Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 125
Sorry, I mistaken the chapter name with the other series, I fixed it
125. Mari-nee and the flag she sowed (Last Part)
“How about taking a trip to Liberta for a while?”
The sudden proposal came from the king.
“Liberta?”
If I remember correctly, it’s a maritime nation focused on commerce, and they handle products from Yamato. Its capital, Kaito, is connected to Caldia by sea, as I once heard.
“We have had trade relations with Liberta for a long time, and we regularly review tariffs and goods handled, updating our contracts accordingly. The signing ceremonies alternate between our countries, and this time, it’s Liberta’s turn to host. However, due to the recent incident with Legios, I cannot go myself. Therefore, I would like you to go to Liberta as my representative.”
“Even as representatives, it’s an important role… can we manage it?”
At Mareus-san’s words, I shook my head vigorously.
Nodding and shaking, today my neck was busy. Such a significant role was far beyond my capabilities.
“As my representatives, you only need to hand over my letter to the other party. Negotiations will be handled by others, so there is no need to worry. Normally, these negotiations do not take long, but there have been some things of concern in our country recently, so it might take a bit longer this time. However, you needn’t worry. During that time, I promise you will live without any inconveniences.”
“If that’s the case, shouldn’t someone else go instead of us?”
“Maria-chan, you should gratefully accept this offer,” Kanna said.
“Kanna-san?”
Despite the king’s presence, she spoke calmly and gently.
“This is the king’s way of showing consideration. He’s telling you to take it easy in another country for a while and also to keep an eye on Joshua-chan.”
“Your Majesty…”
As Kanna-san explained, I looked back at the king. He shrugged but didn’t deny it.
“Maria-san, you are one of my people. I may not be a capable king, but at least let me do something kingly at times like this.”
The king smiled gently.
I bowed my head and gratefully accepted his kind offer.
Afterward, knights from the castle came, and the commotion at the home front settled down. It seems they will continue patrolling even after we leave, so we can feel somewhat at ease, including the neighboring church.
We decided to close the first floor of the home once the pre-made cassoulet runs out. During this period, Retya-san and Ryle will also have a break, of course with paid leave.
Given how much they’ve helped us, I also decided to give them a bonus as a token of gratitude so they could enjoy themselves. Initially, Retya-san hesitated to accept it, but when I said it was to buy pumpkin cake for the people from the second town, she was quite surprised.
Simon-san, a regular customer, told me that Retya-san has been reaching out to those who moved from the second town to the royal capital. When we first met Ryle, Retya-san had been severely injured by adventurers like us and could only be healed by expensive potions or magic. When I gave her the potion I had just in case, Ryle said, “No one helped her.”
Yet Retya-san is now helping the people from the second town. I think she’s really strong. That’s why this is my way of supporting her. She’s doing things that we can’t do. Compared to that, the fact that I won’t have a chance to eat pumpkin cake again for a while is no big deal… really, it’s not.
Reluctantly accepting the money, Retya-san bowed deeply and said:
“Thank you, Maria-san. It’s not much, but I’ll make sure I’m always ready to make cassoulet. Because of the recent commotion, I haven’t had the chance to learn about sourcing ingredients from the merchant handling Yamato’s seasonings.”
Retya-san smiled confidently.
Yeah, she’s really strong in many ways.
Sorry to the merchant who might have been relieved. It seems you can’t escape from Retya-san after all.
For the soup kitchen, I went to the church to hand over the necessary ingredients and money to Estelle-san, asking her to take care of it while I was away. At first, she refused, saying, “This is our duty,” but I insisted since this was something I had decided to do on my own.
Just like with Retya-san, I half-forced her to accept, adding:
“Besides, Estelle-san, you’re the only one I can ask for this.”
If I asked the king, he probably wouldn’t take the money.
More importantly, it would change the meaning of the gesture. Knowing the king, he might insist it be a national initiative, making it a bigger deal than intended.
As I foresaw this likely scenario, I noticed Estelle-san murmuring, “Only me, only me…” while blushing and her eyes moistening.
What kind of reaction is this?
“Maria-anee-sama, I humbly accept your request. Leave everything to me.”
Kneeling on one knee and bowing, Estelle-san’s actions were suddenly mirrored by everyone present.
“Wait, Estelle-san!? Everyone, please raise your heads!!”
It took another thirty minutes to calm the situation.
Although exhausted, I was relieved when some people, inspired by my interaction with Estelle-san, offered to help her. While I have skills that make it easier, it’s a tough job without them.
Incidentally, donations to the church were significantly higher that day. I decided not to ask for specific amounts.
My heart whispered that it was better not to know.
Thanks, but it would have been nice if it had whispered before the situation escalated…
To get to Liberta, we were to take a ship from a port town southeast of the capital. Accompanying us were the people chosen by the king, along with Graham-san and his team as our guards.
Secretly excited about seeing the sea for the first time, I apparently failed to hide my excitement, and everyone around me looked at me with warm smiles.
Not only had my secret anticipation been easily revealed, but I was also unsure how to handle the resulting embarrassment…
However, these feelings were soon overshadowed by a conversation I overheard:
“Seeing the High Priestess eager for the sea… delightful.”
“Indeed, we must ensure her protection.”
“Absolutely. And when at sea, one must consider appropriate attire…”
“Everyone, make sure to clear your storage capacity to the maximum and secure additional space in the cloud as backup!!”
“Yes, sir!!!”
I started to wonder if this trip would be alright… in so many ways.