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

 

 

Always Keep Pippiyo in Your Heart

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The Grand Cathedral.

As dawn broke, Stella sat up from her bed. The faint sense of loneliness she felt was surely because Elt and Wood were not there.

“Mm…” (Stella)

She rubbed her eyes and gave her head a small shake. Her consciousness gradually cleared.

“Piyo! Kaa-sama, are you awake piyo?” (Dia)

“…Yes, I am about to get up.” (Stella)

“She still looks no good yet.” (Marcosias)

“That’s true, piyo.” (Dia)

As her eyelids fluttered a few times, Stella saw Dia and Marcosias playing together. Marcosias lay on her back upon the bed, her belly exposed lazily. Dia was rubbing her cheeks softly against that belly.

“Mmm, that looks nice…” (Stella)

“Mother should try it too!” (Marcosias)

“May I?” (Stella)

Dia turned her face toward Stella.

“Maru-chan’s tummy is made for kneading and cheek rubbing, piyo.” (Dia)

“It also works as a spring for rolling over.” (Marcosias)

“Piyo, it has so many purposes, piyo.” (Dia)

*Rub rub, rub rub*

After enjoying it to her heart’s content, Dia lifted her face and moved aside. Then, she began rubbing her cheeks against the top of Marcosias’s head instead.

“Woof. The top is fluffy and soft.” (Marcosias)

“The ears feel nice, piyo.” (Dia)

“Then, I shall try as well.” (Stella)

“Come right on.” (Marcosias)

To rub her cheek against Marcosias’s belly, Stella adjusted her posture carefully. Of course, she supported her weight with her arms so as not to put strain on Maru-chan’s body.

*Fuyo… fuyon*

A soft, gentle sensation.

Marcosias’s belly carried with it a feeling of happiness and dreams.

“It feels wonderful… Maru-chan, you are so smooth and fluffy…” (Stella)

“As much cheek rubbing as you want is okay.” (Marcosias)

Marcosias patted Stella’s head lightly with her small hand.

“Piyo, Maru-chan is moist and soft, piyo.” (Dia)

“Yes, indeed…!” (Stella)

That belly possessed an irresistible pull that made one wish to stay like this forever. However, that could not be the case. A quick glance at the clock told her it was almost time for breakfast.

She needed to get ready. Today, preparations for the art festival had to be finished. The final touches were to be completed.

“All right, let us do our best again today…!” (Stella)

 

—

 

A room in the Grand Cathedral.

In a calm study, Ignat and Victor sat facing each other. Naturally, both were still wearing their mascot costumes. The morning sun had already risen, shining upon the snowfield. While writing smoothly, Victor spoke to Ignat.

“Is everything fine with the art festival?” (Victor)

“Yes, thanks to everyone’s help. Most of the guests are assembled. Preparations are proceeding well.” (Ignat)

“That is good to hear.” (Victor)

As he replied, Victor’s brush moved swiftly. He needed to finish the manuscript for Monthly Piyo.

Though it was demanding work, writing an article for Monthly Piyo while wrapped in a cockatrice costume was nothing short of bliss.

Ignat leaned back deeply in his chair and spoke.

“You seem as busy as ever.” (Ignat)

“Yes, but it is fulfilling. I am getting accustomed to being a schoolteacher.” (Victor)

“Is that a new thesis on monsterology?” (Ignat)

“Something like that.” (Victor)

“So, the heir of the Nagash Household will soon be decided?” (Ignat)

Ignat’s eyes gleamed within the costume as he asked. Yet Victor’s hand continued to move without pause.

“Pippiyo Exercise, Part One. First, stretch your wings forward and lift them up. After raising them, take a deep breath~” (Victor)

“The heir will not be me.” (Victor)

“What? Then, Berzel-dono? But I believe there is still a gap between you two.” (Ignat)

To Ignat’s sense, being a professor at the Noble Academy was already an immensely prestigious position.

“It is not him either.” (Victor)

“Then, Hold-dono?” (Ignat)

“No.” (Victor)

“But are not you three brothers the only heirs of the Nagash Household?” (Ignat)

Ignat knew that in certain cases, the family headship could pass to someone outside the direct line if they demonstrated exceptional talent, especially in magic. Since magic ability could only be recognized after a child grew older, disputes over inheritance based on magic talent were not uncommon. However, as far as Ignat knew, Victor, Berzel, and Hold each possessed more than enough ability. Moreover, they were all direct descendants. There was no reason to make a branch family the successor.

Perhaps sensing Ignat’s question, Victor answered without lifting his head.

“Elt exists.” (Victor)

“Elt-dono? The young man who assisted in this matter? But he is far too young. He is more than ten years younger, is he not?” (Ignat)

“Once he gains those years, it will be no issue.” (Victor)

“Are you serious?” (Ignat)

The headship of the Nagash Household was comparable to the throne of a small kingdom. Yet Victor declared without hesitation that his younger brother was more suitable.

“I am serious. Elt is the best choice.” (Victor)

“I do not understand. Why?” (Ignat)

Ignat had heard stories about Elt through Nana and Zanzas.

He knew the boy was extraordinary. Still, the advantage of age and accomplishment could not easily be overturned, especially with more than ten years between them. For the first time, Victor set down his brush.

“I do not wish to fight with Berzel or Hold. Besides, he is the best. Without doubt, he has talent.” (Victor)

“…” (Ignat)

“You understand, do you not? Berzel and Hold are precious brothers to me.” (Victor)

Ignat understood that sentiment. Though he could not agree with every aspect of Nana’s way of life or actions, family bonds were a different matter altogether.

“However, the entire Nagash Household will not accept this easily.” (Ignat)

“Of course. But measures have been taken. Not that it may be necessary. Elt seems to be managing well on his own.” (Victor)

Victor gathered his papers and placed them in an envelope.

“I cannot decide on the second part of the exercise.” (Victor)

“What did you say?” (Ignat)

“Ah, I meant my thesis still requires refinement. But no, it will not do. I cannot think of anything. For now, I shall leave it here.” (Victor)

He could not afford to submit a low-quality article for Dr. Cocka’s column. It had to be refined carefully.

“That must be hard. I have read your theses before, and I must say, your writing is both precise and dignified.” (Ignat)

Victor nodded in gratitude.

“There is a trick to it.” (Victor)

“Oh? What kind of trick?” (Ignat)

“I let a cockatrice live inside my mind. If the cockatrice is pleased, then the work is good.” (Victor)

“There are times I truly cannot follow you.” (Ignat)

“What a coincidence.” (Victor)

Victor spoke as if it were nothing at all.

“Everyone except my wife and brothers says the same thing.” (Victor)

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)