Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 29

29. Mari-nee and Forest Deer Whereabouts (Part1)

Unexpectedly, I ended up getting an item called [Poison Medicine], but I was able to completely clear out anything related to goblins from the item box.

During that process, I noticed the existence of [Forest Deer Meat].

“Deer” is what it means, and in reality, it’s a material famous for game dishes, comparable to wild boar.

Of course, I’ve never handled or eaten it in real life.

“This could be the perfect main ingredient for the next dish.”

I promptly accessed an external site and searched for recipes.

What I found the most was roasted deer meat.

There were various sauces, ranging from those made by simmering red wine to ones with real wasabi and salt, giving a variety of Japanese flavors.

They all looked delicious, but I wanted to try something a bit more unusual.

Continuing my search to find something else, I stumbled upon jerky, or dried meat.

“It takes time and effort, but making it into smoked meat is something new.”

A different cooking method that seemed compatible with Forest Deer’s meat.

Moreover, the wood chips used for smoking can also be made from walnuts, according to what I read.

In my item box, there happened to be [Walnut Wood] that dropped from a [Walking Wood].

I guess I have no choice but to make it.

“As for other necessary ingredients, I can buy them. The problem lies in the tools for smoking.”

While it might be possible to improvise with random boards for smoking, I wanted to make it properly with suitable tools.

And there’s a possibility that the smoke might be bothersome to the residents.

After some hesitation, I decided to ask Vanessa-san, the master chef, for advice.

The [Rabbit’s Tail Inn], where Vanessa-san works, was incredibly crowded.

Even though it wasn’t mealtime, some customers couldn’t fit inside and were waiting outside.

The waitresses, forgetting their smiles, were running around desperately inside the restaurant.

By the way, there has been a strangely strong smell of oil since a while ago.

And if it wasn’t just my imagination, most customers were making a satisfying “crunch” sound when they ate.

“Could it be…”

I glanced at the dishes customers were eating, and there were the potato chips I made before.

“Eh? Are all these customers here to eat potato chips!?”

Having french fries with a hamburger is a common sight in reality, right?

But, you know, I don’t think a bunch of customers would come just for french fries alone.

Not to mention that what they were offering wasn’t fried potatoes but potato chips.

As I stood there dumbfounded, a waitress passing by looked at me, performed a perfect turn that sounded like “Gyurunn,” and came back to me.

“You’re Maria-san, right!? There’s no doubt about it!!”

I couldn’t tell if she was asking or asserting, but why was she grabbing my arm?

Moreover, the strength in that hand conveyed a strong determination not to let go.

Even though my STR was sad, this waitress’s strength seemed too overwhelming.

I even instinctively checked if my HP was decreasing.

Without waiting for me to respond, I was dragged like a calf from a famous song into the kitchen at the back of the restaurant.

The kitchen I was taken to was…… to put it mildly, hell.

Splattering oil, the incessant sound of knives cutting potatoes, and the constant clatter of dishes not keeping up with the speed of cooking.

A cook sitting in the corner of the kitchen, holding their arm in pain, seemed to be suffering from tendonitis.

Someone else was treating burns with a potion.

I said it was like hell, but rather a battlefield?

The corner of the kitchen where people were resting or seemed to have become ineffective was like a field hospital.

Unfortunately, there were zero medics, so everyone had to take care of themselves.

In the midst of this, Vanessa was particularly skillful, silently making potato chips.

“Vanessa-san! I caught Maria-san!!”

Come on, don’t say it like I’m a criminal!

“What did you say!? Great job! I’ll double your wages for today!! By the way, take these and then you can take a little break.”

Handing me the freshly made potato chips brought by the waitress who dragged me in, Vanessa turned to face me.

Her gaze was firm.

Oh, this is like when a part-time job manager gives an impossible shift.

“Well, Maria. As you can see, our shop is in chaos right now. I have no intention of blaming the current situation on the dishes you taught us—though it’s not even a bit related. But, if the master who taught me how to cook is in trouble, there’s no way you, as a disciple, can just stand by, right?”

Again with this flow!?

It seems like she’s confirming my intention, but it’s essentially an order without the right to refuse, right!?

While I was thinking that, a notification popped up.

<Quest, [Bloody Work] has been initiated. Will you accept the quest?>

The wording of the notification is subtly different, and why are there only ‘Yes’ and ‘Yes’ options for the selection icon!! I can’t take it anymore…

“It’s not something complicated. It’s just making potato chips again. Should be easy for  Maria, right?”

“It might be easy, but… um, how many do I have to make?”

“Do you want to know?”

A menacing smile sent shivers down my spine.

This might be the kind of thing that would break my spirit if I asked… Yeah, let’s not ask.

“…I guess it’s okay.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Goodbye, jerky.

Hello, potato chips.

I really didn’t want to reunite like this.

With resignation, I tapped the selection icon that didn’t really give me a choice…

…The memories of the next few hours are vague.

The only three sounds etched into my memory are the ringing of a knife, the splattering of oil, and the clattering of dishes.

Wait, what did I come here for again…?