Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 82
Thanks for the Ko-fi
82. Mari-nee and the neighboring country, Legios
“War with Legios…”
It took quite some time for me to comprehend what the king was saying.
Of course, I know the meaning of the words, perhaps?
I’ve learned about it in history, and there have been wars in the past, even depicted on TV as ‘(something-something) Wars’, events that actually happened.
But hearing those words directly from someone I knew was far heavier than I could have imagined.
The weight was so overwhelming that I couldn’t even process it as information, as I struggled to stabilize my own emotions.
“Yes, it’s war. However, it’s merely what those Legios folks from the neighboring country are calling it, the reality is something different. It’s not something where people die left and right as you worry. But the delivery was poor, forgive me.”
“Ah, no, it’s just…”
After that, the king, who seemed to sense my unease, arranged for Letya-san to summon Roulette-san and the others for me.
Perhaps he thought it would be dangerous for me to hear the story directly like this.
He’s right.
I don’t think I could have calmly accepted anything said to me.
Seeing the three who hurried over when called by Letya-san, their first concern being my well-being, made me feel relieved.
After all, the king was there, wasn’t he?
Especially Kanna-san, who even made a marriage proposal to the king out of the blue… I used to think of her as just a big child, but comrades are reliable, aren’t they?
Thinking that, I apologized to the three in my heart.
And when all the clan members were gathered, the king explained the situation again.
“I see. So it’s like a kind of competition under the name of war. Each side contributes a set number of soldiers, and the outcome is determined by the number of surviving soldiers after a certain time.”
Kanna-san was the first to organize the content of the king’s speech.
“But, if that’s the case, what about injuries, or…?”
“No need to worry about that. The battlefield does not allow for it.”
“The battlefield?”
The king asserts, but with the appearance of this new mysterious term, my thoughts are lagging behind, aren’t they?
Perhaps sensing that, a more detailed explanation followed.
“Legios, the neighboring country, lies to the north of Caldia, and there exists a place called ‘Memento Mori’ near its border.”
“Memento Mori,” I recall, means ‘remember death’ in Latin.”
You immediately understand the meaning, you’re amazing, Mareus-san.
I didn’t even know it was Latin.
“Oh, you know it well. Ancient techniques are applied in that place. By channeling the power of Caldian and Legios authorities, they create a barrier that nullifies wounds caused by battle. However, due to the nature of this technique, those whose wounds are nullified are ejected from ‘Memento Mori.'”
“I see, so they count the remaining soldiers to determine the outcome.”
“That’s correct. Considering the meaning behind the name given to that place, it’s a kind of punishment, but there’s no other way to avoid leaving behind lingering issues. It’s like a generations-long farce.”
As I wonder about the smile he gives while saying this, Kanna-san eagerly speaks to the king.
“So, Your Majesty wants to win against the Empire with our help, right?”
The contrast between Kanna-san, speaking confidently, and the king, who seems slightly taken aback, is quite striking.
Regarding the help, please leave it to us, at least?
Where did the reliability they showed towards me just a moment ago go…?
“No, there’s no need to defeat the Empire. If we win, it will only bring trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
Placing a finger on her chin, Roulette-san-san asked.
Yes, I’m glad she asked because I don’t understand either.
“Legios is a militaristic state that upholds meritocracy. Even though it’s inferior to Caldia in terms of national power, it won’t be defeated in a simple competition of military strength, even if it’s just a farce. And the outcome of this farce affects the trade between both countries. Specifically, it affects the price of grain that Caldia sells to Legios and the price of ore that Legios sells to Caldia.”
“Then, wouldn’t losing be even worse?”
Certainly, if we lose, it will be a loss for Caldia.
Then, Mareus-san, with a start, raised her head and murmured,
“A vent… by showcasing Legios’ military power, satisfying them, selling grain cheaply like spoils of war, and buying ore at a high price. That’s how they’ve been avoiding a real war. To prevent greater casualties on both sides.”
