Saint's Prison - Chapter 17

The Unattainable

That afternoon, I found myself visiting the conversation room once again.

“Eh, you’re leaving already!? You just arrived yesterday!”

I blurted out louder than expected.

Katy gave a regretful shrug of her shoulders.

“Yes, I’m sorry, Andy-san. My father suddenly said we must go to the royal capital. I didn’t think it would be so soon.”

Her expression made my initial momentum falter. I forced a smile.

“…I see. It can’t be helped. This isn’t a final goodbye. Let’s talk more when you visit here next time.”

“Of course… However, it’s quite troublesome for my father as well. There really is no need to go to the royal capital at such a time.”

“At such a time?”

I tilted my head in curiosity. This place was so isolated, we hardly received news from the royal capital, let alone from the neighboring areas. Drawn in, I asked Katy for more details.

“The king passed away recently. Everyone is anxious. They’re worried about the balance between the royal authority and the church collapsing. As it is, there’s already enough chaos…”

“Is it really safe to go there?”

Katy smiled and said in a secretive tone.

“…Truth be told, I don’t want to go. Rumor has it that the church is wielding its power heavily in the royal capital. Along with that, witch hunts and inquisitions have become more frequent. You never know when you might be denounced as a demon or witch. But… I have to obey my father’s words.”

Her words only added to my worry.

Witch hunts and inquisitions.

Because of these, many people have become victims.

It’s the worst—preying on the innocent in the name of God.

Was there ever true faith in such acts? Or was it merely corruption, tarnishing and shaming with bloodied hands? No redemption, no looking back. Just a cycle of slaughter and humiliation.

“Take care. But, don’t worry. God will surely watch over you.”

I hoped it was true.

I wanted it to be true.

Feeling powerless, I could only offer such hollow words of comfort and averted my gaze.

“Andy-san, take care as well. Being from another land, you stand out. But as long as you are here, you’ll be safe. This is the seat of God, after all.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“I really enjoyed myself. Even though we could only talk for a day, you weren’t overbearing at all and didn’t look down on me for being a woman. Please stay as you are, and let’s have another chat sometime.”

“Of course. I enjoyed it as well. Let’s definitely meet again. Until then, stay well.”

“Yes, you too.”

We exchanged smiles and shook hands.

Katy left the conversation room to get ready for her departure.

I watched her leave, then sank into a chair.

Now I had lost another source of external information.

I sighed.

The times were terribly unstable.

Wars break out to protect things unseen. Human lives seem lighter than faith. It’s a world swirling with blind, fanatical madness.

That’s why information from the outside is so critical.

I needed it.

Before it was too late.

I sighed deeply once more.

Looking out the window, a disgusting blue sky spread out before me.

＊＊＊

Returning to my room, I found Amal lying on my bed, face buried in the pillow, sniffing it.

“Amal, what are you doing?”

“…Amal is angry.”

She responded with a sulky voice.

I sat on the bed and gave a wry smile.

“What are you angry about?”

“You met with her again. After just yesterday, Andy-sama is a terrible man.”

I laughed. She was voicing her dissatisfaction properly. She was diligently following my instructions, showing her earnestness and her adorableness.

“I told you, there’s nothing going on. Amal, you’re such a worrier.”

“It’s only natural to be worried! Amal is only for Andy-sama. But Andy-sama is not the same…”

“Really… you always say things like that so quickly. It’s only Amal I’m with like this. Being with Amal is what calms me down the most.”

“Hmph, Amal won’t be deceived!”

Amal suddenly looked up.

She seemed pleased.

She couldn’t completely hide her smile.

She was being deceived. Absolutely being deceived.

…Is she too naive?

“What can I do to make you believe me?”

Suppressing my laughter, I looked at Amal.

Hearing my question, Amal silently outstretched her arms.

Asking for a hug, perhaps?

I took off my shoes, climbed onto the bed, and hugged Amal tightly from the front. A sweet and pleasant scent filled the air.

I buried my face in her neck. Amal squirmed as if tickled, giggling softly. It was a pure, soprano voice.

As I held her, I could feel her slender, delicate body. Her ample chest. The imbalance between them exuded an indescribable allure.

It’s no good. I’m getting excited.

I started reciting the Heart Sutra in my mind to dispel my worldly desires.

Despite my efforts, Amal hugged me even tighter. Her chest was crushed. The sweet scent grew stronger.

I swallowed hard.

Unable to restrain myself, I pushed Amal down onto the bed. No good. Really, no good.

Amal stared at me with wide, red eyes. Her long silver hair spread out over the bed. When I stroked her cheek, Amal blushed and smiled lovingly. I barely managed to stop myself from moving my face closer to her lips with reason.

No, no, calm down. It’s not right. It’s really not right.

I tried my best to tell myself. If I made a move now, it would be over. It would be the end in many ways. To calm my feelings, I gently asked Amal.

“Amal, how old are you now?”

“Age…? I’m 15 in terms of counting.”

I froze, unexpectedly.

If she’s 15 in terms of counting, she’s 14 now.

I see, I see. So she’s in her second year of middle school… I see, I see.

Hmm.

…In modern times, it would be an immediate out, an easy rope to hang myself.

Because she looked mature, I thought she was around 18 or 19 years old.

14 and 27.

An unexpected 13-year age gap.

There was something absolutely unreachable.

I quickly calmed down.

I moved away from Amal, got off the bed, and sat down again.

I held my head as if I were a thinker.

That was the moment I decided to restrain myself from now on.