Reincarnated as the Final Boss of an Eroge, but I Just Want a Peaceful Life After the Game Ends - Chapter 12: Interlude - The Princess and the Witch

Chapter 12: Interlude – The Princess and the Witch

The dust and debris of dirt and rubble were finally swept away by the wind, revealing a clearer view of the arena.

As the surviving spectators looked around, murmurs began to spread.

They noticed part of the spectator stands had completely vanished—

And then they saw two figures lying face-down in the center of the arena.

“Sir Ars!”

“Arsssss!!”

Cries of his name echoed from the remaining crowd.

Even though Saintess Hanna was right beside him, no one called out her name.

The witch, Ivelia—who had taken the full impact of [Limit Break], fired by Ars and Hanna—was nowhere to be seen between the collapsed stands and the center of the arena.

Just like the destroyed spectator section, Ivelia had vanished without a trace.

And so, everyone came to the same conclusion—

“The witch is dead!”

“It’s Sir Ars’s victory!!”

With the witch gone, Ars’s victory was confirmed.

The crowd cheered over Ivelia’s apparent death and celebrated Ars’s triumph.

In the noble booth, Ivelia’s family—her mother, Iari Milenitrum, and her younger siblings—broke down in tears, unable to believe what had just happened.

They clung to each other for comfort, weeping.

But there was one person who didn’t cry.

Duke Virel Milenitrum alone held back his sorrow.

He stayed calm and immediately ordered his subordinates to assess the damage to the destroyed stands and confirm the survivors.

Truly, he was the only one in that place still thinking of the people.

With swift and precise orders, he dispatched knights to begin rescue operations for the injured spectators.

He was the kind of noble others should look up to—

But not a single soul present followed his example.

Meanwhile, Princess Fina—

Ivelia’s cousin, childhood friend, and self-proclaimed best friend—was visibly shaken.

“Eve… W-Where did you go? E-Eveee…”

From the royal booth, Fina kept watching the arena, her eyes darting frantically in all directions, searching for Ivelia.

Where Ivelia had once stood, she saw something glimmering—tiny flecks of gold dust fluttering through the air, catching the sunlight.

There, she spotted a torn shoe and a sparkling gemstone.

(Eve…?)

Fina could no longer sit still.

Without any guards, she bolted from the booth and ran down into the arena alone.

Once on the field, she desperately searched the area where Eve had been moments ago.

But all she found was a single shoe—

And the glittering remnant of a necklace, adorned with a diamond-like jewel.

Only the lower part of a knee-high side boot remained, cut cleanly above the ankle.

“T-This… this can’t be real… right, Eve? Y-You promised—you promised you’d never leave me!”

Fina collapsed in front of the abandoned shoe, picked up the broken necklace, and clutched it tightly in her hands.

Then, large tears began pouring down her cheeks.

“Eve… Eve…”

She sat there, crying uncontrollably, unaware of everything around her.

Meanwhile, the arena had fallen into chaos.

Though half of it lay in ruins and the situation clearly demanded an emergency response, the rescue teams were swarming only around Ars and Saintess Hanna—loudly fussing over them, ignoring everyone else.

Even with part of the spectator stands completely gone, most eyes were still on Ars.

A whole section—where the high school students had been seated—had been wiped out.

Scattered across the area were remains: hands, legs, and other body parts.

It was clear there were countless casualties, yet not a single person moved to search for survivors.

The knights of House Milenitrum seemed hesitant, watching Ars closely,

But reluctantly followed their lord’s orders.

Quietly and without complaint, they began checking the extent of the damage—rescuing survivors, confirming the dead.

Those still alive were sent for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were gathered and laid near the center of the arena.

Even the King of this nation had his gaze fixed solely on Ars.

He no longer spared a single thought for the people suffering around him.

Meanwhile—

Fina remained beside the shoe Ivelia had left behind,

clutching tightly the shattered piece of the necklace she had once given Eve… 

the jewel set with a brilliant diamond…

as she cried her heart out.

“Sidol… Eve… You can’t leave me all alone…”

Where Ivelia had stood, particles of light still drifted gently in the air, shimmering and sparkling.

In that quiet space—completely separated from the noise and chaos around her—

Fina wept alone, surrounded by countless tiny lights that softly enveloped her.

◆

A few days passed.

Fina had brought back Ivelia’s remains—part of her boot and the diamond necklace—from the arena to her private room in the royal castle.

Ever since then, she would often find herself staring at the boot sitting on her desk.

Then, she’d gently stroke the ring on her left ring finger with her right hand, thinking of Sidol.

Even though something so terrible had happened to Ivelia… Sidol wasn’t there.

He was declared dead—but no body, no belongings, nothing had ever been found.

That’s why… somewhere deep down, Fina still hoped Sidol might be alive.

This is exactly when I want him by my side…

With that quiet wish in her heart, she continued to stroke the ring.

