Event Quest:I'm Not Afraid of Halloween!:VN:7

[Translation by Kukuru]

Location: Daikanyama Academy

[Final Night: I'm Not Afraid of Halloween!]

---

Intense fighting echoes in the Forest of Fairies. Additionally, they are taking turns exchanging attacks with their weapons.

A "conversion" like that distant ambience marks a striking end.

...... Ku!

A snapped sword flies away, Taromaiti slowly falls to her knees.

I... lost.

Thank you for going along with my selfishness.

And, I want to apologize. I didn't mean to shield myself from your selfishness.

Nooo! NOOO! Demon Kiiiiing!! You can't lose to them!!

We still want to play! This happens only once in a year!

2 options (Same Response)
What made you pick a game like that?	Were you listening to what the Fairies wished for?

...... Ah, I get it now. I think I'm starting to understand the Fairies' feelings a little.

They only want to have fun for a long time. That's not really a bad thing, y'know.

Moreover, these subordinates adored me as the Demon King. You can't disregard that desire, can you?

The Fairies' wishes were wrong. However... It wasn't a mistake.

Justice for someone... I know it will be seen as evil by someone else.

Taromaiti-dono... I......

Don't make that face. Neither of us are wrong. Don't you agree?

...... Though, Chernobog. Those things that you've said earlier, they will remain with me deep inside my heart.

I am pleased that we met here. And, I want to show my respect to you. Will you... shake my hand?

.........

Chernobog turns and looks at you after being asked by Taromaiti.

1 option
(Give Chernobog a nod)

Sure. I as well believe this is a suitable way to close a play.

I know that just like the "last Hero," I would want to do this as well.

Boooo! Demon King's such a dummy! We just want to play some moooore!!

That's why... it will just be us---

???:( face) Sorry to keep you waiting!

1 option
That voice has got to be...!

Little ones that lost their Demon King whom they relied on suffer from illogical thoughts.

The stage is here, even when the scene changes. This is a perfect time to slowly close the play.

So you have come after all!

Yes, I am Rutabaga Knight. I was called to here, invited by the sweet smell!

I'd like to thank you, [Player]. You've managed to track down the Jack-o-Lanterns.

I, too, have something to offer to this place. Something to appease the Robin Goodfellows that are cute, yet mischievous.

Rutabaga Knight raises a lantern high in the air and begins reciting a poem.

Continue playing inside your dreams, Eternal Children. However, a dream is something to remember.

I am "one who marks the end of a dream." Listen to my voice--

Pumpkin lanterns are to be adorned for a festival of Halloween. Are you aware that it was originally made from another plant?

A blessing of the earth harvested in preparation for the long winter. Food that was served to help all that were hungry.

That is what "Rutabaga" is! The original light that burned in the old "Sauin" festival!

1 option
So that's what the Rutabaga Knight is.

That's such a sooting voice. By the way... what the heck is a "Sauin"?

"Sauin" or sometimes "Samhain." It was another name for Halloween, it's original form.

It's a ritual that comforts the old spirits in between the boundaries of light and dark, summer and winter and noisy neighborhoods.

It's time to rest, everyone. Let the old light comfort and guide the dead.

The fun festival will soon end for tonight's dream. Please have a good rest, until this day comes again next year......

The pumpkins illuminated by the warm light limply crouches down on the spot.

What possessed them began coming out from their bodies.

Fairies:( face) Oh... golly, the festival's over.

Fairies:( face) There's nothing we can do about it. It's a bit frustrating, but... we can't do anything about it.

Don't you worry about a thing. Ehehehe~!

Fairies:( face) Oh? The puppy just said something. What do you mean by that?

'Cause there's still next year. It's not the end for Halloween. Festivals are always held every single year.

We're looking forward to prepare for it. That's why it's happening again next year. I promise.

2 options (Same Response)
This mess was more trouble than it's worth though.	Let's all play together again.

Fairies:( face) Thank you...... We're so sorry for the trouble we've caused.

Fairies:( face) It'll be great to play together next time we meet! Well then, until next time~!

At the same time the presence of the Fairies disappeared from your surroundings, the stage enclosed by a forest turns back to normal.

And what was left behind...

Male Students:( face) Whistle* Bravo! BRAVOOOO!!

Male Students:( face) That was amazing! I don't know what happened, but that was spectacular!!

Female Students:( face) The Demon King also did amazing! She was so cool!

W-What the heck is this...? It seems like everyone up to now thinks it's part of the production.

How convenient. It's all a misunderstanding, but it's probably better to leave it at that.

You and your friends on top of the stage smiled as the audience roars in applause.

The incident finishes without being known to anyone in the grand finale.

Good grief. It's good to see that things really ended peacefully. I wonder what would've happened if we left the other world as it is?

