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

 

 

The Power That Awakens

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Costume suit superpower nation… Hearing it again, it was an amazing phrase. There were various theories about why Vampires began wearing Cockatrice costumes. There was a story about a group of Vampires who, not long after moving to the northern country, were saved by a Cockatrice. Or perhaps they were hoping to gain some of the Cockatrice’s toughness. It was similar to those Norse warriors who believed wearing a bear’s pelt would make them stronger.

Still, no appointment, huh… Even if it’s hard to coordinate the exact time due to the distance, he could’ve at least given us a heads-up.

“Then, wouldn’t it have been better to make an appointment?” (Me)

To my words, Hold shook his head lightly.

“I didn’t want to make it a big deal. It’s not a finalized thing yet.” (Hold)

“So, involving Vampires with Zanzas means you’re going to use the Cockatrices?” (Nana)

To Nana’s question, Hold nodded.

…Was he unsure about it?

“It’s an idea I got from how well Zanzas is doing. The theater revenue isn’t stable… I need to find something to serve as a pillar.” (Hold)

“That sounds rough.” (Elt)

But from the way he talked, Hold himself seemed half-convinced about the idea. It was like he was going with it because he didn’t have any better options for now.

“If it’s first thing in the morning tomorrow, Leia should be free. I’ve decided to keep that slot open just in case something comes up.” (Hold)

“Hmm… Elt, sorry, but could you come with me?” (Hold)

“I don’t mind, really.” (Elt)

With the matter of the gold coins and all, I suppose I could go that far for Hold. Then, Hold turned to Nana as well.

“And… I’d like Nana to help too. If things proceed, that is.” (Hold)

“Ehh… Not interested.” (Nana)

Oh? That was surprisingly cold.

“Don’t say that… You’ve got free time, don’t you?” (Hold)

“I don’t. I’m busy.” (Nana)

Nana responded with a pouty “tsuun”. She’d never take that attitude with me.

So, this is Nana’s true nature? Or perhaps it’s the casualness of having spent our student days together.

Hold gave me a look, like Help me out here, please.

Sigh… well, Hold is still in his mid-twenties. Compared to me, who has regained my memories, he still lacks life experience.

“Nana, offer him a price you think he can pay.” (Elt)

“Wha–…” (Hold)

“Yes, of course. Elt-sama understands me well.” (Nana)

“Hold-niisan, Nana won’t move unless you give her an upfront benefit.” (Nana)

Nana’s motivations were simple. Tomatoes and intellectual curiosity. That was mostly what drove her. To my words, Nana chuckled softly.

“Well? Got anything?” (Nana)

“Guh… The Rainbow Dragon Fang you’ve been wanting, I’ll try to get it for you.” (Hold)

“Ooh? And how? It’s not something you can just buy with money.” (Nana)

“Victor-niisan became a professor of magical creature studies this year. I’ll probably owe him a favor, but it should be possible.” (Hold)

“I see, sounds realistic enough. Alright, I’ll cooperate. You can give me the fang once things really get going.” (Nana)

Nana replied in a good mood.

After a while, Stella and the others came fluttering back. They had taken a bath and were radiating warmth.

“Piyo! It was a wonderful bath, piyo!” (Clarissa)

“It was super spacious, Father!” (Audrey)

Audrey and the others seemed very satisfied.

Come to think of it, this is the first time non-family members have used the bath in my house… If it’s my brother’s family, though, it’s not strange. It feels weird like a ticklish, happy sensation.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Well… We’ve stayed quite a while. I suppose we should head to our lodging.” (Hold)

“…You could just stay here. I think there’s enough rooms.” (Elt)

I said that without thinking. Even with his attendants, we should just barely manage. But Hold opened his eyes slightly in surprise.

“I appreciate the offer. But we have some things we need to discuss as a family. Next time we visit, definitely.” (Hold)

“…Got it.” (Elt)

I scratched my cheek.

…Even I didn’t expect those words to come out of my mouth.

Hold hadn’t come here for sightseeing. He had only stopped by Zanzas on his way to help his family prosper. Even so, he had… revealed my secret, prefaced with a guess. And in the exchanges that followed, I felt there was a bond of brotherhood even if he was still trying to figure things out.

