First in the Steam! Akio’s Town Hot Spring Opening Festival
At last, the long-awaited day arrived in Akio’s town. It was the public opening of the newly completed bathhouse at the foot of the Tree of Life—named “The Spring of Life.”
For days leading up to it, Ayane, Kina, Celestina, and Leonora had led the operations team in careful preparations. At the bathhouse entrance, a simple yet tasteful wooden sign carved by Akio was displayed, surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
“Are you ready, Ayane? The villagers look like they can’t wait any longer.”
Akio called out to Ayane, who looked slightly nervous.
“Yes, Akio-sama! Thanks to Kina and Celestina-sama’s help, preparations are perfect. Now it just depends on whether everyone will be pleased…”
Taking a deep breath, Ayane straightened her posture and nodded with determination.
Then, as the bell from Dolgan’s forge rang out at noon (struck specially for this day), Akio proudly declared the hot spring open.
“Everyone, thank you for waiting so long! From today, our town’s pride—the Spring of Life—is open! Enjoy to your heart’s content this blessing of the earth!”
“““Oooooooohhh!!!”””
A roar of cheers like the earth itself rising shook the crowd. Children raced each other to be first inside, with smiling adults hurrying after them.
Inside, the bathhouse was nothing short of paradise. In the spacious gender-separated baths were two tubs—one filled with clear water from the source, the other with a gently scented, slightly milky spring. The wood-scented steam filled the air with comfort. At the washing area, the villagers crowded around the prototype showers Akio had installed (still only a few for now), eager to try them.
“Whoa! This water’s hot, and my body feels lighter already!”
“Why, my skin feels so smooth!”
“This ‘shower’ thing is amazing! Who would’ve thought of hot water pouring from above!”
Everywhere, voices of joy and wonder echoed.
The private baths were just as popular. Especially the “Low-Scent Bath” made from Silvermoon Wood, built for Kina, drew praise not only from beastfolk but also from human women and children as “soothing and wonderfully fragrant.” Kina herself exclaimed:
“We did it, Hubby! This is the best bath I’ve ever had in my life! I could soak in this every day!”
Her big tail wagged happily as she beamed at Akio in gratitude.
At the women’s entrance, Ayane gently explained usage rules to each newcomer, handing out towels and bars of handmade soap (crafted with herbs by Sylvia). Her demeanor was already that of a dignified innkeeper. Celestina, meanwhile, poured herbal tea for bathers in the rest area, listening to their stories with a calm, warm smile. People naturally gathered around her, conversations blossoming like flowers. Leonora stood nearby, keeping watch over the baths and stepping in quietly to help anyone unfamiliar with the facilities—never forgetting her knightly attentiveness.
Of course, Sylvia too shared in the joy with Akio. Immersed in the hot spring, she examined the waters’ properties and benefits, already considering their applications for herbal baths.
“Akio, this spring is truly wonderful. It feels as though the power of the Tree of Life and the blessings of the earth are not only healing people’s bodies and hearts, but purifying the very spirit of the village itself.”
Sylvia spoke dreamily at Akio’s side.
That night, after the bathhouse had closed, Akio entered the private Silvermoon bath together with Sylvia, Ayane, Kina, Celestina, and Leonora—his family—sharing their first quiet soak alone together.
“Thank you, everyone. Because of you, today’s opening was a great success.”
At Akio’s words of gratitude, each wife answered with her own expression of joy.
Through the rising steam, the three moons shone more gently than ever before. The town’s new treasure, the Spring of Life, thus inscribed its very first page of history—together with the villagers’ smiles.
What do you think about this chapter?
