New chapter of Plant Magic Lord is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

In the Northern Land

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The grand cathedral of the northern country.

Hold and his party went forth to greet Crown-Piyo and Ignat. Of course, Hold had already met him in person beforehand. However, it was the first time he had seen Ignat in his costume. Apart from the Crown, it did not appear to be anything more than an ordinary costume at first glance.

“Is it truly such a splendid costume after all?” (Hold)

As they walked, Hold directed his question toward Victor, who was at his side.

“Two-tenths of the fur is from a Cockatrice. The remainder is also composed of materials taken from magic beasts. It is quite expensive, yet considering Ignat-dono’s wealth, it may as well be work attire to him.” (Victor)

“Even the crown is a replica.” (??)

“Is that so?” (Hold)

Hold stroked his small mustache as he nodded.

Resting neatly upon Ignat’s costume was a crown adorned with red and blue jewels, embellished with the sheen of silver. It was a most impressive piece. However, even from a distance, Hold had already discerned its true value.

“The gemstones are artificial, and the shine is produced by magic. It is not genuine silver. Naturally, it is by no means cheap, but it is the sort of item that one may soil or drop from one’s head without concern.” (Hold)

“A-amazing…!” (Clarissa)

Clarissa, unable to grasp the details of the conversation between the two grown men, could not help but exclaim in admiration. Audrey, too, nodded vigorously in agreement.

“I can at least recognize the excellence of that costume…!” (Audrey)

“If you can see that much, it is more than enough. Well done. Clarissa, in time, you too will come to understand.” (Victor)

Victor gently patted the heads of both Audrey and Clarissa.

“You are the same as ever.” (Hold)

“Did you say something?” (Victor)

“No, nothing at all.” (Hold)

Hold was reminded of his elder brother in their school days. At the Academy of Nobles, his brother had been renowned, admired by both teachers and students alike. Though eccentric, he possessed a remarkable ability to praise others at just the right moment.

Leaving tracks upon the snowy plain, Hold and his companions arrived before Ignat. Ignat’s Cockatrice costume head turned toward Hold. Hold extended his hand for a friendly handshake.

“It has been some time, Ignat-dono.” (Hold)

From Ignat’s costume, a soft, fluffy hand was extended in return. Upon shaking it, Hold was struck by how warm and plush the texture truly was.

“It has indeed been long. Nagash-dono! At last, the day has come!” (Ignat)

Ignat gripped Hold’s hand firmly once, then released it. Though his expression was concealed, his voice overflowed with enthusiasm.

“And standing beside you is…” (Ignat)

Ignat’s costume eyes, round and beady though they were, turned upon Victor.

“You must be Victor-dono. That is a fine costume.” (Ignat)

“Please do not speak my name. I am but a simple Cockatrice scholar.” (Victor)

Victor shook his head with a faint smile. It seemed he was determined to play the role of nothing more than a scholar.

Audrey gazed up at him with sparkling eyes.

“Ahem. And here are my daughter Audrey, and Princess Clarissa of the East.” (Hold)

“Ah, this is not our first meeting. However, it has been several years since we last saw each other. At this art festival, I hope you both will gain something valuable.” (Ignat)

“Yes!” (Audrey)

“I shall study diligently…!” (Clarissa)

Ignat nodded with a thoughtful hum.

“Since you have come from the south, this cold must be harsh upon you. A meal to warm your bodies has been prepared inside.” (Ignat)

“That is most welcome.” (Hold)

At Hold’s words, Ignat flapped the wings of his costume with great vigor.

“It is a full course of tomato dishes…!” (Ignat)

 

—

 

At that very time, Stella and her companions were making their way smoothly across the snowy plain.

“Hum-hum-hmm.” (Stella)

*Zuzaza…*

Nana slid belly-first across the snow, with Stella perched upon her back, the two of them gliding swiftly forward. From time to time, Stella shifted her weight with subtle precision, skillfully guiding Nana’s costume as though it were a sled.

