New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out! (4/10)

 

 

Dia’s Talent and Interest

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

We called the Rainbow Fish over with the grass dumplings and recovered the Cockatrice hat.

Good, we got it back quickly.

While I was wiping the wet hat, Dia started talking to me.

“Piyo, did that help?” (Dia)

“Ah, yeah… I pulled it out of the water. It will come back to life soon.” (Elt)

Not dead, though.

“Piyo. This one dies right away, piyo. It’s dangerous, piyo.” (Dia)

“It’s not dead.” (Elt)

“…Piyo. But the head came off, piyo. It’s dead, piyo.” (Dia)

“Nya. You think this hat is a head, nya. I have heard that the Cockatrices of Zansas recognize people as companions, nya…” (Naru)

That might be a trait because they are close. Well, it is a good thing that they get attached to people from birth… They recognize fish as different creatures, but Jessica wearing the Cockatrice hat is recognized as a companion. Is the Cockatrice hat the key to everything…?

After finishing wiping the hat, Jessica put it on again.

“…How’s this!” (Jessica)

“Piyo! Alive!” (Dia)

“Jessica is immortal, after all.” (Elt)

“Piyo. Amazing!” (Dia)

“Are you just saying whatever you want?” (Jessica)

“…Don’t mind it.” (Elt)

“Piyo. But, Tou-sama, are you really okay, piyo?” (Dia)

“I’m fine.” (Elt)

“Pull that string, Jessica.” (Elt)

“Used to it, nya.” (Naru)

They are together all the time. Dia has a straightforward personality.

Jessica pulled the string of the hat. She was already skilled at it.

Piyo!

“See, she’s fine, right?” (Elt)

“Piyo! That’s good, piyo!” (Dia)

“There, there.” (Elt)

Dia is really cute.

“…Ah, right. The golden Rainbow Fish!” (Elt)

“Yes, nya, it was very surprised, nya.” (Naru)

“That individual is rare to find. This golden one is female.” (Jessica)

“Hm? Are all ordinary Rainbow Fish male?” (Elt)

“Yes. So, if you can’t raise the golden Rainbow Fish, they won’t increase.” (Jessica)

Jessica dropped her shoulders heavily.

It seems she had trouble. Maybe they couldn’t catch the golden Rainbow Fish… Ah. Because she dropped her shoulders, the hat nearly slipped off again…!

However, as expected of an A-rank adventurer, Jessica quickly caught it with her hand and avoided trouble.

Phew, good. Not dead.

“…Just now, your neck almost came off, piyo.” (Dia)

“Yikes, that’s just your imagination.” (Elt)

Her neck didn’t come off. It’s a hat after all.

“Just imagination, piyo?” (Dia)

“Ah, yeah…” (Elt)

“Be careful, piyo. It dies quickly, piyo…! It will die, piyo!” (Dia)

“…O-okay.” (Jessica)

“But Jessica, don’t worry. Even if you die, I’ll save you immediately, piyo!” (Dia)

…Huh? Dia clearly said Jessica’s name. Maybe this is the first time outside the family. It seems it got recorded in Dia’s mind. As “The Cockatrice who dies quickly, Jessica”, though…

 

—

 

After that, Jessica asked several questions.

Well, about the grass dumplings. The key point in raising Rainbow Fish is really just the grass dumplings. Without them, you can’t even catch the fish. At the very least, it would be impossible without injury. And even if you catch them, they only eat grass dumplings. For continuous breeding, grass dumplings are essential.

That said, this information isn’t very valuable. What’s truly important is the skill [Dryad’s Power]. I intend to keep this skill a secret until the last moment. Well, you can’t even obtain it without a Dryad…

Jessica answered that she would consider cooperating positively. I think we can say we are moving forward.

“I can’t answer immediately whether I can fully cooperate… But I will help increase the fish pens.” (Jessica)

The Hundred Islands is a confederation of many islands, as the name suggests. Naturally, they have a long history and strengths in fisheries. Aquaculture is also active, and some fish bring considerable sales.

First, it seems we will buy fish pens through Jessica. That way, neither side needs to share important information, and we can at least make a profit. Fish farming technology is secret even for the Hundred Islands. They won’t teach it easily. You can’t make a big deal suddenly.

After parting with Jessica and Naru, Dia and I headed to the Large Tree Tower.

