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

 

 

Each Year-End

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After finishing up the year-end work at the Adventurer Guild, I headed toward the Large Tree Tower.

Today’s all about greeting rounds.

The village was bustling with people coming and going hurriedly. Like me, they had finished their work for the year or were doing their last greetings of the year.

“Elt-sama… hello!” (Anaria)

“Oh. Anaria, hello.” (Elt)

*Tte tte tte*

Walking quickly toward me was Anaria. She seemed to be in quite a hurry. She must be busy after all.

Hmm, it’s rare to see her alone these days…

She was mostly with Iskamina.

“Has the apothecary already finished work?” (Elt)

“Yes, I’ve already sprinkled the holy water. Next, I’m going to the Adventurer Guild to do some work.” (Anaria)

This holy water was sold by the church. In this world, religious powers were weak, but some customs still remained. The holy water contained blessed ash and was said to have a pure power.

“It’s just a little cloudy water, but there’s a custom of sprinkling it in front of the entrance or gate at year-end…” (Anaria)

“…You feel like nobody really knows why anymore?” (Elt)

“I suppose it’s a remnant of when it had the meaning of cleansing…” (Anaria)

Anaria said quietly with a sigh.

Hmm, just like with Naru earlier, I wonder if Anaria has some kind of goal. This might be a good opportunity to hear what the villagers want.

“…Anaria, do you have any goals for next year?” (Elt)

“Goals…? I guess it’s still to make lots of potions…!” (Anaria)

Her face looked excited.

“I want to make rare potions someday, even if they don’t really have a use!” (Anaria)

“I see…” (Elt)

Some potions were disappointing. The so-called “just changes appearance a little” potions were the prime example. To make one’s arm look like a platypus, or growing a tanuki tail… That kind of thing. In games, those potions were meant to change the player’s appearance. But in this world, naturally, that kind of fun wasn’t understood. They were considered troublesome and useless. But Anaria still wanted to try making them. Of course, it was her personal freedom.

Maybe something comes out of it, or maybe not. If your arm becomes a platypus, maybe you learn something. I don’t know though. Well, I shouldn’t hold her up too long. We both have things to do.

“Well then, I’ll be going. Looking forward to next year too.” (Elt)

“Ah… no, thank you! Please take care of me next year as well!” (Anaria)

She smiled brightly, bowed, and left.

Alright, I’ll head to the Large Tree Tower now.

 

—

 

When I arrived in front of the Large Tree Tower, Tetetoka was waddling along there.

“Greetings with all due respect~. Elt-sama, what brings you here~?” (Tetetoka)

“Greetings, Tetetoka. I came for year-end greetings.” (Elt)

“I see~. How courteous~.” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka bowed politely.

She looked just as usual. There was no sign of being busy.

“Do you have any special plans for year-end or New Year?” (Elt)

“Hawa~. I eat grass dumplings.” (Tetetoka)

She said this as she pulled out kusa dango and started munching.

She’s already eating…! Don’t comment on that. Dryads are always on their own pace.

After chewing and swallowing, Tetetoka spoke with a bit more focus.

“I stay up all night eating.” (Tetetoka)

“Eh?” (Elt)

“Usually I’m sleepy sleepy, but at the start of the year I get motivated. I eat grass dumplings slowly while watching the sunrise… then I sleep.” (Tetetoka)

“I see… so the sunrise tomorrow is special.” (Elt)

“Yes~. I sleep immediately after watching the sunrise though~.” (Tetetoka)

“…By the way, why did this custom start?” (Elt)

“Who knows~?” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka tilted her head.

Guess she doesn’t know.

“Sorry, if you don’t know it’s fine…” (Elt)

“No~. Oh, I have to call Anaria too~.” (Tetetoka)

“Hm? Because she’s a food master?” (Elt)

“Yes~. She also stays up all night eating kusa dango~.” (Tetetoka)

Harsh. Anaria is destined to keep munching.

