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

 

 

A Gathering to Express Our Appreciation

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After Stella and the others had swiftly departed, Wood and I, having seen them off, made our way toward the Large Tree Tower.

“Shall we be off then?” (Elt)

“Ugo-ugo, understood!” (Wood)

During this recent art festival, we had been greatly assisted by Tetetoka, Anaria, Iskamina, and Lalatoma.

Thus, we decided to hold a modest gathering to express our appreciation. The sun had only just risen. Nevertheless, since Tetetoka and the others tend to sleep early at night, it was more convenient to host the gathering during the day.

Upon entering the LargeTree Tower, we found that all the guests we had invited had already assembled. In addition, serving as attendants were Brown and several members of the Nyaff tribe. Since he was accustomed to dealing with Dryads, he was well suited for the role.

The tables had already been set with food. There was a superb soup, simmered overnight with more than ten kinds of aromatic vegetables. Naturally, all were the finest selections from the village. There was also a platter of hams and cheeses, specialties gathered from various regions of the kingdom. These had been procured through Zanzas, and would surely satisfy even the most discerning gourmet. Thick slices of spicy sautéed marude-hotate, offering both robust texture and savory heat. For dessert, fluffy and springy pancakes adorned with an extravagant portion of fruits and drizzled with honey syrup. Such a combination was not something even nobles could readily partake in.

And then Tetetoka, upon noticing us, waved both hands in a flustered manner.

“Many thanks for coming!” (Tetetoka)

“Thank you for receiving us, Tetetoka.” (Elt)

“Ugo… we are grateful for your hospitality!” (Wood)

“Please, please, come in!” (Tetetoka)

The seats had already been arranged.

Dryads tend to rise surprisingly early in the morning… Though of course, they also rest during the day.

Anaria and Iskamina’s attire differed from their usual. They wore black formal garments, which one seldom had the opportunity to see, yet both wore them with great elegance.

“Thank you very much for inviting us today!” (Anaria)

“It is an honor, mogu!” (Iskamina)

Lalatoma stood beside them… though rather than merely a little nervous, she appeared exceedingly stiff.

“Th-thank you… very much for… for inviting me today!” (Lalatoma)

She was quite flustered indeed. Since her eyes were directed at Wood, perhaps she was nervous because she was before him. Thinking thus, I found it endearing.

“Ah, thank you. However, there is no need to be so formal. Please relax and feel at ease.” (Elt)

Within the Large Tree Tower, other Dryads were engaged in making grass dumplings or resting in flowerpots. I had no intention of creating a stiff atmosphere.

Then, Brown stepped forward gracefully, bowed, and faced everyone. His sense of timing was truly that of a professional.

“By order of Elt-sama, a variety of dishes have been prepared nyaan. Please do partake to your heart’s content, nyan.” (Brown)

With a cheerful “nyan”, the Nyaff tribe brought out the dishes.

Oh, they all looked exceedingly delicious.

“This time, you all worked particularly hard for the art festival. I thank you. Though it is still early in the day… let us take our time and enjoy this meal together!” (Elt)

Anaria and the others had no duties today. This gathering was solely for the purpose of appreciation. They could therefore enjoy themselves without reservation.

And so, I rolled up my sleeves. For a Dryad like Tetetoka, no matter how luxurious the food, it might not necessarily suit their taste. If I truly wished to express my gratitude, the surest way was…… for me to knead grass dumplings and have them eat them.

Very well then.

I began to knead.

 

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“Ahh… these marude-hotate are most delicious…” (Anaria)

“The texture is perfect, mogu!” (Iskamina)

Anaria and Iskamina savored the spicy sautéed scallops harvested from the lake.

Though the supply was not yet abundant enough to sell, the taste was already remarkable.

Wood and Lalatoma, meanwhile, seemed to be relaxing together.

“Ugo, this water is delicious…!” (Wood)

“Th-that was drawn from the underground plaza’s water vein… and yes, it was filtered!” (Lalatoma)

“Ugo… you made it even purer.” (Wood)

“Yes, does it taste good?” (Lalatoma)

“Yes, it is very delicious… Ugo.” (Wood)

Wood gently stroked Lalatoma’s hair. The gesture was so natural that I almost overlooked it.

“Nhfufu…!” (Lalatoma)

Lalatoma looked up at Wood with delight.

……Well done, Wood. As a father, I could not help but feel happiness at the sight.

Meanwhile, I continued kneading grass dumplings for Tetetoka. The grass dumplings I prepared were promptly eaten one after another by Tetetoka.

*Knead, knead, knead, knead*

No sooner had I finished kneading than Tetetoka’s hand reached out.

*Pluck, pluck, pluck*

“Chew, chew, chew……” (Tetetoka)

“Is it good?” (Elt)

“Swallow. It is delicious. Ah, what luxury, being able to do nothing but eat.” (Tetetoka)

“You assisted us in many ways this time as well. Consider this a small token of gratitude.” (Elt)

Of course, it was not only grass dumplings. Later, I also intended to research what they desired and present them with suitable gifts. To Anaria and the others, I planned to provide a monetary reward. However, it was important first to convey gratitude directly.

With Stella and the others’ departure, the preparations for the art festival in this village had come to a close. The rest depended upon their reports once they returned.

“Anaria… ah, is this acceptable, mogu?” (Iskamina)

“It is fine…! Dryads live in everyday freedom, after all…” (Anaria)

“That much, I can certainly feel, mogu…” (Iskamina)

It must have been surprising for Iskamina, but in truth, this was normal. Tetetoka was unwavering in such matters.

“Elt-sama as well, please.” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka picked up one of the grass dumplings I had made and held it to my mouth.

“Oh, thank you.” (Elt)

She lifted it, and I bit into it.

…I chewed carefully, then swallowed.

“Delicious…” (Elt)

“Your skill has improved, you know.” (Tetetoka)

“I-is that so?” (Elt)

Tetetoka beamed brightly.

Hearing such words pleased me greatly. After all, Tetetoka and grass dumplings had long been a part of my life.

“That flower ornament, I truly enjoyed it as well. I was able to see many others’ works too.” (Tetetoka)

“Ah, I am glad to hear that.” (Elt)

“Since coming here, everything has been so new and fresh.” (Tetetoka)

Holding a grass dumpling in hand and smiling, Tetetoka spoke thus. It was surely Tetetoka’s honest sentiment. And I was glad. If they felt that way, then all the effort had been worthwhile.

“Now then, I shall also make grass dumplings, you know—” (Tetetoka)

Saying so, Tetetoka toddled off to fetch the ingredients for grass dumplings. Then, they came to sit beside me.

“Today, let us make and eat a great many.” (Tetetoka)

“Ah, indeed…!” (Elt)

And then, Tetetoka turned to look at Anaria.

Hmm?

Anaria too turned her gaze toward us. Our eyes met… and she smiled softly in my direction. Tetetoka cheerfully declared.

“Even if there are leftovers, there is the Food Master here, after all.” (Tetetoka)

I quickly averted my gaze from Anaria. As always, Tetetoka went at their own pace…

“…Indeed.” (Elt)

For the moment, that was how I chose to reply.

 

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