Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 134
Sorry, wrong chapter number
134. Mari-nee and A question that overlaps
Although I knew it was rude to answer a question with a question, I couldn’t help but voice the exact same thought that crossed my mind.
“Well, that’s something I’d like to ask too…”
On the swaying boat, matching the gentle rocking,
“As you can see, I’m taking a nap. The sea breeze and the sound of the waves are so soothing.”
A leisurely answer came back.
“I was wandering around with the sake I bought, and I ended up here. But then I thought it would be nice to drink while being rocked by the waves on a boat. I only meant to have a light drink, but I ended up drinking too much and fell asleep.”
He laughed cheerfully, showing no sign of remorse.
I understood that this place was comfortable, but it seemed quite carefree.
While I was thinking that with a slight hint of amazement,
“So, what are you doing here, miss?”
I was asked again.
“I…”
I hesitated.
I couldn’t bring myself to admit that I got lost and ended up here.
Especially since it was my first time meeting this person… well, even if it was someone I knew, it would be the same.
“I said I wanted to see the sea.”
“Gils…”
Gils answered, as if to cover for me.
Feeling touched by his consideration,
“Maria didn’t get lost because she was engrossed in exploring.”
“Gils…”
His accurate yet exposing follow-up blew away my sense of gratitude.
Thanks for the correct answer.
But you didn’t have to explain it that thoroughly, you know?
Although it was the truth, so I couldn’t deny it.
“Engrossed, huh…”
Repeating the word shortly, for some reason, the old man looked at me seriously.
There was no smile on his face, as if he was carefully savoring the word.
But it didn’t last long, the old man soon burst into laughter.
“Ha ha ha! Those who enjoy life win, it’s great to have moments when you can be engrossed!! Chiisana Jou-chan*!!!” (*Little Young Miss)
“Don’t call me little! And I’m not a missy either!!”
I’m already over twenty… in terms of age.
Realizing that retorting in my mind had become a habit, I quietly hung my head.
“My apologies, Jou-chan.” (Missy)
“If you’re sorry, then don’t repeat it! Uh…”
Clearly enjoying teasing me, I was about to raise my voice in protest again, but I stopped because I didn’t know what to call him.
Sensing that, he responded as if to take over.
“It’s Jade. A good name for an old man drinking and lying around during the day, isn’t it?”
“You say that yourself…”
Feeling like I was being deftly dodged, I found it quite frustrating.
Even when I was working part-time, there were customers I didn’t like, but this was a little different.
Back then, it was people who wouldn’t listen or made unreasonable demands, making it tiring to deal with them rather than disliking them.
But this person wasn’t like that.
Even though he kept calling me “Jou-chan,” I didn’t sense any malice and it seemed like he was just being natural.
I was confused by this unfamiliar sense of discomfort.
At that moment, a loud voice came from the end of the pier.
“Master is calling for you, Jade!”
I turned around to see a man with deeply tanned skin and chiseled features approaching, not hiding his displeasure.
At first glance, his facial features seemed similar to Joshua’s.
No, it might be more accurate to say they looked alike.
“You were told countless times to let someone know if you went out. Yet you…”
“You and my brother are exactly alike in your uptightness. If you keep getting worked up, you’ll go bald.”
“Whose fault do you think that is! And for your information, I have more hair than you!”
“That’s a baseless claim… isn’t it?”
“Well, don’t ask me…”
Suddenly being asked that and wondering if it was okay to state the obvious truth, I found myself tongue-tied.
However, Jade-san seemed to have understood everything from that brief exchange.
“Time is cruel, isn’t it, Jou-chan?”
Jade-san gazed into the water, looking at his reflection with a melancholic expression.
“Uh, you’ve still got plenty of time left.”
“Jou-chan, sometimes comforting words hurt more than silence. It’s important to remember that. It’s a promise from an old man.”
When I hesitated to speak, he gently rebuked me when I did.
What a hassle…
Just as I was thinking about leaving, Jade-san slowly stood up, leaped from the boat, and landed on the pier.
As he landed, there was a jingling sound that I remembered hearing when I first met Joshua.
Startled, I looked at Jade’s ankles and was quite surprised.
“Shackles and chains…”
“Hm? Oh, that must be a bit shocking for you, miss. This worthless old man is also a worthless slave.”
As I was puzzled by the contrast between the word “slave” and his seemingly free demeanor, Jade-san waved his hand and walked away.
As he left, he said,
“See you later, Jou-chan.”
Leaving behind those unsettling words…