New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out (3/3 chapters)

 

 

Just Before the Play

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I arrived at the plaza and guided everyone to the front row seats. Good thing I secured seats for the entire Hold family, just in case. The plaza was, once again, full of people. It probably wouldn’t get so packed that people would be forced to stand, but it was fair to say it was crowded.

Given the play’s subject, it should be familiar to the locals… Just like as I planned.

While sitting in our seats, I explained about Dia, Wood, and Marcosias.

They tilted their heads a bit, but it seemed like they accepted it.

“We’re putting on a play about Stella.” (Elt)

“A cockatrice is the daughter… W-Well, I guess things like that happen too.” (Hold)

“Cocka-chan…! So exciting!” (Audrey)

“I can’t wait…!” (Clarissa)

Audrey and Clarissa hugged the cockatrice plushies they had bought along the way, their eyes sparkling. Both of them were squishing the plushies’ bellies.

It looks like those two have collected quite a few cockatrice plushies.

Leia was the same. She was cockatrice lovers tended to do that kind of thing.

“‘Hero Stella Defeats the Infernal Marcosias’… That brings back memories. The drama club put it on when I was a student.” (Yaya)

“Right, I got roped into it too…” (Nana)

Yaya and Nana seemed to be getting into their conversation. Now then, since I had shown the Hold family to their seats, it was time for us to go check in backstage. It would be our only chance to see Dia before the play began. Fortunately, the Hold family had brought their own attendants. They wouldn’t be in trouble even if I wasn’t around.

Nana was also here.

“Well then, I’ll be back soon. I’ll return before the play starts.” (Elt)

“Understood. …You seem like a good father.” (Hold)

“Hm?” (Elt)

When Hold muttered in a low voice, I tilted my head.

“I just remembered how I almost missed a play Audrey was in and got severely scolded for it…” (Hold)

“…Ah, I see.” (Elt)

“I had business negotiations packed right up until the last moment. I figured as long as I made it in time, it would be fine… but apparently, that wasn’t good enough.” (Hold)

That sort of balancing act was tricky. Yaya must’ve wanted a more relaxed schedule.

“It’s unfortunate, but I prioritize my family. I hope you can understand that.” (Elt)

“I do… I wasn’t able to give a detailed time frame either, so I won’t make a fuss over it.” (Hold)

We didn’t even know what day or time they’d arrive.

I can’t place Hold’s visit above everything else. My duties as a family man and as the lord of the territory come first.

“Stella, let’s go together.” (Elt)

“Y-Yes…!” (Stella)

The costumes were said to be quite elaborate… but I actually hadn’t seen any of the recent rehearsals. I wanted to see them, but they wouldn’t show me. They said it was something to look forward to on the day.

I wonder how it all turned out…

Also, Stella’s earlier reaction was on my mind.

Tara, Stella’s older sister, huh…

“Let’s talk while we walk, Stella.” (Elt)

“…Yes.” (Stella)

And so, we headed for the Large Tree Tower. Once it was just the two of us, Stella bowed her head.

“I’m sorry, Elt-sama…” (Stella)

“There’s no need to apologize, Stella.” (Elt)

Her earlier murmur had been quiet, and I doubted the Hold family had heard it. The topic had already shifted, so there wasn’t any problem.

“I’m sure you’ve got a lot going on too, Stella.” (Elt)

I’ve got a lot going on as well. That’s why I won’t pry into Stella’s business. I’m just concerned. The play with Dia is about to begin too.

“Thank you very much…” (Stella)

Saying that, Stella softly raised her right hand with the palm facing me.

“…What’s this?” (Elt)

“No real reason… Just felt like it. Yay~” (Stella)

“Y-Yay~” (Elt)

I went along and gave her a high-five. And with that, it felt like a shadow lifted from Stella.

One step at a time. I do want to learn more about Stella. But I mustn’t rush. I’ll wait until Stella decides to speak on her own.

