Inhale, exhale.
Eat.
Sleep.
Every day, it’s a repetition of the sa.
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 beco stronger.
Because I’m alone, I have nothing to lose.
Closing my eyes, I patiently wait for ti to pass.
Surely, soday, the end will co.
＊＊＊
I swing the hoe single-mindedly.
Every ti 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 repaynt to the monastery.
Thinking this way, even hard labor didn’t feel burdenso. 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 ca 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 co 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 sa thing. My vision is blurred with sweat, but it’s not sothing 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 na is Sion Galatia.
He is one of the priests at Stonehurst who has been kind to .
“Sion-san…”
When I call his na, Sion-san quietly smiles. Then, he raises the wooden cup, similar to a beer mug with a lid, he’s holding.
“Here, I brought so 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.
Sion-san sat next to
and handed
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.”
Sion-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
working, he often brings
things like this.
“…I feel bad, always receiving sothing.”
“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 embarrassnt cos 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 ca from the future of Japan.
After all, Japan probably isn’t even recognized by people in Europe at this ti.
“…Far, far away from here. At the farthest east. I ca 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, Sion-san.”
“I see. It sounds like a very nice place. I’d like to visit soday.”
I’ll guide you when that ti cos, I thought of saying such words. It’s a story of a future that will never co.
To shake off that thought, I change the subject.
“By the way, Sion-san. I’ve always wanted to ask, why does everyone call
‘Kuro’? They could just call
by my na. Whether it’s Andou, Ryu, or Andrew is fine.”
“That is…”
Sion-san suddenly lowered his eyes. With a chanical, rigid movent like a rusted machine. An atmosphere that seed to darken and stagnate. The previously calm atmosphere disappeared. However, it lasted only a mont, and Sion-san imdiately raised his face. Smiling, he spoke to
in a soothing tone.
“…Well, it’s like a nickna. 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 sothing.
The reason they don’t call my na is not because I’m a foreigner, is it?
For a completely different reason… for instance, sothing 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
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 Sion-san’s voice, but a younger… a girl’s voice.
Was it a hallucination?
Or was there soone behind ?
I didn’t have the courage to confirm that.
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