Chapter 32

The Tailors of the Forest and the Guests Who Awoke
The immediate issue was their clothing. Celestina’s dress was in tatters, Leonora’s leather armor was damaged, and their underclothes were filthy with blood and mud.

“Akio, Sylvia… we have to do something about their clothes…” Ayane said worriedly. Their simple clothes made of animal hides clearly didn’t suit such highborn individuals—nor did they have any spares.

“You’re right… First, we’ll need materials. Sylvia, do you have any ideas?” Akio asked.

Sylvia nodded. “There are plants in this forest similar to nettles, from which we can extract strong fibers. Also, the bark from certain young trees, properly treated, can be turned into soft, pliable fabric. It’ll take time, though.”

“We can’t afford to worry about time. Ayane, do you know anything about spinning or weaving?”

“Yes, I learned a little in the village. I can manage simple things…” Ayane replied.

“Alright, that’s settled. I’ll head into the forest with Alto and Sylvia to gather materials. Ayane, while we’re gone, could you take their measurements? But don’t force anything, alright?”

And so, Akio’s family’s “Forest Tailor Shop” was suddenly in business. Akio, Alto, and Sylvia ventured into the woods, collecting plant stalks suitable for thread, bark that could be processed into cloth, and the skins of small animals with soft fur, caught using traps, under Sylvia’s guidance.

At the cabin, Ayane, with Sylvia’s help, carefully processed the plant fibers, slowly spinning thread with a primitive spindle that Akio had quickly fashioned. The children watched with fascination, sometimes even trying their hands at spinning.

Akio, who had once made a small loom to teach the children the basics of weaving, modified it to produce larger fabric, making repeated adjustments.

Meanwhile, Celestina and Leonora, regaining their strength, began venturing outside the annex to walk around the cabin. They were visibly surprised and perplexed by the humble yet resourceful lifestyle of Akio’s family—making pottery from clay, firing bricks, hauling firewood with carts, and cultivating fields. What particularly touched them was seeing children of all ages taking responsibility and living energetically.

During meals, when Ayane served stew of vegetables and dried meat simmered in an earthen pot, along with fragrant black bread made from ground nuts, Leonora fixed a sharp gaze on the food.

“Forgive me, but I must taste it first,” Leonora declared, accepting a spoon from Ayane. She sampled the stew first, checking for taste and signs of poisoning. Then, she tore a small piece of bread and ate it. After observing herself for a moment, she finally turned to Celestina.

“... It seems safe, Ojousama. Please, go ahead.”

Celestina gave a faint nod of gratitude and cautiously tasted the stew. “... It’s warm… and delicious,” she said with a fragile smile.

Leonora, reassured by her mistress’s words and well-being, began eating herself, though her vigilance never waned.

“To think we’d have such a meal in a place like this…” Leonora muttered in disbelief.

“I’m glad it suits your tastes, Celestina Ojousama, Leonora-san,” Ayane replied with a warm smile.

The children were utterly fascinated by Celestina’s beauty and Leonora’s dignified presence. Especially Yume, who often wanted to approach Celestina, but was held back by Leonora’s sharp glares. One day, however, Yume tripped on a small rock near the herb garden and nearly burst into tears. Celestina, seeing this from the annex window, called out gently, “Oh dear, are you alright?” and even Leonora forgot her stern demeanor momentarily, showing genuine concern. Sylvia quickly rushed over to tend to Yume, but this brief moment revealed the kindness hidden in their hearts.

As the threads were spun and fabric slowly woven on Akio’s improved loom by Ayane and Sylvia, they tirelessly worked with a vision in their hearts—seeing Celestina and Leonora dressed in fresh, clean clothes, smiling.

At night, Akio and Sylvia, alone together, spoke in hushed tones about the false graves deep in the forest.

“When should we tell them…?” Akio asked grimly.

“... Not yet. Only after they’ve fully recovered, and trust us completely. The truth would surely come as a heavy blow,” Sylvia replied.

Akio could only nod in agreement.

Harboring the weight of hidden truths, Akio and his family quietly began nurturing an awkward but gradually warming relationship with their two new—perhaps soon to be—family members. Completing their new clothes would be the first step on this path.

What do you think about this chapter?