A Secret Wives’ Council — Love for Their Husband and the Shape of Their Future
In the heart of the central hall, there was now a room that had all but become the private salon of Akio’s wives. Within it gathered Sylvia, Ayane, Kina, Celestina, and Leonora. Gentle afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, lighting up their serious, yet somehow warm expressions. The topic before them was one Sylvia had raised earlier: how to take their relationship with Akio to the next stage, and also the matter of his recent, astonishing vitality.
“… So,” Sylvia concluded, “whether Akio’s vigor stems from some ancient Elven lore tied to my bond with him, or whether it is simply his own life-force, I cannot say. But either way, we wives must support him, and give him true peace and joy.”
Her words earned thoughtful nods all around.
“Alright then, Principal Wife,” Kina spoke up, eyes sparkling with eagerness but tinged with hesitation, “when it comes to, well… spending the night with Hubby—do we, uh, decide on a schedule or something? Like, who goes when?”
Her blunt question made Celestina and Leonora blush crimson, while Ayane only gazed at Sylvia with quiet seriousness.
Sylvia smiled gently and turned first to Ayane.
“Ayane, you are special to Akio, to me, and to everyone here. You are his first wife, but you are still young and growing in body and heart. That’s why…”
She paused, then shared with them the strong wish Akio had entrusted her with.
“Akio wishes to wait until you are twenty before deepening the bond as man and wife. Not because of your homeland’s customs, but out of his own principles—his sense of morality from the world he once lived in, and above all, his wish to treasure you and protect your future.”
Ayane’s eyes shimmered with tears. To know Akio cherished her so deeply, thought of her so carefully—it filled her chest with warmth.
“Akio-sama… thinks of me that much…”
“Yes,” Sylvia said softly. “So do not rush. Until then, stay by his side, support him, learn from him, and grow into the wonderful woman you’re meant to be. Of course, as his first wife, you may still share his room, feel his warmth, and offer him your heart. But the true joining of man and woman should be kept safe until both of you know, with all your hearts, that the time is right.”
Ayane wiped her tears and nodded firmly. “Yes. Sylvia-sama, I understand Akio-sama’s feelings. I’ll do my best to become an even more wonderful woman by then!” Her smile was clear and untroubled.
“Now then,” Sylvia turned to Kina, Celestina, and Leonora. “The three of us will take turns spending the night with Akio for now. We’ll speak with him, and decide fairly and gently so that he can truly rest.”
Kina pumped her fist. “Got it, Principal Wife! Leave it to me—I’ll have Hubby weak at the knees in no time!”
Leonora stammered, her face aflame. “T-to think of being with Akio-dono…! I—I will of course fulfill my duty as his wife, but… oh dear…” Yet beneath her embarrassment was clear delight.
Celestina, serene as ever, simply said, “If it is what Akio-sama desires… then I shall gladly do my part,” her smile calm but determined.
Sylvia then added another important idea.
“And remember—marital bonds are not only about the night. Akio seeks true closeness with each of us. So let’s set aside special days where each of us spends time with him alone. A stroll through the village, a talk in the forest, working on something together… whatever it may be, those moments will let us know one another more deeply, and grow our love.”
This suggestion was met with unanimous agreement. They wanted not just to share his body, but to join their hearts. Sylvia’s wish was their own.
Thus, the First Wives’ Council, held without Akio’s knowledge, became a heartfelt meeting where they affirmed their love for him, set gentle rules for their life together, and spoke earnestly of the family’s future. Sylvia’s leadership, her respect for Akio’s principles, her care for Ayane’s growth, and her wish for every wife to be fulfilled in heart and body—these things drew all of them together.
When Akio would finally learn of this decision is a tale for another day. But from that afternoon onward, his family began to nurture a new, richer shape of love.
What do you think about this chapter?
