Ayane’s Trial, After the Rain in Her Heart
As Akio’s first wife, Ayane had begun to approach him more boldly than before. Her devoted care was warmly watched over by those around her, but deep inside, a nameless fear gnawed at her, born of the overwhelming happiness she now felt.
“Am I really allowed to be this happy? Happiness never lasts long, does it…?”
The harsh experiences of her childhood sometimes cast dark shadows over her heart. Behind her newfound boldness toward Akio, that quiet unease lingered.
Sylvia, with her keen sensitivity, noticed Ayane’s wavering heart. But she never pried. Instead, she simply stayed close, silently showing through her presence: “You are not alone.” The other wives—Kina, Celestina, Leonora—each supported Ayane in their own way, offering kind words, inviting her for diversions, and gently encouraging her.
One moonlit night, Ayane finally confided in Sylvia. What spilled from her lips was not only her fear of happiness, but also a long-held “misunderstanding” about Akio.
“I… I always thought Akio-sama must be someone of noble birth. Perhaps even a hidden heir… With such knowledge, such skill, and that power to draw people to him—he couldn’t possibly be ordinary. So… for me to stand at his side, to be called his first wife—it felt far too unworthy. I feared that someday…”
Her words faltered, but Sylvia spoke to her with gentle clarity.
“Ayane… Akio is indeed special. But not because of blood or title. You know, don’t you, that he came from another world? His knowledge and skills come from there. And the reason people are drawn to him… that comes from his warm heart, his soul that strives to be sincere with everyone.”
Sylvia carefully explained that Akio had never been a noble, but simply a sincere craftsman. Ayane’s eyes widened as she listened. Perhaps she didn’t fully grasp it all, but the idea—that Akio was not some unreachable noble figure, but someone far closer, and therefore even more worthy of respect—slowly began to reshape inside her. Her deep reverence and love for him remained unchanged, but the vague fear and sense of unworthiness that had haunted her began, little by little, to melt away.
With the support of those around her, her conversation with Sylvia, and above all her unshaken feelings for Akio, Ayane grew stronger. By her own strength, she scattered the clouds of doubt and lifted her head once more. Her expression now was brighter than before, touched with gentle confidence.
“Blessings upon Ayane!”—this was the wish not only of the villagers who watched over her, but of Akio himself.
Around this same time, Akio and his companions finally completed their new residence, the building that would serve as the village’s Central Hall. Designed by Akio, built with Dolgan’s craftsmanship, and raised through the efforts of all the villagers, it stood tall and splendid—sturdy yet beautiful, worthy of being called a true “lord’s manor.” Within were private rooms for Akio and his wives, a large meeting hall, Akio’s office and workshop, Sylvia’s herbal research chamber, and even a library for the children. The entire village celebrated the completion with a joyous feast.
That night, Akio led Sylvia to the deepest part of the new manor—a room meant for the two of them alone. It held a wide, serene bedroom with a balcony overlooking the Tree of Life and the garden, a small private study for Sylvia, and even a little room for Akio’s tools and hobbies.
“Sylvia… do you remember? Long ago, I said I wanted to make a place just for us.” Akio spoke a little shyly. “It took a long time, and… well, a lot has changed since then. But I wanted to keep that promise.”
Sylvia’s deep green eyes shimmered with emotion. Here was the dream they once spoke of—their “nest of love”—realized in an even surer, more lasting form. She pressed her face to Akio’s chest, savoring his warmth and love.
“Yes… yes, Akio. Thank you… this will be our precious place.”
Ayane’s heart had seen the rain pass and the skies clear. The village now had its new symbol in the Central Hall. And Akio and Sylvia’s bond, bound by the promise fulfilled, grew ever deeper. Under the watchful gaze of the Tree of Life, their story stepped quietly, yet powerfully, into its next chapter.
What do you think about this chapter?
