New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out (1/10 chapters)

 

 

For Now, Just Mix It Together

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

It was the middle of the night, just around the time I was thinking I should go to bed. That was when Stella suddenly brought something up.

“By the way, what kind of play is this ‘Hero Stella: Slaying the Demon Marcosias’?” (Stella)

“…You don’t know?” (Elt)

“‘Tristan’s Utter Defeat’ was already being performed before I became a wooden statue, but I think this one was written afterward. So, I don’t know the details.” (Stella)

“I see, so there’s a time gap…” (Elt)

“I assume it’s a story about my confrontation with Maru-chan…” (Stella)

“Hmm, well, it’s actually a little different…” (Elt)

I pulled out a thick book from the shelf. It was a book summarizing popular plays from around the world. By the way, Marcosias was dozing off on a wooden and cotton-padded pillow.  Naturally, in her puppy form, lying on her back with belly exposed. Dia was dozing off, using Marcosias’s belly as a pillow.

“Nn~… so moist-piyo…” (Dia)

“Wafu~… moist, huh…” (Marcosias)

“Moist-piyoyo…” (Dia)

Definitely right before bedtime. Well, that’s probably why Stella brings it up now.

Hero Stella: Slaying the Demon Marcosias.

Among the plays featuring Stella, this one was particularly popular. It was commonly referred to as one of the “Stella Six Works”, Tristan’s Utter Defeat was also included among those six. It had been popular for hundreds of years, and while the content varied slightly depending on era and location.

Here was the current version’s synopsis. The protagonist was a young and strong nobleman from a certain country. Actually, it wasn’t Stella. He was on a mission from his king to defeat the Demon King, heading toward the Demon King’s castle with his retainers. By the way, the nobleman and his retainers were entirely fictional characters. They were said to have models, but they didn’t live during Stella’s actual time.

On the way, they were attacked by Marcosias, a high-ranking Demon and the Demon King’s lieutenant. The nobleman and his retainers were cornered. Then, bursting onto the scene to save them was an incredibly strong martial artist, Stella. After driving Marcosias away and rescuing the nobleman, she immediately left the scene. The nobleman fell in love with Stella at first sight. However, he was on a journey to defeat the Demon King. Torn between love and duty, his heart wavered.

Just before reaching the Demon King’s castle, he finally found Stella in a nearby town. The nobleman and Stella were just starting to get close, when Marcosias attacked the town. As Marcosias went on a rampage, the nobleman and Stella joined forces to fight. And finally, they defeated Marcosias. Fueled by both love and duty, the nobleman pressed onward to defeat the Demon King.

That was the story.

“…That’s how it goes.” (Elt)

“Besides my name and the fact that I’m a martial artist, nothing in that story is true, is it?!” (Stella)

Stella was clearly shocked.

Well, that reaction is predictable…

This work was so famous that there were even commentary books analyzing the differences from actual history. As Stella said, it was nearly all fiction. Around ninety percent, in fact.

“Popular plays are like that. A bit of truth sprinkled with a lot of fiction.” (Elt)

“H-Haa… I see.” (Stella)

“As a play, the scene where you fight Marcosias is really popular. Incidentally, in this version Marcosias is usually portrayed as a large man clad in red armor…” (Elt)

“That part’s not right either…!” (Stella)

The current Marcosias was lying on her back like a puppy, belly completely exposed.

Adorable.

“Well, well… it’s a play that’s loved by everyone from kids to adults.” (Elt)

“That much I can kind of understand… But now I have a general idea.” (Stella)

At that point, Stella looked over at Durandal, which was mounted on the wall.

…Huh?

“Let’s include that.” (Stella)

“Eh? Include what? You don’t mean…” (Elt)

“Durandal-chan!” (Stella)

“…Durandal-chan.” (Elt)

Wait, she just added -chan?!

“For the sake of promoting Noball!” (Stella)

“Ehh?” (Elt)

“If they’re going to make fun of me, then at least…!” (Stella)

“W-Well, okay…!” (Elt)

I nodded vigorously.

I understood how she felt. The story was so different from the truth, she must’ve had a lot of mixed feelings. But another thought pops into my mind.

This feels a little different, but… is this what it’s like when a sponsor insists on something?

 

—

A few days later. Preparations for the Cockatrice Festival were going smoothly. The calendar had entered December. This world also had 12 months in a year, each with about 30 days. Only a few weeks remained until the Cockatrice Festival. It was definitely getting colder.

Today, Leia had brought over samples of various cockatrice-themed goods that would be sold at the festival. Stuffed animals, wooden cups, blankets, clothes, hats, and so on. The expensive items included silverware engraved with the cockatrice mark.

“There are this many cockatrice goods?” (Elt)

“These are the standard items. They sell well anytime.” (Leia)

“They’re wonderful…! The fluffy feeling of the cockatrice is well captured.” (Stella)

Stella seemed to have taken a liking to the stuffed animals. Apparently, she had loved cockatrices even back in the Zanzas Dungeon.