(But wait… why wasn’t there any part of Eve’s body left inside the boot? There wasn’t even a trace of blood…)

That thought came to her while she was remembering Sidol.

Maybe… Ivelia was still alive.

But if so—how did she vanish from that place without anyone noticing?

That lingering doubt began to quietly consume more and more of Fina’s time.

◆

The academy was temporarily shut down.

Due to the devastating losses among the high school students, all operations were halted, and no one could say when classes would resume.

Eventually, the notice came:

The academy would remain closed through the winter break, and classes would start again in mid-January.

Since that day…

Fina hadn’t stepped out of her room even once.

“sidol…”

She softly murmured the name of the one she loved.

Even now, Fina still couldn’t accept the news of Sidol’s death.

And the same went for Ivelia—

Fina couldn’t believe she was gone either.

If Ivelia’s remains had been like those of the other students—

if her clothes or boots had been torn and stained with blood, or if any part of her body had been left behind—

Maybe then Fina could’ve accepted her death.

But the items Fina brought back were far too clean.

Too perfect.

(I should really… return these to her parents. To Duke Milenitrum’s family…)

And once Fina thought that, she didn’t hesitate.

True to her usual impulsive nature, the moment the idea formed, she took action.

She picked up the small bell sitting on the side table next to her bed and gave it a gentle ring.

“You called, Your Highness?”

A maid entered the room after hearing the bell.

“I’m going to visit Duke Milenitrum’s estate. Please send word ahead and help me get ready.”

“Understood.”

For the first time in days, Fina stepped out of her room.

—

A few hours later.

Fina arrived at the Milenitrum estate, carrying Ivelia’s belongings.

Surprisingly, she wasn’t taken to a parlor or guest room.

Instead, she was welcomed into the dining room—where Duke Virel Milenitrum himself served her a meal he had personally cooked.

Seated with them were Duke Virel and his wife, Iari.

“I’m sorry… I know this is before the meal, but because I truly want to enjoy Lord Virel’s cooking, there’s something I’d like to say first.”

Fina gave a small nod to her maid, who stepped forward and presented Ivelia’s belongings.

“What is this?”

Virel inspected them carefully, while Iari’s eyes welled up with tears.

“It’s Eve’s shoe. From the incident at the arena. I heard the other high school students who disappeared that day also left behind similar keepsakes. But unlike theirs, Eve’s belongings didn’t have any trace of her body. Not a drop of blood. Nothing.”

“What are you saying…?”

“I just can’t believe Eve is dead. If she were—wouldn’t her foot have been left behind like the others?”

“Are you suggesting… Eve vanished from the arena for some other reason?”

“That’s what I believe.”

“I see… But even if there’s a chance she’s alive, it would be difficult for me to launch an official investigation on my own. How exactly should we go about solving this…?”

“It’s not just Eve. I believe Sidol is alive too. That’s why—may I conduct the investigation myself? To find out the truth… to see if Eve really survived?”

The moment Fina stepped out of her private room, she had already made up her mind.

She wanted to confirm the safety of both Sidol and Eve.

Sidol had been declared dead, yet no body or belongings had ever been found.

Eve, on the other hand, had left behind her shoe—but there were no signs that she had died.

Today’s visit was to request Duke Milenitrum’s permission to investigate.

That’s why she came.

Trying to speak with House Meltrix had gone nowhere.

They acted like Sidol never existed.

Fina found that strange.

After all, Sidol’s parents were famously doting—so much so that their affection was known even among the Three Great Ducal Houses and the royal family.

There was no way such parents would pretend their child never existed.

Fina couldn’t forget Sidol either.

So how could they?

“If that’s the case, then I have no objection. However, you must understand—this matter is being watched closely by His Majesty, as well as the Meltrix and Faustler families. As the witch’s family, our reputation has already suffered, and drawing more attention could make things worse. We want to find out if Eve is alive too… but…”

Due to the effects of Ars’s skill [Protagonist Privilege★], Eve had been slandered with countless false accusations and disgrace.

Openly investigating her disappearance would be difficult.

On top of that, the Milenitrum family was already burdened with the responsibility of repairing the arena and compensating the victims’ families.

“I understand this will come with many burdens, but I’m prepared for that. I promise to support House Milenitrum however I can—within the limits of my power—for Eve’s sake. I’ll do everything I can to protect your family.”

Fina spoke clearly, locking eyes with Virel.

“To think… a girl the same age as my daughter would make such an offer… I’m honestly ashamed. But… it’s true—our house is in a difficult position right now. It’s not that we’re completely helpless, but if you’re willing to help, I won’t pretend we don’t need it. If you’re truly that serious, Princess Fina, then we must respond in kind.”

“I’m glad to hear you speak of your love for Eve. But are you really sure? I’m hurting too, because of what happened to her… So just the fact that you came here like this today—I’m already deeply grateful. If you’re willing to treat this house as Eve’s safe haven, then I won’t hesitate to accept your kindness either.”

