Blessings of the Sacred Tree, the Wives’ Wishes, and the Village Chief’s Resolve
Several days had passed since Akio began searching for a way to aid the Sacred Spirit’s “Forest Creation” plan without putting her safety at risk. As if answering the hopes of the people, the Tree of Life had once again borne a handful of Blessed Fruits upon its branches. Though few in number, each one radiated condensed vitality and a mysterious, sacred glow.
That day, Akio, his wives, and the Sacred Spirit gathered in the central hall to decide how to best handle these precious fruits.
“When Sacred Spirit-sama first ate one, we all saw the transformation with our own eyes,” Akio began. “These fruits may bring us blessings beyond measure.”
Sylvia nodded in agreement.
“Indeed. But the number is limited. We must choose carefully who should partake—and for what purpose.”
At that, Ayane turned to the Sacred Spirit.
“Sacred Spirit-sama… we have always called you that, but if you have a name of your own, may we know it? Or, if not, might we think of one to call you by?”
The other wives nodded with warm smiles. The Sacred Spirit blinked in slight surprise before returning their gaze with a gentle smile.
“… A name is proof of my being in this world. Yet now, no matter what you call me, if it feels right to my heart, that is enough. Perhaps, when I next partake of the fruit, a new name may come to me.”
Her words did not press for a name, but hinted at the possibility of one to come.
After discussion, they decided that Akio’s wives would each eat a fruit first, with prayers for their family and town, and afterward Akio himself would do the same. The remaining fruits would be handled later.
The first to take a fruit was Sylvia, the principal wife. She closed her eyes, praying for the health and peace of her family, and for the wisdom and strength to always stand beside Akio. As she ate, a pure light shone from her body, and her eyes seemed to deepen with compassion and quiet wisdom.
Next was Ayane. “I wish to be of service to Akio-sama and to protect our town and family,” she whispered before eating. A gentle warmth radiated from her, and her devoted love seemed to glow even brighter.
Kina, brimming with energy, grinned as she took her fruit. “For my husband, the kids, and everyone in the village to eat their fill and laugh every day! And to have even stronger babies, too!” she said, biting down cheerfully. Her beastkin vitality seemed to surge—her red hair gleamed like fire, and her eyes burned with new strength.
Leonora followed, solemn and resolute. “For the unshakable strength and spirit to defend Akio-dono and this town from any threat,” she prayed as a knight and ate her fruit. A dignified fighting aura rose from her, her gaze sharper but filled with a calm, gentle light.
Celestina was last among the wives. “May Akio-sama, our children, and all the people of this town live forever in peace and happiness. And… may the forest of my homeland be blessed once more someday,” she whispered, then ate the fruit. A serene radiance like that of a Sacred mother enveloped her, and her graceful beauty shone even more brightly.
Finally, Akio took a fruit in his hands. He thought of his wives’ prayers, the Sacred Spirit’s wishes, and the happiness of every soul in his growing town. But above all, he prayed for the wisdom and power to fulfill the Sacred Spirit’s dream of forest creation without endangering her life.
When he finished eating, a surge of golden light burst from his body. The once-ambiguous powers within him—“Enhancement” and “Harmony”—felt as if they were taking on clearer, more defined form. Strength welled up from deep within, his mind sharpened to a new clarity, and most of all, he could feel a vivid, living connection to nature itself—to the forest, the earth, and all living things.
(With this… I might truly find a way…!) Akio felt it clearly—an answer might be within reach.
The Sacred Spirit watched quietly as Akio and his wives ate the fruits, her eyes full of deep interest and expectation. It was as though she waited to see how the powers they had gained might shape her plan—or reveal a new possibility entirely.
A few fruits still remained. They could not be shared with everyone, and the question of how to distribute such precious blessings became a new challenge for Akio’s growing town.
Meanwhile, the village continued to thrive. Under Akio’s guidance, dishes made from the newly harvested soybeans—miso soup, grilled fish with soy sauce, and the first-ever tofu—were served to the villagers. Everyone was astonished by the rich, unfamiliar flavors. The tofu’s silky texture especially delighted both children and elders, bringing new joy and color to their meals.
The childcare center Tree of Life Nursery was finally complete. Ayane, Celestina, and several experienced mothers welcomed the children as caretakers. In the sun-dappled courtyard beneath the sacred tree’s shade, the laughter of toddlers and the cheerful cries of infants filled the air, wrapping the entire town in warmth and happiness.
No word had yet come from the envoys who had gone to report to their lord. Akio continued his work each day with quiet determination, preparing for whatever future awaited—balancing the Sacred Spirit’s dilemma, the town’s growth, and the uncertain contact that might soon come from the outside world.
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