Miracle Summoner

Next, Rozen asked Yuuki for the addresses of the hospitals and medical facilities where the members of the Sleeping Knights were currently staying. He promised Yuuki that he would first cure their illnesses before leaving to lay low.

Yuuki had already inquired about the opinions and addresses of the Sleeping Knights online and readily shared everything she knew with Rozen. She also expressed her gratitude on behalf of the group.

Kirito and Suguha had quite a bit to say about Rozen leaving, but they understood his situation. Since it was only for a few months, they didn't think too much of it, though they were reluctant to see him go.

As for Asuna, she spoke less than usual, seemingly lost in thought.

Naturally, including Asuna, everyone expressed dissatisfaction with Rozen.

The reason? Rozen had informed them that once he left, his phone would be turned off, and he wouldn't answer anyone's calls or reveal his destination. Furthermore, he wouldn't log into any games. How could they not be upset?

However, Rozen explained his reasoning.

"This way, if someone asks about my whereabouts, you can truthfully say you don't know. It's better to play it safe."

Having call records or a detailed address would defeat the purpose of leaving.

Even though the group assured him they wouldn't tell anyone, Rozen's argument—"better safe than sorry"—left them with no choice but to accept his plan.

This wasn't deception; Rozen simply didn't want them to get involved in his affairs. If the mystery surrounding him were exposed, it would undoubtedly shatter their worldview.

Thus, even to Asuna, Rozen chose not to reveal anything. He simply wanted her and the others to lead peaceful, ordinary lives without being dragged into a strange, incomprehensible world. That might not necessarily be a good thing.

As for whether to disclose everything in the future, that would be a decision for another time.

The group stayed in Yuuki's hospital room until evening before leaving the hospital together.

"We'll head back and make dinner now."

"You should take Asuna for a stroll, Aoka-nii-san."

With that, Kirito and Suguha tactfully excused themselves, leaving Rozen and Asuna some alone time to talk.

Not wasting the opportunity given by his younger siblings, Rozen took Asuna to a nearby park.

However, along the way, the two said little, silently walking hand in hand.

The setting sun cast its glow on Rozen and Asuna, lengthening their shadows as they walked into the park and strolled together.

Not long after…

"Yuuki asked me to apologize to you."

Asuna broke the silence, initiating the conversation.

Rozen wasn't surprised.

"She probably feels guilty that I'm leaving to avoid trouble after helping them. That's why she asked you to convey her apology, right?"

Rozen smirked, accurately guessing Yuuki's thoughts.

"That medicine… Where did you get it?"

Asuna couldn't help but ask.

A cure-all medicine—such an item appearing in Rozen's possession made the government see him as even more mysterious. For Asuna, it was simply puzzling; she couldn't understand how Rozen managed to produce something so miraculous.

But Asuna's patience and trust in Rozen had kept her from asking until now.

Rozen, of course, understood this.

"I made it myself."

Rozen directly admitted the truth.

"You made it yourself?"

Asuna held her breath.

"You're wondering how I made it, aren't you?" Rozen looked at Asuna, smiling as he said, "Don't worry, you'll find out in the future."

Yes, Asuna would know one day.

As Rozen's fiancée, she was bound to learn his secrets eventually. When that day came, Asuna would understand.

For now, Rozen wanted her to live a peaceful, ordinary life—something she deserved. That alone would satisfy him.

"You only need to live a normal life and find the happiness you deserve. That's enough for me."

Rozen gently patted Asuna's head, his gaze filled with extraordinary tenderness.

Feeling Rozen's warmth, Asuna's eyes shimmered.

Although she didn't know the specifics, she understood that Rozen wasn't withholding information to deceive her but for her own good.

Perhaps Rozen did have many secrets, but his attitude assured Asuna that he wouldn't keep them from her forever. One day, he would tell her everything.

When that day came, Asuna's life would undoubtedly undergo an astonishing change.

Before that, Rozen wanted Asuna to enjoy a peaceful and normal life—exactly what she most desired.

"Well…"

Asuna hesitated before breaking the silence.

"After returning from my family home, my mom talked to me about something."

"Really?"

Rozen raised an eyebrow but didn't react much otherwise.

He had long suspected that Asuna's recent unease stemmed from something related to the Yuuki family—or more specifically, Yuuki Kyouko.

This explained her state of mind, which had been off ever since her return. It was also why Rozen had guided her towards Yuuki and the Sleeping Knights.

Now, Asuna was finally ready to share what had been on her mind.

"My mom said that since you refuse to transfer schools, I could apply for a transfer on my own."

Asuna spoke softly, explaining the reason for her distress.

"As expected…"

Rozen narrowed his eyes.

He had guessed as much: Asuna's mood change likely had something to do with Kyouko.

That wasn't surprising.

"She can't control me, her obstinate future son-in-law, but she can control you, her own daughter. Even if I'm 'unmotivated,' she believes making you transfer will either force me to follow you or make you realize my feelings for you aren't as deep as you think. She's every bit the sharp-tongued, ruthless political professor she's famous for."

Rozen's tone was calm as he analyzed Kyouko's intentions.

But none of that mattered. Kyouko's thoughts didn't concern Rozen.

What mattered to him was Asuna's decision.

"What do you plan to do?"

Rozen asked her straightforwardly.

Asuna took a deep breath before replying.

"I want to confront my mom."

That was Asuna's decision.

"I will not transfer schools."