The Secret of Staying Young? Akio’s Health Talk and His Wives’ Reactions
By the time the “date day” and “first night” rotation had gone a full circle, Akio and his wives shared bonds that were deeper and more varied than ever before. Yet among them, one topic kept coming up again and again—Akio’s seemingly boundless vitality, and the way his appearance itself seemed to have grown more youthful.
One day, during a “Wives’ Council” (this time Akio was specially invited, thanks to Sylvia insisting that they discuss his health together), the question was finally directed at him outright.
“Hubby, you’ve been lookin’ more lively by the day, and your skin’s glowin’ too! Don’t tell me it’s just ‘the power of love’ with the madams—that don’t explain all this!” Kina was the first to speak out.
“Yes, Akio,” Sylvia added with a thoughtful gaze. “We’ve all been wondering. That… extraordinary stamina and radiance of yours, I can’t account for it through elven lore alone. There must be something more.”
Ayane, Celestina, and Leonora, each in their own way, also voiced curiosity while at the same time rejoicing in Akio’s health.
Akio scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed, but began to share the changes he himself had noticed.
“Well, I can’t say I know the exact reason… but thinking back, back on Earth I had constant back pain, stiff shoulders, and my eyes would tire after just a bit of fine work. Since I came here and started living with you all, though—after a few months, all that just vanished without me realizing.”
He went on.
“Maybe it’s the food. Everything here’s fresh from the forest or fields—no additives at all. Back home, a lot of our food had those things in it… chemicals that kept it longer or made it look better. Here it’s just natural. And then, I move my body every day, live on a steady schedule, and most of all, there’s hardly any stress. I feel like my blood flows better, my body’s warmer, my metabolism’s faster. My immune system probably improved too. Even my gray hairs seem fewer, and maybe that’s why my skin looks healthier.”
The wives blinked at his matter-of-fact explanation, then nodded with dawning understanding.
“So that is it… In your homeland, you consumed many ‘unnatural things,’ and now this forest’s pure food, water, and air have restored your body from within. Perhaps your true strength is only now returning,” Celestina said with gentle conviction.
They also wondered if Dolgan’s herbal tonics, or Sylvia’s medicinal teas, had played a part.
But Akio added one more thing.
“That explains the back and shoulders, sure… but lately, like you’ve said, it feels like I’ve actually gotten younger. Sometimes, it’s like I’ve gone back ten years… maybe more. I don’t really get it myself. Could just be my imagination, though.” He laughed sheepishly.
His wives exchanged glances. Whatever the reason, simple healthy living alone didn’t seem enough to explain such obvious rejuvenation. Was it the blessing of the Tree of Life? The influence of sacred beasts? Or the mysterious bond he shared with Sylvia? The truth remained elusive.
But for his wives, the answer hardly mattered. What mattered was that Akio was strong, radiant, and still there beside them.
“Well, as long as Hubby is healthy, who cares why! We’ll keep taking care of ya, so no worries!” Kina declared, throwing her arms around him.
The “Akio health talk” ended not in mystery solved, but in laughter and warmth. His wives’ anxieties were eased, and their love for him reaffirmed. And if the true cause of his youth remained unknown, the fact that Akio was truly healthy and happy in this world was more than enough to bring joy to his family.
What do you think about this chapter?
