Farming Life in Another World Episode 12: Birth

The season shifts, sunlight strengthening over Hiraku's fields where Flora, Sena, and Ursa diligently harvest. Hiraku watches, content, a sense of quiet satisfaction in his work. He reflects on his growing knowledge of farming, a stark contrast to his past life. Even in his contentment, the fields draw his focus, a quiet obsession.

Ru approaches Hiraku in the fields, bringing shade and a gentle reminder to rest. She cools his drink with a simple spell, a small magic reinforcing her care. Hiraku is momentarily refreshed, but his gaze still drifts to his plants. Ru, however, insists on his rest, noting that even for her, movement is now encouraged.

Ru explains that the village women, particularly Lasti and Gran Maria, have rallied around her, sharing wisdom on childbirth. Even the demon-kin offer their specialized experience. The women gather, speculating on the baby's size and gender, while Ru muses on the impossibility of knowing such things yet. This shared concern builds a powerful sense of communal anticipation.

Sena asks Ru if anything could make her more comfortable, and Ru admits her only complaint is the lack of alcohol. The other women, including Lasti, Gran Maria, and Tia, groan in shared understanding. The sacrifice is a small one, but keenly felt, showing the depth of their solidarity. This moment of shared privation reinforces their bond.

The women, led by a tearful Lasti, implore Hiraku to sell all the village's alcohol, seeing it as the 'source of their suffering.' Hiraku calmly reminds them of the time and effort invested in making sake. He proposes a different perspective: aged sake tastes better. He encourages them to view their abstinence as an investment in future enjoyment.

Hiraku and Ru enjoy a moment of quiet together, Ru resting indoors due to the strong sun. He asks about a beautiful, cool flower, a gift from Tia and Gran Maria, which emits its own spiritual energy. The entire village prepares for the birth, offering unique gifts: Ursa brings a rare elixir from the mountain elves, Lasti a magic recovery gem, and Flora a bowl of miso soup. Even the spiders and wolves seem to be making preparations, hanging baby clothes and observing with serious intent.

Hiraku is surprised by a small wooden mallet among the gifts, learning Dovan sent it, claiming it would be useful later. He jokingly questions its relevance to childbirth, but Ru's sudden discomfort cuts the jest short. Her stomach feels odd. The playful atmosphere gives way to a sudden, anxious realization.

Ru is in labor, sweating, gripping Flora's hand. Gran Maria barks orders for hot water and towels, the maids bustling urgently. Hiraku watches from a distance, feeling a profound helplessness. He sits alone, fists clenched, realizing there is nothing more he can do. His thoughts drift to his past desire for solitude, a stark contrast to his current, connected life.

The baby is born. Sena and the others are overjoyed. Ru tenderly instructs Hiraku to hold their son, who is peacefully sleeping. Hiraku, nervous and awestruck, notes the baby’s warmth and surprising weight. Tears well as he declares himself a father, hoping his child avoids his past illnesses. Ru embraces him, clarifying that they will *raise* their son together, not merely let him grow.

A week passes, and their son, named Alfred by Ru, is thriving. Hiraku reflects on his journey from solitary farmer to village chief and now, father. He realizes he needs a way to thank his ever-supportive villagers. His solution is the reward medal system, silver coins bearing the village tree, exchangeable for goods or wishes. He carefully explains that because he hand-makes each one, they are precious and not to be hoarded. Everyone, even the Zabu and Kuro, receives medals, cementing a new form of community currency.

The villagers embrace the medal system, using it to request custom-made items from Hiraku. This, ironically, increases his workload. Suddenly, Flora approaches, three medals in hand, and boldly declares her wish: she wants a baby. Ru, holding Alfred, is utterly surprised, as is Hiraku. The moment, though played for humor, highlights the village's innocent interpretation of this new system.

The village celebrates, finally able to enjoy the aged sake they patiently waited for. Ru apologizes for the delay, but Hiraku assures her the timing is perfect. The Village Elder delightedly asks about the wine's quality. Hiraku then reveals his plan: he will save some of the now perfectly aged wine until Alfred comes of age. They will share it then, a promise of future joy. Ru believes that day will come quickly, as long as they continue to live happily together.

The episode concludes with a glimpse into Alfred's future. He grows from a smiling infant cradled by Ru to a playful child, learning and exploring with Hiraku. We see him as a thoughtful teenager, then an accomplished adult, eventually becoming the proud Village Chief himself. This progression, from birth to leadership, shows the enduring legacy of Hiraku's family and the village they built together.