Saint's Prison - Chapter 58

The One That Fell Away

I have a sister.

No… had, would be more accurate.

This is because my sister, Shizuyo Ando, passed away 13 years ago.

She died at the young age of 15, a death far too early.

Although we were twins, we were fraternal, so we didn’t look alike at all. She had beautiful long raven hair, clear black eyes that were slightly upturned as if they were the night sky. Her demeanor was modest like a traditional Yamato Nadeshiko. Even though she was merely born earlier than me, she always addressed me as “Nii-san” and held me in esteem.

She was such a perfect sister that I sometimes wondered if we were truly related by blood.

We were born and raised in a remote village called Ryogo Village, hidden deep in the mountains of the Koshinetsu region, a place so remote it wouldn’t even appear on a map.

It was a village with a dubious legend that the remnants of the Heike Clan had hidden in this mountain to escape the pursuit of the Genji Clan and established a village. Left behind by time, the village had no gas or electricity, and the villagers lived in the old-fashioned way. The school was in a town beyond the mountain, and we had to wake up earlier than dawn, descend the mountain, and spend a few hours commuting by the only two buses a day. It was that much of a desperately rural place.

In such a closed village society surrounded by nature, a strict order was maintained with the influential family at the top. As a matter of fact, that influential family was my family, the Ando family.

From a young age, I was demanded to behave as the heir of the Ando family and was forced to live a suffocating life. Everyone watched my face and flattered me. I hated it, I really did.

Shizuyo always listened to my stories without ever showing a displeased face. And she always said this.

“No matter what, Shizuyo is on your side.”

Only when I was with Shizuyo, I could forget about the barriers and I felt truly at ease. My sister was the most precious thing to me. No, there was nothing more important than Shizuyo.

That’s why I left that house. That was the only way I could remain as Shizuyo’s brother.

And yet, I couldn’t protect a single thing.

I realized that mistake after Shizuyo was gone. After everything had ended.

***

“… Shizuyo”

“Shizuyo?”

At the muttered word, Amal, who had been combing her hair before bed, tilted her head. I stroked Amal’s cheek and exhaled quietly.

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Even though she said that, Amal frowned anxiously and watched my face. At such an adorable girl, I can’t help but give a bitter smile.

“Is that so…”

Even though she said that, her face was not convinced. I stared into Amal’s bright red eyes and showed her a smile.

“It’s okay. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

With that, Amal extended both hands to me. Her figure was like that of a compassionate Madonna. I approached Amal, who was sitting on the bed, in a daze. The girl smiled faintly and hugged my head gently. The soft sensation of her chest. A nice smell.

“Andy-sama, please tell Amal anything. I will listen to your words no matter what.”

Being gently stroked on the head. The sweet breath heard by my ear. My body’s strength drains away.

“… Don’t spoil me too much.”

“Why not?”

“Because it seems I’ll be a no good.”

“Absolutely not. I don’t care about any other gentlemen. I only want Andy-sama!”

Pouting, Amal puffs up her cheeks.

…That’s not the point to get angry about.

“I retract my statement. You’re a woman who can ruin me.”

“Hehehe.”

Blushing, she gives a shy smile.

Is that what makes her happy? She’s a strange one.

But, thank you. I’m glad to have Amal. I really think so.

I’m happy. I’ve got such a girl as my lover.

I pretend not to notice the prickling pain in my chest, and I gently hold Amal tight.