YOAW 60

Chapter 60

New Companions from the Forest – The Livestock Introduction Project Begins!

The lively atmosphere of the “Fountain of Life” had become a part of daily life, bringing vitality and joy to the villagers. Akio, aiming for further stability and development of the town, began seriously considering the next step: introducing livestock. Meat, eggs, milk, and even labor—the benefits of keeping animals were immeasurable.

Akio gathered Silvia, Ayane, Kina, and other villagers knowledgeable in hunting and animal care for a meeting about the livestock project.

“As you all know, our food supply still heavily depends on hunting, gathering, and farming,” Akio began. “But to secure meat, eggs, and milk more reliably, without being at the mercy of the weather, I believe raising livestock is the best option.”

Everyone nodded seriously at his proposal.

“The question is, what kind of livestock, and where do we get them?” Dorgan added.
“This forest has wild boars and deer-like animals,” Leonora analyzed calmly, “but domesticating them wouldn’t be easy.”

Then Kina raised her hand.
“Master, I might know a way! Part of my beastfolk tribe keeps what we call ‘Forest Chickens,’ small birds that lay lots of eggs, and ‘Rock Goats,’ goats that thrive even in rocky terrain and provide both milk and meat. We might be able to negotiate with them and get a few for our village!”

Kina’s information was a ray of hope.

Akio decided to follow Kina’s guidance and make contact with this beastfolk settlement. A few days later, Akio, Silvia, Kina, and Leonora as their guard set out for the settlement, carrying small gifts—iron knives made by Akio, medicinal herbs from Silvia, and bread baked by Ayane.

The settlement, friendly with Kina’s homeland, had its own unique culture in harmony with nature. At first wary, the beastfolk gradually opened their hearts, seeing Kina’s face and sensing the sincerity of Akio and the others. They were eventually allowed to meet with the elders.

Akio honestly explained the origins of their village and the reason they wished to receive livestock. The elder seemed to sense something in Akio—perhaps the blessing of the Tree of Life or the sacred beasts—and, after some thought, said:

“Very well. Kina’s face speaks for itself, and your village brings a fresh wind with it. We will give you a pair of Forest Chickens and several young Rock Goats. In return, could you provide us with some of your iron blades? Quality knives are indispensable for life in the forest.”

Through this exchange, the villagers were granted their first livestock.

A few days later, the first animals arrived at Akio’s village—Forest Chickens clucking energetically and Rock Goats bleating cutely. The children—and even the adults—were overjoyed at seeing the animals up close for the first time.

Ayane, Miko, and Yume immediately volunteered to care for the Forest Chickens. Alto and Kenta, guided by Dorgan, worked on building sturdy fences and shelters for the goats. Silvia began studying appropriate medicinal herbs and feed to maintain the animals’ health. Kina taught the villagers how to care for the livestock and milk the goats, using the knowledge passed down by her tribe.

A new breath of life had been added to Akio’s village. These animals would eventually enrich the villagers’ diets, help cultivate the fields, and offer the children a precious lesson in the value of life. The small community deep in the forest had taken another firm step forward on its path of growth.