Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 184
184. Mari-ne and the King’s Confession
After displaying his decisiveness during the meeting with Sahar-san, the King continued to impress.
On the way back to the port town, he instructed the navy to prepare the ships, outlined the major supplies to be sent to Liberta, and estimated the required personnel.
The King… is truly capable.
I never doubted him, but seeing him in action is like witnessing a different person altogether. Honestly, I’m bewildered.
The King’s momentum didn’t stop there. As soon as we arrived in the port town, he insisted on returning to the capital alone on horseback.
It’s true that he would arrive faster than by carriage, but the aides desperately tried to stop him.
Of course, safety should be prioritized, so I understand.
Both sides were adamant, and the King grew increasingly frustrated.
“It seems a waste of time to argue about this, though,” Roulette-san remarked, quite sensibly.
“It would be best to find a compromise… or think of a way to get the King back to the capital quickly and safely… Ah.”
That’s when it hit me.
We have a way to do that.
We used it when we went to the Great Magic Forest, so it’s not like it’s a big secret anymore, even though we’d rather not make it too public.
The problem is that it can only carry two people at most under normal circumstances.
There’s no way I can let the King carry someone or be carried himself.
But if he can ride a horse, then he has the equivalent skill of ?Ride?.
That means we can all safely head to the capital together.
No one has to be carried like a princess or anything like that.
The King was all in favor of our suggestion.
The aides were hesitant about the idea of flying, but in the end, they bowed their heads and asked, “Please take care of His Majesty.”
I nodded in return, and we headed to an empty storage area.
After returning with Gils, I spoke to Vel.
“Will you take us to the capital?”
“Piyo!”
Vel chirped energetically in response, and I activated ?Soul Manifestation?.
Immediately, Vel was enveloped in a blinding light and transformed into a giant Kokuhakuchou (black-and-white bird).
“I’d heard about this, but to think the transformation was this drastic…”
The King, standing beside me, muttered in awe.
Vel then chirped proudly, “Piyoyo!”
The King was astonished once again.
I understand his reaction, but even if he looks at me for an explanation, I can’t give one.
I’m still confused myself.
First, I climbed onto Vel’s back, followed by the King, and lastly, Roulette-san.
“All right, Vel, let’s go.”
“Piyoyoyo!”
Whether it was courageous or not, Vel flapped his wings energetically.
With each powerful wing stroke, we ascended higher and higher.
By the time people on the ground looked smaller than the tips of our fingers, Vel accelerated towards the capital.
Even with such explosive speed, the wind’s protection kept us from being blown away or shivering from the cold.
“I knew it had great power, but I didn’t expect this… as expected of one of Maria’s family.”
Vel seemed pleased, chirping happily, having clearly heard the King’s praise.
“It’s incomparable to a carriage,” Roulette-san observed.
Indeed, at this speed, we’d reach the capital in less than twenty minutes.
However, the MP consumption is significant.
If it were the old me, I’d have needed an MP potion by now, but thanks to my class change and new equipment, the burden is minimal.
By the way, here’s the performance of my new equipment:
?Sky-Blue Off-Shoulder Blouse? A blouse made by twisting together fibers from various plants and animals, resulting in a light and durable garment. It constantly recovers the wearer’s MP. (Equipment Properties) Constant MP Recovery (Large), MID +20, DEX +10
?Sky-Blue Maxi Skirt? A maxi skirt made with the same material and effect as the Sky-Blue Off-Shoulder Blouse. It drastically reduces wind resistance against the wearer. (Equipment Properties) Wind Resistance Reduction (Large), AGI +20, DEX +10
?Sky-Blue Short Boots? Short boots made from the rare leather of a Souryuu (running dragon). It significantly increases movement speed based on the wearer’s AGI. (Equipment Properties) Movement Speed +AGI × 20%, AGI +20, DEX +5, MID +5
?Kongoushi (Golden Rainbow Thread)? Thread processed from a highly durable rare metal found deep underground. It shines in rainbow colors and boasts hardness surpassing even diamonds. It grants the wearer’s will and excels in protection, greatly reducing MP consumption. (Equipment Properties) Shape Memory, Unbreakable, MP Consumption Reduction (Large), VIT +5, DEX +30, MID +15
When I first saw it, I remember being dizzy from the high performance and shuddering at the imagined cost.
By transporting the King this time, I hoped to repay even a little of that… though it’s probably not enough.
As I was thinking about this, the King let out a deep sigh.
Did he sense what I was thinking and find it presumptuous?
Or was it that the ride was uncomfortable?
Sensing my thoughts, Vel twisted his neck to look at me, chirping, “Piyo?!”
It’s all right, Vel. Your back is very comfortable.
As I soothed him by touching the base of his neck, the King explained the reason for his sigh.
“I’m not usually one to dwell on things, but this time, I’m frustrated with myself. In the end, I dragged you into this and even had to rely on you.”
He said something similar in the carriage on the way to the port town.
There’s no need to worry about it, but telling the King that now would likely have the opposite effect.
I thought for a moment and made a small request.
The King tilted his head, unsure of my intent.
But in the end, he promised to consider it.
I don’t think this will change anything, but still…