Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 73
Sorry for the late update, lot of problem irl
73. Mari-nee and mistaken Old-man
The night after I met Sawa-san…
I finally managed to log into the world of Mebius.
At first, it was just a break from rehab, but lately, I can’t help but feel like I’m using it as an escape from my unruly siblings.
After logging in, I woke up in my room on the second floor of the home.
There are a total of eight rooms on the second floor, and each of us was assigned one. But I didn’t have time to go furniture shopping or decorate, so I gratefully used what Kusushi-san left behind for us.
Although, if those three ever have the time amidst their busy schedules to relax a bit, I feel like they could create things that you couldn’t just buy anywhere.
Or rather, they definitely will.
And then the three of them arguing about the sense of each piece of furniture is just a given.
Thinking about that scene made me chuckle, and laughter spilled out of me.
As I descended the stairs, I noticed that it seemed unusually noisy downstairs.
“Wait, there seems to be more noise than usual for the three of them arguing that I imagined earlier?”
Thanks to my unintentionally upgraded skill level in Enhanced Hearing, I realized that the noise wasn’t coming from inside the home, but from outside.
When I got downstairs, I saw Roulette-san, Kanna-san, and Mareus-san discussing something in front of the door to the home.
“Hello. What are the three of you doing gathering in front of the door?”
When I spoke up, all three of their faces turned towards me as if they were bouncing off of something.
“””Finally you are here!!!”””
“Huh?”
Wait, what’s with the first thing out of their mouths?
Didn’t they learn anything about greetings?
I’ll be mad too if they just disappear without washing the dishes again like they did last time.
“Please, we can’t handle this on our own!”
“Maria-chan is our only hope!”
“It seems like Maria-san is the only one who can handle this.”
The three of them, who I rarely see flustered, crowded around me, and above my head were question marks floating around.
“Anyway, come outside!”
“Don’t push me! Wait!”
Resisting was futile, and I was pushed out of the home by the three of them.
Waiting for me outside were people, people, and people.
Just a quick count, but there were over thirty of them, weren’t there?
Being surrounded by so many people, all staring at me intently, was kind of scary.
It’s like something out of a horror movie where you open the door and there’s a horde of zombies in front of you.
The gathered crowd was of various ages and genders, and at first glance, there seemed to be nothing common among them.
But for some reason, I felt a sense of déjà vu…
Then, I noticed a boy with his finger in his mouth looking at me, and I realized what the source of the déjà vu was.
Ah, these people look similar to the atmosphere after eating jerky…
“So, does that mean…”
“Hey there, Maria Ojou-chan. I’m sorry for not properly thanking you for the casserole the other day. I wanted to let the people who have helped us here know as soon as possible, so I got a little impatient.”
“Simon-san, so it was you after all…”
I have a vague idea of what’s going on, but I’ll take some time to prepare myself mentally!
Phew… Let’s do this, Maria. Don’t give up, Maria… Alright.
“So, what’s going on exactly?”
“Ojou-chan, since you mentioned starting a food business by making ‘sellable portions,’ we thought it might be fate, so we gathered those who are particular about casseroles, as we’ve been taken care of by the pharmacist’s husband.”
Making sellable portions? Ah, for posting on the trading board.
“If you’re making something to sell, there must be customers, right? Don’t worry, Miss. With that casserole, there’s no way anyone could complain. Not only does it taste great, but people always feel better after eating it. If anyone dares to complain, I’ll give them a piece of my mind.”
No, no, before Simon-san starts lecturing, I’d like to give him a piece of my mind!
And besides, I never said anything about starting a restaurant!!
Ignoring my frustration, the gathered people, perhaps due to hunger, seemed on the verge of rioting.
“Don’t worry. Maria Ojou-chan here is going to fill you up with delicious casseroles. Of course, you’ll pay, won’t you?”
Simon-san, can you just shut your mouth?
Just as I was about to unconsciously take out some “Piece of my mind” it happened.
Someone grabbed onto my skirt.
“Is the food ready yet?”
It was the boy who was sucking his finger earlier.
In turmoil and conflict, I… I gave in.
“Alright. I’ll prepare it now, so please wait a little longer.”
Once back on the platform, I let out a deep sigh.
“How did it go?”
Kanna-san asked with concern.
There are various things to consider, but for now, let’s just swallow it.
“From now on, customers will be coming to eat the casserole I made yesterday. Since we can’t set up tables, we’ll keep the same serving style. Mareus-san…”
“Y-yeah?”
“Set the price for the casseroles and collect money from customers in advance. I’ll tell you the cost later. Kanna-san, guide them, and Roulette-san, serve them. I’ll prepare the casseroles in dishes, pass them to customers one by one, and collect the finished dishes. Any objections?”
All three of them vigorously shook their heads.
Huh, are they trembling? No way, there’s absolutely no intimidation or forcefulness coming from me.
“Alright then. Let’s get started right away.”
With Roulette-san and Kanna-san arranging the seating, I informed Mareus-san of the cost.
The meat and vegetables weren’t that expensive, but the white miso was a bit of a dilemma.
This casserole requires some effort, and it also provides a VIT boost as a cooking buff.
Now, what should I set the price for this?
After a little pondering, I decided to leave it to Mareus-san.
Considering how they happily discussed the prices for my dishes in front of the trading bulletin board without even involving me, they’ll surely handle it with ease.
Ignoring Mareus-san, who seemed to be in despair, I placed the large pot of casserole I made yesterday on the counter where sunlight was beginning to shine through.
Thanks to the property of the item box, it maintained its freshly made state.
With just a little reheating, it should be ready to serve.
I set up the portable cooking set, manipulated the thread, placed the large pot on the fire, and soon a delightful aroma filled the air.
I also prepared wooden deep plates, and it seemed like there was enough casserole to feed all those people.
I did a great job making a large quantity!
Meanwhile, the seating arrangements were complete, and everyone eagerly entered the home.
With guidance from Kanna-san, while Mareus-san collected payments from the customers, I began transferring the casserole onto the plates.
Then, starting with those who paid, they took their seats, and Roulette-san served the casserole.
Luckily, there were plenty of benches, so I hoped everyone could sit comfortably.
As I diligently plated the casserole, comments started pouring in from those who began eating.
“This casserole isn’t as greasy as usual, but the depth of flavor is incredible…”
“It’s not just delicious; there’s a vitality rising from within as I eat.”
“The flavor is overflowing with richness that words cannot describe. It’s as if it’s nurturing us as we eat.”
“I’m reminded of the casserole my deceased mother used to make. It shouldn’t have been this delicious…damn, the steam is making my eyes water.”
“I understand, young man! This warmth-filled flavor is truly the taste of our mother’s cooking!!”
“To captivate the hearts of both city dwellers and country folk with just one dish. Truly, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call you a holy mother, rather than just a founder.”
Um, I’m not everyone’s mother, you know?
And when did Graham-san sneak in? And aren’t the guild members supposed to be waiting outside? Or am I just imagining things?
What’s this about being a holy mother!? I haven’t agreed to being called a founder either!?
As I seriously considered whether to mix in some poison just for them, I reluctantly gave up. After all, I couldn’t risk serving such a thing to customers.
By mid-morning, word of mouth brought in more customers, and the casserole I made was sold out.
You know, I only got to eat that casserole once…
As I gazed into the distance, my eyes began to wander to somewhere beyond this world.
I didn’t really want to collect these kinds of flags…