Saint's Prison - Chapter 82

The Lost Lamb

“…Excuse me.”

I slowly opened the door and looked around.

The room was surprisingly simple. There were shelves covering the walls and an old desk. That was all there was in the room. I had expected the priest’s room to have a more impressive interior, so I was a bit taken aback.

An elderly man, who just lifted his face from the desk, stared at me. He was clearly not Japanese. His deep facial features and gentle green eyes left no doubt that he was a Westerner. I felt disappointed by that fact. Seeing my reaction, the priest, with his distinctive aquiline nose, narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“…What can I do for you?”

Hearing his question, I hurriedly bowed my head.

“Well, I apologize for the sudden intrusion. My name is Ando Ryu.”

“…How polite of you, a foreigner. My name is Benedict Bonosus. I am the head and priest of this Stonehurst Monastery.”

Despite his stern face, his voice was very gentle. Feeling reassured, I continued speaking.

“I know it may sound strange, but I’m not a suspicious person. I understand that it’s rude to answer a question with another question. However, please forgive me. I don’t know what’s going on myself.”

Father Benedict listened to my words quietly and urged me to continue with his gaze.

“Father, where is this place? It’s not Japan, right? Is it America, England, or perhaps France?”

“Hmm. It is true that this is not the land called “Nihon.” Moreover, I have never heard of such countries. …The land we live in is called Saxony.”

“…Saxony?”

“Yes, the northern part of Saxony. Beyond the valleys and hills, deep within a dense forest. This is the Stonehurst Monastery in Totwald. That is where you, a foreigner, are now. You must have traveled a dangerous journey.”

Saxony.

It was a completely unfamiliar place name.

I was getting confused. I understood that this was not Japan, even though I didn’t want to accept it. But, how is it possible not to know about America, England, or France? It wasn’t that Amal was ignorant; it’s that this place was not in the world I knew. It seemed as if it was a different world altogether.

“No, I didn’t travel here. I don’t even know how I got here. When I woke up, I was lying in the chapel.”

“…The chapel?”

Father Benedict held his breath. He looked around, and the calm atmosphere from earlier disappeared. He repeatedly stroked his aquiline nose.

“Did you… see it?”

“See? Well, I saw the interior of the chapel normally.”

“That’s not what I meant. That’s not what I meant.”

What is he trying to say?

I thought for a moment.

Countless candles. Rotten, worn-out pews. A cold, damp floor. A high ceiling and a windowless, gloomy place, with a stone statue standing out with both hands raised to the sky.

―――And then, the beautiful girl, Amalthea.

“Other than that, I met a girl. Um, Amal. Uh, a sister of the monastery? I met Amalthea-san and she told me about this place. That’s really all there is.”

Hearing that, Father Benedict trembled greatly.

Books piled on the desk fell to the floor. Even from a distance, it was obvious that he was quite shaken. I didn’t think I did anything to upset him. Or maybe I was being rude without realizing it. On second thought, I’m already trespassing, so isn’t it beyond rudeness and more like a crime? Oh no. I hope they don’t report me.

“…You saw her and talked to her?”

“Uh? Yeah, well. When I woke up, she was there. Was I not supposed to?”

Father Benedict lowered his eyes. It was a gesture as if he feared something.

“…No. But are you alright?”

“Yes, even though I said I collapsed, I was just sleeping. I’m not hurt, and I’m in perfect health.”

“I see,” Father Benedict nodded and closed his eyes.

“…Peregrinus. Ah, that must be it. I understand. I understand.”

“…Father?”

Seeing the priest nodding his head, I felt a little uneasy. Although his tone was slow, there was an atmosphere in which he did not say anything.

“You are a foreigner. Let’s allow you to stay here in Stonehearst until you calm down. There is no gate that can be closed to a lost lamb.”

I don’t know why, but apparently he allowed me to stay. I’m in a situation where I don’t know who’s right and who’s left, so I’ll appreciate the favor. He bows his head tentatively.

“thank you”

“…Now then, let me prepare your room. I will prepare everything you need here. It will take some time, so why don’t you take a walk around the monastery? However, don’t go near that chapel. Don’t let it happen.”

Priest Benedict said as he picked up the book that had fallen on the floor and placed it on the desk. Then, he lowers his gaze again and starts reading the book. Does that mean there’s nothing more to say? After bowing my head again, I put my hand on the door to leave the room.

He kept nodding. There was an atmosphere around him that said he didn’t want to talk any further. Is that it? I bowed my head again and reached for the door to leave the room.

“―――Ah, welcome to our Stonehurst. Invited by the primordial dream, may God’s blessings be upon you so that you do not lose yourself.”

I heard such a voice from behind.