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

 

 

Challenging the Tiger

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

That night.

Hoo, hoo, an owl hooted. It was already time for bed. When we spent time cheerfully with family, time passed in the blink of an eye. For educational reasons, we avoided staying up late. It was not as if there was a backlog of work either, and I myself tried to sleep and wake early.

“This position is…” (Elt)

Usually, everyone slept together on the cotton bed, but that night Stella made a request. Normally, Stella and I would sleep facing each other, but that night she wanted to be behind me… apparently. Using Wood’s arm with some cotton as a pillow substitute remained unchanged. I lay on my side. From behind, Stella was in a hugging posture against my back. And in front of me were Dia and the puppy-formed Marcosias.

“Fresh-feeling, piyo!” (Dia)

“Woof… pressing head against Father, you know.” (Wood)

*Squish, squish.*

Though, really, it was only gently pressing my belly.

How cute.

“…It’s special, isn’t it, hugging from behind like this?” (Stella)

“Yeah… Now that you say it, I guess so.” (Elt)

I could not see Stella’s expression, but I could tell she was enjoying herself.

Hugging from the front can be done even as a greeting. Among the Nyaff tribe, it is quite common.

I felt Stella’s head softly pressing against the back of mine.

“Fyaa… sleepy piyo…” (Dia)

Dia yawned sleepily.

“Ugo, I’m sleepy too…” (Wood)

“…I shall sleep as well, you know.” (Marcosias)

It seemed everyone was sleepy. Or rather, I was getting sleepy too. With Dia and Marcosias in my arms, it was fluffy, puffy, and gentle.

“It really feels like… a family.” (Stella)

Stella whispered into my ear. Our height difference was not significant.

“Hmm? Ahh…” (Elt)

My heart was somewhat fluttering. We often talked closely before bed, but this had a subtly different nuance.

“Elt-sama’s stomach is… surprisingly firm, isn’t it?” (Stella)

Suddenly, Stella’s hand touched my stomach. A very swift move.

“Hey…” (Elt)

“Nfufuu…” (Stella)

As I responded, Stella quickly pulled her hand away. I could almost picture her smiling.

“Well then, good night…” (Stella)

“…Yeah.” (Elt)

How should I say… I felt like I was being toyed with. But strangely, I did not dislike it. After a short while, I could hear Stella’s breathing from behind.

Suu suu… a sweet, gentle rhythm.

“…Kaa-sama is the one who slept first, piyo.” (Dia)

“She surprisingly sleeps quickly, you know.” (Wood)

Patting Dia and Marcosias gently, I too turned my thoughts toward the cotton. It was warm and comfortable. Under my head were cotton and Wood’s arm. Sleeping together as a family. At some point, the chirping of birds and insects grew distant. Before long, I too fell asleep.

The next morning, when I woke up, I was being held by an awake Stella. It was as if I was sitting in her lap.

“…Stella?” (Elt)

“Fuehh…?” (Stella)

Hopeless. She was always like this in the morning. The wires were not connected yet.

“Piyo… good morning piyo.” (Dia)

Dia stretched her wings and sat up. Then, seeing me being held, she spoke.

“Piyo. Kaa-sama’s in a daze, piyo.” (Dia)

“Not true…” (Stella)

…She is indeed in a daze.

“Woof…” (Marcosias)

Then, Marcosias’s eyes sluggishly opened. My eyes met hers clearly, but she immediately shut them again. Apparently going back to sleep. Or maybe just ignoring me.

In the end, about 15 minutes later, Stella’s switch turned on and she released me. Apparently, she had done it entirely unconsciously.

“S-sorry. I was hugging you…!” (Stella)

“No, it’s fine…!” (Elt)

Yeah, it was not like anything happened. I am just more embarrassed than anything.

 

—

 

I got ready and headed to Leia’s house.

I had considered summoning her to the Adventurer Guild but decided against it. Originally, this was Stella’s request. It was just to confirm a few things.

