The Awakening of the Expectant Mothers, the Turning of the Waterwheel, and the Ringing of the Hammers
Several days had passed since the Spirit—somewhat forcefully—began her “healing retreat” in Akio’s town’s Spring of Life. Despite her ethereal, divine presence, her curiosity about all aspects of human life was boundless, and before anyone knew it, she had completely blended into the rhythm of the village.
Meanwhile, a new challenge—and with it, a spark of hope—had arisen in Akio’s growing town.
The enormous pile of fallen timber left behind by the Forest Lord’s rampage was a blessing beyond measure, providing enough building material to last for years. However, that gift came with a practical problem: the villagers now needed an efficient way to process the logs into usable lumber—planks, beams, and pillars.
At the same time, a surprising change had come over Kina and Leonora, both in the early stages of pregnancy and previously instructed to rest.
During the crisis in the forest, they had disregarded their own physical uncertainty and joined Akio on his journey to confront the rampaging Forest Lord. Though the trek had been arduous, they found that the sense of purpose and steady movement had actually lifted their spirits and stabilized their condition. When they returned, both Akio and Sylvia scolded them (fiercely, but with love), yet the experience had opened their eyes to something important.
“Principal Wife, Akio-dono… I’m sorry for worrying you,” Leonora said one afternoon, looking Sylvia straight in the eye. “But when I pushed myself to move that day, my body actually felt lighter afterward. I believe that gentle activity, rather than complete rest, may suit me better.”
Kina nodded enthusiastically beside her. “Yeah, same here! I swear, when I move around a little, it feels like the baby’s happier too! I won’t overdo it, promise!”
Sylvia looked at the two women for a long moment, reading the vitality in their faces, then smiled softly.
“… Very well. You’re both right—moderate exercise during pregnancy is important. But only under supervision, and you must stop the moment you feel the slightest strain. That’s my condition.”
““Yes, ma’am!!””
And so, under Sylvia’s careful guidance, the two spirited expectant mothers returned to light duties around the village. Their cheerful energy soon inspired others—especially the younger women who would one day become mothers themselves.
With that, Akio’s town threw its full effort into what had become its top priority: constructing a water-powered sawmill.
“There’s no way we can turn all these logs into boards with hand saws alone…” Akio muttered, arms crossed as he surveyed the mountains of timber.
Dolgan nodded gravely. “Aye. We’ll need the power of the waterwheel. A sawmill that runs on the river’s flow… once that’s built, this whole lumber problem will be solved.”
The idea had been floating around for some time, but competing projects had kept it on the back burner. Now, thanks to the Forest Lord’s “gift,” its importance had jumped straight to the top of the list.
“All right then—let’s do it! We’ll build the waterwheel and the sawmill together!”
At Akio’s rallying cry, the village once again came alive with the vibrant rhythm of creation.
Akio, Dolgan, and Alto focused on finalizing and mass-producing the gears and bearings made from Akio Steel, which they’d been developing earlier. Sylvia, joined by Leonora on good days, conducted a detailed survey of the river flow and terrain to determine the ideal placement for the waterwheel and designed the channels that would direct the water.
As for Kina—still full of boundless energy even while pregnant—she threw herself into carrying soil for the trenches and hauling stones for the mill’s foundation.
“Don’t worry, Hubby! I’m fine! The little one’s helpin’ me out, too!” she laughed, brushing sweat from her brow.
Ayane and Celestina prepared hearty meals for the laborers, while the village children worked eagerly to gather pebbles, organize tools, and do whatever small tasks they could.
Weeks later, the efforts of everyone—fueled by their knowledge, determination, and shared dream of a better tomorrow—finally bore fruit.
On the banks of the river near the village, a great wooden waterwheel began to turn under the steady rush of current, driving the iron saw that moved rhythmically back and forth—Akio’s town’s very first water-powered sawmill stood complete!
Dolgan opened the sluice gate with trembling hands. The wheel began to turn, slowly at first, then with steady, powerful momentum. The iron saw whined into motion, its rhythmic strokes echoing across the valley. Akio guided the first log into place—
GIGIGIGI…!
The teeth bit deep, slicing through the wood in clean, steady lines.
“It’s working! It’s really working—the boards are coming out perfect!”
A thunderous cheer rose from the gathered villagers. It was the sound of triumph—the dawn of a new technological era for their humble town.
The Forest Lord’s parting gift had, through human ingenuity and perseverance, been transformed into a driving force for the future.
This new sawmill would accelerate everything: new homes for Alto and Kenta, an expanded learning hall for Celestina, and countless dwellings for the refugees who continued to arrive.
Watching the great wheel spin with power and purpose, Akio felt a deep certainty blossom in his chest. He clasped Sylvia’s hand tightly as she smiled beside him, pride shining in her eyes.
Their town’s future had never looked brighter.
What do you think about this chapter?
