Princess’s Beloved Child, the Omen of the Tree of Life, and the Maidens’ New Beginnings
Several days had passed since Celestina, held tenderly in Akio’s arms, gave birth to her jewel-like baby girl. The room in the central hall was filled with the soft scent of milk and the gentle warmth of a mother’s love. Whenever Akio could spare a moment from his work, he would visit Celestina and the baby, his expression melting into a doting smile as he gazed upon their peaceful faces.
“Akio-sama… about this child’s name…”
Celestina spoke softly one day, eyes fixed tenderly on the baby in her arms.
Akio smiled. “Ah, you’ve been thinking about it.”
“Yes,” she replied, her voice serene. “With my wishes for you, for this child, and for the future we’ll build together… I would like to name her Stella.”
“Stella… meaning ‘star,’ huh,” Akio murmured.
Celestina nodded. “In Eldoria, stars are symbols of hope and guidance. I pray that this child will shine as a beacon of hope for our family, and for this town of yours. Just as you have always guided me, Akio-sama… may she grow to light someone’s path in the same way.”
Her gaze overflowed with motherly tenderness and a love for Akio that had never waned.
“Stella… it’s a beautiful name, Celestina,” Akio said warmly. “I’ll treasure the wish behind it, just as you do.”
He drew her gently into his arms and pressed a soft kiss to little Princess Stella’s forehead.
And so, the Akio household welcomed its fourth child—and second daughter—a tiny princess whose name carried the brilliance of the stars themselves.
With Stella’s birth, the Akio home grew even livelier. Sylvia cradled the silver-haired Ars, sleeping soundly in her arms; Kina carried the red-brown-haired Riku on her back, the baby already kicking his legs with impressive strength; Leonora tenderly rocked Elsa, whose large eyes darted curiously about; and Celestina held little Stella close, her tiny breaths warm against her chest.
For Akio and his wives, caring for their four infants was a joyful kind of busyness. The central hall was constantly filled with smiles, laughter, and the occasional sweet cry of a baby.
The older children rejoiced as well. Miko eagerly helped prepare a gentle herbal bath for the newborn, while Yume watched Stella’s small fingers with fascination. Alto and Kenta, a bit embarrassed but smiling nonetheless, quietly observed the miracle of new life with fondness.
Then, on a clear, sunny day, while Akio and Sylvia were tending herbs at the base of the Tree of Life, he called out to Miko.
“Miko, don’t you feel like the Tree of Life’s changed a bit lately?”
Miko looked up, eyes tracing the great branches above.
“You’re right, Akio-sama… its aura feels stronger somehow. And—look up there!”
She pointed toward the upper branches, where several luminous fruits the size of a fist had appeared—glowing softly with a milky-white light. They shimmered like polished pearls, or fragments of the moon itself.
“Are those… fruits?” Sylvia gasped.
Just then, the Sacred Spirit appeared at the base of the Tree of Life, her presence radiating calm power.
“Indeed. So, you’ve noticed. The Tree of Life has at last given form to its strength. Those are its Fruits of Blessing. However…”
The Spirit smiled slyly. “It is not yet time. Until those fruits ripen fully and shine with their own light, none must touch them. When the time comes, you will know.”
Akio and the others exchanged glances. No one knew what power the Tree of Life’s fruits held—or what they would mean for the village. Yet, their soft, sacred glow seemed to promise new hope for the days ahead. It was even said that the nursery under construction might be redesigned slightly, to rest within the Tree of Life’s gentle radiance.
Though filled with awe at the Tree of Life’s mystery, Akio’s days remained grounded in his devotion to his family and people. Still, one important preparation occupied his thoughts—Miko’s fifteenth birthday was fast approaching. In this world, fifteen marked the threshold of adulthood. Akio wanted to honor her growth and her dedication as an herbalist with a special gift.
(Something tied to her craft would be best… something that’ll help her grow and that she’ll cherish for years to come…)
Quietly, with Sylvia and Alto’s advice, Akio spent his nights in his workshop, crafting with care. Using moonwood, Akio steel, and rare ores shared by the dwarf Dolgan, he began creating a custom herbalist’s kit for Miko—a finely sharpened herb knife, an intricately carved mortar and pestle, and a sturdy, handbound leather journal for her discoveries and recipes.
Meanwhile, deep within the central hall, Sylvia gathered the wives for a Wives’ Meeting, just before Ayane’s twentieth birthday. Kina, Leonora, and even Celestina—recovering well from childbirth—joined in.
“… And so,” Sylvia began fondly, “Ayane’s twentieth birthday is truly a joyous occasion for us all. You know how deeply she’s cared for Akio-sama, how long she’s waited for this day.”
“Sure thing! We’ve gotta make sure Ayane’s as happy as can be!” Kina grinned.
Leonora nodded with quiet conviction. “As the first wife, and soon to be Akio-dono’s wife in both name and truth… it’s our duty to support her wholeheartedly.”
Celestina smiled gently. “I too owe much to Ayane-san. If I can offer even a small token of celebration, I would be most glad.”
The wives exchanged warm words and plans, not of rivalry or jealousy, but of genuine sisterly affection—a family bound by shared love and trust, united around Akio and the peaceful life they had built.
As the Fruits of Blessing ripened quietly on the Tree of Life, Akio shaped the gift that would open new paths for Miko, and Ayane’s long-awaited day drew ever closer.
Under the serene light of early winter, Akio’s town gently nurtured countless buds of blessing and hope—each waiting for its own time to bloom.
What do you think about this chapter?
