Mary-san Comes on Foot

“The summer rays make for a harsh season, but how are you holding up? It is a pleasure to meet you. I am called Mary, and I am something of an urban legend in training. I understand that I am making a sudden, discourteous request, but if you would be so kind, could you please answer the phone? Of course, I have no intention of using up your time, and I am not considering anything as brazen as requesting you to play the part of a conversation partner. That being said- mind you- if you refuse to hear out my initial utterance, then to someone who aims to be Mary-san such as myself, it is a considerable jolt to my mentality and… (Omitted) … So you see, I thought I would try my best and give it a go! When it comes to Mary-san, she’s an urban legend with a bit of a name in this industry. So personally, I’d rather not remain a trainee; I think I’d quite like to become the real Mary-san. Therefore, um, if it isn’t too troubling, could you please answer the phone…?” “…”

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Mary-san Comes on Foot "Mary-san Comes on Foot" is a delightful little gem that caught my attention with its unique premise. In a world saturated with epic fantasies and overpowered protagonists, this story offers a refreshing slice-of-life with a supernatural twist. I went in expecting a lighthearted read, and that's exactly what I got, with a few unexpected surprises along the way. ### First Impressions The initial concept – a young man entangled with a modern-day urban legend – immediately hooked me. It's a clever subversion of the typical horror trope, turning something potentially scary into a heartwarming and often hilarious situation. The early chapters are particularly strong in establishing the characters and setting the tone for the rest of the story. ### What Works Well The charm of this novel lies in its simplicity and the genuine connection between the characters. Mary-san, despite her ghostly origins, is incredibly endearing, and her interactions with the male protagonist are consistently fluffy and fresh. The humor is well-executed, relying on witty dialogue and situational irony rather than cheap gags. I also appreciated the story's focus on character development, as the protagonist gradually sheds his antisocial tendencies and forms a meaningful bond with Mary. The story also manages to make the premise of Mary-san being an urban legend trainee rather fun. ### Areas of Concern While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I would say that the ending is somewhat open-ended and leaves a few loose threads. While some might find this ambiguity satisfying, I personally would have preferred a more conclusive resolution to certain plot points. Also, the story leans heavily into Japanese humor, which, while funny, might not resonate with all readers. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Mary-san Comes on Foot" is a charming and heartwarming story that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted read with a unique premise. Despite a few minor shortcomings, the novel's strengths – its endearing characters, witty dialogue, and refreshing take on urban legends – far outweigh its weaknesses. It's a sweet and enjoyable experience that will leave you with a smile on your face. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.