It's all thanks to [Player]-sama and that gentlema---

Now that you mention it... Rutabaga Knight and Volos-dono are nowhere to be seen.

Volos-san said he is going to be waiting outside.

But..... He looked a bit depressed.

2 options (Same Response)
No way! He still think it's his fault!	I'll go look for him!

[Transitioning...]

---

When walking past the crowd of people leaving the auditorium, You noticed a bench deviating itself from the flow of people.

You find a figure of a young bear sitting on that bench.

.........

2 options (Same Response)
What are you doing in a place like this?	Gosh, you can't just run off on your own like that.

Oh, [Player]. Sorry, I was just uneasy about something.

I didn't mean to go off on my own. Sorry. I guess my viewpoint on things is still narrow.

His shoulders dropped after he said that.

...... I can only think that I'm responsible for this disaster.

They weren't made for ornamental use...... I wanted them to be tasty to eat--

I raised those pumpkins with those feelings in mind, but... This is how things came to be.

Maybe I shouldn't have done all those needless things......

I was so scared. I thought I was gonna hurt somebody again.

What I thought was "kindness" was only "inconvenience," looking at it from the other side......

???:( face) What the heck are you saying! Dunderhead Bear!

Huh, Rutabaga Knight!? Why are you here...?

I only thought about correcting your misunderstanding. Kindness is something on the other side of a printed coin. That's it.

W-What do you mean by that, Rutabaga Knight? Is there some kind of backstory about a coin here?

Yes... Now, I shall reveal the secret of my identity.

Enigmatic Blood-Sucking Knight, Rutabaga Knight! My true identity is......

Pretty Girl Detective Alice of Love and Intelligence, makes an elegant appearance to an assistant in a bind!

3 options (Same Response)
W-What the!	Alice-chan!?	Oh, thanks for everything then.

A-Alice-chan is the Rutabaga Knight!? I don't get what you're trying to pull he--

Please be quiet! I'll explain that later!

O-Okay......

Kindness is something inscribed on the other side of a coin. That's roughly what you imagine it is.

.........

Though it seems you don't comprehend the essence of my words.

Essence of your words...? Aren't you making a point on the other side and front of a coin?

Maybe I will need to explain everything in order after all.

...... I visited this academy for a specific purpose. That's it.

Alice pulls out one cutely wrapped small bag from her bosom.

W... What's this?

You don't know what it is? It's a specialty cookie of Daikanyama Academy.

Oh, no... 'Course I knew that. Is that the important part?

Is that why you came here today, Alice-chan? Just so you can hand me these cookies?

Alice unties the ribbon on the pouch and takes out a cookie from a circular mold inside.

Ah! T-T-These cookies are...!

...... You noticed it at last. These pumpkins are sweets only for today.

They are Daikanyama Academy's specially made "Pumpkin Cookies," baked with the pumpkins produced by you, Volos.

I came here for this purpose. At that time, I felt something that couldn't be seen making an uproar.

It wouldn't make sense to not eat especially delicious confections.

That's why I played the 2 roles of Pretty Girl Detective and Rutabaga Knight. So I can get to the bottom of things.

After Alice said that, she takes the cookie and presses it on Volos' mouth.

Come on... Check it for yourself. The true value of the pumpkins you raised and put your wish into.

Volos closes his eyes and eats the cookie presented to him and carefully checks the flavor.

....... Wow, it's dang delicious......

...... Yes, they're "delicious." These sweets are very delicious.

Everyone eating these sweets baked with your pumpkins have been saying they're 'delicious.' Did you not know that?

I want to add that everything that exists has a "front and back." It's completely natural.

Someone's "justice" on the other side of a coin is the "evil" of someone else. Even if it were, the value of that coin would not be zero.

If the other side of a coin gets dirty, you can polish it. No matter where you look, it makes you think it's beautiful--

All you need is to carefully "understand it." Don't look only at the other side or the front.

I-I was sure I could only see the "surface" of kindness up until now......

And when I realized there was a "backside" to kindness, I was only concerned about that......

3 options (Same Response)
The parable of the front and back of a coin...	A part of Volos that can't be seen...	Was it to make him aware of it?

...... Yes. And just as each coin has their own "value"---

Cookies also have a "value of being delicious." Don't forget that you created that value.

The "seed of happiness" you planted certainly is sprouting in everyone.

Have self-confidence, Volos. The vegetables you've raised are very lovely.

Thanks... Alice-chan.

What I done was not a waste of time. That's what you've been telling me.

Oh... by the way, Alice-chan. How did you manage to play 2 different roles?

Aahh, about that. That does sound interesting, doesn't it?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaa!? It doesn't make any sense at all!

Playing a double role for Halloween? Pretty Girl Detective? Rutabaga Knight!

