Saint's Prison - Chapter 85

The Forgotten Dream

As I wandered around the monastery, it became clear that this place was indeed quite large. After parting with Amal, I toured various rooms such as the scriptorium, library, conversation room, and dining hall. I had never had the chance to learn how a monastery was constructed, so it was all quite fresh to me.

That being said, the dimly lit corridors, though not as much as the passageways leading to the chapel, were not particularly uplifting. I felt a heavy atmosphere throughout. Additionally, the monks I occasionally passed would stare at me with a puzzled look, which was quite uncomfortable.

My clothes were selected for hiking: a quick-drying black T-shirt and burb samar pants. I also had a storm cruiser jacket in my bag for temperature regulation. Since all the priests were wearing simple brown robes, my attire stood out quite a bit.

To escape from that, I returned to the cloister.

The sky was high and a clear blue. With a sigh of relief, I let out a breath.

“Ah, I’m tired. Too many things have happened. I can’t keep up.”

I entered the courtyard and sat down with my back against a convenient tree. The sunlight filtering through the leaves was gentle, and the sound of the branches swaying in the wind was audible. My head gradually began to blur. Wrapped in a comfortable doze, I slowly let go of consciousness.

***

A woman in a blue dress stood with her back to me, looking up at the sky. Even though I couldn’t see her face, I somehow knew she was indescribably beautiful. Her silver hair, which reached down to her waist, fluttered softly. I was captivated by her ethereal figure.

…This must be a dream.

Even as I dreamt, I was aware that it was a dream. Perhaps it was a lucid dream.

“――――Ah, you there.”

A gentle voice that one might use with a lover. My heart throbbed strongly.

“…You have come well. I have been waiting for you, for an immeasurably long time. I was about to forget even my own identity.”

Despite her words, she never turned around. Wondering why, I furrowed my brow.

“Hehe… Ah, there’s no need to be so guarded. By the time you wake up, you’ll have forgotten everything you’ve seen and heard here. In a way, that’s fortunate.”

I felt a sense of discomfort at those words. Why could she say that with such certainty?

“…How do you know that? It’s simple. You know, don’t you? That this is a dream. Well, it’s a dream, but it’s a nightmare, although reality and dreams aren’t that different. That’s why you don’t have to worry at all. This is for your protection. Seeing the real me would be too much for you to bear. If you are human, that would be natural.”

I was comforted with a hint of loneliness. She seemed to be very concerned about me.

“The primal dream will desire you because of its idiocy. Listen well. Awakening is not always salvation. Therefore, be cautious.”

My vision distorted. The sky was falling. The boundaries were unclear. The time to wake up was near.

Hehe, she laughed. It was a smile tinged with sadness.

“―――Goodbye, my dear.”

***

“―――Ah, are you awake?”

Startled by that voice, I quickly came to my senses. With sleepy eyes, I looked in the direction of the sound.

A woman in a simple black dress, with a veil over her head, was quietly watching me.

Perhaps she was a nun. I couldn’t help but stare intently at her.

Golden long lashes framed her blue eyes. A deep, high nose bridge. And her dignified posture. She was as beautiful as a Hollywood actress, perhaps even more so. She seemed to be in her early twenties.

I stood up and bowed.

“…Um, I’m sorry for sleeping in such a place.”

She narrowed her eyes and shook her head gently.

“No. I apologize for keeping you waiting. I have heard from Father Benedict. Your room is ready, so I’ve come to fetch you.”

“Ah, thank you. My name is Ando Ryu. Nice to meet you.”

“I am Johanna. Johanna Scotus. Please call me Johanna. …Kuro-dono.”

“Yes, Johanna-san. …Eh,Kuro.. dono?”

“Since your hair is black, I will call you that. I will not accept any objections. Now, let’s go.”

“Eh…”

What a forceful person. Since it seems objections aren’t allowed, I silently follow her. Somehow, this makes me feel anxious.

While silently following Johanna-san, I suddenly remembered.

(…That’s right, I feel like I had a dream. What was it about?)

No matter how hard I tried to remember, nothing came to mind.