New chapters of Plant Magic Lord is out! (8/10 chapters)

 

 

The Ecology of the Dryads

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After receiving the letter from Zanzas, I decided to promptly advance the partnership. Accordingly, I would dispatch my representatives. The members who would go to Zanzas had already been decided beforehand. They were Anaria, Naru, and Stella.

“Then, we will be off!” (Anaria)

“We’re going, nya.” (Naru)

“Fueeeh… I’ll do my best…” (Stella)

The sun was burning bright and red from morning, shining over the autumn sky. The wind was somewhat calm and warm. It was comfortable weather.

“Alright, I’m counting on you. However, sorry… I might really need to go myself.” (Elt)

“No, no, nya. There’s no need for a noble of the Nagash Household to go. You should stay calm and relaxed, nya.” (Naru)

“Got it, I’ll leave it to you this time.” (Elt)

Although it was a casual remark from me, apparently, it was not casual to the three of them.

I wonder why. They had expressions as if moved or deeply touched.

“Yes… I will do my best to meet your expectations! I will definitely bring back good news!” (Anaria)

There was more power in those words than I had expected.

Well, well… I’m glad they are motivated.

With the enthusiastic Anaria and the others aboard, the carriage team slowly departed from the village. After seeing them off, Brown was suddenly beside me.

Perhaps because the Nyaff tribe are cats, they often come close without making a sound. They have quite impressive stealth skills. Well, I have gotten used to it now…

“As expected of Elt-sama, you are good at bringing out motivation, nya~.” (Brown)

“…It seems so. I guess nobles who say things like that are rare.” (Elt)

I do not think I said anything special. But it seems other nobles do not speak such words to their subjects. Fortunately, it seems to be leading in a good direction.

“It’s very rare, nya. In that sense, we are lucky, nya.” (Brown)

“Hmm… Well, if you say so, that is what matters most.” (Elt)

To be honest, I have become quite close with Brown lately. Brown is rather frank in how he interacts… That makes it easier for me.

“Alright, now we wait for good news… I will do what I can.” (Elt)

“Nyan, I will accompany you, nya!” (Brown)

 

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The first place I inspected was the Dryads’ area. When I arrived at the Large Tree Tower, Wood was there. He was tilling the soil in front of the tower while holding a hoe.

Swish, smash. Swish, smash.

The power of a two-meter-tall Treeman was extraordinary. He was tilling the soil at an incredible speed. Or rather than tilling, it looked like he was smashing the ground.

“You’re working hard since morning, Wood.” (Elt)

“Ugo ugo! The soil here is soft. Easy to work with!” (Wood)

“Nyan, Wood is moving away from Elt-sama… Is this magic really so easy to use, nya?” (Naru)

“It’s thanks to growth. The distance and time he can move away are gradually increasing.” (Elt)

Until now, Wood could not act if he left my side, but recently that has changed. This is also Wood’s growth. If he goes all out, he could probably already defeat a small dragon.

“Yesterday, Tetetoka came and asked to till the area in front of the tower… Are they planning to plant something here?” (Elt)

“Flowers like Healberries are good, nya-n, but something big like a palm tree is also nice, nya.” (Brown)

“Oh, that sounds good. Coconuts are sweet… they can even be desserts.” (Elt)

“Coconut milk tea is cool, nya.” (Brown)

As we chatted, the tower’s door opened, and the Dryads came outside.

“Wow, the soil is tilled!” (Dryad)

“It’s soft now, thank you!” (Dryad)

“Ugo ugo! You’re welcome!” (Wood)

All 30 Dryads appeared to come out of the tower.

Hmm, they are diligent workers. So, they are already starting to plant something.

Tetetoka stood in the center and called out loudly to everyone.

“All right, everyone gathered? Then, let’s start burying!” (Tetetoka)

“Huh?” (Elt)

Crack, crack.**

The Dryads began to burrow into the tilled soil all at once.

“What do you mean by burying yourselves up to your necks by your own will, nya!?” (Brown)

“Ah, that is… could it be…?” (Elt)

From the depths of my memory, I recalled something about Dryads. I faintly felt I had seen something like this before. I clapped my hands.

“That’s right, it’s a soil bath! It’s their way to refresh themselves.” (Elt)

“That serves as their bath, nya-n?! It looks like being buried alive, nya!” (Brown)

“Dryads are close to plants. They feel calm when inside the soil. It’s fine as long as their heads are out.” (Elt)

“Nya, I see… Now that you mention it, that makes sense, nya-n. As expected, Elt-sama knows a lot, nya.” (Na Brown ru)

Brown, hearing this, nodded and approached the buried Tetetoka.

…Cats really are curious.

“How is the soil, nya? Does it feel good, nya…?” (Brown)

“Lovely greetings, Brown-san! It’s soft and wonderful. Want to join us?” (Tetetoka)

“…I’ll pass, nya. Maybe another time.” (Brown)

“That’s too bad… How about you, Wood?” (Tetetoka)

“Ugo ugo! Looks comfortable! I’ll sunbathe here too!” (Wood)

“Please do! Fellow plants need sunlight!” (Tetetoka)

I see. That’s how they think. To Dryads, Wood is a companion. For us, being buried in the soil would be harsh torture, but for Dryads, it is a reward. There really are differences between races. They quickly fell asleep peacefully.

“This is rather surreal, nya…” (Naru)

“Actually, things like this are important. Dryads have farming work, and if they can work comfortably, refreshing themselves is no problem.” (Elt)

…A little later. I realized something. In the places where Dryads buried themselves, plants grew much faster. I wondered if something from their bodies must be influencing the soil.

When I asked Tetetoka, she said they even stuck their hands into potted plants. Well, for Dryads, it was like playing in the mud. But apparently, plants grew well that way. That meant when Dryads touched the soil, it became ideal soil for plants.

I learned something useful. It would help agriculture going forward.

Now… seeing Dryads buried in the soil, adventurers would be shocked enough to lose their composure, but that is another story.

 

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