New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out! (9/10)

 

 

 

Cockatrice Shock

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Today was a day off. The sky is somewhat cloudy, but the wind was weak.

The second plaza, located north of the village, was as lively as ever.

*Kakkeen, kakkeen*

People were hitting balls with bats or playing catch. Others were simply running for training. People enjoyed exercising in their own ways.

Anaria had recently started coming to this second plaza little by little. Wearing homemade leather gloves, she was playing catch. Her partner was Nana, who wore a cockatrice costume. At the northernmost part of the plaza, Anaria was throwing and catching the ball with difficulty. By the way, the distance was quite close. She still could not throw it far.

“Thank you for going along with me… It feels somewhat daunting, though.” (Anaria)

“Don’t worry about it. First, just enjoy playing catch. You can swing a bat alone but throwing balls back and forth improves skills faster.” (Nana)

“I see… I will take you up on that.” (Anaria)

Among the eight S-rank adventurers in the world, Nana was especially of noble birth, from a high-class family. However, for the time being, there was no such atmosphere at all. Being a little unusual was common for adventurers, but she was a good person. She even went along with Anaria’s weak catch ball. Also, Nana seemed to have a personality quite similar to Anaria’s. At first glance, Nana’s costume looked like a remodeled ready-made product, but Anaria noticed something.

Nana’s costume was fully custom-made. Though it pretended to dislike Cockatrices, that was just a show. Anaria, who liked handiwork, could tell. Every single hair was carefully made, meticulously crafted. Thinking such things, Anaria continued to throw the ball. Then Nana caught the ball and stopped moving. She turned around and said one thing.

“Looks like we have visitors.” (Nana)

“Visitors…? You mean those?” (Anaria)

“Yeah, they are heavily armored.” (Nana)

Anaria could see them too. A group of knights was rushing in, kicking up dust. A particularly large knight was at the front. Wearing crimson full plate armor and holding an emerald shield. Behind him were five knights wearing black full plate armor. One of them was running while carrying a glittering flag.

Anaria was startled. The crest was a knight about to be stepped on by a dragon. It looked somewhat pathetic, but this knight about to be stepped on was the founder, Lord Tristan. The crest derived from the legend that he fought and won even while being stepped on by a dragon.

“That is the Black Dragon Knight Order!” (Anaria)

One of the kingdom’s most prestigious knight orders. It approached Anaria and Nana at high speed. However, Anaria was regaining her composure. Although she was under 20 years old, she was a talented apothecary of the Zanzas Guild. She would not panic just because some knights passed by. The knights, who seemed to be in a hurry, stopped near Anaria and Nana. Other adventurers gathered around, curious.

“To those there! We are the Black Dragon Knight Order. We would like to ask something. Is Healberry Village ahead?” (Knight)

One of the black-armored knights asked Anaria. His whole body was armored and helmeted, so his face was unknown.

“Yes, it is that forest-like place over there…” (Anaria)

Anaria said while pointing, and the knights replied with pity.

“There is not even a proper house…” (Knight)

“That is understandable. Last year’s map showed no village in this area.” (Knight)

They spoke harshly. Well, surely they did not think that those trees were houses. The lead knight, Berzel, spoke to Nana. Despite his intimidating physique, his voice was gentle.

“How is the lord of this land?” (Berzel)

“Eh? H-he is well…” (Nana)

“Good. By royal command, we will pass through this village. We would like to meet the lord. If possible, also arrange lodging…” (Berzel)

“In that case, I will guide you.” (Nana)

At Nana’s words, the black-armored knights flinched.

Anaria knew. For knights, cockatrices were a source of fear. Since neither magic nor swords worked on them, they felt uneasy. If this uneasiness grew too large, it was said to cause a mental condition called Cockatrice Shock.

“That costume. I assume you are a Vampire… Is that acceptable? It still seems like daytime.” (Knight)

“I can somewhat adapt to the knights’ conversation. You are Berzel Nagash-sama, with the crimson armor and emerald shield, correct?” (Nana)

Ah…

Anaria swallowed her surprise. It was Elt’s older brother.

“Hmm, who are you?” (Berzel)

“My name is Nafinadia. I will guide you immediately.” (Nana)

“Thank you very much. Then, excuse us.” (Berzel)

After the conversation settled, Nana approached Anaria and handed her the ball. At that time, Nana whispered quietly.

“It looks like they came for Lord Tristan’s revenge. So, for Anaria…” (Nana)

Yes, Anaria knew. The knight who accomplished the killing of the Black Dragon, Lord Tristan. The one who beat him badly was none other than the hero Stella.

 

—

 

“Sorry for dragging you around on your day off.” (Elt)

“No, no. Please do not worry about me.” (Stella)

We left the underground plaza and were walking through the village. There were many things to do, such as examining the soil and checking the structure. Even though it was a day off, I had to make steady progress… though honestly, half the reason was that I simply liked the fantastical underground plaza.

