The Vow of New Growth, the Love Nest, and the Outsiders at the Forest’s Edge
Several weeks had passed since Ayane confided her innermost thoughts to Sylvia and renewed her vow as an adult at fifteen. Autumn had deepened quickly, and the forest’s vibrant tapestry of red and gold gradually faded into the stillness of approaching winter. The changes in Ayane did not go unnoticed by the family. The once somewhat reserved girl now carried herself with quiet confidence and a steadfast desire to support the household. Her passion for learning herbal lore from Sylvia was clear, and she eagerly took part in Akio’s work, occasionally even offering keen insights that proved helpful. Her radiant smile had become like a sunbeam to the entire family.
At the same time, the construction of Akio and Sylvia’s new “love nest”—a modest yet beautiful annex attached to the cabin, featuring Sylvia’s personal herb-mixing room, study, and their shared bedroom—was nearing its final stages. The building, a seamless blend of Akio’s expert carpentry and Sylvia’s elven sensitivity to harmony with the forest, was breathtaking despite its simplicity. The children had helped wherever they could, and both Ayane and Alto had been involved in the design phase, discussing ideas with Akio. The project symbolized more than just a new living space—it was a celebration of the future Akio and Sylvia would share, and a source of joy for the whole family.
It was during this peaceful and fulfilling time, on a late autumn day, that everything began to shift.
Akio had gone out with Alto to gather the last of the firewood and check the traps, venturing a bit farther than usual, near the edge of the forest. Little by little, the cart behind them filled with dry logs.
“The leaves are all gone here too. Winter really is close now,” Akio said, glancing up at the sky.
“Yeah, but we’ve got plenty of firewood and food, and your and Sylvia’s new room is almost done. I’m actually kind of looking forward to winter,” Alto replied with a cheerful smile.
That was when it happened.
“… Hm? Did you hear that?”
Akio suddenly stopped, frowning. He listened carefully. Mixed with the sound of wind came a faint, but unmistakable, trace of human voices—and a dragging sound, like something being pulled along the forest floor.
“Sylvia told me we shouldn’t go deeper into the forest from here…”
He hesitated for a moment. But the noise stirred a deep unease in his chest. Turning to Alto, Akio said firmly, “Stay here. Don’t move, no matter what.” With that, he cautiously moved toward the source of the sound.
Pushing through the undergrowth, he soon reached a small clearing—and there, his breath caught in his throat at the sight before him.
Two women lay collapsed on the ground.
One wore an ornate dress—though it was torn, muddied, and bloodstained—and leaned limply against a tree root, her face pale. Even in such dire condition, her beauty and grace were unmistakable. This was Celestina.
The other lay protectively beside her, clad in battered leather armor and clutching a half-drawn sword. Her breathing was ragged, but her sharp eyes still burned with fierce resolve. This was Leonora. Noticing Akio’s presence, she summoned the last of her strength to lift her sword—but her arm faltered, and the blade slipped from her grasp.
“… Hh… Who… are you… I won’t… let you lay a finger… on the princess…”
Her broken voice was filled with unyielding determination.
It was clear the two women had been pursued or otherwise endangered, and both were in a critical state. Akio stared, stunned. At last, the calm world he had built in this secluded forest was about to be stirred by the turbulence of the outside world—and in the most dramatic way imaginable.
Raising his hands slowly to show he meant no harm, Akio spoke gently.
“… It’s all right. I’m here to help.”
Whether or not the wounded knight heard him was uncertain. Akio quickly called Alto over, knowing he had to make a decision, and fast. Taking these women in would surely disrupt their peaceful life. And yet… he could never turn away those in need—not when they were right in front of him.
In the quiet depths of the forest, Akio’s fate—and the fate of his family—was about to change dramatically, with the arrival of these mysterious outsiders.
What do you think about this chapter?
