Saint's Prison - Chapter 67

Hometown Song

Leaving the pilgrim’s dormitory, I glanced back.

What on earth was Sophia-sama’s reaction just now? And Francesco’s response to it…

Sophia-sama reacted to the word “see”. Then she was scared of the “invisible” traces on the floor. What on earth did she see?

And why was Francesco so surprised by Sophia-sama’s reaction? Because what Sophia-sama saw was related to the secret of the monastery?

I thought about it and reconsidered the content of the vow.

The vow restricts all human senses: sight, hearing, touch.

Was Sophia-sama affected by it? But Sophia-sama is a visitor from outside. What is the scope of the vow in the first place?

Johanna advised me not to delve into the secrets of the monastery any further. Once you see it, it’s too late.

The vow is there to protect secrets, but it may also have been created to protect those involved with the monastery.

– Never look.

-Never listen.

-Never speak.

This is the so-called taboo at Stonehurst. If breaking it brings disaster, as Johanna says, then there must be something that can bring disaster.

Sophia-sama broke the taboo. That’s why she saw something terrifying enough to lose her sanity. Something I couldn’t see.

But then, when did Sophia-sama break the taboo?

The last thing I talked about with her was… the legend of the dragon slayer. Could that be related? Because I told her about it, something attacked Sophia-sama?

Then does the same thing happen to me, who heard the story?

A lukewarm wind blew from the vineyard. As if being blown by it, I started walking forward.

＊＊＊

When I returned to my room, Amal was singing a song sitting on the bed with his eyes closed. His voice was high and clear. It made me feel calm and wrapped in warmth.

I listened quietly.

After a few minutes, Amal finished singing and slowly opened his eyes. He noticed my presence immediately and blushed.

“Andy-sama, how long have you been there?!”

“Since halfway through. …I was surprised. Amal, you’re good at singing. I was completely absorbed.”

“…I’m embarrassed. You should have called me.”

“I can’t do such a waste. I want to hear more.”

I sat down next to Amal.

“What’s that song?”

“This is… a lullaby.”

“…I see. That’s why it’s so calming. Do you know any other songs?”

Amal looked up at me with an indescribable expression.

“I’m sorry. I only know this song.”

“Is that so? Then, shall I teach you other songs?”

“Really?!”

“Yes, of course. But don’t expect too much. I’m not very good at it.”

“No! Andy-sama, you have a very sexy low voice. Just hearing you sing will surely make Amal faint.”

That’s what she means, right? I instinctively pressed my brow.

“Faint, you…”

“It can’t be helped. It’s your fault for being too wonderful, Andy-sama!”

“Don’t be defiant… Maybe I should stop teaching you songs.”

“…Uuu, Andy-sama’s being mean.”

Amal puffed up his cheeks like a squirrel.

“Just kidding. What kind of song do you want? Let’s see… How about ‘Hometown’?”

“Furu…sato?”

“Yes, it’s a song that everyone knows in my country.”

I slowly started singing. The nostalgic melody.

The first time I learned this song was when I was in elementary school. Memories of Japan came flooding back to me.

“This is the song called ‘Hometown’… Amal?”

Amal lowered her head and shook her shoulders. She couldn’t have really fainted. I became worried and put my hand on her shoulder.

“Do you… want to go back to your hometown, Andy-sama?”

Her voice was like a lost child looking for her mother. I was taken aback by Amal’s words.

“…Well, I do feel like going home.”

Amal shook her body with a start. She must have imagined a future where I leave Stonehurst.

“But if I go home, I’ll take Amal with me.”

“…Eh?”

“No, there’s no way I would leave you behind. Amal is my woman. Remember that. Even if you don’t want to, I’ll take you with me.”

“…Ah, Andy-sama…”

Hearing my words, Amal shed tears. She wiped them away, but they wouldn’t stop. Large tears like rain fell onto her knees.

“Hey, if you wipe it like that, you’ll hurt your eyes.”

I gently grabbed Amal’s hand, which was wiping around her eyes. Amal nodded vigorously in response.

“…Andy-sama, please take me with you. Please take me with you too!”

“Yes, of course.”

“Uuu, Andy-sama, Sugi, I’m dying!”

She hugged me tightly, rubbing her head against my chest. She clung to me as if she would never let go. I hugged her back just as tightly.