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

 

 

Shaved Ice

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I sent a reply to the Adventurer Guild of Zanzas.

If everything goes well, the Guildmaster will visit within a week. I want to offer a grand welcome, but there isn’t much I can do. What I can prepare are delicious vegetables, fruits, and maybe a soil bath… Hmm, I’ll have to make sure they enjoy something that seems good for their health. I should also check the meal menu later.

Now then, today is a holiday. With the money that came in, the fluffiness of my bed and pillow has improved. I can sleep soundly every day. Well, that’s partly because I live a regular lifestyle…

After lazing around a little, I ate breakfast in the living room. That morning’s menu was mushroom salad and chilled tomato soup.

Actually, plant magic cannot produce mushrooms. Mushrooms are not considered plants.  Unfortunately. So, the mushrooms arranged in the salad are things the adventurers collected. They are brown, thick, and taste like maitake mushrooms. Maybe they are maitake mushrooms in this world… Thanks to the light olive oil, there is a slight sense of luxury.

“Ugo ugo, is it delicious?” (Wood)

“Ah, it’s very delicious.” (Elt)

Thanks to the adventurers, the variety of ingredients in the territory had increased. Especially the mushrooms included many with medicinal effects, and quite a lot had been found in the local forests. It seemed there really were substantial resources in the forest. I could not tell mushrooms apart well myself. I remembered them from my previous life’s game knowledge, but I lacked the courage to actually eat them. It was much safer to leave that to professionals.

After eating breakfast, I got ready and went out.

Today, I have plans with Stella. She wants me to taste her cooking. She seems to make dishes that ordinary people don’t eat, so she called me. I was intrigued and accepted immediately. Hmm, but I don’t know Stella’s cooking skills. In manga and anime, sometimes the food kills people… It should be fine, right? Just in case, I’ll secretly bring a potion.

 

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Walking to Stella’s house, I passed many people on the way. The village of Healberry was getting busier. Since it was a holiday, everyone was spending their time freely. There were some clouds in the sky, but the sunlight was strong. It wasn’t too hot, so it was just right for outdoor activities.

Come to think of it, I saw several groups playing a game like chess on the roadside. Maybe it’s popular.

Before I knew it, I arrived at Stella’s house. Stella came out at the entrance dressed beautifully. She wore a black blouse and skirt, looking like a splendid noble lady. With her dignified appearance, she would not have looked out of place at a noble ball.

Yesterday she was swinging a bat full force…

“Welcome, Elt-sama.” (Stella)

“…” (Elt)

“Is something wrong?” (Stella)

“…No, it’s just different from usual.” (Elt)

Ah, I blurted it out honestly. However, for some reason, Stella seems a little happier.

“Hehe, isn’t it? Anaria picked it out for me, do you think it suits me?” (Stella)

“I see. Yeah, it suits you.” (Elt)

That is my honest feeling. But the atmosphere Stella gives off is quite different… Anaria, despite everything, pays attention to appearance. Potion making is her top priority, but she skillfully manages other things too.

When I was guided to the living room, there were many houseplants. The furniture and decorations were mostly brown and green. It felt like being surrounded by nature.

“Actually, most of the dishes I want you to taste are already ready.” (Stella)

“Oh… what kind of dishes are they?” (Elt)

My heart is pounding. What will come out?

“It’s Ice Dragon’s Fang.” (Stella)

“I don’t know that.” (Elt)

I have never heard of it. It sounds dangerous. Speaking of which, the Elves in this world have a unique culture. It was hardly touched on in the game. It’s really late to realize it now, though…

“Well, it’s a traditional elf dish, but it’s faster to show you.” (Stella)

She said that and disappeared inside, returning quickly.

What she holds is… ice in a pot and a bowl? What kind of dish is that?

Then, Stella took a plate, spoon, and knife and sat down.

Huh? Is that all she brings?

Wondering that, Stella took the ice and started shaving it with the knife.

*Zarizarizarizari*

Her hands moved expertly. The ice quickly turned into fine flakes and piled on the plate.

I see, the ice is shaved and served.

Then, Stella tilted the pot. There was a sweet honey smell. At that moment, I knew what to call the dish in front of me.

It’s shaved ice… Without a doubt, it is shaved ice.

“Phew, it’s done.” (Stella)

“Ah, ah… so this is Ice Dragon’s Fang?” (Elt)

“Yes. If you eat it quickly, it gives you a headache, so that’s why it got the name…” (Stella)

“That part hasn’t changed.” (Elt)

I feel relieved. It really is shaved ice. However, it’s interesting how the name changes with the world… It’s quite moving.

“It is a common dish among Elves, but here, there is no habit of eating cold things…” (Stella)

“That’s right, there are no dishes eaten colder than room temperature…” (Elt)

That is why there are baked sweets like cookies, but no ice cream. Ice is only used for preserving other foods.

“Was the ice made with magic tools?” (Elt)

“Yes, I bought it from Naru. It produces quite good ice. The water here is good, so it’s perfect.” (Stella)

After saying that, Stella hurriedly added.

“Ah, please eat it quickly! It will melt…” (Stella)

“You’re right, I will.” (Elt)

Honey-covered shaved ice…

When I scooped it with a spoon and ate it, the sweet and cold taste was pleasant.

…It feels nostalgic. The simplicity of eating ice. It is a shame it melts so quickly in my mouth. If I eat too fast, the headache comes though…

“Yeah… it’s delicious.” (Elt)

“Oh, I’m glad…” (Stella)

“But why did you ask me? Even though it’s unusual, I think there are others who would eat it…” (Elt)

Is there a reason it has to be me?

“As expected of Elt-sama. Actually, I thought it would be good if we could invite them to this village.” (Stella)

“Invite?” (Elt)

“Other Elves, that is. From outside Zanzas too…” (Stella)

Then, Stella began explaining. The elves living in this kingdom were originally wanderers. There must be many elves looking for a place to settle peacefully.

“We usually live surrounded by trees and mainly eat vegetables and fruits. I thought maybe this place could fulfill that…” (Stella)

“There are only vegetables and fruits here.” (Elt)

“And we basically like sweets… I am really happy to be able to eat a lot of fruits here.” (Stella)

I have recently felt that differences between races are surprisingly large. Seeing the Dryad buried in the soil and how they don’t hesitate to pour water on themselves…  It would be torture for humans, but a reward for Dryads. So, the Elves’ circumstances must be important. And of course, newcomers are very welcome. If they think this environment is good, that is the best.

“I don’t mind. Recruiting settlers from outside Zanzas is fine.” (Elt)

“Really!?” (Stella)

“Yes, I want to make the village bigger…” (Elt)

While talking, I suddenly realize I finished the shaved ice.

“This dish is pretty good too.” (Elt)

“I’m glad you like it…” (Stella)

“You can change what you put on the ice and it’s also delicious.” (Elt)

I casted magic and produced ordinary mangoes and blueberries.

Shaved ice is meant to be enjoyed with various flavors. If combined with honey, the taste will be even more complex.

“Is it okay…? For me…?” (Stella)

“It’s totally fine. Eating delicious food makes us happier and more joyful.” (Elt)

Then, I served some fruits with the shaved ice or as syrup. Each time, Stella was very impressed. Seeing her happy made me happy too.

Sometimes, a relaxing time like this is nice. And it seems settlers will finally come from outside Zanzas. Though only elves gathered by Stella, this is unexpected but welcome growth.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)