A Young Warrior’s Departure — The Foundations of the Future and the Principal Wife’s Subtle Change
Another joyful piece of news arrived in Akio’s town.
One of the children who had once survived the forest alongside him—young Kenta—had at last reached his fifteenth birthday and become an adult.
The mischievous, curious boy had grown into a dependable young man, with the strong build forged under Leonora’s training and the budding craftsmanship he had learned in Dolgan’s forge.
In the central square, the villagers held a small celebration in Kenta’s honor.
As they had for Alto before him, the townsfolk gathered to send him off into adulthood.
Dolgan presented him with a finely crafted knife—made together with Akio—featuring a handle decorated with carved beast bone, practical yet full of character, just like Kenta himself.
“Kenta,” Dolgan said in his deep, proud voice, “from today, you are a man in your own right. This knife is your companion—use it to carve open your own path to the future. Never forget what you’ve learned from Leonora-dono and Akio, and strive to serve the village well.”
Akio clapped him on the shoulder with a smile. “Congratulations, Kenta. From here on, I’m counting on you and Alto to become fine men who’ll help carry this village forward.”
“Thank you, Akio-san! Master Dolgan! I’ll get stronger—strong enough to be worthy of this knife, and to be useful to everyone!”
Kenta’s voice trembled with excitement and resolve. Yume, watching her older brother figure beam with pride, blushed slightly and smiled happily.
After the celebration, Akio called Alto and Kenta into a room in the Central Hall and made them a proposal.
“Alto, Kenta—you’re adults now. You can’t stay dependent on us forever. It’s time to start thinking about building homes of your own. Of course, we’ll help with the design and the construction. Together, you’ll be laying the foundation of your own future.”
The two young men exchanged astonished looks, their eyes lighting up with joy.
To build one’s own home meant true independence—and the first step toward one day having a family.
“Really, Akio-san!? Our own houses…!”
““Thank you! I’ll do my best to build a proper home—one that Miko (Yume) can live in without worry!””
Hope for a new goal burned brightly in their eyes.
Meanwhile, among the wives, a small but curious change had become a topic of conversation—Sylvia’s shifting taste in food.
She had always preferred simple, forest-inspired dishes, often favoring tart fruits and strong-scented herbs.
But as months passed since the announcement of her pregnancy, she had begun to enjoy things she once avoided: sweet treats, and even richly seasoned meats.
“Sylvia-sama,” Ayane said at lunch one day, “it seems your tastes have changed a bit lately. You never used to care for these honeyed nuts, and now you seem to enjoy them.”
Sylvia gave a slightly puzzled smile.
“Yes, it’s strange even to me, Ayane. But lately, I feel as though my body craves these things… perhaps the child inside me is teaching me something new.”
“Heh, Sylvia-sama likin’ sweets, huh?” Kina laughed brightly. “Guess Hubby’s kid might turn out to have a sweet tooth!”
“That’s perfectly fine,” Celestina said warmly. “The most important thing is to eat whatever the baby wishes for. Please tell us if you ever crave something special.”
Leonora, quietly concerned for Sylvia’s health, had already resolved to find more nourishing ingredients through hunting and foraging.
Akio watched the lively conversation with a gentle smile, then rested a hand on Sylvia’s belly.
It was still only a small swell—but within it, new life was undeniably stirring.
(So her tastes have changed because of the baby… or maybe, little by little, she herself is changing as our life together deepens.)
Either way, seeing his beloved wife eat with such genuine pleasure filled Akio’s heart with happiness.
Kenta’s coming-of-age, the new beginnings for Alto and Kenta, and the tiny life growing within Sylvia—all were threads in the same tapestry.
In the small, steady changes of daily life, Akio’s town continued to nurture true happiness and a quiet but certain hope for the future.
What do you think about this chapter?
