Saint's Prison - Chapter 118

The Burdened One

I tend to the fields.

Pulling out the weeds, swinging down the hoe, and leveling the soil.

Many people in my hometown of Ryogo village were engaged in farming, but as a privileged class, I had never taken part in it, nor had I had the opportunity to do so since leaving the village. But I can’t afford to say that here. Those who don’t work, don’t eat.

The initially clumsy hoeing is now a thing of the past. Feeling a sense of achievement, I wipe the sweat off my face with my arm.

I raise my face and relax my stiff shoulder muscles. A dry, cracking sound is heard. My body seems to be more tired than I thought. Probably because I had been working in the fields from morning till noon.

I think I’ll take a break and wash my hands and face at the well. With that in mind, I stick the hoe into the ground and head towards the well.

I walk a little further and see Johanna walking along the path. I gaze at her and immediately feel a sense of discomfort.

“…Johanna?”

She is staggering, her steps are unsteady, and her expression is somewhat impatient. Her usually neatly braided hair is loose and flutters in the wind.

“Johanna!”

I quickly rush over to her. A few seconds after I call her name, Johanna turns her dazed gaze towards me. I feel an unbearable anxiety at her expression that doesn’t convey any warmth.

“…Kuro-dono.”

“Johanna, are you okay?”

Johanna smiles vaguely. Neither affirming nor denying. Just smiling as if to gloss over it. That’s probably her answer. There’s nothing you can do, she seems to say.

I let out a short breath.

–Hey, am I that unreliable?

Swallowing such effeminate words, I place my hand on Johanna’s forehead. It’s not hot. Rather, it’s almost cold.

Gently caressing her cheek as if flowing from her forehead, I noticed her pale skin and slightly chapped lips. There were faint dark circles under her eyes. Could it be that she hasn’t been sleeping well? To make sure, I brought my face closer and gently stroked her cheek again.

“Johanna.”

“Ah… eh?”

Her vacant eyes regained their light, and a blush spread across her cheeks. Her mouth quivered slightly.

“Y-you… Kuro-dono!?”

Stammering, she moved away from me. Her movements were like a cat raising its fur in a threatening manner.

Amal might be a puppy, but Johanna is like a cat – particularly, a Russian Blue. Thinking about such trivial things, I smiled at Johanna.

“At least, I’m relieved that you don’t seem to have a fever.”

Johanna glanced at my face, her eyes downcast, and her shoulders tensed uncomfortably. It was an unusual gesture for the girl who usually stood tall with a dignified aura.

“Hey, haven’t you been sleeping?”

“W-well, that’s…”

“Did something happen?”

Her response was hesitant and mumbled. Normally, she would calmly brush off my words, but she seemed to be lacking any composure.

“Hey, I’m worried about you.”

“Ah…”

“You don’t have to say it if you don’t want to. But please, just rest for today.”

“…Kuro-dono.”

“Come on, it must be hard for you to even walk. I’ll give you a piggyback ride.”

As I crouched down and offered, I heard her gasp softly behind me. I turned my head back to make sure she understood.

“I’m telling you, Johanna, you don’t have the right to refuse. Even if you say no, I’ll carry you to your room and make sure you rest.”

“You’re utterly forceful.”

“…Yeah, I am. But that’s fine. I don’t want to regret not being more assertive and taking you with me ever again.”

Johanna gently stroked my back. After a few seconds, she leaned against me and wrapped her arms around my neck. The faint scent of lemon tickled my nostrils.

“I understand. Please, take me with you.”

“Alright. Leave it to me.”

I stood up with Johanna in my arms, and she was lighter than I’d expected.

“Kuro-dono, am I not too heavy?”

“No, on the contrary, you’re so light that it’s worrying.”

“I see. Well, that’s good.”

I slowly and carefully walked along the path. When I looked up slightly, I saw the blue sky.

In the highest heavens, glory be to God.

I murmured the scripture in my mind.

On earth, peace to those who please Him.

“Kuro-dono.”

“Hm, what’s up?”

“I’ll protect you.”

“…Idiot. What are you saying? That’s my line. And besides, it’s not like we’ll need much protecting.”

“Yes, that’s true. I hope so. But I’m worried. You’re such a kind person, kinder than anyone else…”

Her words trailed off. Even after ten seconds, she didn’t continue. Feeling anxious about the silence, I couldn’t help but speak up.

“Hey, Johanna?”

“Mmm… Suu… Huh, suu…”

I could hear her shallow breathing. She had just fallen asleep. Oh, thank goodness. She must have been very tired. I need to get her to bed quickly.

“Goodnight, Johanna.”

May you have sweet dreams.

I took another step forward.