-760- How about selling it to me instead?

In the academy, there is no one unfamiliar with Rozen's name.

Tied with the top-ranked "Marshal" in combat, Rozen is a mysterious transfer student. Defeating the Disciplinary Committee, exposing the misconduct of its chairman, Felix Kingsfort, earned Rozen the second position in the academy.

These are well-known achievements among students and professors. Additionally, Rozen single-handedly annihilated the entire "Divine Works," including notable figures like Bronson. However, only a select few are aware of this.

Even with such accomplishments, Rozen's reputation in the academy is already quite high, catching the attention of major powers.

Despite this, Io hadn't apparently confirmed Rozen's identity before recognizing the "Setsugetsuka." It's an unprecedented situation. Rozen even blinked and smiled in a somewhat helpless manner.

"So, you know me, Professor Iliad."

Rozen said these somewhat peculiar words.

"Just call me Io."

Io nonchalantly responded, her eyes, however, emitting an even stronger radiance.

"I've heard about you, Rorelai Arnett. The sponsor behind your back is Master Karyusai. You use automatons from the 'Setsugetsuka' series, the 'Moon' automatons, allowing you to compete evenly with Magnus's team. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time, and unexpectedly, today is the day."

It seems this professor, like Rozen, has been eager to meet the other for quite some time. Io, just as well-informed about Rozen as he is about her, probably has been keeping an eye on him for a while.

Io enthusiastically spoke up.

"Even more unexpected is that you not only have the 'Moon' automatons with you but also the 'Snow' and 'Flower' automatons. You've truly obtained the renowned 'Setsugetsuka' series. It's really... really admirable!"

At this point, with an air that made others step back, Io approached Rozen, smiling at him.

"Rorelai Arnett."

Io said this sentence with great excitement.

"Could you please sell all the 'Setsugetsuka' automatons to me?"

This extraordinarily talented professor made such a request.

"Sell them to you?"

Rozen raised an eyebrow once again. Even the automaton sisters, who usually display a somewhat distant attitude, seemed taken aback and a bit fearful of Io.

"Um... Does this somewhat scary lady want to buy us?"

Komurasaki said timidly.

"..."

Irori furrowed her brow, her expression turning serious.

"... Ro... Rozen?"

Yaya, on the other hand, looked somewhat uneasy, shifting her gaze to Rozen.

As the pinnacle of the field of artificial automatons, the world's strongest automatons, the "Setsugetsuka" series, particularly the trio of Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki, have been sought after by various parties.

The Japanese military, in particular, has attempted multiple times to acquire them from Karyusai Shouko's hands.

It's essential to note that "Oborofuji," personally crafted by Karyusai Shouko, possesses formidable terrain-altering abilities, even in the hands of an average puppeteer. The Japanese military recognized its potential and classified "Oborofuji" as the highest combat force and a national secret, with "Setsugetsuka" acknowledged to be even superior to "Oborofuji."

Irori has the power to freeze an entire city effortlessly. Yaya boasts invincible defense. Komurasaki can immerse any intelligent being in an inescapable illusion.

While the sisters' powers are not easily unleashed and require a puppeteer with mastery of "Mind's Eye" to fully utilize, their utility cannot be overlooked.

Irori, for instance, nearly injured Rozen without an external supply of magical energy. The sisters collectively possess tremendous combat capabilities.

Yaya, even without invincible abilities, possesses astonishing defensive capabilities. She can also apply 'Kongouriki' to puppeteers, making her an ideal guardian for important figures.

Then there's Komurasaki, capable of deceiving others' five senses, making her the perfect spy, assassin, and operative.

From a national perspective, the three sisters are considered extremely valuable assets. If not for Shouko Karyusai's sufficient influence and connections in the military, it's likely that 'Setsugetsuka' would have been forcibly requisitioned.

So, the desire to purchase the "Setsugetsuka" from Karyusai Shouko is not uncommon, with collectors, artists, and even individuals with sinister motives expressing interest. Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki have encountered such situations before.

When Yaya used to disdain humans, avoided contact with men, and immersed herself in her own value, there were valid reasons for her character traits.

Now, faced with a similar situation again, Irori and Komurasaki, like Yaya, appeared somewhat uneasy, even though Irori and Komurasaki cannot be considered as Rozen's possessions.

In this situation, Rozen spoke without hesitation.

"Sorry, but they are not for sale. They belong to me for a lifetime, and no one else can have them." Rozen stated decisively.

"Rozen...!"

"Rozen-sama...!"

"Rozen...!"

Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki immediately felt relieved and expressed gratitude towards Rozen.

On the contrary, Io became a bit stubborn.

"But I really want a piece from Master Karyusai, not to mention 'Setsugetsuka.' This is a rare opportunity. Just sell it to me. Don't judge me by appearances; my research budget is quite high. I can pay you the price of several warships. Just sell it to me!"

Io was persistent and even offered a staggering price. However, for the 'Setsugetsuka' series, such a price was not unusual.

Unfortunately...

"I said it's not for sale."

Rozen directly shut down the conversation, focusing on Io.

"On the other hand, I am very interested in your research findings. How about selling it to me instead?"

Rozen's calm words left Io momentarily stunned.