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

 

 

Ingredient of Connection

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Oh my… how unexpected this is.” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka blinked her eyes rapidly. It seemed that even for her, this was surprising. In any case, it was not possible to continue this conversation here as it was. Wood was present, after all.

“…Since this place is not suitable, let us speak upstairs.” (Elt)

“Yes!” (Tetetoka)

“Anaria, forgive me, but could you accompany us? Your knowledge may prove necessary.” (Elt)

“I understand.” (Anaria)

With regard to the ingredients of grass dumplings, Anaria surely possessed greater expertise than I did. She bore knowledge as an apothecary, after all. I also addressed Wood once more.

“Wood, I shall be engaged in a brief consultation. Please watch over the Cockatrices.” (Elt)

“Ugo, understood!” (Wood)

The Cockatrices fluttered their wings.

“Piyo.” (Take care.) (Cockatrice)
“Piyoyo.” (Do your best at the meeting.) (Cockatrice)

I poured the tea that we had been drinking alongside the grass dumplings into cups once more. It would not do to invite guests into the study without offering them something to drink. With Tetetoka and Anaria, I ascended the stairs and welcomed them into the study. Along the way, I explained to Anaria the circumstances, that Tetetoka had come regarding the matter of Lalatoma.

“Slurp… Though spring has yet to arrive, it truly feels like spring already.” (Anaria)

“Well, there is no need to be overly nervous.” (Elt)

When I indicated the sofa opposite, Tetetoka plopped down upon it. Anaria sat at my side. It somehow resembled a guardian consultation at school. No, it was indeed precisely like a guardian consultation.

After sipping her tea, Tetetoka spoke.

“And so, this concerns Lalatoma.” (Tetetoka)

“Ah, the gift, was it not?” (Elt)

“Yes indeed. She has been worrying endlessly about it.” (Tetetoka)

At Tetetoka’s words, Anaria nodded repeatedly.

“I understand completely, I truly do.” (Anaria)

“She goes back and forth, doubting this and that. At one point, I thought perhaps it would be best if she simply asked him directly.” (Tetetoka)

“…Please, spare her from such a thing.” (Anaria)

Anaria quietly averted her gaze. Had something happened, I wondered?

“Therefore, I judged that such a course would be unwise.” (Tetetoka)

“I see. That is the situation.” (Elt)

“Within our customs, presenting clothing or a flowerpot is considered a declaration of the wish to become family. Thus, I thought, would it not be suitable instead to give delicious grass dumplings that may be enjoyed at any time?” (Tetetoka)

“…It is the very same conclusion we had reached.” (Elt)

It was precisely identical to our own reasoning.

“Oh, so even Elt-sama considered in such a way?” (Tetetoka)

“Yes. Allow me to ask plainly. Would presenting grass dumplings as a gift be inappropriate?” (Elt)

“No, not at all. Bestowing prepared grass dumplings is indeed considered a token of affection.” (Tetetoka)

“So it is. Rather like presenting cookies, then.” (Anaria)

It was as though Anaria recalled the sweet and sour days of youthful romance. Indeed, such a culture seemed to exist here as well. From the perspective of my knowledge of a previous life, it was comparable perhaps to Valentine’s Day and White Day. Since presenting grass dumplings did not appear problematic, it seemed best to proceed along that course. There remained, however, the matter of the Big Grass Dumpling.

“…There is, however, a slight problem.” (Elt)

I then consulted them regarding the difficulty that the Big Grass Dumpling would not solidify. It was possible, of course, to make them in the ordinary, smaller size. Having heard my account, Tetetoka folded her arms and tilted her head.

“Hmmm. That is rather difficult.” (Tetetoka)

“I believe it must be a matter of balance among the ingredients, but…” (Anaria)

“Yes. There is that red-black mushroom-like item among the ingredients, is there not?” (Tetetoka)

“Ah, the one that is finely chopped in small measure?” (Elt)

“That is the Berry Mushroom.” (Anaria)

Indeed, it was the one that bore a faint sweetness. We presently had some among the ingredients in the living room. Although it could be gathered in the forests of this domain, it was nonetheless a rare item. While its appearance was that of a red-black mushroom, once chopped it imparted sweetness.

“Yes. That is what determines the firmness of the grass dumpling. However, unless it is of a more vivid red, one cannot succeed in making a large grass dumpling.” (Tetetoka)

“The Crimson Berry Mushroom, then…” (Anaria)

Anaria’s voice clouded noticeably.

“So, it cannot be gathered here, then.” (Elt)

I was acquainted with the things obtainable within this territory. Yet the Berry Mushrooms here were only the red-black, low-grade variety.

“It must be procured from elsewhere. But if it is of a vivid red, it would suffice?” (Elt)

“Yes. I too once made a large grass dumpling with it.” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka spread both hands wide to emphasize the size.

“It was in the past, but it was truly this large!” (Tetetoka)

“Th-that is most impressive indeed.” (Elt)

“It is unimaginably enormous.” (Anaria)

The problem, however, lay in procuring it. Without it at hand, there was no beginning.

“Hmmm. If we inquire of Zanzas, might we be able to obtain it?” (Elt)

“Yes, most likely.” (Anaria)

Yet Anaria’s tone lacked confidence. There must be some concern troubling her.

Noticing my gaze, Anaria exhaled lightly.

“The Crimson Berry Mushroom is exceedingly precious. It is not that it cannot be obtained, but…” (Anaria)

“…There is some difficulty, then.” (Elt)

“Yes. In this nation, there is but one location where the Crimson Berry Mushroom may reliably be acquired.” (Anaria)

“Oh, is that so.” (Tetetoka)

Tetetoka seemed utterly untroubled, as carefree as ever.

“In the dungeon of Zanzas, upon the third stratum. It bears many names of the ‘Corridor of Riddles’ or else the ‘Mushroom Labyrinth’. It exists only in the depths there.” (Anaria)

“…I see.” (Elt)

That was indeed a problem. I had read in books that from the third stratum onward, numerous mechanisms assailed one with status ailments. Thus, venturing within was by no means easy. Presently, access to the third stratum was surely restricted as well. Therefore, obtaining it could by no means be considered an easy matter.

“However…” (Anaria)

At that point, Anaria spoke hesitantly.

“The underground passage may possibly connect to the third stratum. Which would mean…” (Anaria)

I discerned what Anaria wished to say. The possibility was small, but…

“…There might be Crimson Berry Mushrooms there.” (Elt)

 

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