Saint's Prison - Chapter 13

Tears of Paranoia

The monastery sees a variety of visitors.

Pilgrims, of course, but also merchants, craftsmen, commoners, and even serfs.
Those seeking shelter with donations and gifts in hand.

Those coming to serve at the monastery.

Those seeking medical attention or knowledge.

The monastery supports these people and, in turn, is supported by them.

＊＊＊

Dusk was approaching.

After tilling the fields with the Priests, I was about to wrap up when I heard the bell at the main gate ring. The bell signaled the arrival of visitors.

The other Priests hurried to the gate.
Shortly after, the gate was unlocked, and a merchant’s wagon entered the premises.

A man skillfully guided two horses from the driver’s seat and parked the wagon at the edge of the monastery. He then dismounted, calling out to someone in the back of the wagon before descending. Following him, a woman alighted from the carriage.

The Priests guided the two directly into the monastery.

I gazed intently at the monastery. Beside me, Francesco chuckled and informed me, “Ah, that must be a traveling merchant.”

Once my work was done, I immediately went to meet the merchant I had seen earlier. They would surely have a wealth of experiences from traveling the world on foot. I wanted to hear their stories, even if just a little.

Inquiring with the Priests, I learned that the two merchants were father and daughter; the father was currently speaking with the Officer of Monastery. The daughter, for the time being, had been shown to the parlor. I hurried to the parlor.

There, a girl in her mid-teens sat alone. She had bright chestnut hair and azure eyes. Not so much beautiful as she was simple and charming. The girl widened her eyes upon noticing me enter the parlor.

“Ah, sorry for startling you.”

“No, it’s just… your black hair is so beautiful…”

She said modestly, casting a cautious glance my way. I was clearly being guarded against. I consciously smiled, trying to appear harmless.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Andrew, staying at this monastery. And you are…”

“I am Katarina, the daughter of the merchant Jean.”

“Katarina-san… may I call you that?”

The girl, Katarina, hesitantly nodded. I thanked her and slowly approached. She flinched.

“Don’t worry, I won’t bite. No need to be scared.”

I chuckled apologetically at her reaction.
Certainly, it was natural for a woman to feel threatened when an unknown, foreign man suddenly entered. Moreover, Katarina and I were the only ones in the parlor now, which probably exacerbated her apprehension.

“I’m sorry, may I ask what brings you here?”

“Ah, if it’s alright, I’d like you to tell me about this country. Due to circumstances, I’ve hardly ever left this monastery. You travel to various places, right? Cities, villages, and so much more!”

As I spoke, Katarina watched me intently, then chuckled softly.

“Hehe, sure, if you don’t mind me.”

“Really? Thank you!”

I sat down next to her, excited.

＊＊＊

“…So, at the village festival, they make a large straw figure to wish for a bountiful harvest, and at the end, it’s set ablaze. Around it, the villagers play music, sing, and dance.”

“Wow, that sounds fun. I’d like to see it myself.”

I nodded frequently as I listened to Katarina’s stories. Her narration was so full of joy that it made me feel happy too.

Since then, I had forgotten the time as I chatted with Katarina. She must be naturally outgoing because she quickly warmed up to me, and now she spoke in a friendly manner.

“Hehe, Andrew-san, you’re different from other men. Not domineering at all, and not scary.”

“Well, I’m not important enough to act all high and mighty, and I don’t have a hobby of scaring people for no reason. And you can call me Andy.”

“I think that’s wonderful. Andy-san, then please call me Katy.”

Katy said, smiling brightly. I felt embarrassed and scratched my head to cover it up.

“Ah, thank you. Say, Katy, how long will you be here? I still have so much I want to talk about.”

“…I’m not sure. It’s up to my father.”

“I see… If you’re here for a while, could we talk like this again?”

“Yes, of course, I’d be delighted.”

I clasped her hand joyfully, shaking it up and down. Katy blushed, smiling shyly.

After saying goodbye to Katy, I closed the door of the parlor.

I was about to head back to my room when I turned around and saw Amal standing close by, wearing a robe and deeply hooded.

“Whoa, Amal, you startled me. If you’re there, say something.”

Amal stood still without responding to my words. Feeling uneasy, I reached out to Amal.

My hand was abruptly brushed away, and I involuntarily caught my breath.

“…Amal? What’s wrong?”

Amal didn’t react to my question but instead turned on her heel and ran off. What’s going on? She’s acting strange.

I stared down the corridor where Amal had disappeared, sighing.