Saint's Prison - Chapter 49

Side Story: Amalthea

Amal’s PoV

―I offer my prayers.

I trip over the stone floor of the chapel. For a moment, my eyes narrow at the inorganic coldness, and I hide it by exhaling.

Pretending to be devout yet hollow, I raise both hands. I look up to God, receive communion, and show submission.

I mechanically perform these actions that are repeated every day. Neither my will nor emotions are involved in this.

People fear something invisible to the eye as a monster.

People worship something invisible to the eye as a god.

Where exactly is the difference?

I repeatedly ask and answer myself. No… from the start, I’m not seeking an answer.

Whether it’s a monster or a god, it will never become my only one.

The one I truly respect, adore, and offer my prayers to is only that person.

My one and only. My light. My lord. My… beloved Andy-sama.

The light of the trembling candles, rather, made this place even more gloomy.

The darkness squirmed, staring at me.

I merge with the darkness, melting into it.

I close my eyes and call out Andy-sama’s name.

＊＊＊

Once the worship was over, I immediately headed to Andy-sama’s room. Thinking that he is ahead makes the world, which was covered in mud and ash-grey, seem to be filled with vibrant colors and sparkling light.

I just walk straight down the long corridor.

This monastery is like a maze, intertwined except for the places where priests come and go. Dead-end corridors, doors that won’t open, rooms without entrances. …It’s not like a maze, it probably is a maze.

―Ah, it’s utterly ridiculous.

I spat out in my heart.

That’s why you guys made a mistake.

I quickly went through the corridor and arrived at Andy-sama’s room. My heart was pounding. The feeling of anticipation made me sigh.

With a feeling like touching a holy relic, I put my hand on the door and open it.

The light coming in from the window made me involuntarily narrow my eyes. After a beat, when I got used to it, I look around the room.

Immediately I found Andy-sama sitting on the bed, smiling gently. Amal, he called my name. Just that alone made my stomach flutter.

Originally, my name wasn’t a name at all.

Amalthea… is a word that represents “sin.”

Yes, if I dare say, it’s like a symbol. Just as livestock are categorized by numbers, we were called that way. So, this is not a name. It’s nothing more than a testament to the abominable sin.

Andy-sama has given me the name “Amal Hope.” He recognized me as me. How happy I was. How saved I was. Andy-sama probably doesn’t know. But that’s okay. That’s good enough. Only I know that fact. It’s my sweet secret that I won’t give to anyone else.

I clung to Andy-sama as if leaping at him.

Andy-sama laughed and held me. Held by his sturdy chest, I smiled ecstatically. My heart quickened, as if it would burst.

“Amal is like a puppy.”

“Yes. In front of Andy-sama, I become a dog. Please tell me anything. I’ll do anything. But, when I can do that, please praise me a lot, okay?”

“Haha, you’re more and more like a puppy.”

Andy-sama gently stroked my head.

I’m happy, I’m happy. I love you, I love you a lot. I’ll do anything. So please always do that.

I looked up at Andy-sama’s face.

The world, once muddied and ash-grey, now appeared vibrant and sparkling.

I casually pull on Andy-sama’s clothes.

A hand stroked my cheek and lips were dropped onto my forehead.

It’s not enough. Andy-sama is mean. He should know. I puffed my cheeks in annoyance. I pulled his clothes harder.

A laughing voice could be heard.

Then a hand was placed on my chin, and my face was turned upwards in a quick motion. The manly action almost made me ascend to heaven.

Forehead, cheeks, earlobe, nose, lips were lightly kissed in order, and finally reached my lips. Unable to hold back, I puckered my lips and shared a deep kiss.

My lower parts has been fluttering since just now. My body is longing for Andy-sama.

I want to be held.

I want to be connected forever.

If I can have a child, I wonder if I can tie Andy-sama down here. Oh, I want a wedge or a child as soon as possible.

Every night, I’m being held by him.

Perhaps, I’m already pregnant.

…I hope that’s the case.

I feel a tinge of guilt for treating my child as a chain to bind Andy-sama. But my love for Andy-sama is more than that.

I’ll do anything to stay with Andy-sama. Yes, I’ll even use my own child. I can’t stop myself, even though I find it disgusting and revolting.

…I’m sorry.

Was the softly muttered word an apology to Andy-sama? Or was it a confession to the yet unseen child who might be born? Or was it a word of parting to us?

―I still don’t know where the answer lies.