Saint's Prison - Chapter 47

Daydream

“…How long do you intend to stay like that?”

At Johanna’s voice, I lifted my downcast face, and immediately, a hand was extended before me. As I stared blankly at it, the hand reached further out as if urging me to take it, seemingly offering to pull me up from my crouched position.

I took the hand, and I was pulled up with a strong force.

“…Whoa!”

I was surprised by the pulling force, lost my balance, and stumbled. However, an instant later, slender arms caught my body about to fall. A soft and refreshing scent of citrus brushed my nose.

―Thump

My heart pounded loudly.

My head felt like it was boiling.

Noise raced through my mind.

The sky.

Empty sky.

A blood-red sky.

A sky smeared with filth.

I can’t see.

I can’t hear.

I can’t touch.

…Ah, but, you are there, aren’t you?

That must be why I must not watch, must not listen, must not touch.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

My chest stirred.

Blood circulated through my body like a flood.

I’m breathing, but I can’t catch my breath.

Even with my eyes closed, the sky seems to fall.

That black―

“I apologize, I got carried away with the momentum.”

“Eh… ah, yeah. I’m fine.”

Johanna was holding me, looking into my face with concern.

I steadied myself and smiled awkwardly. Unbeknownst to me, my left hand, which I had been clutching as if to grasp something, was now free. I exhaled and raised one hand.

“Sorry. I misstepped. Are you okay, Johanna? I must have been heavy, right?”

Johanna shook her head silently, then stretched up and quietly placed both hands on my temples. I was surprised and tried to brush her hands away, but her gaze stopped me, and she gently massaged my head. I leaned into her touch. It was warmly comforting. The tension in my body eased.

“…Do you feel a bit better now?”

“Ah, yeah.”

“Hehe, I’m glad. You had such a pained expression, I was worried for a moment.”

“…Thanks, Johanna. Can we stay like this for a bit longer?”

“Yes, if that is what you wish.”

I closed my eyes, focusing on Johanna’s hands.

Lately, I’ve been experiencing such daydreams more frequently. It started about three months ago, I think.

The daydreams grow shorter in span yet longer in content as time goes on, as if chasing after me.

There’s no consistency or pattern to when they occur, leaving me vulnerable.

What lies beyond the daydream? It’s frightening not knowing its true nature. No, perhaps it’s because I don’t know that I can stay sane.

Ah, but this place is―so unbearably cold.

Unconsciously seeking warmth, I clung to and embraced whatever was in front of me. A brief squeal was heard, but I didn’t care. I held on tighter, not to let go of the softness, as if covering it.

The object in my arms squirmed a bit, but that was all. Then, gently, hands were placed on my back, stroking slowly.

And I felt a little reassured.

＊＊＊

When I came to, it was the familiar ceiling that greeted me.

As I attempted to rise, something resting on my chest obstructed me.

My gaze trailed down to find silver, luscious hair cascading over my chest. Amal had nestled her face there, asleep.

I held Amal’s body and slowly sat up.

“Nnyu… faa, Andy-sama…”

Amal’s eyelids fluttered open, and in a slurred, relaxed voice, she called my name. An involuntary smile crossed my face as I brushed the hair from her cheek.

After a while of embracing, she seemed to awaken fully. She wrapped her arms around my neck, bending down to shower me with kisses.

“Mmm, Lord Andy… Johanna Scotus told me you had collapsed, I was so worried…”

Her kisses came one after another, leaving me wide-eyed in surprise.

I patted Amal’s shoulder and pulled away.

“Hey, decide whether you want to kiss or talk.”

“Then, I shall give you a kiss. Mmm.”

She answered immediately and leaned in for another kiss, but I held her forehead back to stop her. This girl has been quite unrestrained lately.

“Hey, wait!”

I raised my hand, giving the ‘wait’ hand signal.

With a whine like that of a spoiled child, Amal came to a well-behaved halt. Eye contact suggested she should back off. She lowered her eyebrows and pulled away with a dejected look. She’s been increasingly dog-like these days.

While fidgeting, Amal looked up at me with puppy eyes.

Her lips, glossy and moist from our earlier act, caught my attention. I swallowed. Struggling to look away, I addressed Amal.

“Hey, what happened to me?”

“…Johanna Scotus said that you collapsed while you were talking. You were probably struck by the sun after the fieldwork. She carried you here on her back.”

“Wait, you talked to Johanna?”

“No… I only heard her say that from the other side of the door.”

So she hadn’t actually spoken directly. Monologues don’t make for a conversation. That must have been what Johanna did.

“Um, Andy-sama, are you… feel better now?”

“Eh? Oh, yeah, I guess I am.”

“Umm…, Amal has been waiting properly, so I would like a reward.”

Like an eager puppy, Amal lunged at me, which I caught and patted her back to calm her down. Amal was rubbing against me, persistently marking her scent, probably because I still carried the scent of Johanna, who had carried me.

Before I knew it, Amal was staring intently into my face. Her expectant gaze wore me down, and I mentally waved the white flag.

“Alright, alright… So, what do you want for a reward?”

“A kiss… and then, that.”

“Ah, as Amal pleases.”

Before she could finish, I understood and pulled her delicate body close. We shared a deep kiss, and a thought crossed my mind.

Come to think of it, I started having frequent daydreams about three months ago. Right around the time I first embraced Amal.

For some reason, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t unrelated.