Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 107
107. Mari-nee and the expanding shackle
I felt as though Nero and Kuuga were encouraging me to “do my best,” which allowed me to keep my consciousness tethered to this world.
During this time, Kanna and the others were explaining the tasks and objectives to the children.
The children listened intently, asking questions about anything they didn’t understand, and the older ones helped those who still had questions.
Seeing this, I wanted to say something about ‘that thing’ (read as Mini Idol), but I had to hold back.
The tasks were assigned based on the children’s strengths: the strong ones were given blacksmithing, and the dexterous ones were assigned sewing.
However, Kanna explained that this was just a tentative arrangement and that the children were encouraged to prioritize what they wanted to do.
After all, a person’s natural traits don’t always align with their interests.
People can stay motivated and continue working because they are doing something they like.
I think that’s the essence of effort.
When the children showed their finished products to the members of the Production Guild, their individuality shone through, making it quite interesting.
One child who brought their wooden chain link first had made it too large and left the surface rough, prompting a wry smile from the guild member checking it.
On the other hand, there were children who took longer but produced exactly what was instructed.
The guild members praised each child’s strengths and then carefully explained how to improve their work.
The final adjustments were made by the guild members, who connected the parts to form a chain.
Next, a guild member skilled in blacksmithing used a skill to attach thinly hammered iron plates. This skill, originally meant to layer multiple metal plates to increase strength, eliminated the need for welding, which was convenient.
However, convenience came at the cost of quality, which was said to be inferior to welded items.
But considering the purpose this time, it was fine.
In this way, they also made shackles following the same method, corroding them with acid.
Finally, they polished the inside of the shackles, rounded the edges touching the skin, and lined the inside with black fur to complete them.
The children were delighted with the finished products, and Joshua watched them with a complicated expression.
“They’re strong, those kids.”
“……”
“Despite the harsh circumstances they lived in, they’re now so dedicated to what they can do. Their eyes are no longer looking at the past but towards tomorrow.”
Joshua’s face twisted.
It seemed he both admired the children’s resilience and was tormented by his own self-reflection.
This was Joshua’s inner struggle, and I felt it wasn’t my place to say more.
So, I decided to simply stay by his side.
I believe in the reassurance that comes from having someone beside you in times like these…
Mareus placed the fake shackles on Joshua.
Some children voiced their discontent, wanting to do it themselves, but he silenced them with, “We are the clients here!”
What they made would be for Joshua’s sake.
Considering the purpose, it was better not to let the children do it.
If Mareus could express such consideration more straightforwardly, he might find good relationships without resorting to flirting…
Just as Mareus finished securing the shackles, the person sent by the king arrived.
When that person cast a spell, the original shackles glowed faintly, the light transferring to the fake shackles before disappearing.
With a nod in my direction, I called out briefly.
“Gils!”
At my cue, Gils set the Dragon Thread in motion.
A beat later, the original shackles and chains were severed, falling to the ground in small fragments of iron.
Joshua was left unscathed.
He seemed surprised that the bindings which had restrained him vanished in an instant, and when he moved his feet slightly, his eyes widened.
It was understandable, given how different the sensation must have been from what he was used to.
Roma, looking worried, held Joshua’s hand.
Come to think of it, Roma had also shown kindness by giving an apple to Brutt.
Joshua opened his mouth, trying to say something, but after several attempts to speak, he finally managed to utter a short phrase.
“…Thank you.”
Droplets of water began to fall at Joshua’s feet.
The children surrounded him, looking concerned.
Though Joshua wasn’t sad, it would be insensitive to explain that to the children.
The children, once preoccupied with their own survival, were now capable of caring for others… It was a wonderful change—no, growth.
And it seemed I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.
The members of the guild formed an outer circle around the children, creating a true ring of compassion.
Afterward, Retya and Ryle, sensing the mood, brought apple pies and it turned into a tea party.
We enjoyed delicious pies in a moment woven together by kindness, transcending age, gender, and origin.
As I cherished this scene, a small smile appeared on Joshua’s face.
During this time, I made a request to Gils, who accepted it readily and left swiftly.
As the tea party was coming to an end, Gils returned with the items Joshua was supposed to transport from the shop, all at once using his skill with threads.
Joshua was astonished, and the children cheered excitedly.
As the purchased items were stored in the clan’s shared item box, I wondered if I should reward Gils for his help and asked him.
His response was immediate.
“In that case, Maria, I want one of those wooden carvings of you!”
“Denied.”
I replied just as quickly, leaving Gils in stunned silence.
I felt a bit sorry for Gils, but the idea of my family carrying around a carving wood of me… well, it was akin to how Maki keeps numerous images of me. Enough of that thought!
Instead, I promised to give him a gift later.
As I was pondering this, the tea party ended, and I thought of logging out after seeing Joshua off when Mareus grabbed my shoulder firmly.
“Wait a minute. You need to come back.”
Why did he know what I was thinking?
And why did I need to return, I wondered, only for him to preemptively explain.
“For the new black dragon egg, we’ve made some prototype weapons and armor. When you return, you need to try them out. Of course, you’ll cooperate, right?”
Looking around, I saw Roulette and Kanna both smiling at me warmly.
It was clear I had no choice.
Besides, if it was for my family, how could I refuse? The moment I realized this, my logout time was postponed…