Clothing of Forest Colors and Hearts Beginning to Open
Since Celestina and Leonora had been taken in at Akio's annex, the seasons shifted from late autumn to early winter. The forest trees had mostly shed their leaves, and the air in the mornings and evenings grew bitingly cold. Yet inside Akio’s cottage and the annex, warmth from the hearth and human companionship filled the air.
The top priority—making clothes for the two—progressed steadily under Ayane and Sylvia’s guidance, with the whole family pitching in. The tough fibers from nettle-like plants Sylvia had gathered and the supple inner bark of certain young trees were carefully processed by Ayane. Using primitive spindles and a simple loom Akio had refined, these raw materials were transformed, bit by bit, into thread and then into simple yet durable cloth. The children joined in, diligently helping to loosen fibers and wind thread with their little hands. Akio crafted several smooth, polished sewing needles from hard wood, far easier to use than bone needles, much to Ayane’s delight. Sylvia, with her knowledge of natural dyes, colored the cloth in calming forest hues—deep greens and earthy browns—using berries and roots from the woods.
Meanwhile, Celestina and Leonora gradually regained their strength, spending more time outside their room during the day, strolling around the cabin and quietly observing Akio and the others at work. During meals, Leonora remained vigilant, fulfilling her duty of tasting the food first. Whenever Ayane brought in stew of root vegetables and dried meat simmered in an earthen pot or fragrant black bread, Leonora would carefully sample each, testing for taste and any signs of poison before assuring Celestina it was safe. Only then would Celestina begin to eat. Watching this ritual, Akio and his family were reminded of Leonora’s deep loyalty and the lingering caution that still gripped the pair.
One day, the long-awaited clothes were finally completed. For Celestina, a simple yet elegant dress in forest green, designed to complement her grace. For Leonora, practical, sturdy garments—an earth-toned tunic and trousers suited for ease of movement. Each piece was imbued with the warmth and care of Ayane and Sylvia’s handiwork. When Ayane, looking slightly nervous, handed them over, Celestina touched the soft fabric and thought of the time and effort these people had devoted to them. Her beautiful eyes brimmed with tears.
“… This is the most heartfelt gift I’ve ever received. Thank you, Ayane-san, Sylvia-san… everyone… truly, thank you.”
Her voice trembled with emotion. Leonora, examining the functional, well-made clothes, gave a curt but heartfelt response.
“… I am deeply grateful. I will not forget this kindness.”
Wearing their new clothes, they seemed a little lighter in both body and heart. Celestina even smiled softly at her reflection in a mirror Akio had fashioned from polished obsidian—a sight that warmed everyone’s hearts.
Perhaps it was this smile that brought about the next change. That afternoon, while basking in the sunlight outside, Celestina watched Miko and Yume happily painting on wooden boards Akio had made, using “forest drop” pigments Sylvia had taught them to prepare. As Celestina quietly observed their innocent play, a shadow of sorrow passed through her eyes.
“… I had a younger sister, around their age, back in my homeland…”
The softly whispered words reached Ayane, who was nearby tending to the herb garden.
“Celestina Ojousama …?” Ayane called gently.
And then, as though a dam had broken, Celestina slowly began to speak of herself. She told of how they were driven from their homeland by unknown enemies, how many loyal retainers had sacrificed their lives, and how they barely escaped to this forest. She confessed the crushing despair of possibly never being able to return home. Though she never mentioned the name of her country or her true title as “princess,” her words made it painfully clear she was no mere merchant’s daughter.
That night, after hearing from Ayane about Celestina’s confession, Akio and Sylvia fell into a heavy silence before exchanging determined looks.
“… Sylvia, perhaps the time has come to tell them the truth,” Akio said quietly.
“… Yes, Akio. Keeping them trapped in false comfort might be more cruel. And as long as we conceal the truth, we’ll never truly earn their trust,” Sylvia agreed.
They both reached the same conclusion. Now that Celestina and Leonora were beginning to open their hearts, it was time to reveal the full truth: about the false graves in the forest, and the measures they had taken to mislead pursuers. The revelation would likely be a shock, but it was a necessary step if they were to walk a future path together.
Akio steeled himself to speak to Leonora. Sylvia prepared to speak to Celestina. Both silently resolved to reveal the heavy truth at last.
What do you think about this chapter?
