Saint's Prison - Chapter 94

Stay by my side and keep me warm.

I don’t believe in God.

However, I affirm the existence of God. Not because I want to, but because I must. It’s something I cannot forgive if it’s not true. Absolutely, unforgivable.

I cannot love God.

Hatred, pain, tragedy – all the negative emotions lurking within me are directed toward God.

While denying the faith in God, I still wish for His existence.

As long as we are us.

As long as I am part of us.

Embracing such a contradiction, I offer my prayers again today.

* * *

The air was a mix of moisture, dust, and the foul smell of mold. The ceiling was astonishingly high, and the countless candles placed haphazardly couldn’t fully illuminate the space. The dim darkness enveloped the chapel relentlessly.

It’s cold here.

Even though the actual temperature isn’t that low, I felt unbearably cold. I hugged my body to prevent any more heat from escaping, thus anchoring my unstable self. I am certainly here. After several deep breaths, I lifted my face.

Before me stood the statue of Kaelum Stonehurst, with arms raised as if looking up to the sky. Was he praying to God or confessing his sins?

“He is holding up a chalice,”

a voice came from behind.

It was a young woman’s voice, clear as spring water. I knew this voice. I definitely knew it.

“Shizuyo?”

I turned around.

Black hair blending into the darkness, pale cheeks devoid of life, and lustrous lips. The candle’s flame flickered, casting deep shadows on the red kimono Shizuyo wore.

It was a decadent beauty.

Despite her innocent and charming appearance, she exuded a somewhat bewitching aura.

“Nii-san,”

Shizuyo smiled.

“Shizuyo… Why are you here? Am I dreaming again?”

“Yes, it’s a dream. If that’s what you wish, nii-san, then it certainly is a dream,”

“If it’s… what I wish for?”

Clack…

The dry sound echoes off the ceiling.

Click-clack, clack.

It’s the sound of geta sandals.

Clack, click-clack, clack, click-clack.

Shizuka is coming closer.

I instinctively step back.

“I… have been waiting for you, nii-san. Always, always waiting. The yesterday without you, the today without you, the tomorrow without you—I’ve repeated them over and over, grieving and yearning, but still dreaming of the day you’ll surely return… Yes, dreaming of that unseen hope.”

I could not say anything. No, I had no right to say anything. Whatever the reason, I left my sister behind. That fact never goes away. I can’t lose it. I bite her lip and keep her quiet.

Shizuyo gently stroked my cheek. Her hands were surprisingly cold. She was as bloodless as a dead person. At the same time as I thought that, I placed my hand on her sister’s hand. Ah, I wonder if this will make it a little warmer. Shizuyo’s shoulders shook and she leaned closer to me.

“Why am I—”

Despite declaring it a dream, I find myself trying to confirm the reality of the dream. It’s a contradictory line of thought. There should be nothing to gain from it. Because I’ve already lost that which I seek.

“…I don’t resent you, nii-san. Nor do I hate you. I just want to continue the dream.”

Saying so, Shizuyo gazed into my eyes and gently narrowed hers.

Red lips drew near.

I was embraced, unable to move.

Feeling the soft touch on my lips, my consciousness was swallowed by the light.

* * *

A wet, splashing sound reached my ears.

A lukewarm feeling crawling on my lips. As if to moisturize the dry skin, a soft tongue persistently lubricates it. The movements are intense, but above all gentle.

My vision gradually became clearer.

Silver hair flowing down.

A beauty that seemed almost otherworldly.

And those piercing red eyes that seemed to see through everything.

“…Amal?”

“Mwah, mm, good morning, Andy-sama.”

With a smooch and a morning greeting, Amal released her lips from mine.

She did it again, kissing me while I was asleep.

She must have taken a liking to it, as she’s been using this method to wake me up lately.

“Ah, good morning. But Amal, as passionate as a morning kiss can be, can’t you wake me up in a more ordinary way?”

Averting her gaze, Amal wore the expression of a child caught playing a prank.

“But, Andy-sama, this is my normal way,” she said.

“What’s normal to you, huh? You lecherous woman. Big brother won’t forgive you.”

“Andy-sama is not my brother. He’s my lover!”

The girl puffs out her cheeks in displeasure, “Muu.” That’s where she chooses to take offense? For now, I give her cheek a poke. It just causes her cheeks to puff out even more. Enter the Amal squirrel. The term “Amal squirrel” refers to a category of Amal-order, Amal-family creatures known for their squishy, affectionate nature.

“As your lover and older brother,” I declare.

“But, Andy-sama…”

“No buts. I won’t listen to them.”

“Ugh, you’re mean. Andy-sama, you’re so mean!”

She hugs me with great energy.

If I say any more, she’ll evolve into a sulking, sulking Amal squirrel, so I stop there. I tense my abs and rise to my feet while still holding Amal.

Smooth and fine skin, large breasts, and a smooth curve from the waist to the buttocks. I caress each piece as if to confirm its mixture of youthfulness and lustrous beauty. She felt the warmth of a living person.

“Amal is warm.”

“That’s because Andy-sama is by my side.”

“I don’t have a heating function, you know.”

“That’s what only Andy-sama thinks,” she asserts with conviction.

I’m taken aback by her declaration.

“Without Andy-sama, I’m as cold as ice,” she confesses.

Shizuyo’s cold hand that I felt in my dream flashes through my mind. Was Shizuyo the same, I wonder?

“Then, I guess I have no choice but to stay by your side to keep you warm.”

“Forever?”

“Well, as much as possible.”

“Forever.”

“Err, I’ll try my best.”

“Forever!”

“…Ah, forever.”

“Hehe, I’m happy,” she giggles.

Raising both hands, I surrender.

Amal, looking pleased, gently rocks her shoulders back and forth.