Chapter 49

The Wind's Protection: A New Order in the Village and the Princess’s Smile
Following Sylvia’s declaration at the “Wives’ Council,” Akio’s days turned into a whirlwind of chaos. Kina, thrilled to be named Second Wife, clung to him incessantly. Leonora, newly titled as Fourth Wife, began to carry herself with a quiet pride. Celestina wore her usual serene smile, but behind her eyes, a newfound determination could be seen.

And then there was Ayane.

That day, after she had frozen in stunned silence, she broke down into tears as if a dam had burst. Comforted by Sylvia, she retreated into her room and had remained there ever since. Akio tried multiple times to speak with her, but each time, Sylvia gently stopped him:
"Give her some time."

What Ayane was thinking, what had moved her to tears—that remained a mystery Akio couldn’t yet unravel.

While Akio was consumed by personal confusion, a curious phenomenon was sweeping through the village. The word “Wives’ Council” had somehow spread, and now groups of women could be seen everywhere, gathering in hushed conversations. The cause was debated—perhaps it was the buzz around Akio finally settling down with multiple wives, or maybe it was the recent incident where a group of drunken men had been effortlessly subdued by the women, fueling a sense of solidarity. Whatever the reason, the movement had begun to include the village’s unmarried men as well, who now seemed visibly uneasy, nervously watching how things would unfold.

One day, Akio finally asked Sylvia about it. She responded in a soft but serious tone.

“Akio, this region has suffered countless battles against the Empire. Many of our men were sent off to fight… and never returned. As a result, there’s now a severe imbalance between men and women. Even among the refugees we’ve taken in, you’ve likely noticed—most of the adults are women.
That’s why… in this world, especially in war-torn lands like this, a polygynous structure isn’t just tradition. It's a necessity—for the survival of the community, and to raise the next generation.”

It was a harsh truth of this world—one Akio had not known. What had happened to him wasn’t just because he was “special”; it was also a reflection of the brutal realities that shaped this land.

A few days later, Akio made up his mind and approached Celestina. She had just finished teaching letters to the village children.

“Celestina-sama… About the other day… I can’t help but worry that accepting you as my wife will only place your life in greater danger…”

To this, Celestina responded with a gentle smile. It wasn’t the fragile, fleeting smile she once wore, but one now full of quiet strength—and unmistakable joy.

“Akio-sama. You risked your life to protect Leonora and me—fugitives—and gave us a safe haven here. And now, by choosing to take me as one of your wives… I understand the weight of that decision. Yes, my situation may grow more dangerous. But more than that, the hope of living in this village, by your side—no danger could outweigh the value of that.”

She continued,
“This land has a calming presence. It feels as though a gentle wind is always watching over us… protecting us.”

Her words stirred another memory in Akio—something Sylvia had once told him. The winds in this valley always blew in a single direction, carrying the scents of village life, of firewood, even the sulfur of the hot springs—away from the Empire’s domain. The hot spring’s location had remained hidden all this time likely due to this “Wind’s Protection.”

(To take a princess as my wife—that pressure is immense… But if she can smile like that, so peacefully… then I need to find my resolve, too.)

Looking at Celestina’s gentle expression, Akio felt the full weight of his responsibilities settle on his shoulders once more.

In the village, a new family structure—led by the women—was quietly but steadily taking shape. Perhaps this was their wisdom, their strength, born from a need to survive in a harsh world.

Akio looked up at the sky. Today again, that same gentle breeze was blowing, as if to protect the village.
He wondered if, one day, that wind might also ease the pain in Ayane’s heart.

With that unanswerable question still lingering in his chest, Akio turned his gaze to the village’s future.

What do you think about this chapter?