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

 

 

Laying the Groundwork

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

A dollhouse is a toy from my previous life. It comes as a set with cute dolls and has devoted fans. Even in Japan, Hina dolls could be said to be a similar culture. When it comes to expensive custom-made ones, the price can truly be said to have no ceiling.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” (Elt)

Looking again at the paper Leia spread out, I nodded. A [Large Tree House] and a cockatrice. It even seemed like it could serve as a promotion for this village. When Leia heard me say that, she beamed brightly.

“You think so!” (Leia)

“I think it’s quite an inspiration.” (Elt)

“Yes…! That was when I was too busy, and I tried to take a nap in the office of the Adventurer Guild in Zanzas.” (Leia)

Hm? Leia folded up the paper, but it seemed a story had begun. Well, fine. I might as well listen.

“While lying down on the sofa, I placed as many cockatrice plushies as I could. I used them as a pillow, I put some on my chest, and I lined them up beside the sofa.” (Leia)

“…I see. So, you took a nap surrounded by a great number of cockatrices.” (Elt)

“Yes, while being watched over by the cockatrices’ round eyes, I drifted into sleep, but then…” (Leia)

At that point, Leia leaned forward. I, in turn, leaned back a little.

“Then, in my dream, a cockatrice appeared… and what I saw was a scene of it playing with a toy like the one I just showed you! This is divine revelation, without a doubt!” (Leia)

Hmm, she was even more fired up than usual. Whether it was from overwork, or the influence of being surrounded by so many cockatrice plushies, I could not tell.

“So then… has the Zanzas council already given the okay?” (Elt)

“Yes, I tied up—no, I persuaded the council members!” (Leia)

I thought I heard a disturbing word there, but I decided to let it slide. Still, as an idea, it was perfectly sound. The cockatrice plushies were apparently sold not just in this village, but all over the world. Adding extra value to them was not a bad move. After all, there was already proven success with such things in my previous life. If done well, there was no doubt it would become a beloved toy.

There was just one thing I still wanted to confirm.

“By the way, that picture earlier, that was this village, right? It didn’t seem like the scenery of Zanzas.” (Elt)

“In Zanzas, aside from the statue of Lady Stella and the dungeon, there isn’t much that is distinctive… so I thought it might lack impact.” (Leia)

“I heard it’s a trade city full of colors though.” (Elt)

Flags, banners, shops… there should be no shortage of variety among the people passing by either.

“There aren’t cockatrices in the middle of Zanzas’s streets, after all. And… having too many colors is troublesome.” (Leia)

“…I see.” (Elt)

Starting from full color would certainly be more work. The [Large Tree House] could keep the number of colors somewhat limited.

“What the council told me is to obtain a certain evaluation at the upcoming art festival. Based on that, they’ll decide on future production. That means there’s not much time left.” (Leia)

“So, you don’t have the actual item yet.” (Elt)

“Once I have Lord Elt’s permission, I’ll start making it! On a rush order!” (Leia)

Leia gave a firm thumbs up.

“Hmm, I have no particular problem with it. So, if you get results at the art festival, that’s it. If there’s anything I can do to help, tell me.” (Elt)

“Thank you very much!” (Leia)

And so, it was decided that the dollhouse would also be exhibited. The approximate number and type of exhibits would be something like this: flower decorations, the dollhouse, and… Noball. After that, it was just a matter of making the best possible items.

…Hmm. Among these, isn’t the most difficult one the Noball-related exhibit?

 

—

 

From here on, everyone would have to work on their exhibits. The deadline was in half a month, before my brother Hold came.

According to Leia, what was decided in this meeting would be more or less final. It seemed the titles and summaries for the exhibition catalog would also be decided here. Still, she said there were no particular problems at this stage. All that remained was to complete them properly. Well, the flower decorations would be under Tetetoka’s guidance, and the dollhouse under Leia’s leadership.

What I had to do was deal with the Noball and talk to Nana. After my discussion with Leia ended, I headed to Nana’s house. Incidentally, Leia came along too. Since Zanzas was involved, she said she would go together.

When we arrived at Nana’s house, Leia murmured quietly.

“At this time, she’s either sleeping or just coming off an all-nighter…” (Leia)

“That’s pretty hard.” (Elt)

It was before noon now. As a vampire, she might be sleeping. Leia took out a key from her pocket and casually opened the front door.

“Nana, are you awake?” (Leia)

Leia called out as she stepped into the house.

No hesitation at all… well, it is Leia, so I suppose it is fine. She isn’t the type to misjudge boundaries.

“That voice… Leia?” (Nana)

From deeper inside came Nana’s voice. The first half sounded suspicious, but the latter half was brighter in tone. So, barging in wasn’t a problem after all.

Nana appeared abruptly, dressed in a cockatrice costume.

“I’m here too, sorry for intruding.” (Elt)

“Elt-sama as well… please, come in, though it’s a bit cluttered.” (Nana)

At Nana’s invitation, we went further inside. As always, there were many things scattered about. It wasn’t particularly tidy. Sitting in the living room chairs, we began talking about the art festival. From my side, if I could use Nana’s storage, it would make things much easier. It would greatly reduce the trouble of transporting items. I had already gotten approval from Marcosias and Stella, so using the “vroom” transport was fine. The question was whether Nana would agree to cooperate.

Would Nana feel any benefit in doing this? I would have to find out as we talked.

When I explained the outline, Nana nodded deeply.

“I see. In that case, I’ll cooperate.” (Nana)

That was an unexpectedly quick yes. Honestly, I was surprised. Leia probably thought the same.

“Oh my, that was quick.” (Leia)

“If it involved being shaken in a carriage, I might refuse, but since it doesn’t…” (Nana)

“That’s right, you’ll be going with Marquosias again. Including Stella.” (Elt)

In other words, the same members as the last trip to the eastern country. Otherwise, we’d end up getting stuck in the ground every time we flew. Leia had mentioned she might go separately, though.

“For me, it’s also my hometown, so I’ve been thinking it’s about time I showed my face there. Is there any problem with that arrangement?” (Nana)

“Of course, no problem.” (Elt)

So, it also included visiting her hometown. She had said she was from the northern country, so perhaps relatives, acquaintances, or friends would be coming. In that case, going with Marcosias’ vroom would certainly save effort. We both had something to gain.

“And if I catch Hold and squeeze him, I can get some rare items again…” (Nana)

“Y-yeah, maybe so.” (Elt)

I didn’t know about that part. Good luck, Hold-niisan.

“But if I’m to store things, they have to be finished. If possible, please have them ready early.” (Nana)

“Ah, understood.” (Elt)

Good, good. That was settled smoothly.

It wasn’t just the mutual benefit. Since Leia had arrived, Nana seemed happy. Without me knowing, they had gotten quite close. It was likely they could talk at length about crafting or magical tools.

Now then… all that remains is to make the Noball exhibit. At the moment, though, I have absolutely no good ideas!

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)