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

 

 

Possibility of Marude-Creatures

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Creatures in this world, as far as I have read in books, survive by consuming something. Even powerful species like cockatrices and dragons are no exception. They simply process energy more efficiently, but they do indeed ingest it.

Stella nodded with interest at my idea.

“The rainbow fish scales…? That is certainly possible.” (Stella)

“We can eat them with a satisfying crunch ourselves. It would not be strange if there were creatures that use them as food. Well, it is just one possibility.” (Elt)

“Huh? But if that is the case, what do the rainbow fish eat?” (Stella)

Stella tilted her head.

If the only other life in the lake were Marude-shellfish…

“Maybe they eat the shellfish in the lake? There would have to be more of them than rainbow fish though.” (Elt)

“Ah, I see! That makes sense!” (Stella)

Pom, Stella clapped her hands.

“I want to conduct various experiments. The hypothesis might be correct.” (Elt)

For that, we would need to gather more shellfish again. But if it goes well, there could be potential for farming. It is important to increase revenue beyond agriculture as well.

I am glad we had boats made after all. Expanding our area of activity leads to new discoveries. Since we have also built a base, it seems like we will have many things to investigate going forward.

While I was thinking about that, I noticed Stella was staring at me. Somehow, her gaze felt intense.

“Elt-sama, you are like a scholar teacher.” (Stella)

“Hmm? …Is that so?” (Elt)

As she said that, Stella leaned her face in closer to mine.

“Yes, I have fallen for you even more.” (Stella)

“Pfft.” (Elt)

“Ufufu~” (Stella)

Stella pulled her face back.

Ugh, that was a surprise attack. My cheeks feel hot.

“If we’re saying such things… you looked beautiful walking on the lake earlier.” (Elt)

“…Feh.” (Stella)

When I muttered that, Stella’s face instantly turned bright red.

“Yeah. You looked mystical, and it really amplified your beauty.” (Elt)

“Uuuu! I-it’s fine. Do not mind me!” (Stella)

Come to think of it, this might be the first time I have honestly expressed my impressions like this. We had not done much date-like things either. But it is true that Stella walking across the lake looked beautiful.

Well, walking on water is not something one usually sees. It was refreshing for me as well. It is embarrassing, but Stella was the one who initiated it first.

“Ahem. I could say I love you even more now.” (Elt)

“..!” (Stella)

Pshuu. Stella turned completely red and clamped her mouth shut, lowering her gaze.

“Feh… You’re good at this…” (Stella)

Stella continued to mumble like that.

Huh? There was not as much of a counterattack as I expected. Maybe she is not used to this kind of thing being returned. Well, I was kind of saying it on impulse too.

So, I gently lifted Stella’s chin.

“Fwah!? Auu, I-I give up…!” (Stella)

Unable to bear it any longer, Stella declared her surrender.

It seems she is not good at being on the receiving end.

“…Tou-sama and Kaa-sama, what are they doing, piyo…?” (Dia)

With a very sleepy voice, Dia asked Marcosias.

Ah, she was still awake?

But Dia’s eyes were already half closed, and she was leaning against Marcosias.

“It’s love.” (Marcosias)

“Is it like mixed juice, piyo…? We drank a lot of juice earlier, piyo…” (Dia)

As if the mystery had been solved, Dia began to snore lightly.

“Suu~ piyo~… suu~ piyoyo~…” (Dia)

Hmm. Looks like she has fallen asleep.

Marcosias also had her eyes closed and was slumped in relaxation. Dia was lying on top of Marcosias, who was on her back with her belly exposed.

Cute.

Then, Stella, still red-faced, gave a determined reply.

“N-Next time, I will not lose…!” (Stella)

 

—

 

The next day.

I summoned Anaria and Naru to the Adventurer Guild’s office. The topic, of course, was the matter of the Marude-shellfish. Honestly, I also wanted to talk with Leia, but she was currently in Zanzas.

“Leia is in Zanzas again today… It seems the discussions about water transport over there are dragging on.” (Elt)

“Nya. It sounds like they are having quite the thorough debate, nya.” (Naru)

“Hm… The larger the scale, the harder the adjustments become.” (Elt)

Well, it was not something urgent. I could not act alone anyway, so I would wait patiently.

I took out the shell of a Marude-Shellfish from the bag I brought with me.

Anaria took one look at it and said…

“I see… That is certainly a Marude-Shellfish.” (Anaria)

“Among Marude-creatures, some have medicinal properties, nya.” (Naru)

“So, it seems. It was written in the books.” (Elt)

Potions were most effective as medicine, but they required mixing and rare ingredients. Marude-creature-based medicines did not have dramatic effects, but were said to be easy to prepare.

“In some regions where Healberries are extremely scarce, they rely heavily on Marude creature medicine. Though the effects are often just mild relief compared to potions.” (Anaria)

“Nya. But they are cheaper, nya.” (Naru)

Hmm hmm. I see. If potions are like prescription drugs, Marude-creature medicine would be like over-the-counter medicine. Even if they are less effective in comparison, it does not mean there is no demand. There are many people who want something simple and without side effects. Over-the-counter medicine during a cold is reassuring.

“Did you learn about Marude-creatures at the advanced academy, Anaria?” (Elt)

“Yes, they are required for the apothecary exam. Any apothecary in this village should be able to handle them.” (Anaria)

“That is good news. But there is no need to rush. Expanding too suddenly would be difficult. I am also concerned about how many of these shellfish actually exist.” (Elt)

Herbs and similar resources grow above ground, so we can estimate their numbers. But we just discovered Marude-shellfish yesterday. If we overharvest them, they could disappear entirely. This is the difficult part of aquatic resources. Observing them directly is time-consuming.

“As expected of Elt-sama. You have a long-term perspective, nya.” (Naru)

“Marude-creatures have unusual diets and unknown ecological aspects…” (Anaria)

In general, Marude-creatures are said to be unsuitable for farming. Their unique diet makes it expensive to raise them. Therefore, the basic policy is to harvest them in small, sustainable quantities. Adventurers were well-informed because gathering Marude creatures was one of their jobs.

Well, ultimately, there are grass dumplings. However, whether they are worth the cost needs to be carefully evaluated.

And so, we exchanged opinions on Marude creatures. Edibility, shell use, conditions in other areas, and more. It certainly seemed to have potential, but it was not something to pour all our resources into right away. Still, if it worked out, it could become a major industry, and that was something to look forward to.

Just then, the office door was knocked on.

*Knock knock.*

“Hm? Come in.” (Elt)

When I called out, Brown entered in a hurry.

“Nyan, excuse me, nyan. Elt-sama, you have a guest, nyan!” (Brown)

“A guest…?” (Elt)

It was rare for someone to fluster Brown this much. He usually remained composed even in front of high-ranking merchants.

Could it be… a noble?

“Audrey-sama has arrived alone, nyan!” (Brown)

 

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