Saint's Prison - Chapter 69

A name that isn’t called…

Inhale, exhale.

Eat.

Sleep.

Every day, it’s a repetition of the same.

A colorless world.

A cold, closed door.

An inescapable darkness.

I had no reason to live.

Yet, I’m kept alive.

Emotions are just a nuisance.

If I don’t think about anything, I can become stronger.

Because I’m alone, I have nothing to lose.

Closing my eyes, I patiently wait for time to pass.

Surely, someday, the end will come.

＊＊＊

I swing the hoe single-mindedly.

Every time I scrape up the soil, the dust dances around and sticks to my body. Regardless, I swing the hoe again.

This work contributes to my repayment to the monastery.

Thinking this way, even hard labor didn’t feel burdensome. On the contrary, I even felt joy.

In Japan, my work was mainly desk work, so there was hardly any physical labor like this.

When I first came here, it was a continuous struggle, and even now thinking about it brings a wry smile to my face.

Nevertheless, the reason I managed to come this far is thanks not only to Amal, but also to the monks like Francesco and Johanna.

Sweat trickles down my face.

After all, once this is over, I will take a bath. If so, wiping it is the same thing. My vision is blurred with sweat, but it’s not something to worry about.

“… Kuro-kun, why don’t we take a break soon? Being passionate is good, but moderation is important in all things.”

I stop my hand and look up.

Standing before my gaze, there was a single priest. Auburn hair, thoughtful and gentle gaze. He looks to be in his early 30s.

His name is Simeon Galatia.

He is one of the priests at Stonehurst who has been kind to me.

“Simeon-san…”

When I call his name, Simeon-san quietly smiles. Then, he raises the wooden cup, similar to a beer mug with a lid, he’s holding.

“Here, I brought some chilled piquette with well water. Let’s take a break and sip it in the shade.”

“…Thank you. I appreciate it.”

I wasn’t that tired, but I didn’t want to waste his kind offer. As told, I moved away from the field and sat down under a nearby broadleaf tree.

Simeon-san sat next to me and handed me the cup.

I open the lid of the cup and take a sip. The chilled piquette spreads in my mouth. I let out a sigh of relief. Then, I gulp down the piquette at once.

“Is it tasty?”

“Yes, very much so.”

“I see. That’s good.”

Simeon-san laughed. It’s a likable smile. Just looking at it, you can tell his gentle character. He’s a thoughtful person, and when he sees me working, he often brings me things like this.

“…I feel bad, always receiving something.”

“It’s fine. You work hard, after all.”

“No, it’s… you guys are amazing.”

“Haha, there’s no need to be modest. You could even brag a bit more.”

“I’m Japanese, so… bragging is a bit…”

I mumble, beating around the bush. I’m not used to being praised, so the embarrassment comes first.

“…Nihonjin? By the way, where were you born? You have a look I’ve never seen before.”

“Ah, um…”

I faltered.

I can’t say I came from the future of Japan.

After all, Japan probably isn’t even recognized by people in Europe at this time.

“…Far, far away from here. At the farthest east. I came from an island country called Japan.”

“Island country…?”

“Yes. It’s a great place. There are four seasons, and the beauty of each season is a matter of pride. I like spring the most among them. In spring, a tree called sakura blooms full of flowers. There’s no Japanese who dislikes sakura. It’s that beautiful. I wish I could have shown it to you, Simeon-san.”

“I see. It sounds like a very nice place. I’d like to visit someday.”

I’ll guide you when that time comes, I thought of saying such words. It’s a story of a future that will never come.

To shake off that thought, I change the subject.

“By the way, Simeon-san. I’ve always wanted to ask, why does everyone call me ‘Kuro’? They could just call me by my name. Whether it’s Andou, Ryu, or Andrew is fine.”

“That is…”

Simeon-san suddenly lowered his eyes. With a mechanical, rigid movement like a rusted machine. An atmosphere that seemed to darken and stagnate. The previously calm atmosphere disappeared. However, it lasted only a moment, and Simeon-san immediately raised his face. Smiling, he spoke to me in a soothing tone.

“…Well, it’s like a nickname. It’s easier to get familiar with, don’t you think?”

A voice that didn’t allow any objections. Eyes like a dark, bottomless swamp.

Ah, I know these eyes. They are the eyes of Francesco and the priest, fearful of something.

The reason they don’t call my name is not because I’m a foreigner, is it?

For a completely different reason… for instance, something related to the secret of Stonehurst.

“Well, let’s get back to work soon. You’ve had enough rest, haven’t you?”

“…Right, yes.”

At those words, I nodded and stood up. I grabbed the hoe I had left beside me and headed for the field.

“You are mine alone.”

I heard a whispering voice from behind.

I didn’t look back. I had a feeling that I shouldn’t look back.

Because it wasn’t Simeon-san’s voice, but a younger… a girl’s voice.

Was it a hallucination?

Or was there someone behind me?

I didn’t have the courage to confirm that.