“Mareus, you’re quite sharp.”
“I see, so it’s a farce. It may seem wasteful at first glance, but ultimately it’s cost-effective… However, I don’t understand why you approached Maria?”
At that question, the king’s expression twisted painfully.
“…It was proposed by Legios. They suggested that adventurers could also become a country’s strength in the future. So, they proposed replacing half of our troops with adventurers this time. And included in the proposal was a request to bring heroes who have repelled calamities.”
The king looked at me.
The three also looked at me.
Huh, me?
Timidly pointing at myself, they nodded unanimously.
“Nope, I’m not a hero!”
“Unfortunately the others saw you that way, accept it.”
“You must be kidding!”
Seeking solace from the three, I was met with shaking heads.
Their eyes, like the king’s, were saying, “Accept it.”
Feeling abandoned, I wondered if this was how it felt to be isolated…
“As for how Maria-chan is perceived, let’s put that aside for now.”
“Put it aside!?”
“Regardless of how Maria-chan is perceived, what’s the reason for her nomination, Your Majesty?”
My reaction was ignored, and the conversation continued.
Should I just go home now?
While thinking that, another bombshell was dropped.
“The Empress of Legios herself, Wilhelmina von Legios, personally nominated Maria. She wants to meet Maria and talk.”
“Pardon…?”
This is the third time today I’m rendered speechless.
Huh, the Empress, that’s the most important person in Legios, right?
Why would such a person want to meet me…?
I want someone to praise me for not fainting since no one else will.
“And the reason you must respond is that if Maria doesn’t come, the Empress herself will come to meet her. She’s instructed to prepare a large escort for the journey, to be well-prepared for any dangers on the way. Do you think you’ll be able to accept her invitation without any issues?”
“It’s an obvious threat, isn’t it?”
Though her tone is gentle, Roulette-san-san’s lips are curled upwards.
It feels like she’s about to take off her glasses at any moment.
“And what do you intend to do, Your Majesty?”
Kanna-san asked unusually seriously, her normally deep voice adding an intimidating aura.
“Well… before coming here, I was undecided. But talking with all of you has cleared my doubts. They’re planning to bring escorts. So, it would be courteous of us to meet them halfway and welcome them. We might have slightly more escorts than them.”
As the king said so, his expression seemed relieved, as if a burden had been lifted.
Hearing the king’s words, Kanna-san smirked.
“As expected of my king! I admire your resolve as a leader, I’ve fallen for you all over again. Rest assured, we, ‘Luna Ma-Ria,’ will follow the king!!”
Hold on a second, Kanna-san!
Did you just mention our clan’s name?
That means all the clan members, right!?
“I haven’t been leveling up lately. Maybe I should go hunting for a change.”
“You’re getting motivated, huh?”
Mareus-san and Roulette-san-san seem eager to fight already, huh?
“We’ve heard the discussion! Clan ‘Luna Ma-Ria’!! We’ll join the battle without hesitation!!”
“Where did you come from, Graham-san!?”
With a bang, the door opened, and there was Graham-san.
Who will be blamed if I involuntarily scream?
“You guys… I’m deeply grateful.”
Everyone directs warm gazes towards the king as he speaks sincerely.
And then, those gazes are focused on me… Oh no, not again!!
“Alright, alright! I’ll go!!”
And so, we, ‘Luna Ma-Ria,’ and ‘Unpleasant Comrades,’ along with the king, have decided to march into war together.
Originally, I intended to help the troubled king, but why do I feel so trapped now…?
My peace… no, let’s stop expecting peace altogether.
As I swore that in my heart, someone gently patted my shoulder, as if to comfort me.
When I turned around, he was there.
I burst into tears.
(Maria: Marionettist Lv.20)
Karma (Capital): 100,000 ? 140,000
Wait, my Karma has increased this much again!?
What do you want from me, Your Majesty!!!