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

 

 

Before the Journey

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Some time passed thereafter and the day of departure for the art festival approached ever closer. On the night of such a day, as I was reading a book in the living room, Dia came walking softly toward me.

“Piyo. Tou-sama.” (Dia)

Without hesitation, Dia leapt lightly onto my thigh. She pressed her soft and fluffy body against mine, rubbing gently.

“…What is the matter?” (Elt)

I set the book aside and stroked Dia with both hands. Dia received this treatment with evident pleasure, trembling slightly as she leaned into my touch. She particularly enjoyed having both her hands massaged.

“Piyo. Tou-sama, I will be separated, piyo.” (Dia)

“It is all right. It is merely for about a week. You managed just fine even when separated from Marcosias and your mother, did you not?” (Elt)

“…Indeed, piyo.” (Dia)

However, Dia’s narrowed eyes suggested that she was not entirely convinced.

“Tou-sama, will you not feel lonely, piyo?” (Dia)

“You shall see me again, so there is no need for concern.” (Elt)

I spoke gently as I lifted Dia into my embrace. Her body was soft and warm, and I drew her close to my chest. For Dia, this might be a trial. Yet, it was a trial that she needed to experience. Wood had gone to Zanzas and experienced a separation from me. He had later seen Stella off when she traveled east. He had been separated from his parents once before. Dia, likewise, had parted from Stella. She needed the experience of being slightly apart from me, albeit gradually and in small increments.

Stella was also in agreement with this approach.

Across the living room, Stella lay sprawled on the floor with little Marcosias perched upon her like a playful puppy. Marcosias played lightly upon her shoulder. Yet, the subtle twitching of Stella’s and Marcosias’ ears suggested that they were listening to our conversation. Both of them possessed exceptionally keen senses. Stella, being an adventurer who had left her home, harbored no resistance to independence.

As for myself, my relationship with my family was such that I did not think it wise to allow them to become overly dependent upon me.

“Tou-sama, so warm, piyo.” (Dia)

Dia squirmed contentedly against my chest. She was utterly endearing.

I did, in truth, reflect for a moment. I questioned whether it might be too soon or whether it might be preferable to wait a little longer. Yet, on the other hand, I thought that a small journey of about a week would not be unreasonable.

Dia was precocious, and venturing beyond the village would offer her ample opportunities to learn. At the very least, that had been the case when Stella was absent.

“You are warm to me as well, Dia.” (Elt)

“Piyo. Warm, piyo?” (Dia)

“Yes, exceedingly warm.” (Elt)

I could feel the connection between us, palpable and reassuring. Yet because of that very connection, some temporary separation was required.

“Piyo. I must not cry, piyo?” (Dia)

“…Heh, that is correct.” (Elt)

With that, I gently lowered Dia onto my lap. Her eyes shone with a powerful and determined light. At least, that was the impression I received.

 

—

 

Later, it became time for sleep.

Recently, Stella had taken a liking to the style of embracing from behind. I sensed Stella’s presence behind my head, as if she wished to say something. Keeping my eyes closed, I addressed her softly.

“Is there something the matter…?” (Elt)

“…I also feel somewhat lonely, you know.” (Stella)

“Ugh.” (Elt)

Stella embraced my back more firmly than usual. Though not painful, her pressure conveyed her insistence.

“…I am sorry.” (Stella)

“I apologize. I do not wish to trouble you…” (Stella)

Her soft voice brushed against my neck, yet its clarity, reminiscent of a harp, reached my ears perfectly.

“I only wished to speak. This village is irreplaceable to me as well.” (Stella)

“Yes…” (Elt)

Her sentiment was fully conveyed. Stella possessed considerable ability, yet she seemed somewhat overwhelmed by her own power, at least in the beginning.

“…When you return, shall we have a date, just the two of us? Not as a reward, but simply so…” (Elt)

“Oh, how unusual.” (Stella)

Gently, Stella’s hand touched my cheek. Softly, she pressed and manipulated my cheek with her fingers.

“Understood, it is a promise.” (Stella)

Her voice carried a faint warmth.

“Piyo. What are you saying, piyo…?” (Dia)

Ah, Dia stirred.

Marcosias, who was clinging to Dia, muttered something softly in a sleepy voice.

“She says Mother feels lonely too… Do not mind it.” (Marcosias)

“Maru-chan…!?” (Dia)

“Piyo… Mother feels the same, piyo…” (Marcosias)

Dia hugged Marcosias closely.

“Even as adults, one feels loneliness, piyo?” (Dia)

“Loneliness is hardly dependent on age; one feels it regardless,” (Marcosias)

“I understand, piyo… I learned, piyo… Suyah… piyo—” (Dia)

Dia’s breathing grew calm as she fell asleep.

“…I shall also sleep… Wau, suyah…” (Marcosias)

…Marcosias, it seemed, was gradually assuming a more mature and sisterly demeanor. Perhaps this was simply her true personality.

Softly. Stella’s hand remained on my cheek. I placed my own hand over hers.

“Thank you.” (Elt)

The words slipped out quietly, yet the effect on Stella was immediate. Her hand relaxed, and I sensed a light exhalation of breath.

“…Good night, Elt-sama.” (Stella)

“Good night, Stella.” (Elt)

Thus, Stella’s breathing settled into sleep, and I too soon succumbed to slumber.

 

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