New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out (2/2 chapters)

 

 

The Origin of Steven’s Village

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Steven’s village.

The sun had completely set, and the night’s darkness had entirely covered the surroundings. Compared to Healberry Village, being further east made it a little warmer. The villagers warmly welcomed Stella and the others who had suddenly arrived. After all, the monsters had been defeated, and the money had been returned.

The mysterious adventurers were greatly appreciated. Instead of an inn, the feast was held at the village chief’s house. In a village not that large, it was not unusual for the village chief’s home to serve as a place to receive honored guests. The feast took place in a large dining hall-like room that could accommodate several dozen people. The members of the Black Dragon Knight Order had also been invited and were seated.

The village chief respectfully said…

“Please, do enjoy. I had the best cook in the village prepare this. We used plenty of summer vegetables and fruits.” (Village Chief)

On the table, a gratin lavishly made with pumpkin and mango syrup was prepared.

“Oh, it looks delicious.” (Radan)

Once the meal began, Marcosias enthusiastically ate with gusto.

“Summer vegetables, huh? Even though it’s winter now…” (Nana)

“Well gathered, indeed.” (Stella)

Nana was putting away her costume. It was rare to see her in the form of a blue-haired girl.

*Munch, munch*

Stella and Nana also began to eat gracefully. Even as adventurers, both were knowledgeable in etiquette. Marcosias was also being taught by Elt and Stella, so there was no problem.

“This is delicious…!” (Stella)

“Yeah, it’s well done.” (Nana)

The well-cooked pumpkin was sweet. Combined with the fragrant cheese of the gratin, it created a beautiful harmony. The taste surprised even Stella and Nana. Radan and the others of the Black Dragon Knight Order also savored it.

“Oh, this is… indeed, wonderful.” (Radan)

“…But this is…?” (Stella)

*Munch, munch*

However, Stella felt something was off. This delicious pumpkin…

I’ve eaten this before.

With her keen senses, Stella knew. It was definitely a flavor she had tasted before.

As Stella tilted her head, the village chief nodded.

“It’s curious, isn’t it? Such pumpkins in the dead of winter. Actually, they have recently started being distributed.” (Village Chief)

“…No way.” (Stella)

“There’s a village near Zanzas that grows out-of-season vegetables and fruits. These vegetables and fruits were sourced from there.” (Village Chief)

It’s Healberry Village!

Stella was convinced. Not just having eaten it once, she ate it every day. But Marcosias didn’t seem to quite understand.

“Hmm, sounds like a story I’ve heard before.” (Marcosias)

“Yes, and just between us… the lord there is said to be a terribly fearsome person.” (Village Chief)

“Really?” (Marcosias)

Marcosias asked while stuffing mango into his mouth.

“I hear he’s excellent at cultivating plants… but he sometimes buries his subjects like plants. “That’s a terrifying story.” (Village Chief)

“Huh, huh…” (Marcosias)

Marcosias’ eyes widened while Stella’s eyes darted nervously.

They’re obviously talking about the Dryads or the soil bath…

The story had been terribly distorted as it was passed along!

Radan and the others were frozen, not sure how to react.

“They also let bird-type monsters roam free and do as they please…” (Villager)

“That’s basically hell. No, rather, hell might not be that bad.” (Villager)

“You’re right. But it seems they’ve become wealthy thanks to their crops. The villagers must have a hard time, but by enjoying the vegetables and fruits, perhaps they can find some peace.” (Village Chief)

The village chief and villagers clasped their hands and prayed.

Stella thought,

This story has really become something…!

Should she correct it or not… Stella groaned quietly. But Nana quickly caught Stella’s mood.

If we start talking about Healberry Village, we’ll have to reveal who we really are. Better to change the subject.

Nana sent that glance to Radan. Radan nodded slightly, understanding the hint.

“Speaking of the village, this village is called Steven’s Village, right? Maybe it’s named after the person who founded it?” (Nana)

“He must have been a very capable person.” (Radan)

Nana and Radan brought up the topic of the village. The village chief spoke a little faster than usual.

“Yes, it was a story from several hundred years ago. An adventurer named Steven happened to pass by… and saved this land, which was terrified of monsters. Well, at that time it wasn’t a village but just one or two small families.” (Village Chief)

“Oh, was there also a monster outbreak back then?” (Nana)

“Exactly, something very similar happened.” (Village Chief)

Saying that, the village chief took a small wooden statue from the shelf. It was a small statue about the size of a palm.

“This is the statue of the great Steven-sama.” (Village Chief)

The wooden statue was finely crafted but had a mysterious point. He wore a hood that covered his face. However, the ears on the hood were pointed. Nana guessed the person in the statue was an Elf.

“Oh… an Elf adventurer, huh.” (Nana)

“That’s right. It is said his ears were pointed…” (Village Chief)

“Not showing the face is because…” (Nana)

“He came on a rainy day and was wearing a hood. So, we don’t know what his face looks like.” (Village Chief)

“There’s no weapon either. Usually, such a well-made statue would have some attached.” (Radan)

Radan had seen many statues. Most knight statues were equipped with swords, spears, or bows.

“Heheh. It is said he defeated enemies barehanded.” (Village Chief)

The village chief said proudly.

“He defeated the Stone Dragon barehanded. Moreover, he didn’t take any money and left the dragon intact… The money from selling the dragon’s materials became the foundation of this village…!” (Village Chief)

“…Mother, you look a little pale.” (Marcosias)

“Ah!? N-nothing at all.” (Stella)

Stella’s pale face became even paler. It was a rare reaction.

Was there anything in that story that should cause such a reaction?

Nana reflected carefully on the village chief’s story.

Several hundred years ago… an elf adventurer… barehanded…

It was a story she had heard very intensely somewhere before.

Steven’s face was unknown… because he wore a hood. This village was located between the eastern country and Zanzas…

Steven, Stella, Steven, Stella. Stella, Steven…

Nana reached a terrifying thought.

She muttered softly.

“Could it be a name corrupted by the passage of time…?” (Nana)

“Eek!” (Stella)

Stella reacted.

“…Have you been here before?” (Nana)

“Eek, eek!” (Stella)

The village chief looked suspicious at Nana’s words.

“Is something wrong?” (Village Chief)

“Um… do you know what happened to Steven afterwards?” (Nana)

“No, it seems he left immediately. He was a very humble person. Nowadays, we would have a week-long feast…” (Village Chief)

The village chief clenched his fist firmly.

“A dragon, you know, a dragon…! Truly a great achievement! Our ancestors deeply regretted not being able to properly entertain him.” (Village Chief)

“Eek.” (Stella)

“Hmph.” (Nana)

Nana stared at Stella with a sharp look.

You forgot, didn’t you? Even you… That must be it. Since it happened so suddenly, it didn’t remain in memory.

“But this time, we can entertain you like this, and it feels like a relief. Please, there’s plenty of seconds too.” (Village Chief)

“I see…” (Nana)

Nana realized a lot. And with that, she decided to change the subject again. If it were discovered that Stella and Steven were the same person, they wouldn’t be allowed to leave easily.

“This village is near Zanzas… but its official name is Healberry Village.” (Nana)

 

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