Purification of the Earth, Blessings in Circulation ~A Toast in the Town that Lives with the Forest~
In Akio’s town, the “Forest’s Blessing Purification System,” designed by Sylvia and built with the cooperation of Akio, Dolgan, Arto, and many villagers, at last reached the day of its completion.
The facility, set a little downstream from the base of the Tree of Life, made use of the natural slope and consisted of multiple purification tanks along with a vast filtration bed layered with medicinal herbs, moss, charcoal, and gravel. Beautiful to behold, it was truly a masterpiece born of the fusion between the wisdom of the forest and human craftsmanship.
On the first day of operation, as Akio and Sylvia watched, the village’s wastewater began to flow quietly into the first purification tank. A few days later, the water that passed through the final filter bed emerged astonishingly clear, without a trace of odor, and trickled gently into a small brook.
“Success…! Sylvia, just as you said, the forest’s power is truly magnificent!”
Akio’s voice rang with emotion, and Sylvia nodded with pride and relief.
“Yes, Akio. Now our town can live in harmony with the forest without polluting it. This water will one day nourish the fields and bring forth a rich harvest.”
Dolgan too stroked his beard in satisfaction. “Hmph, a splendid thing it is. A system as well-conceived as this wouldn’t lose even to the underground waterways of my dwarven homeland.”
The completion of the purification system brought great joy to the entire village. The hygiene education Ayane and Celestina had been promoting also bore fruit, and among the villagers a true awareness of cherishing water and living with the forest was beginning to take firm root.
That evening, to celebrate the great achievement and to show his gratitude, Akio invited all of his wives—Sylvia, Ayane, Kina, Celestina, and Leonora—to a private bath in the “Waters of Life.”
“Everyone, thank you so much. And well done. Tonight, let’s set aside difficult talk and simply enjoy this bath together.”
At Akio’s words, his wives exchanged happy looks.
The bath, filled with the milky-white warmth of Silvermoon Wood, shimmered under the gentle light of the three moons beyond the steam.
“Ahh, this hot spring is the best, boss! Warms ya right down to the bones!” Kina stretched her arms and legs with bliss.
“Truly… soaking in this water feels as though all weariness and worries are melting away,” Celestina murmured, eyes closed in contentment.
Even Leonora, usually stern as a knight, had softened her expression as she sank into the bath up to her shoulders.
Ayane nestled quietly at Akio’s side, placing her hand over his arm.
“Akio-sama, another wonderful thing has been born in our town, hasn’t it?” Her voice was brimming with pride and love.
Sylvia, watching everyone’s happy faces with satisfaction, gently rested her head on Akio’s shoulder.
“Akio… our town has truly become a fine place. And it’s all because you’ve been here.”
“No, Sylvia. It’s because of you—and everyone here. On my own, I could have done nothing.”
Akio softly squeezed her hand in return.
Amidst the rising steam, they shared stories of the day’s success, laughed over lighthearted jokes, and quietly dreamed of the future. For Akio and his five wives, it was an irreplaceable time, overflowing with true peace and happiness.
The Purification System brought not only material blessings to the village, but also a spiritual richness born from living in harmony with nature, weaving their family bonds even deeper and warmer.
The story of Akio’s “Town that Lives with the Forest” would continue on, as pure and unbroken as the flowing water.
What do you think about this chapter?
