Saint's Prison - Chapter 116

Smiles, bellies, and God

Upon leaving the monastery and heading towards the field, I found someone already there.

The morning sun shining through the clouds created a backlight, casting the person’s face in darkness. However, the round silhouette told me everything I needed to know.

What an easy silhouette quiz. Aware that my cheeks were relaxing, I moved to a position where I could see his face and called out to him.

“Good morning, Francesco.”

“Kuro-dono, good morning.”

Francesco greeted me with a friendly smile as I waved my hand lightly.

“How are you feeling?”

“Heh, I’m doing alright. How about you?”

“I’m doing alright too. Nothing’s changed.”

“That’s good to hear.”

It’s best when nothing changes, Francesco nodded slightly. I frowned, wondering if that was the case, and he laughed even more.

I realized that Francesco was always smiling. He laughed loudly when he was happy, smiled quietly when he was sad, and blew away the pain with a smile.

Why could he always smile like that? I once casually asked Francesco about it. At that time, he said something like this:

“Laughter is the best medicine, as the saying goes. To me, laughter is medicine and salvation. Laughter brings happiness, motivation, healing, and sometimes even acts as a shield to protect oneself. That’s why I laugh. Now, then, and forever. And, you see, people always cry when they’re born. So, I want to die laughing. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be balanced, would it? It would be ridiculous. After atoning for the sins of this world and settling everything, I’ll laugh in the end. That’s why I’m here in Stonehurst.”

I thought that Francesco’s never-ending smile and positivity were truly precious. …But I decided in my heart never to say that, as it was clear that he would get carried away if I did.

With that thought in the back of my mind, Francesco put his hand on his chin and stared at me. Feeling uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze, I scratched my head to distract myself.

“…Hmm, Today, as always, you’re wearing a refreshing robe.”

An unexpected remark made my thoughts stop for a moment. I dropped my gaze and checked my clothes again: a linen tunic, simple black pants, and a brown robe. I thought that the attire was nothing special, as most priests wore the same brown robes.

In the first place–

“–Is there such a thing as a ‘robe outfit’?”

“Ahahaha, don’t worry about the little things. It’s a compliment. You’re tall, so anything looks good on you. Look, I have this kind of body, right? There’s no point in longing for something else. Please overlook it. …That being said, I’m so envious of your toned body, Master. Would you mind taking some of my belly fat? Just a little. Just a little bit is fine. Come on, come on!”

“But I refuse!”

“Eh, isn’t your refusal too quick!?”

Hey, stop. Stop!

Don’t push me like that. I made a disgusted, no, definitely disgusted face and pushed his belly back.

Push, push.

Ponyon, ponyon.

Push, push.

Ponyon, ponyon.

Wow, this sensation of his belly is somewhat addictive… No way!

“Listen! It’s impossible, so of course I’m going to refuse!”

“Eh–”

Francesco tilted his head slightly as he rhythmically patted his belly. Don’t look at me with those round eyes. It’s not cute at all. Rather, it makes me want to punch you.

“It’s not ‘eh–.’ You just need to make an effort to lose weight. How about starting a diet… losing weight from today?”

“Cough, –He said, ‘Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'”

I believe that phrase is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew. What on earth is he talking about all of a sudden?

“…So?”

“I’m busy today, so I thought I’d let tomorrow’s me do my best.”

“This guy is hopeless; I need to do something about him soon.”

Francesco laughed cheekily. I really feel like punching him. He’s going to say the same thing tomorrow, isn’t he? I cursed him in my mind. Francesco, people call that procrastination.

“Why don’t you try reducing your meals from tomorrow?”

“I’m sorry. I’d like to be spared from that.”

“You give up easily.”

“It’s a matter of life and death.”

Francesco puffed out his chest confidently.

The conversation was so fruitless, I closed my eyes. Then, through my robe, I clutched the rosary.

–Ah, God. I don’t believe in you, but I think I can believe in people who believe in you.

“Then, you can do anything other than reducing meals, right?”

“Yes, of course. I serve God and live honestly without ever lying to myself. A man never goes back on his word!”

“Oh, really? Then, how about running around the field lightly for 20 laps tomorrow?”

“–Kuro-dono… Please prepare to hear my confession tomorrow.”

“Don’t give up!”

He ended up going back on his word after all.