Report to a Noble, Blessings of the Tree of Life, and the Village Chief’s Dilemma
Several days had passed since the moving reunion between the visitors from the forest and the refugees. Having rested and confirmed the safety of their people, the leader of the search party bowed deeply before Akio.
“Village Chief, and everyone here—we owe you a debt of gratitude that words cannot express. We shall return to our lord and report this miraculous reunion, as well as the wonders of your village. We also hope to discuss how we might support you in the future.”
Akio nodded, offering them food and medicinal herbs for their journey.
“Please, travel safely. And give your lord my regards. We wish only to live here in peace.”
With heartfelt thanks and a promise to return, the search party departed toward their homeland. What they would report to their noble, and what impact that might bring to Akio’s village, was yet unknown—but a new path of connection had clearly opened.
Meanwhile, Akio’s heart remained troubled over the Sacred Spirit. Since the wives’ meeting had ended without resolution, he had arranged a private conversation with her.
Beneath the Tree of Life, she stood in her beautiful transformed form, radiant and serene. Akio faced her with an earnest gaze.
“Sacred Spirit-sama… I know how deeply you love me, this village, and this forest. Your sincerity comes through to me more than you can imagine. I truly want to honor those feelings.”
The Spirit listened quietly, her eyes glimmering with affection and hope.
“But,” Akio continued, “if bearing a child means you might lose your sacred power… I can’t allow that. I couldn’t bear to see you suffer that kind of loss.”
It was his honest, unguarded heart speaking—the voice of a man who cherished her deeply.
The Spirit’s brows knit faintly, but seeing the kindness and conflict behind Akio’s eyes, she did not grow angry or sad. She simply looked back at him, calm and resolute.
“… Akio. Your kindness can be cruel at times. Yet my feelings are not so easily cast aside, you know?”
Her words carried both her unyielding will and her unwavering love. Akio felt himself torn once again—between the wish to grant her desire and the need to protect her from danger.
At that time, a new blessing came upon the village. Whether it was a direct result of the Sacred Spirit having eaten the fruit, or the Tree of Life itself awakening, the land around it had grown visibly more fertile. The herbs and vegetables planted nearby flourished with vibrant life. Buds swelled on the great tree’s branches, hinting that another round of “Blessed Fruit” would soon ripen. The divine tree’s bounty was clearly spreading throughout the entire village.
The town’s development was also progressing steadily. The childcare facility Tree of Life Nursery, led by Ayane and Celestina with Dolgan and the others’ support, was nearly complete. Soon, the cheerful voices of children would fill its halls. The mothers of the village rejoiced at the thought of having a safe place to entrust their little ones.
Meanwhile, the soybeans Akio had been cultivating experimentally finally reached their first harvest. Holding a golden pod in his hand, he couldn’t help but smile with deep emotion.
“All right! Time to try making miso, soy sauce, and tofu!”
At his cheerful declaration, the central hall’s kitchen bustled with excitement. The villagers, fascinated by the unfamiliar crop, crowded around to watch Akio as he began experimenting to recreate the flavors of his homeland.
The Sacred Spirit’s heartfelt wish—and Akio’s anguish over her safety.
The report soon to reach the nobles, bringing who knew what kind of new winds.
And the Tree of Life’s blessings, nurturing the town’s steady growth.
Akio began searching for an answer—one that could fulfill the Sacred Spirit’s grand dream of “recreating the forest,” without endangering her life. Alongside the future of the town, he sought a new path forward.
What do you think about this chapter?