1 option
What the hell was that strong impression earlier for?

That's no good. Today is supposed to be a fun festival day! What are you going to do without having fun!

Holy with lovely and pure white charm. Darkness with ominous pitch black charm.

It's wonderful if you can enjoy both! Aaahhh, it was so much fun~

Hmhmhm~...... Yeah, you got the right idea!

It's a festival that only happens once a year. It would be a waste to miss out on the fun!

That's all you need to know. We should get together with everyone soon.

As a matter of fact, everyone's going on ahead to another location.

Come, let's get going!

Yeah! Let's go, [Player]!

[Transitioning...]

---

There is a remarkably crowded Western confectionary in a school bustling with festival activity.

In one area, there is a table written with "reserved seats." Everybody has gathered there.

I originally planned to having some delicious cookies with black tea here.

The instant it turned 15 o'clock, it became the perfect time to do so.

This cafe opens up every event. Every round is very elaborate and it's extremely popular.

Even though I managed to book an appointment at this time... I was sure it's gonna be like a lottery, but I got pretty lucky.

2 options
Is the closing party over, Taromaiti?	You did well for your debut, Chernobog.
Yup. There's things to do like cleaning up, but we're given break time. After enjoying tea-time with everyone, I'll be heading back to the theatre again to change outfits.	Yes... It was indeed a good show. Moreso, it's all thanks to you, [Player]. There was no way for me to not get excited. Because I cannot suppress the loud beating of my heart. From the bottom of my heart, I want to take you for your help and efforts.

I'm glad we calmed the commotion down with no hitches! Now that that's over, we can eat some tasty sweets now.

Here. Why don't you eat some, Zabaniya? It doesn't hurt to indulge on sweets once in a while. Here, here, here!

Sugary treats aren't exactly my thing, but... If you insist. Thank you for the food. *Aahm*......

Oh... these are certainly very delicious... The sweetness is mild and easy to savor. It's rich in flavor as well.

I feel there is a wide variety of use for these! From long-time conservation to time of battling!

Sigh*...... W-Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it, I guess.

This uses very little sugar and balances the flavor with the pumpkin's sweetness.

A flavor that never gets dull by natural sweetness? This... is such a crime to all sweets.

Wow, I'm lovin' this pumpkin parfait!

And a freshly-baked pumpkin with fresh cream too! I don't think I can bring this as a souvenir for everyone though.

This Bavarian cream is also quite delicious when combined with white cream. Chouji-dono, Ryouta-dono and the Head would be happy to eat this.

It really does look good with a lot of fresh cream! Chernobog-san, you should try some too!

Alright. I was interested in that parfait and others as well.

Cusith and Chernobog are both eating each and every one of the desserts.

They were having a good time exchanging desserts with each other and sharing their thoughts on the play.

Well... I'm hesitant to say it, but it will soon be time for everyone to say their goodbyes.

So much has happened, but it was a ton of fun today thanks to everyone, and we became good friends too!

2 options (Same Response)
What happened in the theatre was troublesome, though...	At least everything worked out in the end!

That was a strange experience, for sure. For myself and you guys too.

[Player]... I was satisfied when I switched roles with Chernobog.

Having the role imposed on me by him, I feel the prejudice lessening a little.

Yet, I was taught that from him on top of that stage.

When you get put in some kind of role, you'll need to accept that "type" of world too.

Defying the world doesn't mean only walking the other way.

Sometimes, there are things we can't do without confronting the very world itself.

2 options (Same Response)
You're being too serious. Relax a little.	It's fine since the role of a Demon King was cool.

Hahaha! Maybe you're right. It's probably better to think like that.

I, too, have something I want to share. This one occasion... will surely remain in my heart.

I still know what being a hero means. I felt that I understood that on that stage.

However, understanding the feelings of the Pumpkins and Taromaiti whom we fought against---

That, too, is another form of a hero. I've realized that.

I'm certain there are endless kinds of heros in this world. A time will come again for me to choose that role.

[Player]... Please stay by my side, from now on.

We will walk on that fun path together... a good path.

2 options (Same Response)
Sure. I'd be happy to.	It will be filled with fun experiences from here on out.

Aahh... I am grateful, my Brave Warrior.

Well, I should get going soon. When the closing party's over, I'll be waiting to tidy things up.

I should go as well. I must return the costume to them.

If there's cleaning need to be done, I'll partake in it too. Until the end, I will carry out my responsibility as a member of the play.

That would be great, thanks! I'll be seeing you again, [Player].

I want to give my regards to the director before it gets late. Now then.

Well, should we get going too? There's still a lot of patrolling left to do in the school.

Yes, Arslan-sama. Although we've resolved this incident, the aftermath of the chaos still remains.

