to end up dead like Sidol!?”

“Haa? What was that? Would you mind saying it again?”

“Hah! I’ll say it as many times as it takes! Trash nobles like you should just die and apologize—just like Sidol did!”

It was basically a confession that Ars had killed Sidol.

And yet, none of the surrounding students reacted.

Their thoughts were completely clouded—

The effect of [Protagonist Privilege★] was in full force.

“Ars, it’s fine. Let me handle this.”

Hanna pulled Ars back and stepped forward to face Ivelia herself.

“What a privileged little noble you are. But I’m still a saintess, you know? If you keep harassing me, I’ll have no choice but to take action on my end as well…”

Then Hanna leaned in close, standing on her toes to whisper directly into Ivelia’s ear.

“You’re going to die too, just like that arrogant, disgusting Sidol. That pathetic trash—he looked so ridiculous, you know? But don’t worry. You’ll get to see him again soon.”

Those quiet, poisonous words—meant for Ivelia alone—made her rage explode.

“I’ve lived for this moment—to kill you! I threw away my pride, my shame! I devoured the flesh and blood of monsters and clawed my way to power! And now, I’ll have my revenge! I challenge you to a duel!”

“Very well. I don’t mind. Ars, you’re okay with this, right?”

Hanna stepped back from Ivelia and turned to Ars, asking for his approval.

“Yeah. Got it. But on one condition— It’ll be me and Hanna, both of us, fighting you. Sound fair?”

“I don’t mind, but—”

“Aren’t duels supposed to be one-on-one?”

“And who decided that? Me and the saintess will fight you together. That’s fine, right?”

Ars turned to the crowd of students nearby, looking for support.

“Yeah! That’s totally fair! Two-on-one is fine!”

“Go Ars!”

“Ars! Ars! Ars!”

Cheers of agreement and praise erupted from the crowd.

The chorus of admiration echoed throughout the hall.

With that kind of pressure, there was no way Ivelia could refuse—even if she wanted to.

“Alright then. I’ll let you know the time and place later.”

Ars took Hanna by the hand and led her away from Class S’s classroom, heading back to Class D.

◆

The day of the duel.

In the royal capital Eterna of the Kingdom of Eternia,

The Royal First Academy was divided into three sections—elementary, middle, and high school—each with its own campus.

And in the very center of all three stood the largest building of them all: the Central Arena.

It was a multipurpose facility, primarily used for sports and events.

But today—it was being used for a duel.

The Saintess vs. the Witch.

That title alone spread like wildfire across the entire school.

Now, the duel had become the center of attention for all students.

The arena seats were completely filled—with students from every grade and noble spectators alike.

“The duel between Saintess Hanna and Witch Ivelia will now begin. The only rule is that the match ends when one side can no longer continue fighting. Since Saintess Hanna does not possess any offensive abilities, Ars will fight on her behalf. Please note: even if someone dies during the duel, it will not be considered murder. Also, there is a chance stray magic may reach the audience seats, but protective spells have been placed over the area. In the unlikely event those protections fail, our school assumes no responsibility. Now then—”

The loud announcement came from the vice principal standing at the center of the arena.

He, too, was under the influence of Ars.

The official condition of the duel was simple:

Fight until one side could no longer continue.

But in reality, that meant—until someone died.

Normally, duels between students would require a finishing blow to be held back once the opponent was incapacitated.

But this time, the rule had been twisted: “unable to continue” was effectively code for “dead.”

This, too, was the result of Ars’s manipulation.

“Both sides—step forward!”

At the vice principal’s command, Hanna and Ars were the first to walk onto the field.

“Sir Arsssss!”

“Ars! Ars! Ars! Ars!”

“Go-Go Ars—!!”

The cheers ringing through the arena were overwhelmingly in favor of Ars.

No one even bothered calling Hanna’s name.

Once they reached the center, it was Ivelia’s turn to enter the arena.

“Die already!”

“Trash like you doesn’t belong here!”

“Ugly freak! The world doesn’t need you—just drop dead!”

The abuse didn’t stop.

Up in the stands, in one of the spectator booths, Fina sat in silence—her heart aching at the cruel insults being hurled at Ivelia.

(This isn’t right! Why… why is everyone only cheering for Ars!? Wasn’t this supposed to be a duel between the saintess and Ivelia!?)

On Fina’s left ring finger, the [Ring of Power (Mana Ring)] shone with a dazzling crimson light.

She saw it clearly—the sunlight reflecting off the [Last Leaf] adorning Ivelia’s hair.

And then, the duel began.

~Fire~

~Ice~

~Shade~

Ivelia murmured softly, under her breath.

As she spoke each word, a spell launched in that exact order.

Hanna activated a scroll imbued with holy magic and raised a barrier—

The fire and ice spells burst against it mid-air.

But right after that, dark shadows crawled up from beneath and coiled around the legs of both Hanna and Ars, binding them in place.

“Ah, it’s this one.”

Hanna calmly pulled out another scroll—this time with a non-elemental spell—and activated it, dispelling Ivelia’s [Shade].

“Hah? Are scrolls even allowed in a formal duel like this?”

Normally, the answer would be no.

But thanks to Ars’s [Protagonist Privilege★], even that was twisted into being “acceptable.”

Ivelia paused briefly—baiting Ars to come closer.

Taking the bait, Ars charged forward, aiming to close the distance and strike.

~Storm~

~Clay~

She whispered again, barely loud enough to hear.

A violent gust slammed into Ars, blowing him off his feet—

And right after that, heavy clumps of earth shot through the air, smashing into him.

His light armor dented all over as blood splattered from his limbs and torso.

“A-Ars!”

Hanna rushed to his side and quickly sprinkled a high-grade potion over him.

“Thanks, Hanna. You saved me.”

The wounds healed—

But his dented, battered armor and torn-up underclothes remained as they were.

“She’s even using potions now…”

In a proper duel, using a potion meant immediate disqualification.

(Looks like they came fully stocked. That must be Luna’s doing.)

“I’ve had enough. Let me end this.”

Ivelia swiftly raised her right hand toward the sky—

~Meteorite~

She whispered the word.

High above, magical energy gathered in the air and condensed into a massive boulder of stone.

Then it began to fall—

Aimed directly at Ars and Hanna.

“This is bad!”

Panic flared in Ars’s voice.

I’m gonna die! This is way too much!

“Ah… no—!”

Hanna frantically activated every scroll she had—

Layering barrier upon barrier.

CRAAAAACK!!

The meteorite slammed into the defenses.

The barriers groaned and screamed as they strained to hold against the crushing weight of the falling stone.

“Uh-oh! Oh crap oh crap oh crap!”

At that moment, [Protagonist Privilege★] activated.

It triggered the ultimate skill that only the protagonist could use—

[Limit Break].

Without thinking, Ars grabbed Hanna’s hand and drained every last bit of her magic power along with his own.

(Something’s coming… something HUGE!!)

Ars raised his hand toward Ivelia—

And a blinding beam of light exploded from his palm, tearing through the arena and shooting straight into the sky.

A massive cloud of dust and debris filled the stadium—

No one could see a thing.

Ars and Hanna collapsed on the spot, both completely drained of magic.