Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 144
144. Mari-nee and Sinking Night
The battle with Jade-san had just ended.
Without a real sense of victory, Ben-san’s voice descended from the terrace along with applause.
“As expected of the hero of Caldia. A splendid fight, a splendid victory. I thought Jade was a formidable opponent, but it seems there’s a clear difference in class.”
Because I had witnessed the preceding exchanges, I couldn’t take his words at face value.
However, it seemed he genuinely acknowledged my defeat of Jade-san.
There was no trace of mockery in his eyes as he looked down at me.
“To commemorate your final night in Liberta and to thank you for the splendid spectacle, let us hold a grand soirée,” Ben-san continued.
At his words, Herell-san and Sahar-san gave instructions, and a luxurious carriage appeared on stage.
Though I was tired and would have preferred to return immediately, I considered this my final duty and reluctantly headed toward the carriage…
The carriage carrying us leisurely descended through the streets of Liberta.
The scent of the sea in the air suggested that we were heading towards the coast.
After a while, a rounded, alabaster palace appeared near the beach.
When we disembarked and were led inside, I noticed intricate carvings of plant vines on the pillars.
To my surprise, water flowed from the ends of the vines, filling the surroundings with a refreshing atmosphere.
The water collected at the base of the pillars, flowing through thin channels in the floor like a spider’s web.
“Considering the nature of this land, this is quite a luxurious use of water,” I remarked.
“It’s probably a way to show off their power both inside and outside. It’s something the wealthy and powerful would do,” Mareus-san replied with a hint of bitterness.
“Your words have thorns, Mareus-chan. Well, after that battle, I also have my thoughts,” said Kanna-san, glancing at the downcast Roulette-san.
Honestly, I didn’t expect Roulette-san in her queen mode to be handled so one-sidedly.
I wanted to say something to her, but I couldn’t find the words.
My hand, extended unconsciously, wandered in the air, blocked by an invisible wall, and returned to my chest.
“How pathetic…”
Claiming to be friends, how powerless I am.
As I hung my head, Kanna-san placed a hand on my shoulder and shook her head.
“Sometimes, you need to leave someone alone. Just being nearby isn’t the only way to be kind. Maria-chan, you understand that, don’t you?”
“Yes…”
Reflecting on my pre-Mebius self, I understood well what Kanna-san wanted to convey.
The kindness directed at me and my inability to reciprocate it.
In the midst of my inner turmoil, even breathing felt painful.
Roulette-san turned her back on the grand hall of the palace, where a lavish meal was laid out, and headed outside.
“Roulette-san!”
Despite that, I shouted.
I couldn’t help but shout.
Even though I had no words to follow…
However, it seemed my unspoken feelings reached her.
Because the corner of Roulette-san’s mouth lifted slightly.
“Roulette-chan will be fine. By the way… there’s something else I’m curious about,” Kanna-san said.
“Something else?” I asked.
Following Kanna-san’s gaze, I saw Graham-san sitting dejectedly in a corner of the palace, surrounded by members of the Order.
They seemed to be concerned for the downcast Graham-san.
“Sure, the opponent was strong, but still, Captain…”
“After talking big, what was that, Captain?”
“As the Order, we can’t just let this slide, Captain.”
Correction, he was being berated.
And they weren’t holding back.
Even though the victory I had achieved was barely better than a defeat.
But if I intervened to defend him now, it would likely add fuel to the fire.
In the end, I decided to silently cheer him on in my heart, and joined the envoy from Caldia in greeting the people of Liberta…