Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 154
154. Mari-nee and the Rewind Feeling
Despite a somewhat unsatisfactory conclusion, I managed to relax in Liberta.
Now that the dinner party is over and I’ve returned to my room, I feel utterly exhausted.
It’s strange, how did it come to this?
Well, the cause is clear, isn’t it?
The king’s so-called kind words and the “fun” dinner party cuisine…
The time spent on Liberta’s remote island is already a fond memory.
As I lie on the bed and close my eyes, the sound of the waves in my memory resurfaces in the back of my mind.
The sound of the waves ebbing and flowing on the beach.
Soothed by the repetitive and pleasant melody, I logged out to find that it was already past midnight in reality.
I removed the Blinds Circle and exhaled deeply.
In the quiet room, I could clearly feel my own heartbeat.
It was in rhythm with the waves, gently guiding me to let go of my consciousness…
The next morning, Masato came to wake me up and carried me to the living room, where Maki quickly switched the display on the big screen.
“Oh, good morning, Onee-chan!”
“…Good morning, Maki.”
In contrast to Maki’s flustered state, my voice was several tones lower than usual.
While the morning news was being read out in the background, I saw it.
Just before the screen changed, I saw myself in a school swimsuit.
When I gave her a piercing look, Maki whistled and looked away.
By the way, she can’t whistle.
Even though we share that trait, it’s not fair that only I am humiliated.
I should get her reliable Onii-chan to say something as well.
“Honestly, Masato, say something too.”
“…”
Looking up from where I was being held, I saw Masato turn his face away in embarrassment.
Huh, why is Masato blushing?
Isn’t that supposed to be my reaction!?
His unexpectedly boyish reaction made me embarrassed too.
What is this, some kind of shame play…?
In the end, the day passed awkwardly with the three of us unable to shake off the uncomfortable atmosphere…
That night, fleeing from the embarrassment, I logged into the world of Mebius, coinciding with the time of the daily tasks.
As I left the home area, I peeked behind the church for the first time in a while, seeing the children earnestly engaged in their crafts.
While I understood the preciousness of the scene, the nature of what they were making left me with mixed feelings.
Honestly, I wanted to stop them.
But the fact is that the “thing” generates profit and benefits the children…
As I struggled with my thoughts and stepped into the street, I ran into Joshua-san carrying ingredients to the cafeteria.
It was a good opportunity, so I waited for him to finish his work and then told him about Caleb-san, whom I met in Liberta.
“To think that my brother was concerned about me…”
When I relayed Caleb-san’s words exactly, Joshua-san listened intently, savoring each one.
“He also entrusted this to me, but I believe it should belong to you, Joshua-san.”
What I took out was an earring adorned with protective stones.
Though I was entrusted with it, I felt it should go to the family.
Joshua-san gazed at the earring with a look of surprise, then slowly shook his head.
“No, just as my brother said, I want you to have it.”
“But…”
“In Xenoa, there’s a little tale about protective stones. It is said that the stones listen to the thoughts and feelings directed towards their owner.”
“Listen to the thoughts and feelings?”
As Joshua-san gently pushed my outstretched hand back, he continued.
“Yes. Those thoughts and feelings become a protection, helping the owner. Since you are someone who empathizes with many people’s hearts, I’m sure it will reach you. So please, keep it.”
Joshua-san said this with a small smile.
Encouraged by the serene expression I had never seen before, I once again took the earring that was entrusted to me.