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

 

 

Nana’s Circumstances

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

At that time, in the Great Cathedral.

After finishing their lunch, Stella and the others returned to their posts. It was time to resume their work.

“Piyo. That was a strange texture, wasn’t it?” (Dia)

“Wau. It was all squishy and chewy.” (Marcosias)

Marcosias moved her mouth as if still chewing. She should have already swallowed the Puzzle Mushroom by now, however.

“I know, piyo. It still feels like it’s in my mouth, piyo.” (Dia)

“That’s right.” (Marcosias)

Dressed in her costume, Nana tilted her head and asked Stella a question.

“I heard that Puzzle Mushrooms grow in clusters on the third layer of Zanzas. Are they really not eaten that often?” (Nana)

“Well, um… only when food completely runs out and there are no other options at all…” (Stella)

Stella quietly averted her gaze. She had heard that long ago in Zanzas, during times of famine, people had survived by eating Puzzle Mushrooms. That story took place centuries before Stella herself ever came to Zanzas. In other words, people had known they could be eaten since ancient times, yet they were not part of the usual diet. Even Stella herself had no memory of ever eating one.

“But it was delicious, wasn’t it? The way it was simmered slowly and carefully.” (Stella)

“Yes. In the history of the Vampires, there are frequent tales of nobles who would serve that Puzzle Mushroom.” (Nana)

“Do they love it, piyo? I like that squishy feeling too, piyo!” (Dia)

At Dia’s innocent words, Nana fell silent for a brief moment.

“Y-Yes… That squishy texture can be strangely addictive. Every so often, it even becomes a trend.” (Nana)

Choosing her words carefully, Nana answered.

The truth was harsh. In the northern lands of old, life had been far from easy. Even after eating everything edible, hunger would still remain. In the raging blizzards, hunting magic beasts was no simple matter. In that respect, the Puzzle Mushroom, which waddled about inside caves, was a comparatively easy creature to hunt. Its poison was troublesome, but with training and the ability to detect its signs, it was not impossible to deal with.

“There were even soldiers who specialized in hunting Puzzle Mushrooms in the past. Among my own ancestors, there were quite a few who served as such hunters.” (Nana)

“I see… That must have been quite difficult.” (Stella)

Stella was moved. It was clear how much hardship their ancestors must have endured.

Once the conversation reached a pause, Nana rummaged around her waist pouch and began taking out the components for the flower decorations.

“Well then, let us finish up the preparations quickly. We must complete the assembly by the end of the day.” (Nana)

“Yes, piyo!” (Dia)

“Roger that!” (Marcosias)

“You are right…!” (Stella)

Thus, the group busily began their preparations.

 

—

 

Night came.

After finishing the day’s work and having dinner, Stella and the others returned to their rooms. On the bed, Dia was gently squishing Marcosias’s cheeks.

“Piyoyo. Maru-chan’s cheeks are so soft, piyo.” (Dia)

“Proper exercise, early to bed, early to rise, and napping are all important.” (Marcosias)

“That’s nice, piyo. Squish squish.” (Dia)

Marcosias looked very comfortable as Dia massaged her face with her wings.

“I’m getting sleepy.” (Marcosias)

“Piyo. We haven’t bathed yet, piyo.” (Dia)

“That’s right, you know. It’s time for fluffy bubbly fun.” (Marcosias)

“Yes, we must keep ourselves clean every day… Hmm?” (Stella)

Just as Stella turned her attention toward the door, a knock was heard.

“It’s me. May I come in for a moment?” (Nana)

It was Nana’s voice. Stella quickly went to open the door.

“Yes, please come in.” (Stella)

When she opened it gently, Nana stood there without her costume. She appeared as a girl with neatly trimmed blue hair and clear blue eyes.

“…Stella, could we talk alone for a bit?” (Nana)

“Of course. Maru-chan, Dia, I’ll step out for a while.” (Stella)

“It’s been a while since she took off her costume, piyo. See you later, piyo!” (Dia)
“See you soon, you know.” (Marcosias)

Stella followed Nana through the quiet halls of the Great Cathedral. At this hour, the building had already grown still.

As Stella glanced out a window, she saw a pale blue moon floating in the sky. It was said that the Vampires of these harsh, frozen lands found solace in the moon. For Vampires, whose greatest enemy was the sun, the bright moon was a symbol of hope. On clear nights when the moon shone bright, they would think, perhaps tomorrow no snow will fall.

They eventually arrived at the most prestigious guest chamber within the Great Cathedral. The antique furnishings were inlaid with gold, silver, and jewels. The pearls embedded in the ceiling represented stars, while the milky marble symbolized the moon. At the center of the room stood a round table and chairs made of the finest oak. Upon the table rested a bottle and a pair of glasses.

“What a lovely room.” (Stella)

“Please, have a seat.” (Nana)

At Nana’s invitation, Stella took her seat. Nana opened the bottle and began to pour gracefully into the glasses. Stella soon realized that it was a tomato-based vegetable juice.

“I wanted to thank you. Because of you, many things have gone well.” (Nana)

“Do you mean regarding him?” (Stella)

Stella asked, already half certain of the answer. Nana slid the filled glass toward her.

“So, you had noticed.” (Nana)

“I believe only Maru-chan and I are fully aware of it.” (Stella)
“I suppose so… But yes, I was able to reconcile with Nii-san, thanks to you defeating the Ice Crystal.” (Nana)

Nana raised her glass. Stella did the same. Nana offered a toast.

“To the Healberry village.” (Nana)
“To the Healberry village.” (Stella)

Stella repeated the words and took a firm sip of the vegetable juice.

The tomato’s sharp tang mixed with the mellow bitterness of leafy vegetables. It was not heavy, yet it drew out the depth of the tomato’s flavor. It could only be described as a complex, refined taste for adults.

“Hmm… It must have taken a great deal of effort to make this.” (Stella)

“This is of the highest quality.” (Nana)

“Well, I am glad to hear that things worked out for you.” (Stella)

“I had essentially run away from home. A part of me wanted to return, but another part did not.” (Nana)

“I understand. I think everyone feels that way.” (Stella)

Stella nodded as she compared it to her own experience. After all, both of them had left their hometowns to become adventurers.

“I plan to keep living in the Healberry village for a while. Nii-san has accepted it. He was never very pleased about my life as an adventurer until now.” (Nana)

Although Nana spoke lightly, her tone carried unmistakable joy.

“That is wonderful. I am sure Elt-sama will be pleased as well.” (Stella)

“Yes. And… there is one thing Nii-san mentioned.” (Nana)

There, Nana paused for a moment, as though she herself was not entirely sure what to make of it.

“Do you know something called ‘Koshien’?” (Nana)

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)