Fina smiled softly, satisfied with their supportive response.

“Thank you very much.”

She bowed her head respectfully to Duke Virel and his wife, Iari.

“Now then, shall we eat? It would be a waste to let our host’s home-cooked meal go cold.”

And so, the three of them shared a warm meal together, chatting casually as they ate.

—

After the meal,

Iari quietly handed Fina the shoe that had been left behind as Ivelia’s keepsake.

“I think… Eve would be happier if you were the one to keep this, Fina.”

But Fina gently shook her head.

“I’ll pass. If it’s alright with you, could you place it in Eve’s room instead? I will bring Sidol and Eve back—no matter what. That’s why I don’t need this as a keepsake.”

Hearing Fina’s firm response, Iari smiled warmly.

“I see. Then that’s what I’ll do. Thank you, Fina. Please… take care of Eve. I’m counting on you.”

“Of course. I promise I’ll live up to your expectations, Aunt Iari!”

After that, Fina returned to the Meltrix estate for another meeting with the duke and duchess.

Once she finished gathering information and confirming the current state of things, she sent her retainers out to begin the investigation.

The Princess and the Witch.

In the world of Violation of Eternia, those two roles were never meant to coexist.

But this world was different.

The princess vowed to see the witch again—

And she took swift action to uncover the truth behind Sidol and Ivelia’s disappearance.

(I’m not as strong as Sidol or Eve… But I do have power—my own kind of strength. So I’ll find the truth, in my own way, just like Eve would.)

Fina clutched the diamond necklace tightly in her left hand.

◆

Meanwhile, at the Faustler ducal estate,

Luna was watching over Ars and Saintess Hanna’s condition.

It had been more than a week since the duel—

Yet neither of them showed any signs of waking up.

(What am I even doing…? Why am I going this far to look after a commoner?)

With Ars still unconscious, Luna found herself growing increasingly doubtful of him.

Though to be fair, this wasn’t the first time something like this happened when he returned from expeditions.

Then there was the matter with Sidol.

She kept telling herself it didn’t matter anymore, since the engagement had already been called off—but deep down, she knew that deceiving a noble daughter or a fiancée with political ties was something no proper noble house should ever tolerate.

In truth, Luna had once liked Sidol.

Before Ars ever came to live under the Faustler name,

Luna had genuinely cared for Sidol.

That’s why she never objected to their engagement—

In fact, she’d even felt happy about it.

(It’s like there’s this empty hole in my chest… Why do I feel like this?)

Several more days passed before Ars and Hanna finally opened their eyes.

Until then, Luna continued caring for Ars, 

Still unable to sort out her feelings—

Unsure of why she even resented Sidol in the first place.

◆

At the Meltrix ducal estate,

Sheena had begun shedding tears—

Now that the influence of Ars’s skill [Protagonist Privilege★] had weakened.

“Ahh… Sidol… I’m so sorry. Sidol…”

But Dorm, still under the skill’s effect, reacted very differently.

“Sidol is dead. Thorl is the rightful heir now. Isn’t it a relief? To think such a useless, arrogant son was my own—just the thought disgusts me.”

“How could you…? Sidol was our child—your child—whom I carried and gave birth to! And you say you’re glad he’s dead? That’s insane!”

You’re the one who’s crazy. You were so happy that Sidol was dead!

I love Sidol too! I love Sidol too! And yet you’re so happy to see me die. …… I am not the kind of woman who would think that!”

“You’re the one who’s insane! You were just as happy when Sidol died, weren’t you?”

“That was insane! I love Sidol too! How could I ever feel happy about his death? I’m not the kind of woman who would think something like that!”

Until Ars woke up, the arguments between Dorm and Sheena over Sidol never stopped.

But not everyone in the family had turned against him.

Sidol’s younger brother Thorl and sister Gina were still waiting—hoping for his return.

Thorl didn’t remember Sidol being such a terrible older brother.

And fortunately, neither sibling had fallen under the effects of Ars’s [Protagonist Privilege★].

◆

A few days after Ars regained consciousness—

With its master awake once more, the power of [Protagonist Privilege★] returned to full strength and quickly reasserted its control over the royal capital.

After defeating Ivelia in the duel, Ars and Saintess Hanna became celebrated figures at the academy, rapidly gaining overwhelming popularity.

They were praised publicly before the entire student body for their “victory,” while the deaths of countless students were quietly swept under the rug and forgotten.

The sheer force of Ars’s skill continued to drive everything toward the game’s predetermined ending.

He was hailed as a future hero—

The one who defeated the witch who defied academy law and restored peace through a righteous duel.

This moment marked the beginning of Ars’s rise to fame…

And the lead-in to Violation of Eternia II: The Hero’s Title.