Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 151
151. Mari-nee and Unexpected Welcome
As the ship slowed down and preparations for docking began on the deck, I noticed something unusual in the distance at the port.
The port was overflowing with people, far more than when we departed.
It wasn’t just lively; there was a different atmosphere.
There were many people, but there wasn’t much movement.
It felt like the tense atmosphere of attendees lining up for a solemn ceremony.
“What could this be?”
“For a welcome, it seems quite extravagant,” Kanna-san said, touching her cheek with her index finger, looking puzzled.
“We haven’t heard anything special from the Caldia delegation…”
According to the plan, we were supposed to ride in a carriage to the royal capital, just like last time.
But then, I noticed another anomaly.
“Ah.”
As the ship approached, I saw the carriage. Unlike the previous one, this carriage was about four times bigger, covered in gold decorations, shining brilliantly.
It was even more luxurious than the carriage the Adventurers’ Guild had provided when we traveled from Eden to the royal capital.
There was only one person I knew who would appear in such a grand carriage.
Or rather, it had to be that person…
As soon as we docked and disembarked from the ship, the carriage door opened as if on cue.
As expected, the King appeared.
Instantly, cheers erupted from the crowd gathered at the port. The King raised one hand in response and slowly approached us.
As the King walked, the crowd parted.
It was like a scene from an old movie where the sea splits.
“Why is the King here…”
In contrast to my confusion,
“Oh my! The King must have wanted to see me as soon as possible!!”
Kanna-san’s excitement reached its peak in an instant.
Even without any prior information, her confident declaration was impressive in its own way.
And it was equally impressive that the King, who must have heard her, remained completely unfazed.
Perhaps the word “withdraw” didn’t exist in the King’s dictionary.
…No, come to think of it, he remained calm when she first met him and asked, “Will you marry me?” So, maybe it’s not surprising.
I’m sure becoming a King requires a variety of skills and raises one’s level in many areas.
As I pondered the skills the game hadn’t provided, I found myself staring into the distance.
Realizing I was already using one of those skills, I knew I needed to do something quickly…
While I was lost in such idle thoughts, the King was already standing before me.
“I am grateful for your exemplary fulfillment of the role as my proxy, Maria.”
“Ah no no, it’s I who should be thanking you,” I replied.
My first time at sea, the voyage, and the luxurious time on a remote island.
All of these were invaluable experiences and, above all, incredibly enjoyable.
“That’s wonderful. However, I’ve heard there were some unexpected events. To think there would be someone in Liberta who could trouble you all so much.”
“How do you know that?”
“I had my men carry birds. I received the news just before your arrival.”
As he spoke, the King pulled a small, folded paper from his pocket and showed it to me.
“But aside from the detailed reports from my retainers, I wanted to hear directly from those who fought and conversed with the enemy.”
“In that case, I will—”
With Roulette-san still feeling down and no one around to stop Kanna-san’s outburst, it was Gils who stepped in. He delivered a literal “whack” to the back of her head, knocking her out, and walked away from the scene.
As I was touched by Gils’ perceptive actions, Vel gently landed on the ground and toddled over to Roulette-san’s feet.
Roulette-san, still looking down, noticed Vel. When she reached out her hand, Vel climbed onto it and then moved to her shoulder.
By a strange coincidence, it was the same spot where Nero had perched to bring Roulette-san back to her senses during the event.
As my eyes began to well up, the Order members were unceremoniously dragging Mareus-san, who couldn’t stand due to seasickness…
…I wish they would give me back my moment of emotional warmth.
“Ha ha, you all are indeed amusing,” the King laughed.
“Please don’t lump us all together!!”
Despite my heartfelt plea, it wasn’t enough to stop the King’s laughter.