Alto’s Flight, Ayane’s Awakening
Since Sylvia’s declaration at the “Wives’ Council,” the season had shifted from spring to early summer. Though construction on Akio’s “Central Mansion” was still ongoing, the village was brimming with life thanks to the blessings of the Tree of Life. Since that day, the air around Akio had grown livelier, but among all the changes, Ayane’s transformation stood out—not just to Akio, but to everyone.
On that day, when she was declared First Wife and stood frozen in shock, neither she nor Sylvia ever spoke in detail about the reason. But Ayane had weathered the storm within her heart and now emerged renewed. She had taken a step forward from the reserved girl she once was. Though still a bit awkward, she now approached Akio more boldly than ever before.
In the morning, she would bring herbal tea to Akio’s study and gently place a hand on his shoulder.
“Akio-sama, don’t overwork yourself too much,” she would say softly.
At night, she would sit quietly by his side while he drafted architectural plans, watching his profile intently. Sometimes, she’d even offer sharp, thoughtful suggestions:
“Perhaps this part would work better like this…”
Akio often found himself flustered by her closeness, blushing with embarrassment. But her earnest gaze, her quiet determination to support him—it warmed something deep within his heart. Sylvia, Kina, and the other wives watched Ayane’s “efforts” with smiles—tender, encouraging, and quietly proud.
Then, one day, the village was wrapped in joy.
Alto, one of the first children Akio had rescued, turned fifteen and reached adulthood. From a young age, Alto had watched Akio work up close and eagerly learned woodworking and construction under his tutelage. Now, he had become an indispensable right hand in building the village. Trained in the basics of smithing by Dolgan and in swordsmanship by Leonora, Alto was growing into a fine young man.
A grand celebration was held in the village square to honor Alto’s coming-of-age. As the villagers offered their blessings, Dolgan stepped forward—his expression stern as always, but with a hint of pride in his eyes.
“Alto. From today, you’re a man in your own right. This is a parting gift.”
What he presented was a single-edged knife—exquisitely crafted, the result of long, painstaking work by both Dolgan and Akio. It was beautiful and practical, perfectly balanced for Alto’s hand.
Eyes wide with emotion, Alto took it with both hands.
“Master Dolgan… Akio-san… this is…”
Akio laid a proud hand on Alto’s shoulder.
“It’s a gift from both of us. A charm and a companion—for you to carve your path through the forest, your workshop, and the life ahead. Use it well. Use it with pride.”
“Yes, sir! Thank you, Akio-san, Master Dolgan! I’ll work even harder to be someone the village can rely on!”
Alto bowed deeply, his voice filled with determination. Kenta, Miko, and Yume—who looked up to him like an older brother—watched him with joy and admiration in their eyes.
Later, as the celebration reached its peak, Ayane quietly took a seat beside Akio and poured fruit wine into his cup. Her movements were natural, radiating a newfound intimacy that hadn’t existed before.
“Alto’s really grown up, hasn’t he, Akio-sama?”
“Yeah… he truly has. He’s going to be an incredible craftsman, no doubt about it.”
Ayane gazed at Akio’s profile. In her eyes shone deep respect—and something more, something new that had begun to bloom. It was no longer the bond of protector and protected, but the stirring of a woman’s sincere feelings.
In her heart, something had clearly begun to blossom.
And Akio, too, couldn’t help but feel that there was something different—something unmistakable—in the way Ayane now looked at him.
What do you think about this chapter?
