Sprouting Ideas, Three Challenges to Enrich the Village
Akio’s proposed “Life Improvement Plan” was breathing new energy into the village. Out of a spark of inspiration after a bath, three projects were born—“Showers,” “Swimwear,” and “Tree-Sap Rubber.” From the very next day after the meeting, each of these undertakings began moving forward under their respective teams.
In the workshop district, Akio, Dolgan, and Alto had started on a prototype for a shower system.
“First, we’ll fill this wooden tank with hot water… The tricky part is this spigot here. It’s gotta withstand the water pressure, but still be easy enough for anyone to open and close.”
Dolgan muttered as he peered at the rough sketch Akio had drawn. Remembering faucets from Earth, Akio suggested a simple mechanism using a bamboo tube and wooden stopper. Alto, listening intently to his masters’ debate, cut and shaped the lumber exactly as instructed. The workshop brimmed with the heated drive of men intent on bringing new “convenience” to life.
Meanwhile, in a room at the central hall, Ayane worked with Sylvia and several village women to develop a new fabric. Before them lay a pile of snow-white fibers from the “Snow White Grass” Sylvia had harvested.
“Sylvia-sama, according to Akio-sama, twisting the threads tightly is the key…”
“Yes. And when weaving, we’ll need to make the weave far denser and finer than before.”
Taking the improved spindle in hand, Ayane carefully spun the fibers into thinner, stronger threads. It was painstaking work, but in her mind’s eye she could already see villagers wearing handmade swimsuits, laughing together in the hot springs.
Elsewhere, Sylvia was preparing to head deep into the forest with a small party. Their goal was to search for the “Rubber-Sap Tree,” a discovery that might revolutionize village life.
“Leonora, Kina, I’m sorry to trouble you, but could I ask you to guard us as far as the forest entrance?”
“Of course, Lady Sylvia.”
“Leave it to me, ma’am! If any beasts show up, I’ll knock ’em flat!”
Seeing them off, Sylvia’s group set out into the woods. Her knowledge of herbs, combined with the elves’ ability to read the forest, would be the key to unearthing new resources.
The shower prototype, research into new fabric for swimwear, and the search for tree-sap rubber—three projects sprouted at once in Akio’s town. Each step forward promised to make the village richer and more comfortable. And the driving force behind it all was one man’s spark of inspiration, carried forward by the unending wisdom and passion of friends who strove to make that vision real.
What do you think about this chapter?
