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

 

 

At the Inn in Stephen Village

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

In Stephen Village.

When night had fallen, Stella and her companions lodged at the inn. Fortunately, there were both baths and showers available, and thus they felt greatly refreshed. The guest room was not spacious, yet it was neatly maintained.

Outside the window stretched a snowfield bathed in starlight. In the distance rose snow-capped mountains, and in every respect, it differed from Healberry Village.

“It seems that quite a few people come here for skiing or snowboarding.” (Stella)

“Mining in the nearby mountains also seems to bring in a reasonable income.” (Nana)

Dia and Marcosias, having played to their hearts’ content, became drowsy once they had eaten supper. As they lay upon the bed, they already seemed upon the verge of slumber.

“Piyo… kneading Maru-chan’s paw pads… piyo…” (Dia)

“Rubbing against my master’s head… that is what I shall do.” (Marcosias)

Covered by their bedding, Dia and Marcosias embraced one another. Although it was their first time lodging outside, it seemed Dia would fall asleep without trouble. Her high spirits during play had surely helped.

Meanwhile, Stella and Nana sat at the table in the room, speaking of matters to come. Such conversations were themselves a form of communication. Drinking warm tea, Stella let out a soft breath. Before her sat Nana, not clad in her costume, but instead dressed in relaxed pajamas. The design bore subtle motifs of a Cockatrice.

“This time we shall meet with Hold-sama at the site… I must take care not to be discourteous.” (Stella)

“I do not think you need worry. Hold is not overly strict about manners, and we vampires are rather individualistic.” (Nana)

“Even so, I am glad that you came with me, Nana.” (Stella)

Stella nodded with satisfaction. Among the villagers, Nana was the one who understood modern vampires best.

“Well, we shall also meet Leia at the great cathedral. She will come in a position of some authority, so there should be no problem.” (Nana)

“She is traveling separately, is she not?” (Stella)

Indeed, there had been too little time to bring the resources from Zanzas, and since her group was large, it had been arranged that she travel separately.

“…How long has it been since you returned to your homeland?” (Stella)

At Stella’s hesitant inquiry, Nana answered with a gentle laugh.

“Let me see… perhaps about five years.” (Nana)

Nana had once been enrolled in the Noble Academy, but she had not chosen the path of nobility. Even during her studies she had apprenticed under the former Artifact Master, and upon graduation she had immediately left her home. It was not because of quarrel or estrangement with her family. She had a capable elder brother, and becoming an Artifact Master was considered an honor. Without much interference, Nana had become an adventurer.

“Nobility simply did not suit me. I thought that a freer and more modest life would be better.” (Nana)

“I understand entirely…!” (Stella)

Stella smiled warmly, for it was a point of kinship between them.

“Nana, you are completely a villager now. Elt-sama relies upon you, and I believe even Leia does as well.” (Stella)

“…Why do you bring up her name here?” (Nana)

“Are you not close with her?” (Stella)

At Stella’s words, Nana furrowed her brow slightly.

“Adults ought not speak such things lightly.” (Nana)

“I understand your feelings. Leia may seem simple, yet she is in truth somewhat complex, perhaps even peculiar. I thought it better to mention it.” (Stella)

When Nana fell silent, the sound of Dia’s and Marcosias’s breathing filled the room.

“Suyā… piyo. Why is snow so cold, piyo… suyā… piyo…” (Dia)

“Woof… because the sky above is cold… that is why… woof…” (Marcosias)

Watching them, Stella spoke softly to Nana.

“Since you are returning to your homeland after such a long time, perhaps you ought to convey something to your family.” (Stella)

“…Perhaps. I intend to tell them that I shall be staying in Healberry Village for a while.” (Nana)

“I see, that is well.” (Stella)

Stella nodded with a cheerful smile. Yes, Nana had her own matters, and she too was changing. It was not a bad story. Rather, it was a good one.

“More importantly… how are things with you?” (Nana)

As she drank the tomato juice she had brought, Nana asked.

“With me…?” (Stella)

“With Elt-sama. Recently, the two of you seem to have grown quite close.” (Nana)

“Of course, we are lovers, after all…!” (Stella)

Stella declared this proudly and without hesitation. That was the strength she possessed.

“I see…” (Nana)

“Elt-sama in his uniform is truly wonderful, is he not…!” (Stella)

“Hmm?” (Nana)

“His usual noble attire is splendid, but I was speaking of how delightful he is in a casual uniform that shows his form.” (Stella)

“…Yes, I suppose so.” (Nana)

The conversation seemed somewhat to have strayed. Nana, of course, knew Victor, Elt’s elder brother. By his present career, among the three brothers, he stood foremost as the leading candidate to inherit the Nagash Household. He was, without doubt, the most eccentric of the three, yet he was sociable and considerate. However, when excited, he would grow somewhat fast in speech and rush forward. Nana had witnessed such scenes more than once.

“Well, if that is how things are, then perhaps all shall be well.” (Nana)

“What do you mean?” (Stella)

“Nothing. Pay it no mind.” (Nana)

Perhaps they would find harmony. In matters related to Cockatrices, it seemed quite possible that Hold might summon Victor. Indeed, the greater likelihood might be that Victor would simply thrust himself into it.

Recalling how thoroughly the villagers had been absorbed by Noball, Nana gave a quiet nod.

 

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