Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 176
176. Mari-nee and the other three
“Flying through the sky with nothing but your body—what an experience you can’t get in reality!”
“The exhilaration is quite different from when we were with Kuuga on the Sky Fang!”
Even though it was brief, Kanna-san and Roulette-san couldn’t help but cheer during our elegant sky journey.
On the other hand, the only sound Mareus-san made was a scream.
It wasn’t intentional, but Vel’s cheerful chirping of “Piyo Piyo” made him experience the terror of almost falling multiple times.
Thanks to Vel, we literally soared to the royal capital in one go, but as soon as we landed, Mareus-san immediately fertilized the earth with his stomach contents.
Now that I think about it, he did have a terrible case of seasickness…
Even Kanna-san wasn’t so heartless as to force Mareus-san to move in his current state, so we decided to wait until he felt better.
In the meantime, we discussed how to bring Vel into the royal capital.
I considered having him revert like Gils, but if he remained the same size when summoned again, it could cause unexpected damage, so we dismissed that idea.
After some thought, I realized something simple: since Vel had grown larger using the equipment trait “Soul Manifestation Ascension,” I just needed to deactivate it.
Staying calm really is important, huh?
Twenty minutes later, we managed to return home safely with Vel, who had shrunk down to palm size… though “safely” might be up for debate.
As soon as we arrived, Roulette-san and Kanna-san dashed off to the annex.
Even Mareus-san, who had been dragging his feet, suddenly seemed light as a feather and hurried after them.
“Some things never change.”
With a wry smile, I watched the three of them leave the main house.
Considering what happened when they created Gils, it looks like they’ll be cooped up in the annex for a while.
I informed Retya-san about this and asked her to keep an extra eye on the annex for us.
“What troublesome people they are,”
Retya-san said with a shrug but agreed to my request.
With her keeping an eye on things, I won’t have to worry about them working themselves to the point of near starvation again.
After all, Retya-san’s “lesson” is probably still etched in their memories…
Ten days have passed since Roulette-san and the others holed up in the annex.
So far, there’s been no sign of Retya-san’s “lesson” being triggered, and things have been peaceful.
It seems they’re so absorbed that they don’t even return to their rooms, as I haven’t seen them since.
Unlike last time, there’s no surprise, so instead of feeling sulky… no, uneasy, I’ve been testing the “Thread of Heaven” outside or playing around with the “Thread Shift” skill from the Marinator.
“Thread Shift” is exactly what the description said—a skill that lets me instantly move to where Gils or Vel are through the threads.
Thanks to my increased level and MP pool, the consumption isn’t too burdensome.
However, one problem arose.
It involved the equipment trait “Soul Manifestation Ascension” from the Thread of Heaven that made Vel grow bigger.
When I tried using it on Gils, who was looking at me expectantly, he ended up making an incredibly bitter face.
Huh? What’s with that reaction!?
I wanted to ask, but the way he stood there seemed to say, “Don’t ask.”
Such a clear refusal was rare.
I decided to let it go after confirming it wasn’t harmful to Gils.
Everyone has one or two things they don’t want to be questioned about, after all.
After that, I returned home, prepared cassoulet and chicken teriyaki sandwiches, and joined Retya-san and the others for afternoon tea.
Today’s tea treat was a pear tart.
Ryle had stood in line at a popular shop in the royal capital to get it for us.
One bite, and the aroma of slightly green pear wafted up my nose, with sweetness spreading through my mouth.
“It’s delicious. They’ve held back on the custard and used plenty of pears instead.”
“A relative of theirs owns an orchard, so they can use high-quality fruits abundantly.”
Retya-san added to my comment.
I heard they also grow oranges, so I’m already looking forward to that.
As we enjoyed the tart and the pleasant atmosphere, the door leading to the annex suddenly creaked open.
Perhaps due to past experiences, Retya-san instantly shifted into a combat-ready stance.
I found myself tensing up too, but it was only a lively-looking Roulette-san and the others who emerged from the doorway.
Though fatigue was evident, their complexions weren’t bad.
It’s thanks to Retya-san watching over them.
As I sighed in relief, the three of them approached me… and without a word, lifted me off the ground.
“Wait, what?!”
Retya-san quickly tried to help, but she stopped in her tracks when Roulette-san whispered something in her ear.
For her to be stopped like that…
As I stood there, bewildered by the unexpected turn of events, I was taken to a certain place.
It was a corner of the home, now dubbed the “King’s Little Room.”
“This feels familiar,”
I muttered to myself, but no one was there to respond.
Unfortunately, I had a pretty good idea of what was coming next.
And sure enough, beyond the door to the little room sat the king, comfortably settled in a luxurious chair.