Harvest (Part 1)

Late August was the season of harvest, a season filled from sky to earth with golden joy.

During these days, even the sunlight seemed to be celebrating that joy. The oppressive heat at the beginning gradually gave way to crisp autumn air. The sun shone brightly, so that the crops beneath its rays could ripen as quickly as possible.

One or two small birds fluttered down as well, cautiously pecking at the delicious food, only to be met with a round of scolding from the territorial citizens and fly off in a flurry.

It was now late August. The entire county was shrouded in joyful anticipation of the coming harvest. Laughter and cheerful voices could be heard everywhere—in the streets, on open ground, in the fields, and along the ridges. The citizens throughout the county waited eagerly for harvest time. A bountiful harvest meant a life of food and warmth.

Having endured the great catastrophe of the Demon Calamity, the citizens of the county cherished these rare peaceful days all the more. They worked the land with exceptional drive, and the farmland they had always valued became even more precious to them.

Those lords who had once been especially miserly seemed to have realized the importance of "people" as well. Though they were not as humane as Tatshaw Territory, they had at least relaxed their exploitative policies considerably. In times of crisis, they needed the help of their citizens to preserve their rule.

"Kado, now that there's a good harvest this year, are you going to take the opportunity to marry a woman?" Out among the fields of Rokas Territory, a burly man was working hard. Large beads of sweat slid from his forehead and neck, pattering onto the soil and striking out tiny puddles.

One or two citizens passing