“Oh… the belly is kind of plump. Could it be based on the cockatrices from this village?” (Stella)

“Sharp eyes…! Exactly right.” (Leia)

“Hmm… I see.” (Stella)

I couldn’t really tell the difference myself.

“…And this costume?” (Elt)

Leia had brought along someone in a costume. Since they weren’t saying anything, it was hard to bring up.

“…It is I, degozaru.” (Hattori)

“Hattori, huh. What happened?” (Elt)

“Exactly as you suspect, degozaru…” (Hattori)

I got the picture. Leia had probably told him to wear it. Leia herself looked extremely pleased.

“This new cockatrice suit is amazing. The mobility has been greatly improved! It’ll be a huge hit!” (Leia)

“…How many did you make?” (Elt)

“100 suits!” (Leia)

“O-Ohh…” (Elt)

Impressive. Well, this is the biggest event for Zanzas, a tourist spot. This level of buzz might be necessary. Like a Cockatrice Land… where no matter which way you turn, there are cockatrice costumes everywhere…

“And over there… Oh, I see. They’re rehearsing the play.” (Leia)

Leia’s gaze turned to where Dia and the others were practicing the play.

“Look over there, piyo! That red armor… It’s the Great Demon Marcosias, piyo!” (Dia)

“Ugo-ugo… Please, run away… I’ll buy some time…” (Wood)

Looks like Dia is playing Stella, and Wood the young nobleman. It’s kind of a wild casting, though…

“Wahaha! Where are they?! Those who humiliated me! Today, I’ll offer them to the Demon King as a blood sacrifice!” (Marcosias)

Marcosias was totally into it. Playing herself, apparently, with absolute perfection.

“What play is this?” (Leia)

“It’s the Titty Late Period version of ‘Hero Stella: Slaying the Demon Marcosias’. The famous playwright Titty published it near the end of his life.” (Elt)

“Oh… right on the mark. You know your stuff.” (Leia)

According to the commentary books, Hero Stella: Slaying the Infernal Marcosias had over 50 different versions. It had been passed down in many forms. These days, there were maybe five main ones still performed. The one Dia was doing was one of them.

“Are you perhaps knowledgeable about theater…?” (Stella)

“Of course, Stella-sama. As someone responsible for overseeing Zanzas, understanding plays based on you is basic education.” (Leia)

“H-Hehh…” (Stella)

Stella was at a loss for words. Considering how she’d said earlier that she didn’t know much about plays about herself.

“Leia, sorry to ask while you’re so busy… but could you introduce someone knowledgeable about theater? We’re thinking of doing a performance for the festival, but neither Stella nor I really know the field well…” (Elt)

“Then, leave it to me!” (Leia)

*Ba-baan!*

Leia struck a dramatic pose.

“W-Wait… aren’t you busy? We just need someone who can oversee the play…” (Elt)

“Rest assured! In fact, we were already planning to do a costume show version of Hero Stella: Slaying the Demon Marcosias. So, we already have professionals handling it behind the scenes!” (Leia)

“That’s a costume show, right?” (Elt)

“Just look around. Aren’t there plenty of movable, quick-learning costume performers right here?” (Leia)

*PON!*

Leia clapped Hattori on the shoulder.

“M-Me, degozaru?!” (Hattori)

“Yes, it is you, degozaru! I mean, the nobleman’s retainers vary between versions. And we even have a vampire-costumed retainer version, too.” (Leia)

“…There’s such a version?” (Elt)

“For outdoor, daytime performances, that one’s better suited.” (Leia)

“O-Ohh…” (Elt)

Stella, meanwhile, froze with her eyes wide open. Her mental processing had hit its limit.

“Piyo, is this friend joining us too?” (Dia)

Apparently, Dia had heard everything.

“Yes, absolutely. He’ll be a big help… fufufu.” (Leia)

“Can he move, piyo?” (Dia)

“He can even do handstands!” (Leia)

“Really, piyo!? I’m excited, piyo!” (Dia)

Dia’s eyes sparkled.

“Now, the handstand…!” (Leia)

“Ugh… at this point, I’ve no choice, degozaru…” (Hattori)

“He can really do it?” (Elt)

Hattori steeled himself and did a handstand.

While still in costume.

“Wow, amazing-piyo!” (Dia)

“T-This is nothing…!!” (Hattori)

That’s some serious guts… His pride is what holds up the costume.

“The play’s gonna be fun-piyo!” (Dia)

“That’s right, my master! No doubt about it!” (Marcosias)

“No doubt-piyo!” (Dia)

Stella leaned in and whispered into my ear nervously.

“I-It feels like this is going to turn into an outrageous play…” (Stella)

…It’s fine. Let’s just watch over them warmly.

Costumed characters danced, while the actual Marcosias played the demon. A chaotic hot pot… an overwhelmingly chaotic school play.

All we can do now is gently guide them forward.

 

Cockatrice Festival Preparation

40%

Grass Dumpling Festival completed

Lodging set up in the underground plaza

Elven Cuisine Welcome completed

Dia’s Play (Cockatrice Costume Edition)

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)