I'm gonna be making you work hard on the part you showed off earlier, Zabaniya. *Shoom*!

...... Don't joke about that, please.

Wahahahaha! I was just joking~ Honestly, you don't know when to brush off a joke.

You've worked hard enough already. Since the stalls are still running, it's not a bad idea to have fun for a while.

No, this is the consequence of my own immaturity! I will humbly start bracing my own body even further!

Hey, Cubs! Let's have fun together, if we get another opportunity! Happy Halloween! Ciao!!

2 options (Same Response)
Arslan-san is still energetic as ever.	You need to take your job more seriously.

The Lion leaves, waving his hand over his back at your final remarks.

However, the man that follows him stays behind as if he has something to say.

S-Say... [Player].

N-No... It's nothing. Forget it.

2 options (Same Response)
Is there something you want to say?	Or maybe there was something you want to do?

Yes... there is. Arslan-sama told me this...

If you desire change, you need to take a step forward without hesitating...

S-So... now...

You don't have the slightest idea on what he wants or thought about.

However, Zabaniya undoubtedly puts his index and middle finger on his lips and turned towards you.

(Whispers) Adios, [Player]-sama.

2 options
......... Wow.	I-I'm flattered...!
Dang, Master! Did you just see that!? He must really love throwing awkward kisses or something! Maybe he's a gap hitter!! I-I think I'll try that too...	T-That was pretty extreme, and shocking, wasn't it? Truly amazing... When a serious person pops off like that, they wouldn't know how to adjust. Maybe I should push for a difference in appeal. I'm not an imp, it's just an era of honest coolness, yeah?

Zabaniya-san... You're working so hard to change yourself.

Hehehe. He was pretty cool. Maybe I should do that too. *Shoom*!

Anyways, I should be headin' back home too. Leib-senpai is gonna get mad if I don't head back soon.

So much crazy stuff happened today, but it was a ton of fun!

I had a great time being with everyone! That was the first time I ever had an applause on-stage.

And... that force inside of me... Somehow, I feel like I understand it.

[Player]! Next time I'll invite you and we'll be sure to hang out that time!

2 options (Same Response)
Sure, we can do that.	I'll bring Garmr too, so it'll be the 3 of us.

Yep! It'll be a ton of fun! Catch you later! Bye-byyyyyyyeee!!

I reckon I should head home too before I cool off.

This time, I have purchased a souvenir for the house-sitting bear.

2 options (Same Response)
I'm really thankful for what you did today.	Will we meet again?

Of course. Surely this incident wouldn't have been solved if I wasn't a Pretty Girl Detective today.

Besides, I believe I'll be seeing you again someday. Huhuhu. My intuition easily predicts that.

...... When that time comes, I may be an entirely different me.

Come and meet with us again. I'll prepare some nice, delicious tea for ya!

Yes, I'll do that if I feel like it. Assistant no. 1 and 2, thank you, both of you.

Until the day where light and dark melts together, everyone. Farewell.

The little girl disappears, leaving those words behind.

Another one of your friends leaves. The only person left now is Volos standing right next to you.

Looks like it's just the two of us now huh... Somehow, I've caused all kinds of trouble for you today.

...... You wanna head back together until halfway? I wanna enjoy Halloween with you for just a bit longer.

1 option
Sure. Let's head back together.

You walked alongside Volos in a sparse event grounds where people had went home already.

Hey, [Player]. Can you... hear me out for a sec?

To tell you the truth, I never planned on participating in the Halloween party.

I thought my job was just to make pumpkins and provide them.

The party... was pretty darn scary. I'm more comfortable shutting myself away in the lab or farm.

But, I met with everyone though these chain of events. Thanks to that, I was able to discover a part of myself that I couldn't see before...

Research is great and all, but sometimes it's important to look outside and experience the many things out there.

2 options (Same Response)
Didn't the Pumpkins want that too?	So that's why you were forced onto the stage.

...... Oh. Yeah... Maybe it was.

This... is what Alice-chan said.

Next Halloween, I think I will dress-up more proactively...

At that time, maybe we could pick out a costume... together?

Volos says those last words in a low voice while also feeling a little embarrassed.

Aye...... I guess this is where we part ways, eh?

[Player]. Thank you so much for today. It... It was great meeting you... all of you.

If it's possible, could you... again next Halloween--

Daw, that's not it. That's not it.

Just because we met on Halloween doesn't mean we can't see each other till then.

On your next vacation... Is it okay with you if we see each other again?

I just... want to know you a lot better.

2 options (Same Response)
Of course, Volos.	Happy Halloween!

Volos rounds his eyes and nods his head with a full smile to what you've said.

Yup. Happy Halloween. [Player].

I’m Not Afraid of Halloween! END