“Well, don’t overdo it.” (Elt)

“It’s okay~. If I get sleepy, I’ll sleep once, then wake up again~.” (Tetetoka)

She’s motivated… Once she’s decided, Tetetoka doesn’t compromise. Staying up all night munching and welcoming the New Year is extravagant in its own way.

“Tell me how it goes after the New Year. Say hi to everyone for me.” (Elt)

“Yes~.” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka waddled off.

Well, I’ll head home now…

As I turned, I caught sight of the earthen bath in front of the tower. Though it was year-end, several people were relaxing comfortably. The adventurer in his thirties had his eyes half-open, about to fall asleep in the bath.

It’s the perfect timing, so I might as well give him a year-end greeting.

As I approached, the adventurer suddenly opened his eyes.

“Whoa.” (Elt)

“Elt-sama, hello~.” (Adventurer)

“You scared me opening your eyes so suddenly… Hello.” (Elt)

“As adventurers, we always have to be prepared… This actually comes in handy sometimes.” (Adventurer)

Even while sleeping, he could wake up instantly… A skill like a samurai from the Warring States period. But for adventurers who sometimes camp outside, it is probably necessary. Now he is just an old man enjoying the soil bath…

I crouched down beside him, impressed.

“Thanks for everything this year. Let’s do our best again next year.” (Elt)

“Well, that’s very kind of you… The honor is mine. Let’s do our best next year too.” (Adventurer)

“Ah… By the way, do you have any goals for next year?” (Elt)

“I do.” (Adventurer)

“Oh? What kind?” (Elt)

“Marriage…” (Adventurer)

He said quietly, seriously.

“…“ (Elt)

“Hey, don’t be silent. That hurts my feelings…” (Adventurer)

“You’re fairly good-looking and have a decent income, so you should be fine.” (Elt)

“…That sounds like a line from a matchmaking agency before being abandoned.” (Adventurer)

Well, eventually these worries come up. For a community to last, marriage is necessary. Of course, since I have memories from a past life, I’m pretty tolerant…

“…By the way, what kind of person do you like?” (Elt)

“Someone a little plump and caring would be good… Since this job is like this, I think such a person would be better.” (Adventurer)

A serious answer. That was why there was a somewhat somber atmosphere. By the way, in this world, the range called “humanity” was clearly defined. If two beings could have children mutually, they were humans. Nyaff tribe, Mole tribe, Elves, Vampires wereall humans, and legally able to marry. Half-breeds existed, but their looks and temperament were not half and half. One parent’s traits strongly dominated.

“There are many Nyaff tribe in this village…” (Elt)

“Oh, if it’s with them, then…” (Adventurer)

Is that okay? Well, it’s personal preference. But it’s a bit strange.

The adventurer looked a bit worn out, but I didn’t think it was to the extent that he couldn’t marry.

“Why don’t you try approaching? I think it might go smoothly.” (Elt)

“Well… it’s for next year, after all.” (Adventurer)

“I see… If anything comes up, let me know. I’ll help.” (Elt)

Hmm, maybe he’s a bit shy… This kind of helpfulness is also necessary for the community.

He seemed to have no problem with his humanity. After exchanging greetings with various people, I returned home.

“Welcome back…!” (Stella)

Stella was lying on her back, Wood had laid cotton down and was giving a pillow arm. Dia and Marcosias were lying on Stella’s left side.

“Welcome back, Piyo!” (Dia)

“Ugo-ugo, welcome back!” (Wood)

“Wafu, welcome back!” (Marcosias)

“Ah, I’m back.” (Elt)

So that’s it for this year’s work. Phew, really a lot happened.

“Elt-sama, why don’t you rest a little?” (Stella)

Stella patted the space beside her.

“Mm… I think I will.” (Elt)

“I’ll take a nap, Piyo~!” (Stella)

Invited, I lay down on Stella’s right side.

…Time sure flies, the year’s ending already. Seeing Stella’s happy face blows away my fatigue.

“Please take care of me next year as well, Elt-sama.” (Stella)

“Likewise.” (Elt)

Stella’s hand touched my cheek. That was more reassuring than anything else.

 

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