Saint's Prison - Chapter 62

Sweet Honey

In Stonehurst, beekeeping is practiced.

The honey obtained from beekeeping is used in various ways, such as fermenting it into honey wine, processing it into beeswax necessary for religious ceremonies, or even serving as medicine.

In Christianity, honey was positioned as something very important.

As evidence, honey is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Furthermore, the existence of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of bees and beekeepers, is proof of this.

I was collecting such honey from morning with Francesco and several priests. The bees fly around desperately trying to separate us.

“Ouch!”

“Kuro-dono, are you okay?”

“Ugh, Francesco. I got stung by a bee. It’s throbbing.”

“Ah, you got stung. For now, squeeze out the stung area as I told you. What, it’s not that strong a poison, so if you cool it and take care of it, you’ll be fine.”

As Francesco told me, I squeezed the poison out of the back of my right hand with my fingers. It hurts a bit, but it’s not unbearable.

I made an excuse and went to the well.

I soaked the handkerchief I had in my pocket in the drawn well water and wrapped it around my right hand. The part was cooled, and the pain eased a little. Confirming that, I returned to the beekeeping place again.

“Francesco, sorry. I just got back.”

“Ah, sir. We’ve just finished taking out the nest. Half of it will be beeswax, and the other half will be used for honey wine. Let’s make beeswax today and finish.”

“I see, got it.”

We carried the hive from the beekeeping place to the furnace.

First, we removed the garbage well. Once that was done, we lit a fire in the hearth, poured water into a large pot, and brought it to a boil. We put the entire nest into that pot. Stir patiently until the nest melts into a slurry.

When it cools, it separates into layers of beeswax, impurities, and water. From there, we take out only the beeswax and melt it again.

We dip the thread repeatedly into the melted beeswax to make candles. This is the most time-consuming and tiring part because it is a simple task. But, on the other hand, there is a sense of accomplishment. I lost myself in the work, working from dawn to dusk.

***

By the time all the candles were finished, it was already evening.

We cleaned up and returned to the monastery. Francesco and the other priests were going to Mass, so we parted near the entrance of the monastery.

I proceeded to my room as it was.

When I arrived in my room and opened the door, I saw Amal sitting in a chair sewing. In medieval Europe, sewing was considered a task for women of good families. However, nuns also learn spinning and sewing along with etiquette, so it cannot be said categorically.

“Amal, I’m home.”

“Andy-sama, welcome back!”

Amal stares at me and lights up her face.

Seeing that makes my fatigue fly away.

I walk up to Amal and peek into the embroidery she is sewing.

“Wow, you’re good.”

What was sewn was a blue flower, and its high degree of completion could be seen at a glance. I was very impressed, so I opened my eyes wide without thinking.

“… Thank you. I’m very happy.”

“Hey… is this by any chance the flower I gave you before?”

“… Yes. I thought I’d give it to Andy-sama as a charm.”

“Oh, I see. Yeah, thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing it completed.”

“Hehe, I’ll do my best.”

I stroke Amal’s head with my un-stung left hand. Amal narrows her eyes as if it feels good and brings her face closer. The usual silent invitation for a kiss. I laugh and drop a kiss on her lovely lips, just touching them.

Accepting that, Amal showed a face of ecstasy. She seems unable to bear it, and as if urging for more, she ran her fingers over my lips and shivered as if she had realized something.

“Andy-sama, what happened to your right hand?”

“… Right hand? Oh, this. I just got stung by a bee when I was getting honey.”

“Andy-sama, how pitiful. If I could, I would take your place. Who… who let Andy-sama do such a dangerous thing?”

Amal let out a chillingly low voice from the bottom of her stomach. It sounded like she couldn’t hide her anger. To calm her down, I let her put down her embroidery and needle on the desk and took her freed hand.

“Amal, you’re really exaggerating. I’m fine. It’s not a big deal, so don’t worry.”

“But, but… Andy-sama!”

“Amal, I’m really okay. And, I owe it to this place for letting a foreigner like me live here. I want to work for the monastery as much as I can. Please understand.”

Amal dropped her shoulders and made a sad face. In her heart, there seems to be a struggle between the thought of not wanting to deny my feelings and the thought of hating seeing me hurt. After a few minutes of silence, Amal raised her head and muttered weakly that she understood.

“… If that’s what Andy-sama wishes. But Andy-sama, please let me know first if anything happens. I’m most afraid of losing Andy-sama. If it’s to protect Andy-sama, I’ll do anything.”

“… I appreciate it, but isn’t that a bit overprotective?”

“There’s no such thing. To me, Andy-sama is the only one. The person I love no matter what. Without Andy-sama, I can’t live anymore. So, it’s also for my own sake.”

“… I see. But don’t overdo it.”

“Yes, please leave it to me.”

Amal nods deeply.

Does she really understand?

I was left with a sense of unease, but I could not condemn that thought.