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

 

 

Opening Ceremony

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Night had fallen upon the great cathedral.

Upon the bed, Dia and Marcosias were playing together.

“Here we go, up you go!” (Marcosias)

“Piyo!” (Dia)

Marcosias, lying on her back, raised Dia high into the air with both arms.

“And now, down you go.” (Marcosias)

“Piyoyo!” (Dia)

Softly, Marcosias drew Dia close and hugged her tightly.

“Piyo, this is fun, piyo!” (Dia)

“I am glad you are enjoying yourself. Then, once more, up you go.” (Marcosias)

“Piyo!” (Dia)

While the two played and laughed, Stella watched them with a smile and wrote at her desk. She had been asked at short notice to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the art festival the following day.

“Mother, are you having trouble?” (Marcosias)

Still lifting Dia, Marcosias turned and questioned Stella.

“It was a sudden request, after all.” (Stella)

At first, she had expected to take no part beyond attending as a mere guest. After they had slain the Ice Crystal, however, that expectation could not stand. They argued that it would be improper to burden a guest with tasks while offering no honor in return.

“But it is an honor to be given the opportunity to speak.” (Marcosias)

“Among the exhibitors, only Ignat-sama has been asked to speak besides me.” (Stella)

Stella murmured as she reviewed the ceremony schedule. Compared to the elves’ formal program, the proceedings seemed rather simple. This might stem from a difference between races. Vampires tended to be individualistic. Neither Hold-dono nor Zanzas nor the other Vampires had speeches on the program.

“Piyo. What will Kaa-sama say?” (Dia)

“If it were Elt-sama, he would answer swiftly and appropriately.” (Stella)

Stella exhaled in a small groan. She had little experience with such tasks.

Before her revival, she had fled whenever others tried to elevate her. She knew that, had she not met Elt in the Healberry Village, she would likely still run from such occasions.

“For now, perhaps I could juggle with bats.” (Stella)

“Woof!?” (Marcosias)

“Piyo!?” (Dia)

The two who had been playing turned in surprise toward Stella.

“No, I was only joking. I would never actually do such a thing.” (Stella)

“When Mother gets excited, she might well do it.” (Marcosias)

“Surely not. Yet if juggling bats won thunderous applause, perhaps I might have tried.” (Stella)

Stella nodded and considered the idea.

“In that case…” (Stella)

“I do not think you need to attempt anything especially striking.” (Marcosias)

“Piyo. It will be fine for Mother to be herself, piyo.” (Dia)

Still held aloft, Dia offered her opinion.

“Do you truly think so?” (Stella)

“Be natural.” (Marcosias)

“Yes, that is right, piyo.” (Dia)

“Up you go again.” (Marcosias)

“Piyooo!” (Dia)

If that was enough, Stella felt strangely relieved. She recalled Elt saying something much the same.

“Very well. I shall speak simply and naturally.” (Stella)

With renewed determination, Stella set her pen to the page. By the time she slept and awoke, the opening ceremony would be upon them.

 

—

 

The next morning, sunlight streamed brightly through a break in the thin clouds.

Despite the many thoughts she had entertained, Stella possessed a resilient spirit. She had slept soundly and arrived at the ceremony well rested. The great hall was filled with many costumed Vampires. The Nagash Household and several notable Dwarves were also present.

Upon the stage, the Piyo orchestra stood in formation. Through special training, they were able to perform elegant music even while wearing their suits. Stella and her party sat in the front row with taut nerves. When their names were called, they would ascend the stage.

Dia looked back and whispered.

“There are so many Piyos here, piyo.” (Dia)

“They must have gathered them from the entire building.” (Marcosias)

Nana added softly.

“This building extends below ground as well.” (Nana)

“I see, piyo.” (Dia)

With a fanfare, Ignat stepped upon the stage and addressed the assembly in a clear, ringing voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, at last we commence the Winter Art Festival: Spring Approaches, with a Touch of Cockatrice.” (Ignat)

*Pof pof pof, clap clap clap*

The muffled *pof pof* were the sounds of applause from the costumed audience.

“First, my deepest gratitude to all who have gathered. When the vast swarm of Ice Crystals drew near, there was a moment when the festival seemed in danger of cancellation. I am therefore overjoyed that we may proceed without hindrance.” (Ignat)

Ignat spoke with broad gestures. To some, his movements made it appear as if his costume itself were dancing.

“This festival has been made possible by the cooperation of many. First, I ask you to welcome our co-host, Hold-dono of House Nagash.” (Ignat)

Hold rose with smooth grace and bowed to the four directions. Applause followed once more.

When Hold returned to his seat, Ignat continued.

“Next, representing the Cockatrice and known throughout the world, councillor Leia-dono of the labyrinthine city of Zanzas.” (Ignat)

Leia stood and bowed, still wearing her cockatrice hat. She had appeared at the banquet in the same attire, and she intended to remain consistent.

A warm round of applause greeted her, and when it subsided Leia also took her seat.

“Finally, we shall hear from the hero who performed great deeds in the defeat of the Ice Crystal, the one returned from legend herself, the guardian of the Healberry Village, the peerless striker through the ages, Stella-dono.” (Ignat)

*Pof pof pof pof, clap clap clap*

A thunderous ovation filled the hall.

Stella swallowed and rose slowly to walk toward the stage.

 

—

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