Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 135
I took a break yesterday, my apologize.
135. Mari-nee and in the Foreign Country
As I watched Jade-san with a strange feeling, unsure of his true nature, a man who looked very much like Joshua-san was also staring intently beside me.
His gaze was intense, and a frown furrowed his brow.
“…Traitor,” he spat out, as if the words were bitter in his mouth. Realizing I was nearby, he looked a bit embarrassed.
His slightly troubled expression reminded me even more of Joshua-san.
While Joshua-san’s hair was cut short, this man’s hair was long enough to cover his ears.
Come to think of it, Jade-asn had mentioned something about brothers earlier.
To change the atmosphere, I decided to take the plunge and ask.
“Do you happen to know a man named Joshua-san?”
“Why do you know my brother’s name…?”
His expression turned to one of surprise, and he looked at me more intently.
So, this man is Joshua-san’s brother.
“My name is Maria. I met Joshua-san by chance when I visited a merchant’s shop in Caldia.”
“I see… I’m Kalev. Is my brother Joshua doing well?”
I hesitated at his question. When we first met, Joshua-san seemed like he had given up on everything, though his expression did seem to soften over time. But whether that meant he was doing well, I wasn’t sure. Expressions and words alone don’t prove someone’s well-being.
“Well…” I began, before recounting my encounters with Joshua-san. I told him about meeting Joshua-san in the shop, our interactions in the small square, and how everyone had secretly helped to replace the shackles and chains.
When I finished, Kalev-san had a complex expression, a mix of relief and regret.
“Because of my own inadequacy, my brother was taken to Caldia, and I’ve been worried about him. But now, I feel a bit relieved,”
Kalev-san said, lightly clinking the chains at his feet and smiling faintly.
“As his brother, I want to thank you, Maria-san. You are a benefactor to both Joshua and our family.”
“I only played a small part. It was the people of the alliance, the children, and the king who actually helped,” I replied.
“But it was you who first reached out to him, giving him his ‘now.’ That’s an undeniable fact. If there’s any way I can repay you… Oh, I know.” (tln: I’m not really sure about this part)
Kalev-san reached for his ear, hidden by his hair, and a small sound was heard. In his hand was an earring adorned with pale blue stones.
“These stones are called ‘guardian stones’ in Zenoa. They aren’t valuable in terms of money, but could you accept this?”
Even if they weren’t valuable, if he wore them often, they must be important to him. I thought about just accepting the sentiment, but his serious gaze implored me.
“Please,” he pleaded.
After some hesitation, I decided to accept it. It might be rude not to accept something offered so sincerely, and I thought Joshua-san would be happy to see it.
Afterwards, we walked to the center of town. Kalev-san asked me to give a message to Joshua-san, and then we parted ways.
The road I was on now was wide, and I felt like I had passed it during my wanderings.
“I should rely on my memory to find everyone…” I started to say, when Gils gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
At the same time, Vel shook his head from side to side.
They’re silently advising me to stop before I get lost again.
I had just caused trouble, so I couldn’t argue. Following their silent advice, we moved to the edge of the street and decided to wait for someone we knew to pass by.
“There aren’t as many people from Liberta as I thought.”
There are many people who look like adventurers, easily identifiable by their appearance and gear. However, comparing them to the characteristics of the people from Liberta who welcomed us, only about one in five seemed to fit the description, excluding the adventurers. The rest had distinguishing features at their feet, suggesting they were likely from Zenoa.
Not everyone had a gloomy expression, but there was an undeniable shadow over many of them. If I put myself in their shoes, it’s understandable…
As I glanced down at my own feet, feeling a sense of helplessness,
“Maria-chan, are you alone? Where have Graham-chan and the others gone?”
Kanna and her group spotted me and called out.
“If you’re looking for Graham-san and the others, well… I asked them to run an errand!” I replied quickly. I had told them to focus on the auction, and it would have been harsh to hear Roulette-san mock them about their ‘uselessness as escorts.’
“Were you able to buy anything good?” I asked.
“Yes, thanks to you, we were able to get some items from Yamato that are impossible to find in Caldia. I’m itching to create something new with them,” Kanna-san said, wrapping her arms around herself, looking more like she was writhing with anticipation.
A man from Liberta who saw her blushed and seemed confused by the voice he heard. Those familiar with ‘Luna Maria’ were used to this, but for those without such immunity, it was apparently quite overwhelming.
“We bought in bulk, so we managed to get a great deal,” said Roulette-san with a smile.
That smile reminded me of Retya-san, and I could guess the outcome for the merchant who sold it to them.
Roulette-san, working hard and making someone work hard can have very different meanings. Are you sure it’s okay??
I don’t think they’re so ruthless as to cause a loss, surely, probably…
Afterward, I explained to Roulette-san the features of the place where we parted with Graham-san and the others, and we walked together to find them. We eventually reunited with Graham-san and the others, who were carrying something precious-looking.
Their faces were bright, filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Why they were so happy and what they were carrying, I decided not to ask.