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

 

 

The One Who is Set

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

So, it was as I thought after all.

“That explains why you have not been involved much in the transportation of seafood.” (Elt)

“Mogu! We are not as weak to water as vampires, mogu, but we still do not live near bodies of water, mogu.” (Iskamina)

I see. I could understand the reasoning, though it was difficult to grasp emotionally.
In this world, the fundamental belief was that all human races were equal. However, equality does not mean uniformity. Each race has its strengths and weaknesses. t is a complicated matter. History and society are built upon the accumulation of such racial distinctions.

“Nya. Still, to propose constructing a magical trolley on flat land is quite a bold idea, nya.” (Naru)

“Magical trolleys are often used for mining operations, mogu, but they are rarely seen on level ground, mogu.” (Iskamina)

“I suppose that is true.” (Elt)

Installing a magical trolley requires an enormous amount of funds. If there are tangible resources to be extracted, such as gold, silver, or ores, the investment can be justified. However, in this world, no one thinks of constructing a magical trolley merely for faster travel across a plain. Horses are sufficient. That is the common belief.

Yet, saving time is something worth investing in. In my previous life in Japan, people devote tremendous effort to achieving speed in every aspect of life.

Airplanes, ships, trains, buses, elevators, escalators… The faster and in greater quantities one can transport goods, the more advanced civilization becomes. That, I believe, is one of its essential qualities.

This is my advantage, the kind of judgment possible only because I retain the knowledge of my previous life. The issue now is whether the project can yield a proper return.

“Well, the magical trolley to the lake is still a matter for the future. For now, uncovering the entire layout of the underground passage takes priority.” (Elt)

“Nya. Roger that, nya!” (Naru)

“Mogu! I shall do my best, mogu!” (Iskamina)

 

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Thus, our discussion concluded, and I returned to my duties in the office. By evening, my work was complete, and I headed home.

February was drawing to a close, and the air was gradually growing warmer. At the very least, the mornings and nights no longer carried that biting chill.

“Pip-piyo!” (Run-run) (Cockatrice)

“Ugo, Tou-san!” (Wood)

When I turned toward the familiar voice behind me, I saw Wood and the Cockatrice. The Cockatrice was nestled in Wood’s arms, flapping its wings gently.

“You must be tired. What happened with that little one?” (Elt)

“Ugo, I was training over there, and it decided to join in.” (Wood)

“Piyoyo!” (I was doing adventurer training!) (Cockatrice)

“Ugo-ugo, even after we finished, it just clung to me like this.” (Wood)

“Piyoppi…” (I can feel the warmth of the wood…) (Cockatrice)

The Cockatrice rubbed its soft feathers affectionately against Wood’s chest.

“So, that is why you brought it along?” (Elt)

“Ugo. I thought that if we walked together for a while, it might be satisfied.” (Wood)

“That makes sense. Alright then, I will walk with you. We are heading home anyway.” (Elt)

Taking a detour once in a while and enjoying a quiet stroll was not a bad idea. We had walked through underground passages earlier, but that had been tense and focused. This, however, was leisurely.

“Ugo, a walk!” (Wood)

“Piyo~” (Warmth~) (Cockatrice)

So, we did not go straight home, choosing instead to wander around the village. By evening, some people were preparing to head home, while others were on their way out for dinner. We continued our walk, exchanging brief greetings with those we passed along the way.

A gentle wind rustled the leaves of the great tree, creating a pleasant sound.

“Piyo~…” (I am getting sleepy…) (Cockatrice)

The Cockatrice was beginning to doze off in Wood’s arms, its eyelids half-closed.

Wood whispered softly beside me.

“Ugo, looks like it is about to fall asleep.” (Wood)

“So it seems.” (Elt)

I approached and gently patted the Cockatrice’s fluffy head.

“Piyo… piyo…” (Drowsy… sleepy…) (Cockatrice)

It must have felt good because it nuzzled its head against my hand, soft and warm.

“Piyo…” (Perfectly firm…) (Cockatrice)

“Ugo. Cockatrices really love being touched, don’t they?” (Wood)

“Yes, I have never seen one dislike being petted.” (Elt)

Cockatrices often displayed affection toward each other as well. They truly enjoyed both giving and receiving touch. That fluffy texture reminded me of Dia, though Dia’s fur was a bit softer.

“Ah! There you are!” (Lalatoma)

“Hm?” (Elt)

While we were walking, Lalatoma came trotting toward us.

“Were you perhaps looking for this little one?” (Elt)

As I stroked the Cockatrice, Lalatoma nodded rapidly.

“Yes! It ran off saying, ‘I am going to become an adventurer!’” (Lalatoma)

“I… I see.” (Elt)

“Piyo~… piyoppi…” (Ah, Lalatoma… goodnight…) (Cockatrice)

“It is almost dinnertime! In that case…” (Lalatoma)

Lalatoma pulled out a grass dumpling from her pocket and held it up triumphantly.

“Piyo…? Piyop!” (Hmm…? Food!) (Cockatrice)

The Cockatrice’s sleepy eyes snapped open.

“Ugo, what a reaction.” (Wood)

“Indeed.” (Elt)

“Are you awake now?” (Lalatoma)

Waving the grass dumpling left and right, Lalatoma expertly caught the Cockatrice’s attention.

“Piyo! Piyoyo!” (Awake! Hungry!) (Cockatrice)

The Cockatrice swayed its head back and forth, following the motion of the dumpling. It was adorable.

“Ugo-ugo, shall we go home then?” (Wood)

“Piyo, piyo!” (Yes! Thank you!) (Cockatrice)

Wood released his arms, and the Cockatrice hopped lightly to the ground.

“Piyo, piyoppi…!” (Alright, time to go home!) (Cockatrice)

“That must be exhausting, Lalatoma.” (Elt)

I could not help but comment, but Lalatoma shook her head.

“No, these little ones are family!” (Lalatoma)

“Piyoppi~!” (My sister!) (Cockatrice)

“Ugo… that is a good relationship.” (Wood)

At Wood’s words, Lalatoma blushed suddenly, realizing perhaps for the first time that she was standing before him.

“Hawa… y-yes! Well then, I must return for dinner! Excuse me!” (Lalatoma)

“Ugo, good night.” (Wood)

“Good night, Lalatoma.” (Elt)

“Good night!” (Lalatoma)

“Piyo~” (Goodn~ight) (Cockatrice)

The Cockatrice slipped its wings into Lalatoma’s arms and lifted itself up, flapping lightly as it trotted away.

“Now that I think about it, that was the same position as before.” (Elt)

“Ugo, just like when I held it earlier.” (Wood)

I thought to myself that Lalatoma would probably be happy if Wood were to hold her that way too, though I kept that thought to myself for now.

 

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