Miko Setting Out — The Star Herbmaster
Several days had passed since Akio began pouring his heart into crafting Miko’s gift. And at last, the day of her fifteenth birthday arrived.
That morning, the dining hall of the central hall felt just a bit more festive than usual. Led by Ayane and Kina, the family had prepared a spread of Miko’s favorite nut-based pastries and a special soup. Even the sleepy little ones, rubbing their eyes in their mothers’ arms, seemed to sense that this was a day of celebration.
After breakfast, everyone gathered in the great hall—Akio, Sylvia, Ayane, Kina, Leonora, Celestina, Alto, Kenta, and Yume. Of course, the four smallest members of the family—Ars, Riku, Elsa, and little Stella—were there too, cradled lovingly in their mothers’ arms.
Miko stood before them, her expression a mix of nervousness and anticipation, yet her eyes gleamed with quiet joy.
“Miko,” Akio began with a gentle, fatherly smile, “happy fifteenth birthday—and congratulations on reaching adulthood.”
His voice was filled with pride and affection.
“When we first started this town, you were still just a little girl. But look at you now—you’ve grown into a fine, kind-hearted young woman. I couldn’t be prouder. You’re an irreplaceable part of this family, and of this town.”
With those words, Akio presented her with the gift he had crafted over several nights—a *Special Herbmaster’s Set*. Inside the beautifully carved wooden box rested a moonwood-handled herb knife, a set of fine jade mortar and pestle, and a handmade leather-bound notebook. Embedded in the cover was Miko’s favorite flower—a delicate snowdrop pressed into the leather.
“A-Akio-sama… this is so beautiful… thank you so much…!”
Her voice trembled as she accepted the gift, running her fingers reverently over each piece. Tears welled up in her large eyes and spilled freely down her cheeks.
“With this knife, I’ll be able to handle herbs even better… with this mortar, I’ll make medicines that truly help people… and in this notebook, I’ll write down everything I learn, everything I discover. I’ll treasure it, always. Truly… thank you!”
She bowed deeply—no longer a child, but a young woman standing proudly as a herbmaster, filled with gratitude and resolve.
Following Akio’s heartfelt gift, the rest of the family stepped forward with presents of their own.
From Sylvia came a rare herbal seedling she had lovingly cultivated, along with handwritten notes on its care.
“This will make your herb garden even richer. And if you ever need advice, my door is always open.”
Ayane presented her with an embroidered foraging pouch and a neat little apron.
“I wanted you to have something sturdy but cute—so you can work easily and still look lovely doing it,” she said with a soft smile.
Kina’s gift was a large woven backpack made from forest vines, along with a wolf fang charm.
“Now you can haul tons of herbs home—and this’ll keep you safe out there!” she said with her usual bright laugh.
Leonora offered a finely crafted leather sheath for the herb knife and a small whetstone.
“Tools must be cared for if they’re to last. These will help you keep that blade sharp for years to come,” she said with the dignity of a knight.
Celestina gifted her a small poetry book filled with pressed flowers and a set of charcoal pencils for sketching.
“Your kindness and love for plants are treasures. May you never lose them,” she said gently.
Then, a little shyly, Alto stepped forward and handed her a hand-carved wooden hair ornament shaped like a snowdrop.
“Uh… you know… you’re always working hard, so… here.”
Blushing furiously, he looked away, and Miko’s cheeks turned just as red as she clutched the gift to her chest with a beaming smile.
Kenta and Yume also brought their handmade gifts—a tiny carved bird and a flower crown—and Miko thanked each of them with heartfelt sincerity.
The celebration was modest, but overflowing with warmth and love. Surrounded by her family, Miko quietly renewed her vow—to live as a full-fledged herbmaster, and as an adult, serving the town of Akio with dedication and kindness.
The day passed in peaceful joy. Outside, the *Tree of Life’s fruits* glowed ever brighter, casting their serene light over the village that continued its gentle rhythm of life.
And about a week after Miko’s celebration—another special day approached.
One long-awaited by Akio, by all his wives… and most of all, by Ayane herself.
Her twentieth birthday.
That morning, the air in the central hall carried a different feeling—solemn, sweet, and full of quiet anticipation.
What do you think about this chapter?
