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

 

 

Anaria and Iskamina’s Floral Decorations

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Even so, nothing could begin without guiding them through each piece one by one.

First came Anaria’s floral decoration. The decoration was displayed upon a raised platform so that viewers could walk around it and appreciate it from all angles. The area was cordoned off with a rope to prevent people from stepping too close. Although lavishly adorned, the piece conveyed a sense of calmness. It employed not only straight lines but also elegant curves, as well as a balanced arrangement of branches and leaves. The various techniques were harmoniously combined.

Anaria’s work could be described as a faithful application of Tetetoka’s skill. Naturally, a snare drum was prominently placed at the center. However, the wooden snare drum did not appear out of place. The bright yellow and purple flowers surrounding it harmonized beautifully with its unusual presence.

“This is the work of Apothecary Anaria.” (Stella)

At Stella’s words, Audrey nodded.

“Oh, how vivid it is, yet somehow soothing as well.” (Audrey)

“Piyo. The sides and back are also worth seeing, piyo.” (Dia)

“You should walk all the way around it.” (Marcosias)

Hearing this, Audrey and Clarissa began to circle around the display with small, careful steps.

“It feels full of life, and the fragrance is wonderful.” (Audrey)

“Yes, and the way everything intertwines gives it such charm.” (Clarissa)

Both girls had recently begun studying flowers, gardens, watering, and vases as part of their formal education. Such knowledge was essential for nobles. In particular, the appreciation of flowers and gardens was a refined hobby enjoyed by many aristocrats.

“What do you think of this piece, Sistalia?” (Audrey)

The housekeeper called Sistalia gazed intently at the artwork.

Sistalia, a woman in her mid-thirties who wore silver-rimmed glasses, possessed a keen and discerning eye. As a housekeeper, she held a position equal in rank to that of a butler. Moreover, her family had served the Hold household for generations. For a great noble family, a housekeeper’s authority and income were comparable to those of a lower-ranking noble.

Furthermore, Sistalia was also responsible for overseeing the education of Audrey and Clarissa, which spoke volumes of her extensive cultivation and learning. The attendants behind Audrey watched anxiously, holding their breath as they awaited Sistalia’s judgment.

“I believe it is truly splendid.” (Sistalia)

“Really?” (Audrey)

Audrey looked up at Sistalia intently. Seeing her young mistress’s expectant eyes, Sistalia continued.

“I too enjoy gardening as a personal hobby, but to be frank, I am astonished. There are many schools of floral arrangement, yet this decoration resembles none that I know. Despite that, it conveys remarkable depth.” (Sistalia)

“Yes, exactly. I feel the same.” (Audrey)

Audrey smiled with satisfaction, pleased that her impressions were shared.

“These floral decorations were guided by the dryad teacher, Tetetoka. Their culture truly holds many surprises.” (Stella)

Nana agreed with Stella’s words.

“Yes, their individuality and spirituality have undoubtedly had a deep influence. This particular arrangement is designed to be appreciated from every direction.” (Nana)

“By the way, about Miss Anaria…” (Clarissa)

Clarissa suddenly looked as though she had remembered something and stared closely at the decoration.

“Piyo! She’s the one who ate a lot of grass dumplings during the festival, piyo.” (Dia)

“The red-haired lady.” (Marcosias)

“Oh, I see. That makes sense now.” (Clarissa)

Clarissa blinked several times as if she had realized something. Audrey followed with a cheerful exclamation.

“The one who kept eating nonstop!” (Audrey)

“That’s right, piyo. She’s skillful with her hands and very good at making grass dumplings, piyo.” (Dia)

“…” (Nana)

Inside her costume, Nana remained silent.

Anaria was, in all likelihood, the person in Healberry Village who lived in the way most closely aligned with the Dryads. That was her own choice, and she clearly enjoyed that lifestyle. At times, she might find herself swept along by the whims of others, but even that was part of the joy of living.

After spending some time admiring Anaria’s floral arrangement, they moved on to Iskamina’s work. They had caught glimpses of it earlier but viewing it up close now gave an entirely different impression.

“Oh my, this is amazing!” (Audrey)

“Yes, it feels almost empty, yet it is still very much a floral decoration.” (Clarissa)

Iskamina’s creation was entirely distinct from Anaria’s.

Stones, withered branches, moss, and small pale flowers of white and blue formed its composition. The color palette was sparse, and the flowers were arranged around a single snare drum placed gently at the center.

Elt would likely have described it as embodying the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence and simplicity.

“There are almost no flowers here.” (Audrey)

“Yes, just stones, moss, and branches. It feels lonely, yet the little flowers seem so earnest and brave.” (Clarissa)

“Yes, it makes you think.” (Audrey)

The two stood quietly for some time, gazing at Iskamina’s piece. Some might have dismissed it as lacking effort, but it possessed an undeniable power, balance, and beauty that silenced such thoughts.

“Piyo. This branch was placed very carefully, piyo.” (Dia)

Dia mimed the motion of pressing a branch into the base, softly reenacting the gesture.

Thanks to her memory and delicate wing movements, the arrangement had been perfectly reproduced just as it had been in the original.

“It’s wonderful.” (Audrey)

“Yes.” (Clarissa)

Audrey and Clarissa appeared slightly enchanted. They were accustomed to seeing beautiful and luxurious things, yet this was likely the first time they had encountered something that felt so profoundly “empty.”

“By not using color, the colors that are present become even more striking.” (Audrey)

Audrey had grasped the essence of the work.

“That’s right. Even a tiny flower stands out vividly this way.” (Marcosias)

“Thank you. I’ve learned something valuable today.” (Audrey)

Having fully admired Iskamina’s floral decoration, the two young ladies proceeded to the next piece, Lalatoma’s work.

 

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