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

 

 

Take Your Time

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After relaxing for a bit, I brought Stella with me to meet Nana and Leia. More accurately, we were having a meeting at Leia’s house. Nana followed along without saying anything. Of course, she was still in her mascot costume.

Once we were seated, Leia leaned forward slightly.

“…So, this matter you mentioned was quite important, wasn’t it?” (Leia)

“It doesn’t seem like an ordinary topic.” (Stella)

The light burning deep in Stella’s eyes. It was not my imagination. Leia and Nana both picked up on Stella’s unusually serious presence.

“This is about my homeland. If I mention classified number 1950, does that ring a bell for either of you?” (Stella)

““…!”” (Leia & Nana)

Apparently, it did ring a bell.

I don’t really get it, but is that some kind of document number about this swallow or something? It’s probably a case number assigned to an unsolved incident. Feels like I’ve seen something like that in a detective drama.

“Leia is a Grand Master, after all. She should be familiar with the major unsolved quests. Nana, you know it too, right? It’s related to magical tools.” (Stella)

“…Yes, exactly. I am familiar with it. Several attempts have been made to resolve it in the past, but none have succeeded.” (Leia)

“I was interested in it too, but it’s not something I could get involved with. It’s a tough case.” (Nana)

“I would like to solve that long-standing unsolved quest. Please cooperate with me.” (Stella)

Leia furrowed her brows and looked troubled.

“That’s very appreciated, but… it’s a complicated matter. It involves elven political affairs. It’s also tied to the royal authority of the Foldia Kingdom.” (Leia)

“I was shut out right at the door back then…” (Nana)

Since it involved Clarissa, the elven princess.

Hm? But that’s strange… this is supposed to be Stella’s homeland. Is that information not publicly known?

“There’s no problem. I am of royal blood from the Foldia Kingdom.” (Stella)

“…Is that so.” (Leia)

Leia’s response was lukewarm.

I thought she’d leap at the chance to uncover a mystery from Stella’s past, but…

Noticing the attention, Leia gave a small cough.

“Well… there are no less than ten nobles or royals claiming blood ties to Stella-sama. At this point, it’s a moot point…” (Leia)

“Ehh!? That many!?” (Stella)

Stella was the one who seemed most surprised.

Even I didn’t know it was to that extent. She’s treated like free material or something… Since she’s a global hero, claiming to be her descendant probably adds prestige. It’s not quite the same, but it’s like the Genji or Heike clans in Japan. Thinking of it that way makes it easier to understand.

“I’m happy the truth came to light, but I can’t exactly make it public. I’d make too many enemies if I did… cough cough” (Leia)

Leia gave an obviously fake cough.

That’s basically what she meant. It sounds like there’ll be some trouble on that front.

Nana spoke up in a slightly high-pitched voice.

“But with this, there are no more concerns. If we go through Guild Headquarters, we should be able to proceed, right?” (Nana)

“Nana, will you cooperate?” (Stella)

“There are conditions. If we recover the [Swallow], I want to be the one to research it.” (Nana)

“I have no problem with that. I intended to leave it to you from the start.” (Stella)

Nana and Stella nodded to each other. I confirmed that and spoke.

“Then there’s no issue on that front.” (Elt)

“It’s settled then.” (Nana)

And so, the discussion was concluded. It would take a bit of time before we contacted the relevant parties and finalized preparations. As for transportation…

Stella didn’t bring it up, but… it should be fine, right? Well, it should be okay. Probably…

The meeting ended, and I walked alone with Stella.

Somehow, this feels a bit embarrassing…

“Shall we go to the underground plaza?” (Stella)

“Y-yeah…” (Elt)

I stammered.

Earlier, Dia and the others were around, so there hadn’t been any sort of atmosphere like this.

I think we’ve grown closer, though.

The glowing moss in the underground plaza was beautiful as always. The buildings we had constructed were still being used as lodgings. From atop the slope, looking out at this fantastical scene brought a sense of calm to the heart.

“There’s a cockatrice over there.” (Stella)

“Yeah… sitting by the river.” (Elt)

Two cockatrices were sitting side by side along the underground riverbank. They seemed to be snuggling together, looking quite close.

Maybe they’re family or lovers. Either way, they were quietly watching the river.

“It’s nice, cuddling together like that.” (Stella)

“…It’s soothing.” (Elt)

“Yes, should we try hugging too?” (Stella)

When I turned around at her casual remark, Stella was blushing all the way to her ears with her arms spread wide. And she was trembling slightly.

So cute.

“…If we’re going to do it, let’s do it quickly…” (Stella)

“S-sorry.” (Protagonist)

*Gyuu*

I embraced Stella from the front. She didn’t feel so fragile that she might break.

If I squeeze too tightly like this, I’ll probably be the one to snap… Not that I’m going to think about that right now.

“Hmm… This is reassuring.” (Stella)

“Same here.” (Protagonist)

Then, Stella’s hand started ruffling my hair.

“This is my first time touching your hair. It’s smooth and feels really nice…!” (Stella)

“T-thanks…” (Protagonist)

This is probably… what? An elf-style physical assessment? Maybe their sharp senses make them curious about things like this.

“Piyo!” (Cockatrice)

“Piyoyoo!” (Cockatrice)

Startled, I looked up and noticed that the two cockatrices had somehow come up the slope.

“Piyo~” (Cockatrice)

“Piyopiyo~” (Cockatrice)

Take your time. Sorry for interrupting. That was the kind of nuance their little footsteps carried as they walked off.

“…I’m satisfied for now.” (Stella)

With that, Stella quickly pulled away from me. She smiled with a triumphant little *fufun* expression. Her face was still slightly red, but it had calmed down.

I’m probably even redder than she is. My heart’s pounding. I guess I’ll get used to this over time.

“New Year is approaching, so we’ll need to plan the Adventurers’ Guild menu soon.” (Stella)

“Ah, right…” (Elt)

Anyway, our goals were clear. We would continue developing the village while officially opening the Adventurers’ Guild. And once that was done, I would send Stella off.

As I was thinking that, Stella murmured softly.

“I’d like a new bat too… For missionary work over there…” (Stella)

“O-oh…” (Elt)

She’s a bit of an odd person, but this is really fun. Fulfilling. That’s how I honestly feel right now.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)