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

 

 

Measure of a Hero

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“I, having suppressed [Swallow], left words for the remaining people. [Swallow], if it has mana, continues to sleep peacefully. Conversely, if it loses that power, it rampages in search of mana…” (Stella)

The Queen narrowed her eyes and listened to Stella’s words.

“Tara had no children. The people left behind are unrelated to the original royal family. However, they loved the country. And there is nothing more important than the truth.” (Stella)

“What do you mean by that?” (Queen)

“What is important is to defeat [Swallow], isn’t it? Of course, if you challenge it without hope, you will be defeated.” (Stella)

Stella continued to speak quietly.

There was one thing she became certain of through her interaction with the Queen.

“The reason Your Majesty looks pale is because you have lost too much mana. Is it because you suppressed [Swallow]?” (Stella)

“…Exactly. As you probably know well, that ritual requires mana.” (Queen)

Using the royal family’s mana and a ritual, they suppress [Swallow]. That was the basic premise.

“Did you know that the mana doesn’t necessarily have to come from anyone in particular?” (Stella)

“Is that so!?” (Clarissa)

Clarissa raised her voice. However, the Queen and the others were not surprised. They seemed as if they had known.

“I haven’t tested it, but I predicted it.” (Stella)

“Okaasan, if that is so…!” (Clarissa)

“Clarissa, do not say such things.” (Queen)

The Queen gave Clarissa a stern look. It was a word not so much as a parent but as a ruler. Because they were family, there were things that could not be allowed to be spoken aloud.

“Do you have evidence for your words?” (Queen)

“No.” (Stella)

Stella said firmly. And then, as if mocking herself,

“Originally, even my family tree is false. There is no lineage from the agents of the gods. Tara and I were only taught so.” (Stella)

Stella’s family line claimed descent from Elves and agents of the forest gods. Although, most nobles would trace back similarly if investigated.

“But how much value does the truth have? There is no one born inherently noble; only those noble by their actions.” (Stella)

At those words, the Queens shifted uncomfortably.

“…Do you think such words will convince them?” (Queen)

Stella exhaled and further sharpened her mana, releasing it. It was an overwhelmingly powerful magical force unlike anything the Queens had ever seen before. Even after dealing with nobles and royalty from many countries, it was mana enough to make one tremble.

“I came here to permanently defeat [Swallow]. I once told the people left in this country that even if it is impossible now, there will be a way someday. You have suppressed [Swallow] for hundreds of years.” (Stella)

The simple and unadorned words were not those of a noble. Yet Stella’s mana shook the air.

“No matter how much truth is spoken, [Swallow] will remain. That will not change. Besides, this time, I am not alone.” (Stella)

Stella pointed clearly at Nana. With a sigh, Nana removed her costume and appeared. The blue-haired girl’s figure caused the attendants to murmur.

“She instantly disappeared the costume… no way!?” (Attendant)

“That blue hair, an S-rank adventurer…!” (Attendant)

“Your Majesty, I humbly apologize for the delayed greeting.” (Nana)

Nana placed her hand on her chest and bowed elegantly.

“Artifact Master, Nana. Along with Hero Stella, I undertake the defeat of [Swallow].” (Nana)

“You are… I have heard from my daughter. I have also heard various rumors.” (Queen)

Since Clarissa was with the Hold family, the Queen knew about Nana. Having two S-rank adventurers together was unprecedented in this country.

Then, Stella turned back to the Queens.

“Thanks to Your Majesty and everyone’s efforts so far, I believe [Swallow] has not rampaged. I respect that. Please grant permission to defeat [Swallow].” (Stella)

“…Okaa-sama.” (Clarissa)

Clarissa was chewing on Stella’s words.

Regardless of the truth, what matters was what was done. Stella’s words had no evidence. But her mana and Nana’s presence were very strong. The Queen quietly accepted this in her heart. She understood why Stella had spoken such an arrogant truth.

Moreover, if Stella knew the location of the White Spring, there was no need to get permission. The guards protecting the spring would be no match for Stella. Still, she came here to keep propriety.

“I understand… I have no objection to the fact that you are extraordinary. Setting aside truth or falsehood, you should be relied upon.” (Queen)

“Okaa-sama…!” (Clarissa)

The Queen lightly exhaled.

Hero, a great person, must mean Stella. Therefore, she should not be measured by ordinary standards.

“Thank you…! I swear on Elt-sama and this bat that I will surely defeat [Swallow]!” (Stella)

Stella raised the bat she had at her waist high.

“Oh!” (Attendants)

The attendants murmured.

“It looks like a wooden stick…but it must be a wonderful weapon.” (Attendant)

“A bat… I have never heard of that weapon, but it looks smooth and even divine.” (Attendant)

“Hm… I feel like they’re misunderstanding something.” (Nana)

Nana muttered, while the Queen nodded.

“Let’s depart for the White Spring tomorrow morning. Is that agreeable?” (Queen)

“Yes!” (Stella)

At Stella’s words, Clarissa’s heart raced.

“By the way, that silver-haired young lady over there…?” (Queen)

The Queen lightly peered at Marcosias. That question was within Stella’s expectations. Stella declared firmly. To avoid unnecessary questions… it was necessary to say it first.

“She is just a friend…!” (Stella)

 

—

 

After some detailed arrangements, Stella and the others were led to a room in the palace. It was the finest guest room made of cypress, decorated with gold and silver. Incidentally, they were not asked more about Marcosias.

Stella breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, permission was granted.

“Thanks for your help earlier, Nana. Somehow, it went well.” (Stella)

“…You were aware, huh.” (Nana)

Nana was lying on the bed wearing her costume. Light was streaming into the audience chamber. Although not in direct sunlight, as a vampire it drained her stamina.

“I’m not good at talking. Though I was accepted.” (Nana)

Nana thought.

Rather than acceptance, it seemed more like “Let’s just try and see”. She decided not to say it.

“It was okay with Maru-chan too.” (Nana)

“…Should I say it was ignored?” (Stella)

Nana beckoned Marcosias.

“What is it?” (Stella)

“I actually modified my belly a little. Try touching it.” (Marcosias)

“Oh ho, is that so?” (Stella)

Saying so, Marcosias stroked the belly of the costume lying on its back.

*Fluffy, soft*

Very comfortable.

It faithfully reproduced the cockatrice’s belly area.

*Kneading*

It was a long-awaited soft and fluffy feeling.

“Oh! It feels like my lord’s belly!” (Marcosias)

“It uses a bit of mana, though. How is it? Do you like it?” (Stella)

“Of course!” (Marcosias)

Marcosias was joyfully innocent. Because the cockatrice element had been low for days, this belly was welcome. This new feature was a joint effort with Leia. Raising favorability steadily and slowly was Nana’s way.

“Hmm… looks good.” (Stella)

Then, Stella quietly came beside Nana. She was also short of fluffy softness.

“Want to try touching it?” (Stella)

“Of course…!” (Nana)

“It’s pretty good, you know, woof.” (Marcosias)

Now in puppy form, she rubbed its face against the costume belly.

Stella began kneading the costume belly too.

*Kneading*

“I see… quite a good reproduction!” (Stella)

Though slightly short of the original, the reproduction using magic was quite high. After a while, Stella and Marcosias enjoyed the costume belly. A considerate costume indeed. There was [Swallow], but they had a solid chance.

No need to be afraid.

That was what Stella thought as she polished the bat.

 

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