"….."
Seeing the worry in Asuna's eyes, almost overflowing, Rozen was completely at a loss for words.
He had more or less expected this reaction.
After all, having said what he just did, how could Asuna not be worried?
If Rozen hadn't been so certain that no one could help him, then no matter what happened, this girl would probably have gone with him to face it herself.
Now, since everyone already knew about this situation but could do nothing to help, it was easy to imagine how Asuna must be feeling.
Originally, it would have been better if Rozen hadn't told her. That way, this girl wouldn't have to worry so much.
But even though Rozen anticipated this, he still chose to tell her.
"I know you feel frustrated, worried, and upset that I'm involved in such a huge incident, and that there's nothing you can do to help me, forced to just watch me face it alone. No matter how you look at it, it's unfair."
Rozen held Asuna's hand and looked up at everyone.
"I already expected things to turn out this way, but I still wanted to tell you all. I don't want to make any more excuses. It's because I believe that you'll be here waiting for me, once again celebrating even a single reunion, just like today."
Rozen's gaze swept across all his friends present, finally resting on a smile.
"Rest assured."
"Don't you know my abilities?"
"Even in a situation like this, I will solve it perfectly, and I will show you."
"So don't feel frustrated, don't feel worried."
"Believe me, I will come back again."
Rozen's words were strong and clear, reaching each of his friends. One by one, they looked at him and finally nodded heavily.
"We believe you, Papa."
Yui, as if she could feel everyone else's emotions, gave Rozen a big smile.
Rozen immediately smiled in return.
Finally, Rozen told everyone that he would leave tomorrow.
"The next time we meet, it won't be too long."
Rozen smiled at everyone as he spoke.
One by one, everyone nodded again, gazing at Rozen, imprinting his smile deep in their memories so they would never forget.
Afterward, the celebration continued.
Only this time, amidst the joy, there was a faint hint of melancholy.
Asuna held Rozen's hand the entire time, watching him. Though the worry in her eyes hadn't faded, a hint of determination appeared.
In that moment, Asuna made a decision.
...
The celebration ended at some point, though no one knew exactly when.
Rozen also logged out, leaving the game.
No one said goodbye.
No one lingered or hesitated.
Because, in the end, as Rozen had said, they chose to believe him — to believe that a true reunion would come soon.
After logging out, Rozen immediately left the Kirigaya residence.
The reason was simple: Asuna had asked him to meet her.
The location was the same advanced medical facility in Tokorozawa as before.
"Why meet here?"
Rozen stood at the entrance of the hospital again, his eyes full of curiosity.
He knew Asuna must have something to say.
But why she chose this place, he couldn't guess.
"Could it have something to do with today's anomaly?"
Thinking this, Rozen's heart tightened as he hurried inside.
Using Wise Eye to observe, Rozen knew Asuna's location: the hospital rooftop.
Back when Asuna was hospitalized, Rozen often helped her up there.
To give patients a comfortable environment, the rooftop had been designed as a garden, with beautiful scenery to lift one's spirits.
When Rozen arrived, Asuna was standing with her back to him, hands resting on the rooftop railing, gazing at the sky, lost in thought.
"Woosh———!"
A gentle wind blew, lifting her chestnut hair.
The girl faced the sunset, using the evening as a backdrop. Even from behind, she was indescribably beautiful.
Seeing her, Rozen's anxious heart gradually calmed.
Honestly, Rozen had seen people more beautiful than Asuna, yet he had never seen anyone more comforting than her.
This girl was ordinary in every way, with only a slightly smarter mind, better grades, and a decent family background. In other worlds, any woman he knew might be stronger or more remarkable.
Yet Rozen still felt Asuna was the brightest star in his life, the one and only.
She was ordinary, yet strong.
She was weak, yet brave enough to face any difficulty.
Frankly, her inner strength could rival any woman Rozen knew.
That was why he was drawn to her, feeling at ease with her, never thinking her weak or in need of protection.
Rozen quietly walked over.
Unfortunately, he still drew her attention.
Asuna turned around, brushing aside the hair lifted by the wind, her eyes fixed intently on Rozen.
Rozen noticed she was holding a report in her hands.
"This is…?"
Rozen was slightly stunned.
Asuna didn't answer immediately. She stared at him for a moment, then took a deep breath.
"Actually, the one who came for a check-up today isn't Yuuki… it's me."
Asuna said this, summoning her courage.
"…Can I say I kind of guessed?"
Rozen gave a wry smile.
He had indeed guessed.
He wasn't stupid; seeing Asuna's abnormal behavior and Yuuki's awkward cooperation, how could he not have suspected?
Moreover, Asuna's spiritual energy had already been problematic.
Given the circumstances, how could Rozen not guess that it was Asuna who had the issue during the check-up?
Still, Rozen wasn't particularly worried.
"You know I have the elixirs that can cure any illness. No matter what happens to your body, I can…"
Rozen began to reassure Asuna, trying to ease her worries.
However, before he could finish, he stopped.
Because…
"I'm pregnant."
From Asuna's mouth, these words were spoken.
"Pregnant? That's okay, with my elixirs, no matter what illness, it can…"
Rozen instinctively began to respond without pause, but suddenly stopped.
"…What did you say?"
Rozen finally seemed to comprehend, staring at Asuna in shock.
Seeing this, Asuna's face flushed red, her heart racing, full of nervousness.
But despite blushing, she gritted her teeth and spoke loudly, as if throwing caution to the wind.
"I'm pregnant!"
Those words hit like a thunderclap.
Rozen was completely stunned, dumbfounded.