Bathhouse Plan: The Fragrance of Home and Family Hot Springs (2)
Akio, Sylvia, and Dolgan, guided by Sylvia, ventured deep into a part of the forest they normally never entered, in search of the Silvermoon Tree. Unlike the Tree of Life’s sanctuary, this was a place filled with a quiet, mystical air, as though ancient forest spirits still breathed there.
After hours of searching, Sylvia whispered, pointing ahead, “... There it is, Akio. That’s the Silvermoon Tree.”
There stood several trees with pale white trunks, said to shine silver in the moonlight. Each time their leaves swayed in the breeze, they shimmered, casting tiny reflections of light. A faint, refreshing fragrance, impossible to describe in words, drifted through the air, soothing to the heart.
“Ohh... so this is the sacred tree the elves speak of. Truly, there’s something otherworldly about it,” Dolgan murmured in awe.
With Sylvia’s permission, Akio gently touched the trunk of the tree she had chosen. Its surface was smooth and cool, yet carried a subtle warmth. Dolgan tested it by shaving off a thin piece of bark with the tools he had brought, then moistening it with water. At once, a sweet, refreshing fragrance rose up, reminiscent of cypress—yet even purer and more invigorating.
“This is it...! With this, we might just be able to make the perfect bath!” Akio said with certainty.
Following Sylvia’s guidance, and offering their gratitude and respect to the forest, they carefully harvested only what they needed of the Silvermoon Tree and carried it back to the village.
Meanwhile in the village, Alto and the others had been making steady progress on the main structure of the bathhouse. When Alto and the craftsmen saw the Silvermoon Tree wood that Akio’s group had brought back, they were amazed by its beauty and fragrance.
Unfolding the blueprints again, Akio explained the details of the private baths to everyone.
“For these two private baths—one will use the hot spring water just as it is. The other, though... for Kina, and anyone sensitive to strong scents, I want to dilute the water a little, and make the tub out of this Silvermoon Tree.”
Kina’s eyes went wide. She rushed over to Akio.
“Hubby! You mean it!? A private bath even I can soak in—and made outta that sweet-smelling wood!? You thought all that through... for me...? I’m so happy I could just—!”
Overcome with emotion, Kina nearly threw herself into Akio’s arms. Her unfiltered joy brought smiles to Akio, Sylvia, Ayane, and the others watching.
With that, the bathhouse project entered its final stage. In the large men’s and women’s baths, two tubs were prepared each—one with pure hot spring water, the other with softened fragrance. For one of the two private baths, Akio, Dolgan, and Alto carefully crafted a tub out of Silvermoon Tree wood. Each time they shaved the timber, its aroma filled the workshop, bringing with it a calming, healing power. The other private bath was made from a sturdy, smooth-textured wood, equally fine, also filled with gentler waters.
A few weeks later, the bathhouse finally neared completion. Hot spring water filled the tubs, steam rose from the building, and the clear fragrance of the Silvermoon Tree began to drift through the village. Villagers watched the nearly finished bathhouse from a distance, waiting eagerly for the day of its grand opening.
Akio felt a deep sense of fulfillment, seeing something far beyond what he had imagined taking shape. With memories of his homeland, the blessings of this world, and above all the smiles of the villagers—his modest dream was now becoming a reality, wrapped in warm, gentle steam, brought to life by many hands.
What do you think about this chapter?
