side. Amy (End)

2021/03/17: Typos corrected. Thank you very much.

================

Why? Why did this happen?

Why do I have to go through this?

The Light Spirit protected her? You’ve got to be kidding me!

That was actually supposed to be mine. Everything—the hair ornament, the Blessing of the Light Spirit... all of it!

And what was that about Holy Ice? She was supposed to fall into darkness! Why was she using a power like that? It was all wrong! She was supposed to use Dark Ice. Don’t mess with me!

And on top of all that, they were forcing me into prostitution at the mines? What were they thinking? That couldn't be allowed! I was the Saint of Benevolence. Did they really think they could do this to a Saint and get away with it?

And what was the deal with the Sky Dragon? That was a boss character! How did they make it an ally? There was no route like that in the game. It wasn't possible!

And yet...

And yet, I was dragged before some hulking, gorilla-like man I didn’t even recognize.

"I didn't see her when she was captured the first time," the man said. "So, is this the Witch who caused our Ana and Allen so much grief?"

You’re wrong! I’m the Saint of Benevolence!

I wanted to scream it, but not a single sound would come out of my mouth. To steal a person’s voice... the Villainess was much more of a Witch than I ever was!

"Well, whatever. Normally, I would execute you on the spot. But Ana said she wants you to properly reflect on your actions, so I’ll spare your life for now."

Eh? Oh, I see. I’m innocent after all, right? I mean, I haven't done anything wrong!

"I've considered many things," the man continued, "but it seems you orchestrated that incident back in the Empire, specifically so those thugs could have their way with Ana."

Wh—What?! How could he bring up something from so long ago? Besides, if it follows the Scenario, that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen to the Villainess! It was only natural!

"Judging by your face, you still don't think you're in the wrong. Just as I thought. I’ll have you work the mines as a prostitute. I don't know how many years you'll last, but you can use that time to reflect on your crimes."

Wait, what? I haven't done anything wrong! Hey! Listen to me!

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the words out. I was shoved into a cage, like a common pet, and loaded onto a carriage like a piece of luggage.

The coachman and the four guards all looked at me with disgusting, predatory eyes, occasionally flashing vulgar smiles. They were gross. Being stared at by ugly men like them made my skin crawl.

But I still couldn't speak. And just like that, the carriage began to roll, carrying me away.

Oh, God. What’s going to happen to me?

---

"Alright, we're camping here tonight."

"Yes, sir!"

What? Camping? What were they thinking? I’m the Saint of Benevolence!

"Here. This is your dinner."

The man held out a bowl of soup made from vegetable scraps and a piece of bread so hard I couldn’t tell how many days ago it had been baked.

What is this? This is worse than the food I had back when I was living in the slums!

But when I tried to complain, no sound emerged. That bitch! Even though she's just a Villainess!

"What’s wrong? Not eating?"

I glared at him. This wasn't food for human beings. I wanted him to bring me something decent.

But then, he said something strange.

"I heard you grew up in the poor district of Luluden. Can't you eat this? I guess a self-proclaimed Saint of Benevolence who’s been living in luxury can't go back to her old life after all."

Eh? My old life? What did he mean? I had lived at the bottom of society, but even then, it had never been this bad.

"Hm? Is that not it? Well, whatever. I don't care what you think, but this is what life at the absolute bottom looks like. Your meals are going to be like this from now on, so eat up. If you don't, I’ll force-feed you."

Fine! I get it! I’ll eat!

I brought the food to my mouth, but... it was disgusting. It had no taste at all. And the bread? I couldn't even bite through it. This wasn't bread.

"Soak it in the soup to soften it. Honestly. What happened to all that 'poverty-stricken experience' you boasted about? You Witch."

I’m not a Witch! I’m the Saint of Benevolence! I’m the Heroine of this world!

That was right. I was sure Karl-sama, Oscar, and Claude would come to rescue me. Yes. Surely. If they didn't, then this whole world was a lie.

---

"Well, you've finished eating. Good. Tonight, I’m going to have you look after ten of our men. Everyone’s been pent up for a while, so we’re counting on you, 'Saint'?"

The man let out a vulgar laugh as he took the dishes away.

Eh? What did he mean? Ten people? Look after?

Before I could process it, several rough-looking men stepped into the tent.

"Ho ho, this one’s a pretty high-quality piece, isn't she?"

"Gahaha! She’ll be a mess soon enough anyway. You won't even be able to tell what she looks like."

"You've got that right."

"You go last. After you’re done, she’s always too loose."

"What are you talking about? Yours is just small."

"The hell did you say? Yours is just too damn big!"

Eh? What? What was happening?

"Well, I’ll go first. It’s not often we get to use a noble’s daughter."

No! Stop! I’m the Heroine!

The moment the thought crossed my mind, stars exploded in my vision. A split second later, a burning pain radiated across my left cheek.

Eh? Did he just hit me?

"Oi! Hurry up! Or do you want me to just shove it in while you’re still dry?!"

Hie... Th-that's... No, stop! Stop!

Noooooo!

---

It took twenty long days to reach the mine. It should have only taken ten, but they took a detour. During that time, they did whatever they wanted with me.

I didn't even have the energy to resist anymore. I just prayed that the worst hadn't happened.

Ah. Come to think of it, since I couldn't speak, I couldn't use Healing magic either. I only just realized it. I couldn't chant the spells.

Even though I was the Heroine.

Why do I have to go through this? It’s all wrong.

This was what was supposed to happen to the Villainess.

Sigh. From today on, I’ll be with the men here... Fine. Whatever. It’s all the same now. Someone will come to save me soon. Yes... Karl-sama will...

---

I wondered how much time had passed.

Lately, I hadn't been feeling well. My skin was in tatters. My hair was a matted mess. I’d been running fevers and feeling nauseous constantly. Rashes and strange lumps had started appearing all over my body.

Because of that, the men started calling me "gross" and stopped coming for me.

Sigh. I know. I’m finished, aren't I?

I wondered where I’d made the wrong choice.

No, that wasn't it. From the very beginning... I had been wrong.

Oh, Karl-sama... I’m... sorry...

---

Huh? Where am I?

The royal castle's... dance hall?

"Anastasia, as of this moment, I annul my engagement to you!"

"Your Highness, I do not understand the meaning of your words."

"Hmph. A woman as slow-witted as always. A woman with a rotten nature like yours is unfit. Amy, who possesses a kind heart and the power of Healing, is the one truly suitable to be my fiancée."

Eh? Karl-sama? The Villainess?

And he was holding me?

Eh? Why?

"Are you saying that woman—who knows nothing of etiquette, the duties of nobility, or the state of this nation—is superior? Your Highness, do you seriously believe that woman is capable of serving as the Mother of the Kingdom?"

The Villainess turned a cold, unwavering gaze toward me. That look made me remember that time, and I began to tremble with fear. But Karl-sama held me gently.

And then... and then... Karl-sama defeated the Villainess for me...

Huh? Everything is getting dark...?

Where is Karl-sama?

Karl-sama?

Karl-sama?!

Ah... I see...