The forest exploration will start soon. Tetetoka will come along, so let’s go check on things.

We headed toward the Large Tree Tower. As usual, there were people in the soil bath. It was a sight we had grown used to.

“Piyo. The curse hasn’t lifted, piyo.” (Dia)

“…You remembered.” (Elt)

“I hope it lifts soon, piyo…” (Dia)

“Y-yeah…” (Elt)

For Dia, who is fluffy all over, losing some of her fur must be a big deal. She was giving me a pitying look. In a way, maybe this is also part of emotional education…? Yeah, let’s think of it that way.

At the Large Tree Tower, the Dryads were kneading grass dumplings. It seemed to be a group kneading session… or rather, snack-making time.

“Wow, they’re kneading!” (Naru)

Knead, knead…

Pick, munch.

Knead, knead…

Pick, munch.

The Dryads rhythmically made grass dumplings and ate half of them. Only half were left after completion. They hadn’t wavered in this habit…

“…They’re eating, piyo.” (Dia)

“Yeah… that’s just how Dryads do it.” (Elt)

That’s the only way to explain it.

While the Dryads endlessly made and ate, Tetetoka noticed us. She held some grass dumplings and came over. Of course, those dumplings were not for us. They were for eating while walking.

“Elt-sama, good day to you.” (Tetetoka)

“Ah, hello, Tetetoka, as usual.” (Elt)

“Yes, of course. Dia, welcome as well.” (Tetetoka)

“Piyo! I’m here, piyo!” (Dia)

Munch, munch.

I ate the grass dumplings Tetetoka had.

…Hmm. That was a mistake. Dia had shown interest in the grass dumplings before. I wonder if she would say she wanted to eat some… or maybe it is still too early to let her eat.

While I was thinking that, Dia was staring off in a different direction.

Hmm, those must be the Dryads kneading over there.

“Piyo. Making that looks fun, piyo.” (Dia)

“It is fun.” (Dryad)

She seemed more interested in making them than the dumplings themselves.

That is a bit surprising. Well, maybe thanks to growing up… she is starting to have interests beyond just eating. As a parent, I want to encourage that side. Yeah, maybe I’ll have her try kneading grass dumplings.

“Want to try, Dia?” (Elt)

“Piyo! I’ll do it, piyo!” (Dia)

“Making grass dumplings is fun, after all.” (Dryad)

We moved to the table and prepared.

…But then I realized something. How does Dia knead them…? Her hands are wings, so it must be only with her legs… or does she even have legs? No, she doesn’t… She kneads with her chick legs. That’s the only way.

Dia’s eyes shone brightly as she faced the unkneaded grass dumplings.

“Ah, Dia… before stepping on them with your legs—” (Elt)

“Piyoyo!!” (Dia)

When Dia shouted, mana surged out.

Is this magic!? Moreover, it gives a thrilling sensation on my skin… it is quite strong.

Dia’s released magic ran throughout the Large Tree Tower. After that instant passed, next to Dia stood a girl in red armor…

Silver hair. Terrifyingly perfect beauty, and cold, fixed eyes. A gaze that felt like it could freeze the heart. But I had a vague sense of familiarity with her appearance. However, her mana was barely perceptible. Very weak… Only about the same level as an ordinary person.

The girl turned toward Dia and bowed her head.

“…I am Marcosias, Marquis of Hell. You are the one who inherited the contract with the Demon King.” (Marcosias)

Demon King… Ah, I see! I remember.

The Demon King who was defeated by Stella. There was a demon summoned and commanded by that Demon King. One of them was definitely Marcosias. According to legend, she was defeated instantly by Stella and disappeared…

But in the game, she is a boss character with considerable power. She should have very high strength in this world as well…!

Also, Dia is incredible. Could she have an aptitude for summoning magic? Or rather, the power of the Cockatrice Queen might be different from that of a human…

“Piyo, yes, piyo!” (Dia)

“I obey, my master. Though my power has not returned, I will carry out your orders with all my might.” (Marcosias)

Dang, this is not the time to think. I have to stop this. This will become a serious problem…!

Then, Dia pointed at the grass dumplings. She tilted her head cutely.

“Let’s knead together, piyo.” (Dia)

“…Huh?” (Marcosias)

Marcosias froze right there.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)