Somehow, the glowing moss reminded me of fireflies from my previous life. Maybe that was what people meant by ‘elegant and mysterious’. If used well, it might even serve as a tourism asset. Stella also seemed to enjoy that scenery and followed me.

“Well then, let’s go back home and have lunch… huh?” (Elt)

“Is that… a group of knights?” (Stella)

A formation in black and crimson armor was walking toward us after dismounting. Leading them was Nana in her costume.

“Did Nana come to guide them here?” (Stella)

“Probably so… but those knights…” (Elt)

I was running thoughts through my head at full speed. A knight’s flag being stepped on by a black dragon. I remembered it from the emblem encyclopedia.

“That is the Black Dragon Knight Order. My brother is about to be appointed as the new commander…” (Elt)

“…What?” (Stella)

As I understood it, only officers and higher in the Seven Great Knight Orders could wear personally colored equipment. That was known as their personal color. General members were only allowed to wear the armor color that symbolized the order.

So, I figured the large crimson-armored knight was the leader, but to come here suddenly without notice… It must be urgent business or perhaps a personal visit.

As I became more alert, the crimson knight raised a hand and removed his helmet. A familiar face was revealed beneath it. He had a wild aura, yet carried a sense of friendliness. He was my older brother.

“You look well, Elt… or should I say, Lord? How many years has it been? I’m amazed you’ve built such a village with magic.” (Berzel)

“Berzel-niisan…” (Elt)

“Gahahaha. I was worried for nothing, it seems.” (Berzel)

The knights all bowed their heads deeply in my direction. Not just a nod, they did not raise their heads at all. They were showing proper respect to me.

Hm, that’s a bit surprising. The Black Dragon Knight Order is a top-class, prestigious unit. Only those from noble enough backgrounds could join, meaning they must have quite a lot of pride. Oops, if I do not say something, they would stay like that forever.

“Be at ease. You are welcome here.” (Elt)

““Thank you very much!”” (Knights)

Their voices seemed to tremble slightly.

“They seem a bit nervous. Well, forgive them. Even though the Lord is suppressing his mana, knights instinctively feel the difference in strength.” (Berzel)

Lord, huh. It seems you intend to treat me with proper respect. That meant this was official business. I have to act like a lord too.

“I see. So, what is your business?” (Elt)

“We’re just passing along some news. We want to borrow lodging for one night. If possible, food and drink as well. Naturally, we’ll pay.” (Berzel)

“I can’t take money from my brother. Please, it’s nothing much, but make yourselves at home.” (Elt)

“Much appreciated… By the way, who is that young lady?” (Berzel)

*Startled*

Stella tried to slip away quietly, but it was too late. The black-armored knights’ gazes locked onto her.

“Elf…” (Knight)

*Startled*

“Golden hair…” (Knight)

*More startled*

“Could it be… could it be!?” (Knight)

The black knights began to radiate killing intent.

Well, that was to be expected. From their perspective, she was a civilian who defeated their founder… And it was the only recorded defeat in history, which had even been turned into a play. But Berzel’s reaction was slow. Among the knights here, I believe Brother is the strongest…

“Alright, all of you calm down. This is in front of the Lord. Let me ask again, what is your name?” (Berzel)

“…Um, I’m Stella.” (Stella)

“As I thought!” (Knight)

“The one who defeated Lord Tristan…!” (Knight)

“I said calm down. Hm, I don’t sense much mana, but are you truly that ‘Hero Stella’?” (Berzel)

Stella suppressed her mana to the absolute limit. It felt as though she had none. Rather, adventurers valued that kind of technique. Their main job was slaying monsters. They only unleashed killing intent or mana when it was truly needed. In that regard, it was very different from knights, who often used showy equipment to intimidate.

“Y-yes… that’s me.” (Stella)

“How dare you speak so shamelessly!” (Knight)

“This is our chance for revenge!” (Knight)

Oh, the knights have low boiling points. Even if it turn into a fight, I feel like Stella would defeat each one in about five seconds… Maybe we could do a match where, if they last ten seconds against Stella’s attacks, they’d win. No good. It wouldn’t be a real contest.

“Alright. Everyone, line up!” (Tetetoka)

““Piyo!”” (Cockatrice)

“We’re going for a walk!” (Lalatoma)

““Piyo!”” (Cockatrice)

*Piyo piyo*

The cockatrices, led by Tetetoka and Lalatoma, appeared for their walk.

*Piyo piyo*

A fluffy line of cockatrices.

…Undeniably cute.

“U-uh…!?” (Knight)

“Co-co…” (Knight)

“Huh?” (Elt)

The black knights began acting strangely.

What is going on?

Then, a wave of desperate cries erupted all at once.

““Cockatrices!!”” (Knights)

“…What?” (Elt)

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)