New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out (1/3 chapters)

 

 

The State of the Family

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The inn where the Hold family was staying. Thanks to the village lined with trees, the air was clear and pleasant. Hold, who flew around performing plays and spectacles, inwardly found himself impressed.

If someone told me this was a villa of a lower-ranked noble, I would believe it…

That was how beautiful the building was. Such a Hold was now sitting face to face with Radan, the close aide of his older brother, Berzel.

“That is how it is. This is the communication from the Commander.” (Radan)

“Hmm… Thank you. I certainly received it. I am glad that Berzel-niisan seems well.” (Hold)

Hold let out a sigh.

What a troublesome thing, he thought frankly.

When they were children, Victor, Berzel, and Hold, the three of them had been very close. Their father had been strict, but Hold believed he treated all three of them equally. Perhaps that had been for the best. Even now, they could remain in contact with each other. In other noble families, it did not often work out that way. Especially not in the midst of a struggle over inheritance. Precisely because of that, he still could not quite accept the way Elt was treated. The vague doubts he had as a child had grown considerably larger now.

“May I ask you one thing?” (Radan)

“Ah, I do not mind.” (Hold)

At Radan’s words, Hold nodded.

“Was Elt-sama always like that, even when he was smaller?” (Radan)

He more or less understood what the question was driving at. Since Elt was so beyond his years, Radan must have wondered about it. In fact, when one spoke with Elt, one could no longer tell which of them was the elder. That had always been the case, but… he had been a strangely mature child.

“Ah, as far as I know, he was always like that. Though now, he is even more dignified.” (Hold)

“Haah… To think such a person truly exists…” (Radan)

“Berzel-niisan, was he ever able to defeat Elt in a practice match?” (Hold)

At Hold’s casual question, Radan’s expression changed for an instant. That alone was enough of an answer for Hold.

“Oh, so he had you present as well. He must trust you. Well, I thought the chances of defeating Elt were low.” (Hold)

“…I think that is a little cruel.” (Radan)

At Radan’s sigh, Hold waved his hand lightly.

“Forgive me, it is nothing to hide. I knew Elt had more talent. Berzel-niisan told me, and I myself was once a knight.” (Hold)

“I see… He was that outstanding…” (Radan)

“Ah, he was a younger brother who never spared effort.” (Hold)

Saying that, Hold added plenty of sugar to the tea prepared in front of him.

“Then there is Victor-niisan…” (Hold)

Hold understood. He knew who was most suited to the succession. And surely, the other two older brothers also knew. The only one among the four brothers who truly had the right to desire the inheritance with all his heart was Elt alone. He alone was different from the rest of them. God had chosen him.

If Elt’s age had been the same as that of his other brothers… If their missing mother had been the legal wife… If his aptitude for magic had been just slightly different… There would be no room for doubt.

He would naturally have succeeded the Nagash Household. And if he desired the truth buried by the royal family and their father… If he wished to know what he and his mother really were… He should reach out his hand… that’s how it should be.

 

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After Hold had left, while I was reading a book, Marcosias came to sit on my lap, fresh from the bath. Incidentally, she was in puppy form. Stella was also reading a book beside me. Dia was… wrapped in cotton, playing with Wood.

“Father, I have changed a little, you know!” (Marcosias)

“Hmm… Other than that power from earlier?” (Elt)

“My moistness has increased!” (Marcosias)

Marcosias flopped over and showed off her belly with her front paws.

O-oh…

“I want you to touch and confirm it.” (Marcosias)

“A-alright.” (Elt)

*Pet pet stroke stroke*

Mmm, it’s pleasant to touch, but as for how it’s different from before…

Marcosias also liked being petted, so I often petted her.

But now that she mentions it…? Isn’t it just that she’s moist because she just had a bath…? Umm, difficult.

But I couldn’t just say nothing.

“It clings to my hand, doesn’t it…” (Elt)

W-well… I should praise her.

Marcosias was going out of her way to show off. As I was doing that, Dia came toddling over and hopped onto Stella’s lap.

Adorable.

“Piyo, are you tired, piyo?” (Dia)

“Eh… N-no, that is not…” (Stella)

“Stare… piyo.” (Dia)

Dia’s round eyes gazed at Stella.

Tired?

I also looked intently at Stella, who was beside me. She had just gone to the bath with Audrey and Clarissa…

Did something happen?

“…I heard a little about it from Clarissa.” (Stella)

As if giving in, Stella opened her mouth.

“About your homeland…?” (Elt)

Clarissa was born in the country of the elves to the east. If Clarissa’s ancestor was Stella’s sister, then Stella was likely born in the east as well. As far as I knew, until now Stella had never shown interest in that place.

“Was it about the prayer, piyo?” (Dia)

“Yes… it was.” (Stella)

“Prayer…?” (Elt)

When I stopped petting, Marcosias pushed her head insistently against my hand. So, I could not stop my hand.

“Piyo, once or a few times a year, Clarissa’s family gathers and prays, she said, piyo.” (Dia)

“It seems all of her family, except the young Clarissa herself, gather if possible.” (Stella)

“Hmm… Was that sort of custom around when you were there, Stella?” (Elt)

In this world, the power of religion was quite weak. The reason was simple: nobles monopolized the magic and skills that were the embodiment of miracles. If nobles used magic, they could heal the sick and even remake the land itself. In such a case, no matter what powerless religious figures said, they would not gain support. I had heard that in ancient times, religious wars frequently occurred, but eventually society became one where nobles were dominant, continuing to this day. This should be little different among any race of this world, but…

“…It was a custom I created. It seems it has been forgotten.” (Stella)

Stella let the words slip out.

I had known Stella long enough by now. In her voice, there was a hint of anguish.

I don’t understand what exactly it is… But just saying that one sentence out loud, it must weigh on her.

“Let’s go to bed for today, Elt-sama. The festival continues tomorrow as well…” (Stella)

“Ah, that’s true.” (Elt)

While still holding Dia, Stella tried to stand. In that moment, I reached out and grasped her slender arm. Startled, Stella turned toward me.

“If something is troubling you… you can talk to me about anything. I will be your strength.” (Elt)

Stella’s eyes looked down at me. That gaze seemed to waver.

“This is… a problem of my family. A problem I must settle myself. Even so, will you still help me?” (Stella)

I spoke with conviction.

“If it is your problem, then it is my problem.” (Elt)

“Piyo! I will also help, piyo!” (Dia)

“Ugo, me too!” (Wood)

“Of course, I as well!” (Marcosias)

I did not know how Stella received our family’s words. But she smiled gently.

“I understand. Sometime soon. For now… let us rest for tomorrow.” (Stella)

 

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