“…I feel better now. Let’s go!” (Stella)

“Yeah. I wonder what kind of outfit you’ve got on…” (Elt)

She looked like her usual self, which was a bit of a relief.

“Doing a handstand while balancing on a ball in a cockatrice costume… oh, I’m so excited for it!” (Stella)

“W-Well, yeah…” (Elt)

That was definitely something to look forward to.

“But couldn’t you do that too, Stella?” (Elt)

“Fueh…” (Stella)

Stella froze. Her eyes darted around wildly.

“Uhh, well… Yes, I suppose.” (Stella)

Laughing together, we arrived at the Large Tree Tower. At the Large Tree Tower, final checks were underway. We moved to a corner so as not to get in the way.

“So cute… and also so cool!” (Stella)

“Yeah, everyone looks great…” (Elt)

Dia was wearing a light white adventurer’s cape. It was a clever design, based on Stella’s current outfit. Wood looked like a young nobleman. He wore a black suit-like outfit. He was big and imposing, which gave him a certain authority, like he was really going to defeat the Demon King.

Marcosias wore a red, rugged-looking outfit, but with her sharp features, it suited her well.

Well, she is the real deal…

“How do you like it? I put a lot of thought into the choices!” (Leia)

Leia looked very pleased with herself. Indeed, it was impressive.

“Did you make Maru-chan’s outfit from a pattern?” (Elt)

“Yes. Actual armor would’ve been too heavy… so we inserted stiffened paper inside to give it a sense of weight.” (Leia)

“Lalatoma’s outfit looks great too though…” (Elt)

Dryads usually didn’t dress up. They only wore simple clothes. But now, Lalatoma wore the flowing robe of a mage. It paired nicely with the black rose on her head.

“The materials were very fine, so I put my heart into it.” (Leia)

“You did a great job.” (Elt)

“Thank you very much!” (Leia)

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Hattori too. He was in a cockatrice costume, but compared to everyone else’s flashy outfits, he actually looked rather normal.

“But was everything okay? This was Dia and the others’ first play, right…?” (Elt)

“If anything, they learned very quickly, so it wasn’t difficult at all. Their lines came out naturally. Hattori was actually the one who struggled a bit.” (Leia)

“Well, he is an adventurer, after all…” (Elt)

It can’t be helped. His main job lies elsewhere. I’m just grateful he stuck through it.

“Piyo! Tou-sama! Kaa-sama!” (Dia)

Noticing us, Dia and the others came running over.

“You came, piyo!” (Dia)

“Yeah, just before the play starts. I hadn’t even seen your face today.” (Elt)

I crouched and patted Dia.

Fluffy and soft…

“Thank you, piyo!” (Dia)

“Wood, do your best today too. Give it your all.” (Elt)

“Ugo! I’ll do my best!” (Wood)

Good, they all seem motivated enough.

“Maru-chan, you do your best too!” (Stella)

“No problem! For some reason, I’m really getting into my lines!” (Marcosias)

“That’s very reassuring!” (Stella)

Stella seemed to be sweating nervously a bit.

Well… it should be fine.

“Alright, let’s start moving now… Yes!” (Leia)

Saying that, Leia rummaged through a shelf and brought out several bats.

Hmm, isn’t that too many? We made a fair number as backups, but… Wouldn’t they only need one or two for the play?

As I was thinking that, I noticed Stella staring at the bats with sparkling eyes.

“Ah, just as promised!” (Stella)

“Yes… I included as many bats and balls as possible!” (Leia)

Stella and Leia were grinning from ear to ear.

“I can’t wait, Elt-sama!” (Stella)

“Y-Yeah…!” (Elt)

At that moment, one thought crossed my mind.

I wonder how Hold will react. I don’t know. Even I don’t know what kind of play this will turn out to be…!

Alright, there’s nothing more I can do now. I’ll just sit quietly in my seat, cheer them on, and watch over everything!

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)