Saint's Prison - Chapter 100

Hallelujah to the Blue Sky

The morning sun sparkles, and the trees sway in the wind. Gentle sunlight filters through the leaves. Clear air. What a pleasant morning it is.

My heart feels light, I want to skip… though I don’t. As I walk with that thought in mind, I see a figure ahead. The person is wearing a deep black veil and a large rosary around their neck.

“Good morning, Johanna!”

At my call, she, Johanna Scotus, tilts her head ever so slightly.

“Ah, Kuro-dono. As always, you’re unnecessarily lively from the morning. Good morning to you.”

“…Hey, can’t you just greet people more openly?”

“I am always open.”

“I don’t quite get what you’re saying.”

Johanna gives a wry smile. Then her eyes narrow.
There’s a soft breath, and in an instant, she’s closed the distance between us.

“…Then, let me make you understand.”

Without hesitation, with a fluid motion—

“Ow, ow, hey, Johanna, don’t pull my ear, the ear! I’m sorry! Johanna is open, definitely open, ridiculously open!”

“…Haha, giggle… Hm, hmhm, cough. If that’s the case, then it’s fine.”

Trying to stifle her laughter, Johanna coughs once, as if to cover it up. I’m just shocked by the somewhat childish laughter.

“…Kuro-dono.”

She doesn’t notice my stunned state, and soon she lets go of my ear. Then, as if to comfort me, she gently rubs my earlobe.

“Did I pull too hard?”

“Ah, no. I’m fine.”

“That’s good.”

Johanna nods and smiles. Her expression is incredibly soft. It’s like she’s a sugary confection that could melt in your mouth at any moment.

“You should always have that look on your face.”

“…What kind of face is that?”

Puzzled, Johanna blinks her eyes.

I instinctively cover my mouth with my hand. My cheeks feel hot.
I never meant to say that out loud. It was something that should have been muttered only in my heart, yet it slipped out so easily.

“It’s nothing.”

“Hmm, it’s not nothing… Is there something troubling you?”

“No, not at all. Not even a little bit. I’m fine, seriously fine!”

“Seriously…? I wish you would stop using words I don’t understand to dodge the question. Come on, I won’t get angry, so confess.”

“No, that’s definitely something you’d get mad at.”

“That depends on the content…”

“Then, I won’t say.”

“…Why do you assume that you’ll get scolded?”

She frowns, muttering that I’m truly a troublesome person. Stop looking at me with those pitiful eyes. It kills my soul.

“You’re truly stubborn… No, very well. I don’t particularly want to press you that much. But, let me say one thing. Please don’t hold back with me. I worry about you.”

“Johanna…?”

“No matter how tough, painful, or sad it is, you… you always smile as if you’re fine.”

With that, Johanna reaches out.

“—And then, do you cry silently when you’re all alone?”

Her hand touches my cheek. The palm is a bit rough but very warm. Gradually, Johanna’s body heat melts into my skin. The warmth seemed to embody her character.

“…That’s my line.”

I murmur in a voice so low, Johanna might not hear, wishing she would.

While understanding that she’s the one who’s supposed to end it, deep down, I want to save her. Tormented by an unending sense of guilt, suffering alone, yet still trying to help me.

Her hand leaves my cheek. Only the lingering warmth remains. For some reason, I feel lonely. I reach out and take her hand.

“Johanna.”

“Yes?”

Johanna nods. So, I continue.

“Don’t you hold back with me either.”

I’m always saved by her warmth, by her clumsy kindness. That’s why I want to be there for her, too.

“…Yes.”

“Then, that’s good.”

Our words are insufficient. But that was enough.

“Hey, Johanna. It’s a nice morning, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. The blue sky is beautiful.”

“Do you think it’ll stay sunny all day?”

“If you wish for it, I’m sure the clear weather will continue.”

Johanna looks up at the sky.

“…I hope for it too.”

Hallelujah. She says and makes the sign of the cross. I return the gesture and look up at the sky.

After a few minutes, I call out to Johanna. Sensing my serious demeanor, she looks at me intently, her face solemn.

“—By the way, are you using ‘Hallelujah’ as a pun because it’s sunny? I mean, I’m not sure about your sense of humor there.”

I get my ear pulled hard, without a word.

But her expression isn’t one of anger; she’s smiling. It’s such an innocent smile that I think again she should always have that look on her face.

…I want to make it possible for her to do so.

Author’s Note : Johanna might be a better match for Andy than Amal. They understand each other without needing to say anything — it’s that level. Amal probably senses it too, which makes her even more insecure.

TLN : 100 CHAPTER MARK!! , thanks for my coin reader for supporting my translation. Its really mean a lot to me to keep going. im really grateful!!