Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 128
128- Mari-nee and Secretive younger Sister (part 2
“Um, so… um…”
Nano, in its Shiba Inu form, fidgeted, rubbing its paws together while glancing at me nervously.
If Nano were human, it would probably be intertwining its fingers and nervously opening and closing them.
“Would you be my friend?” Nano’s voice was much weaker than when reporting the work results.
Caught off guard by this unexpected request, it took me a moment to comprehend the situation. I, who had learned that there is no such thing as a free lunch, was still on guard. At the same time, the socially awkward and introverted part of me felt a surge of joy and agitation.
Oh, what should I do in such a situation?
I felt the urge to respond quickly, but the rush only added to my confusion.
At that moment, the image of Onee-chan smiling at me floated in my mind.
She didn’t say anything specific, but just that image calmed me down.
If it were Onee-chan, she would surely…
With that thought, my hand moved naturally.
“Ah…”
Nano probably noticed that the payment had been transferred. The Shiba Inu looked visibly dejected.
“Nano, I think if you made a request, it would mean being friends instead of the payment, right? I don’t have many friends, but I know that’s not right. So, please accept the payment for your work.”
With that, Nano’s tail drooped, and it lay down on the ground. It looked both regretful and disappointed, as if it felt rejected.
“The work discussion ends here. Now, let’s talk as friends, Nano… or should I say, Kanon.”
At the mention of the name Kanon, the Shiba Inu lifted its head abruptly.
Kanon was the real name I was told by a hacker acquaintance when I provided financial support. It was a bit mischievous of me, but I hoped Nano would forgive this much.
If Nano had just said “be my friend,” I would have happily agreed.
…Well, I guess I’m being unfair too.
I probably wouldn’t have brought it up myself.
Even though it was a childlike request, I understood that it came from the heart, and it took courage to say it.
Everyone is scared and hurt by the thought of being rejected when they show their true self.
Having withdrawn after being hurt by heartless words, I could speak from a place of understanding.
To overcome such fear and voice it in any form is truly remarkable.
If it were Onee-chan, she would have sensed it before being asked and would have acted on her own.
I could never mimic that.
But as Onee-chan’s sibling, I must do something that doesn’t bring shame to that title.
I had shown my avatar before during dives, but…
Hiding my nervousness, I turned on the camera that would show my room for the first time, even though it was just over the internet.
“Ah!”
“This is me. This is my response to Kanon, who courageously spoke up. Let’s continue being friends from now on!”
With those words, Kanon covered its eyes with both paws and began to cry loudly.
“Thank you, Maki-Maki… Thank you so much…”
“And thank you too! I may have said something high and mighty, but I just thought about what Onee-chan would do and tried to imitate her!”
When I said this cheerfully, Kanon, who had been looking dumbfounded, started to laugh with its paws covering its mouth.
I guess it was obvious that I was trying to be considerate… It’s hard to act naturally like Onee-chan.
“Haha, Maki-Maki and your sister are both amazing.”
“Right? She’s my pride and joy!”
Hearing praise about Onee-chan online is nice, but it’s different when it comes from a friend.
I puffed out my chest and spoke as if it were my own achievement.
“It’s been a long time since I felt this warm inside. I must return the favor.”
With that, Kanon made the image of the Caduceus Corporation disappear and displayed a neatly organized list of information.
“These are the people who admire your sister.”
“I don’t think I formally requested this, did I?”
“I figured you’d be interested, so I gathered it in advance.”
“As expected of Kanon!”
“Being praised by name makes me blush.”
Kanon covered its eyes with its paws again, but this time its cheeks were slightly red.
Such detailed reactions!
I continued looking through the displayed information while saving it, and two names caught my attention.
“Roulette started her own clothing brand. Oh, this design is simple but meticulously crafted. The photos of people wearing her clothes look so happy…”
She only takes custom orders, but considering the effort involved, the price is quite reasonable.
I’ll definitely place an order for both me and Onee-chan! And maybe one for Masa-nii too.
The other name that caught my attention…
“So this is the real person behind Mareus… I’ve been keeping an eye on him in a different way than Graham, but he’s doing something interesting. This might connect to the hope Zagg and the CEO mentioned before. And that could lead to my wish…”
While I was lost in thoughts about the future I envisioned, Kanon was laughing.
“Maki-Maki really loves her sister, doesn’t she?”
“Of course! She’s my sister, and I’d do anything for her!!”
I ignored any potential comments about whether that’s the right phrase for a sister to use.
I spent the next few hours talking with Kanon about Onee-chan.
The next day, I was predictably sleep-deprived, but it didn’t bother me at all because the time spent was so joyful and fulfilling.
However, Onee-chan did gently remind me not to overdo it, so I should reflect on that.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll hold back!