The Village of Budding Growth — New Roles and New Eyes
Several months had passed since the Tree of Life had taken root in the sacred land and the sacred beast cubs had become part of the village. The seasons had shifted from winter to spring, and as its name suggested, Akio’s village was truly flourishing with budding energy.
The incident where Akio had touched Kina’s ears had, for now, been set aside. Akio had sincerely (and desperately) explained, “Right now, the village comes first, but once things have settled down, I’ll give it proper thought.” Blushing, Kina had reluctantly accepted this with, “If that’s what you say, hubby… I’ll wait!” Though her feelings were on hold, her passionate gaze toward Akio remained unchanged.
Perhaps due to the Tree of Life’s blessing, or rumors of the sacred beasts’ presence spreading, a steady stream of refugees—claiming they were “guided by the spirits”—continued to arrive. The village population steadily grew, especially families escaping the ravages of war. Lively voices of children echoed throughout the village.
Though the central manor—soon to be called the “Lord’s Hall”—was still in its foundation stage, four surrounding zones were actively being developed, with new homes and facilities steadily taking shape.
Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, Celestina shone brilliantly. She had taken charge of the growing number of children, holding open-air classes under the sky where she taught reading, arithmetic, and sometimes tales and songs from her homeland of Eldoria. Her kind and patient teaching sparked intellectual curiosity in the children, their shining eyes focused on her every word. They seemed to embody the very future of the village.
“Celestina-sama truly has a gift for teaching,” Sylvia remarked, clearly impressed by her dedication.
Meanwhile, Leonora was training the village’s boys—including Alto and Kenta—in martial arts. Her methods were strict, but laced with care. Using wooden swords, she taught swordsmanship to help raise the village’s self-defense capabilities. The boys’ serious eyes and Leonora’s crisp, commanding voice echoed through the training grounds, bringing a sense of discipline and resolve.
Dolgan’s forge, too, had become indispensable to the village’s development. Ever since the Tree of Life had rooted, the flames of the furnace burned even more steadily, producing iron of remarkable quality and efficiency.
“Hmph. Whether it’s spirits or sacred beings in this land, they sure love meddling in my work. Not that I mind this kind of meddling,” Dolgan grumbled with his usual sarcasm, though his expression was one of quiet satisfaction. The iron he produced was turned into new farming tools and equipment, powering the village’s expansion.
In the whirlwind of these busy days, Ayane continued to devote herself to Akio’s care. Every morning, she prepared his herbal tea without fail. If his work clothes showed even the slightest wear, she would stay up late repairing them. At mealtimes, she always made sure to add one extra dish of his favorite food.
This went far beyond simply helping with chores—it was a quiet but profound devotion, born of deep understanding of Akio’s needs, both physical and emotional.
Every time Akio saw her like that, a warm feeling welled up in his chest.
(Ayane… she’s changed so much…)
When they first met, she had been thirteen—a girl with traces of childhood still in her features. But now, over fifteen, she carried herself with calm composure and eyes full of depth. Whether managing the household with grace or offering sharp insights on village operations, she had grown into a beautiful young woman—capable, thoughtful, and inexplicably captivating.
(Maybe I was the one still seeing her as a child… She… sometimes she just shines so brightly.)
Akio wasn’t quite sure what to call the feeling growing within him. But what he did know was this—having Ayane by his side felt completely natural, and her smile had become a powerful source of comfort in his daily life.
Bathed in the gentle spring sunlight, Akio surveyed the construction underway across the village. Beside him, Ayane smiled softly, and as he glanced at her profile, he was overcome by an indescribable feeling.
The village and its people were steadily growing, changing, and finding their place. And perhaps, deep within Akio’s heart, something was beginning to change as well.
What do you think about this chapter?
