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

 

 

Stella’s Speech

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When Stella glanced to her side, she saw Dia and Marcosias watching her with earnest encouragement.

“Do your best, piyo.” (Dia)

“Stay natural.” (Marcosias)

Stella nodded in reply and stepped onto the stage. The tension she felt was far greater than when she had faced a dragon. Yet she thought to herself that it was still easier than swinging her bat. Yes, whenever Stella swung her bat, she did so with her entire being. Not once had she ever swung it carelessly.

“Oh, is that truly the legendary one?” (Audience Member)

“I have heard tales of her valor even in our homeland.” (Audience Member)

As Stella rose, several dignitaries whispered to one another.

Stella was known as the hero of Zanzas, yet her feats were not confined to that city alone. She had crushed every monster that dared to block her path, and among all those journeys, her time in Zanzas had simply been the longest. All eyes in the great cathedral turned to her as she ascended the platform, and Stella could feel every gaze and every murmur around her. Her gait was calm yet commanding, and the dignitaries were awed by her presence.

Ordinarily, a magic user could sense the mana of another person. This was because mana naturally dispersed from the body without conscious effort, but Stella’s mana felt unusual. It was as though a great tree stood in tranquil majesty, or as though the sea itself gently advanced and retreated. Stella’s mana was slow and serene, and this very calmness astonished the assembled nobles.

“She is truly different.” (Noble)

“So, this is the hero of Zanzas.” (Noble)

Many of the nobles had trained as knights and were quick to discern Stella’s exceptional nature. However, something felt strange.

“Hmm?” (Audrey)

“Strange…” (Clarissa)

Audrey and Clarissa exchanged glances while applauding. They both sensed that the texture of Stella’s mana now differed from what they had felt when they met her in the village. Back then, it had been hazy and indistinct, like a drifting mist.

Hold, seated beside them, leaned in and spoke softly.

“You noticed, did you?” (Hold)

“Has she changed it, perhaps?” (Clarissa)

“Yes, I believe so. I have never seen anyone besides the Royal Court’s way of magic commander in this nation accomplish such a thing.” (Hold)

Clarissa nodded in understanding.

“So, it was not my imagination when I sensed it in the eastern country.” (Clarissa)

“Indeed. Once one reaches the realm where mana can be controlled at will, it is said one can even disguise its presence like that.” (Hold)

“Terrifying.” (Hold)

Hold murmured, trembling slightly.

Stella reached the top of the stairs and stepped onto the stage. The applause faded into silence. The great cathedral grew utterly still. Nothing stirred except the snow falling outside the windows. Not a single person moved. Stella opened her mouth to speak. Her voice rang clear through the vast hall like the melody of a heavenly harp.

“Everyone, I thank you deeply for granting me this opportunity. I am Stella of Healberry Village.” (Stella)

All attention within the cathedral fixed upon her.

“From the time I was born, the world has been bound by crises and war. When I passed near this land long ago, the northern territories were still in the midst of settlement. People lacked proper homes and food to eat.” (Stella)

It was a history that only Stella could tell. Vampires, Dwarves, and humans all shared similar lifespans, but here in this hall, only Stella had lived through those ancient days herself.

“In those times, people fought monsters to claim even the smallest piece of land. Food and weapons were valued above all else. Although the races did not engage in open conflict, they had no strength to extend their hands to others. Each struggled merely to survive.” (Stella)

Then, Stella looked across the vast hall.

“What I see before me now is a sight that could not have been imagined centuries ago.” (Stella)

The hearts of the assembled dignitaries were already stirred.

“Peace, art, and the desire to know one another are truly wonderful things. I believe with all my heart that this festival of art is something both our forebears and our children can take pride in.” (Stella)

There was no forcefulness in Stella’s tone, yet every word struck deeply.

“Let us unite our hearts. May this become an opportunity for us to understand one another better and to join our hands in friendship. That is my sincere wish. Thank you all for listening.” (Stella)

Stella bowed her head politely.

*Pof pof pof, clap clap clap*

The applause began hesitantly, then swelled into a storm.

*Pof pof pof!*

*Clap clap clap clap!*

Everyone stood and applauded with all their strength. Some had tears glimmering in their eyes. It was the highest praise she could have received. Such was the power of Stella’s speech, for it had touched the essence of truth.

“Piyo! Mother!” (Dia)

“That was wonderful!” (Marcosias)

Descending the stairs, Stella waved in response, her face flushed with embarrassment.

“Ehehe.” (Stella)

The applause did not cease until Stella had returned to her seat.

 

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