On the way, I passed by several Nyaff tribe people carrying many fishing rods. When I asked, I was told that they had been placing consecutive orders. Apparently, some people wanted to get their fishing gear ready even before the boats were finished. Once the boats were delivered, they must be planning to set out on the lake immediately. Such eagerness.

Also, it seemed the Dryads were a bit busier than usual. I heard they were getting fired up for the art festival. Since they had a new goal again. Not a bad trend at all.

I arrived at Leia’s house and was shown inside.

“Are you doing okay, Leia?” (Elt)

“Yes, please come in!” (Leia)

As usual, Leia’s house was cluttered…

Though it was someone else’s home, so I decided not to comment. However… in the living room, a familiar cockatrice costume was lying spread-eagle. I could not help but react.

“…Nana?” (Elt)

“Ah…! Good morning.” (Nana)

It seemed someone was inside. Nana quickly sat up.

“Sorry, I need to talk to Leia for a moment.” (Elt)

“Please don’t worry about it…! My apologies, I’ll go take a shower.” (Nana)

“…O-oh.” (Elt)

Just like that, Nana briskly walked toward the bathroom. Since the house layout was practically identical, she knew where everything was. After all, I was the one who built it.

“Did you know? Vampires bathe and shower while still in those costumes…!” (Leia)

“Is that so?” (Elt)

Rather trivial information, but I did not know that.

“High-ranking Vampire costumes are apparently machine-washable. They say that’s a status symbol.” (Leia)

“…A rather obscure culture.” (Elt)

It is not a washable futon, after all. Though, they probably spend more time in the costume than with a futon.

Let’s not think too hard about it. That way lies the abyss of interspecies misunderstandings. Vampires are a costume-wearing race. Let’s leave it at that.

I cleared my throat somewhat theatrically.

“Ahem. So… I came today about the boat. Mainly Stella’s… ship.” (Elt)

“Ahh… I see. Yes, I don’t believe there’s any problem.” (Leia)

“I heard the details. It seems there’s movement involving water transport too.” (Elt)

Previously, I had told Leia that I would not be dealing with lumber for the time being. This was to avoid unnecessary conflict. As of now, there had been no complaints regarding the village’s vegetable and fruit production. After all, not many have the time to pick a fight over out-of-season food. However, when it comes to construction or shipbuilding timber, things were different or so I judged.

Timber was deeply entangled with noble privileges, and there were no loopholes. Whatever type of timber one tried to export, there would be clash with some noble’s interest. Of course, there was no one so foolish as to openly attack individuals or villages. However, this village’s financial base leaned heavily on agriculture. If interference dragged it into a drawn-out conflict, it couldn’t endure.

The village had not even existed for half a year yet. We had some reserves, but going against nobles with enough power to handle timber would not be wise. This applied even when including water transport.

“…Do you think it’s risky?” (Leia)

“No. I only mean we’re not going to confront them openly. You’re aiming to expand traffic from next year, right? That’s why you’re stepping into water transport.” (Elt)

At my words, Leia’s eyes widened.

“Sharp as always. It’s still only at the planning stage though.” (Leia)

“In this region, timber means the Liger Household, I suppose.” (Elt)

“Exactly. We’ve sent envoys, but the response has been lackluster.” (Leia)

“I see… Any prospects?” (Elt)

“To be honest, none. But I intend to at least accumulate technique.” (Leia)

So that was what the boat was for. Trying something big from the start would only lead to pain if it failed.

I let my thoughts spin. Stella’s desired ship, water transport, timber, the Liger Household… They were all connected… but not quite meshing together right now. Still, the intention was good. No, it was more than good, it was exactly right.

Improving distribution is always important. Getting this village’s agricultural products to distant places faster directly leads to its growth rate. It does not need to be the fastest. But there must be a path. And for that, I too must become involved. Not to fight. There is no need to stand at the front. Even just quietly supporting from behind would be enough.

“If I said I would get involved in this too… what would you say?” (Elt)

 

—

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