New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out (2/3 chapters)

 

 

Queen’s Resolve

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The Eastern Elf Country.

The royal capital lay within a cleared area of the jungle. The buildings were mainly brick and wood, and the palace itself was not a structure boasting great height. However, receiving blessings from the jungle’s bounty, the interior was extraordinarily luxurious. It was adorned thoroughly with gold, silver, jewels, and carpets.

When Clarissa returned to the country, she headed straight to her mother, the Queen. Walking down the wooden corridor, Clarissa sensed the entire palace had a heavy atmosphere. It was because the ceremony was near. When Clarissa entered the Queen’s room, she bowed lightly, kneeling on one knee.

“Okaa-sama, I have just returned.” (Clarissa)

“…Clarissa, you have returned well.” (Queen)

The Queen who answered did not rise from her bed… no, she could not rise. The middle-aged Queen was pale and breathing heavily. The surrounding attendants all looked at the Queen with worried expressions. The Queen’s condition, seen after a long time, was still not good. It was because she continued to exhaust her mana due to the ceremony.

Seeing Clarissa’s worried face, the Queen smiled, trying not to cause concern.

“Recently… my condition is good. We have been able to receive some mana potions from the Western Country.” (Queen)

“I see… but…” (Clarissa)

Clarissa bit her lower lip.

The mana lost during the ceremony to suppress the [Swallow] was enormous. It was a harsh ceremony that drained mana suddenly and permanently.

The Queen looked Clarissa squarely in the eyes.

“I will complete this year’s ceremony no matter what. However, this will probably be the last one I can perform.” (Queen)

“…!” (Clarissa)

Clarissa instantly understood what those words meant. The Queen intended to die in this ceremony. Clarissa had not thought the situation was that severe. In reality, it was many times worse than she imagined.

“Clarissa. My mana is weakening, weakening, now it is far weaker than yours. I can no longer fulfill my duties as royalty. I do not intend to live long without fulfilling my obligations.” (Queen)

“But, but…!” (Clarissa)

Clarissa did not know what to say.

“Listen, this is a responsibility our royal family must bear. It is atonement for the sin of nearly destroying the country due to a past mistake. For all eternity, we must suppress the [Swallow].” (Queen)

History speaks. The ancestors of the royal family once risked their lives to suppress the [Swallow].

“…Stella-sama…!” (Clarissa)

Clarissa involuntarily spoke Stella’s name.

“Stella-sama is in the Western Country… You wanted to ask for help!?” (Clarissa)

“Stella-sama…?” (Queen)

The Queen tilted her head.

Clarissa explained the outline to the Queen and her attendants. The hero Stella has revived. Now, she is in the Western Country. They met face to face. She also knew about the [Swallow]. This was known by only a very few in the Elf Country. The possibility of a fake was low. Certainly, history books say so. That the hero Stella was involved in sealing the [Swallow].

After hearing that, the Queen closed her eyes and thought for a moment. Then she opened her eyes and spoke clearly.

“…Even if we call her, it will not be in time for the ceremony. Even if it were, I will not call her.” (Queen)

“Why is that…?” (Clarissa)

Though half understanding, Clarissa whispered.

The royal family’s duty, countless people, the country’s peace. And the curse… The royal family had paid many sacrifices until then. They could not rely on anyone other than the royal family at that point.

Clarissa thought she probably would be the same. If she lost her mother, she would not think to seek help.

“Clarissa, you are wise and strong. Protect the country and the people. You will surely be able to.” (Queen)

At the very moment the Queen said this firmly, a hurried retainer entered the room.

“I report! Those who call themselves Stella-sama are at the gate…!” (Retainer)

“Eh…!?” (Clarissa)

Clarissa was genuinely surprised. She needed her right now. Clarissa gave an order to the retainer.

“Show them in, immediately!” (Clarissa)

 

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Then, Stella and her group were brought into the audience chamber. Before Stella stood Clarissa’s mother, the Queen. Though from Stella and Nana’s point of view, she looked terribly weak.

“Are you the hero Stella-sama and her party, whom Clarissa spoke of?” (Queen)

There was confusion in the Queen’s words. She apparently could not believe it. Ignoring those eyes, Stella straightened her back and said,

“To the Queen, I bid you good health.” (Stella)

Stella followed ancient custom, spreading her left palm and striking her right fist against it.

It was a hōkenrei (fist and palm salute). With a crisp slap, a pleasant sound was made. At that dignified, splendid gesture, the Queen and attendants widened their eyes.

Marcosias, standing one step behind, quietly asked Nana.

“…Should I imitate that?” (Marcosias)

“No, I don’t think you should.” (Nana)

Nana didn’t know that etiquette well either. Also, in a costume, no sound would be made. Stella immediately relaxed her stance.

“Without delay, we will subdue the [Swallow]. We request passage permission to the White Spring.” (Stella)

Clarissa felt an indescribable sense of reassurance at Stella’s decisive words. But the Queen shook her head lightly.

“…You know of the White Spring where the [Swallow] is sealed. I understand you are not ordinary. However, I cannot accept it. Even if you are truly the hero Stella herself.” (Queen)

“Why is that?” (Stella)

“This is the history our royal family must bear.” (Queen)

The Queen said sharply.

“According to historical records, indeed with the help of hero Stella, the royal family was able to suppress the [Swallow]. The lineage of Tara-sama rebuilt and protected the country. Please understand. We have history and pride.” (Queen)

To the Queen’s words, Stella replied clearly.

Stella had predicted it would go this way. It would not go easily. Therefore, she delivered her strongest strike.

“That is a lie.” (Stella)

Everyone in the audience chamber froze. Arrogance. That single word, but no one moved. Only Marcosias nodded approvingly. Nana thought she probably did not understand well.

Then, Stella gathered her mana and looked over the Queen and the others.

“Now, I will tell the truth. From my mouth, Tara’s younger sister.” (Stella)

 

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