Dia, Audrey, and Clarissa had quickly become close. And I, more than I expected, had developed a sense of closeness with Hold’s family.

“Alright then, see you tomorrow.” (Hold)

Hold stood up. Audrey and Clarissa looked a little reluctant but firmly walked to his side. They probably understood already. Unlike ordinary people, someone like Hold was constantly meeting and parting with others. Audrey and Clarissa were in the middle of that fate too.

“See you tomorrow, Dia-chan. Thank you so much for today.” (Clarissa)

“Thank you very much…!” (Audrey)

To the girls’ polite farewells, Dia responded with her feathers held high in salute.

“See you tomorrow, piyo!” (Dia)

And so, the day finally came to an end. There were many things to think about… but for now, everything had ended safely.

 

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After Nana went home, Marcosias slowly sat up. I had just taken a light bath myself and was feeling quite good. I felt refreshed.

“Fwah…! My full belly has finally settled.” (Marcosias)

“Piyo. Maru-chan, it’s your turn to take a bath and go to sleep, piyo.” (Dia)

“…About that, my master. It’s strange. Power is overflowing from within me.” (Marcosias)

Huh? What is she suddenly talking about…?

“What do you mean…?” (Stella)

“It feels like… something clicked into place inside my body… For example…” (Marcosias)

Marcosias stood up and composed her breathing. In the next instant, she glowed red… and disappeared. Then, reappeared on the opposite side of the living room.

“Piyo!? Amazing, piyo!” (Dia)

“Ugh… I couldn’t see it…” (Wood)

“…Even I don’t understand. What… was that…” (Marcosias)

Even Marcosias tilted her head, unsure of what had just happened. But I knew what it was. It was one of Marcosias’ special abilities I’d seen in the game from my past life.

Super acceleration.

Glowing red, she moved at blinding speed. One of Marcosias’s signature powers.

“Just now… Did your power return? And your memories?” (Stella)

“Sorry, Mother. Since I don’t know what I was like originally, I can’t say for sure if anything returned… But aside from that move, nothing else has changed.” (Marcosias)

“…So, just part of the power came back?” (Elt)

“Yes, without a doubt. That red dash is exactly what you once showed me.” (Stella)

It matched Stella’s memories. There was no doubt about it. Marcosias’s power was starting to return.

“Was the play what triggered it…?” (Elt)

“Most likely. I think it’s a good sign, though…” (Stella)

Still, it was only the power that returned, her memory had not.

Hmm… Well, the hidden goal of the play has been achieved, at least.

“Maru-chan, don’t use that power in front of people, okay?” (Stella)

“Understood…? I got tired just from that moment, so I don’t plan to use it.” (Marcosias)

“R-right…” (Stella)

Marcosias was as nonchalant as ever. She probably just saw it as ‘Huh, I can do this now for some reason’. And honestly, that was fine. Marcosias’s powers were rare. Not something to flaunt. In that sense, her current attitude was a blessing.

Then, Marcosias stretched with a big groan.

“Alright! Gotta sleep early tonight and do my best in tomorrow’s play! That was fun!” (Marcosias)

“Ugo… I’ll do better too!” (Ugo)

“Piyo, I’ll try hard too, piyo!” (Dia)

And thus, the day came to a close.

The festival still had a long way to go. We had to stay motivated.

As for tomorrow’s Leia and Hold combo… well, Leia should suppress her eccentricities when dealing with nobles. Though she’ll probably still wear her Cockatrice hat.

 

Territory Information

Place name: Healberry Village

Special Facilities: Adventurer’s Guild (temporary), Large Tree Tower (with soil bath), Underground Plaza Inn

Festival Visitor Count: +583 (Hold’s family and many tourists)

Total Population: 208

Tourism Level: C (Soil bath, fantastical underground space, Elven cuisine)

Fishing Level: C (Rainbow Fish breeding, scale broth)

Ranch Level: C (Cockatrice sisters, Cockatrice with glowing eyes)

Demon Lord Level: D (Demon Maru-wanchan, red super speed)

 

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