“This is most pleasant, piyo. We are sliding so well, piyo!” (Dia)

“It is quite comfortable.” (Stella)

Even Nana, transformed into a sled, could not entirely conceal her sense of enjoyment.

“This is fun in its own way. Ah, to the right.” (Nana)

“To the right, then.” (Stella)

With a gentle shift of weight, they changed direction.

*Zuzazazaa*

Glittering red light trailed as they slid swiftly across the snow.

“You have adapted rather quickly.” (Marcosias)

“I am a master of both snowboarding and skiing, you know. For a vampire, gliding across snow is as natural as breathing.” (Nana)

“I had no idea, piyo!” (Dia)

“In the region of Zanzas, snow does not accumulate, after all…” (Stella)

With another subtle shift of weight, they swerved gracefully once more.

“…You too glide quite skillfully. Do you have experience?” (Nana)

“Almost none, yet…” (Stella)

“That in itself is quite something.” (Marcosias)

“Then, you must simply be a natural genius.” (Nana)

In this manner they continued forward, until faint smoke and the outline of buildings appeared in the distance. It was Steven Village.

Within Stella’s arms, Dia raised her wings upright with excitement.

“There is a home, piyo!” (Dia)

“Yes, that is… Steven Village.” (Stella)

“There are many vampires there as well, are there not?” (Marcosias)

“There should be some, but I imagine there are still more tallmen and dwarves.” (Nana)

“There are few dappipiyo, are there not, piyo?” (Dia)

“…Y-yes, that is true.” (Nana)

Nana stammered as she answered. Dia would disguise herself as a Dappipiyo, that was, a vampire, in order to enter the village.  The inhabitants of this region knew well the danger of mishandling Cockatrice costumes. By taking advantage of this fact, they would walk in without arousing suspicion.

As they drew near the village, Stella and her companions abandoned their Nana-sled method, and began to walk. Their feet crunched upon the snow.

“Piyo. I too wish to walk.” (Dia)

“I as well.” (Marcosias)

“Fufu, strolling upon the snow is indeed delightful.” (Stella)

Stella gently set Dia and Marcosias down upon the snowy ground.

“Chilly, piyo!” (Dia)

Marcosias gave a full-bodied shiver.

“It is cold indeed.” (Marcosias)

“Are you all right, Maru-chan?” (Stella)

“I am fine. My spirits are only rising higher…!” (Marcosias)

With a bark, Marcosias dashed ahead. Dia, with fluffy steps, chased after him.

“Wait for me, piyo!” (Dia)
“Woof!” (Marcosias)

Watching their frolicsome play, Stella smiled softly.

“It was truly good that we came here.” (Stella)

“Yes, it seems they are enjoying the snow very much.” (Nana)

After walking for a while longer.

“We have arrived, piyo!” (Dia)
“Woof. It is the entrance of the village.” (Marcosias)

Before them stood a stone archway, with a sign covered in snow affixed to it.

“What is written there, piyo?” (Dia)

“Woof. Welcome to Steven Village… so it says.” (Marcosias)

“I see, piyo!” (Dia)

Beyond the arch, several villagers were gathered. Tilting her head, Dia observed them curiously.

“Are those the villagers, piyo?” (Dia)

“Most likely, yes.” (Marcosias)

The villagers seemed to be engaged in some sort of discussion. Stella, who had caught up, also turned her attention toward them.

“Are they troubled by something, perhaps?” (Stella)

“I sensed no presence of magic beasts, but…” (Nana)

At that moment, one of the villagers clutched his head and cried out.

“To think that we are to hold an art festival in the north, and yet this village possesses nothing of its own. Is there truly no fine idea to revitalize the village!?” (Villager)

“Village Chief, it is not so simple to ride the coattails of such an event.” (Villager)

Understanding the situation, Nana spoke to Stella.

“It seems they hoped to take part in the art festival, but could not think of how. That is only natural, I suppose.” (Nana)

“In that case!” (Stella)

Stella stepped forward with a determined motion, drawing forth the bat at her waist.

“Permit me to offer a small measure of assistance!” (Stella)

 

—

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