-1611- Make a deal

Rozen indeed didn't think very highly of Sugo Nobuyuki.

It wasn't because Rozen, being a magus, possessed extraordinary and mysterious powers, that he looked down on ordinary people.

Rozen never looked down on ordinary people. Otherwise, he wouldn't have willingly become an adopted child in a simple family in this world.

However, earning Rozen's respect wasn't something that could be achieved through social status or powerful connections.

And Sugo Nobuyuki wasn't just a technical staff member of RECT; he was also an expert in FullDive technology, serving as the head of the FullDive research department at RECT. In many ways, he was a highly successful and talented individual.

But success in itself is one thing; using success to oppress others is another matter entirely.

So, Rozen didn't mind teaching Sugo Nobuyuki a lesson on how to conduct oneself.

And in a way that left no room for rebuttal.

"Mr. Yuuki," Rozen once again ignored Sugo Nobuyuki's presence and turned to Yuuki Shouzou, saying, "From now on, I will cover all the expenses and care for Asuna while she is here."

With that one sentence, both Yuuki Shouzou and Sugo Nobuyuki were left stunned.

But before the two could respond, Rozen had already turned around.

"I'm going to make a phone call."

Leaving those words behind, Rozen left the hospital room and stepped outside.

Shortly after, Rozen pulled out his phone and made a call.

It didn't take long for the call to connect.

Before the other person could say anything, Rozen immediately spoke.

"Let's make a deal."

As he spoke, Rozen briefly explained the terms of the deal, leaving the person on the other end in shock.

But Rozen paid no attention to that and simply continued.

"I have two conditions."

"First: Provide the best medical care and attention for Asuna."

"Second: I want a large sum of money."

After saying this, Rozen went silent, waiting for a reply.

A short while later, the person on the other end seemed to have calmed down and gave an answer.

"Alright."

...

About five minutes later, Rozen returned to the hospital room after finishing his call.

However, upon his return, Rozen didn't say anything further to Yuuki Shouzou or Sugo Nobuyuki. Instead, he quietly sat down next to Asuna, took her hand.

Seeing Rozen like this, Yuuki Shouzou opened his mouth several times but couldn't bring himself to say a word.

As for Sugo Nobuyuki, he didn't even need mentioning. Watching Rozen hold Asuna's hand, his face twisted slightly in frustration.

Both of them wanted to ask Rozen what he was doing.

But intimidated by Rozen's presence and aura, neither of them could utter a single word.

If outsiders witnessed this scene, they would likely be utterly speechless in shock.

Two prominent figures—one the CEO of RECT, a comprehensive electronics manufacturer, and the other the head of its FullDive technology research department—who had attended countless major events and met many influential people, were now unable to speak in the presence of a mere teenager. The situation was truly baffling.

And this bizarre situation persisted for an unknown amount of time.

That was until the electronic door of the hospital room suddenly opened, and an elderly man in a white lab coat, accompanied by a group of professionals, entered, marking the end of the stalemate.

"Director?"

Yuuki Shouzou was the first to stand up, showing a look of surprise.

The elderly man at the head of the group was the hospital director, someone Yuuki Shouzou had met several times before.

However, the group of professionals behind him were people Yuuki Shouzou had never seen.

In response, the director glanced around the room, and upon seeing Rozen sitting by the bedside, he quickly bowed his head slightly.

Then, the director turned to Yuuki Shouzou.

"Allow me to introduce these people to you," the director said, gesturing to the professionals behind him. "These ladies are specialists sent by the state, tasked with overseeing the treatment and care of Ms. Yuuki Asuna."

"Sent by the state?" Yuuki Shouzou was dumbfounded.

"Why?" Sugo Nobuyuki was equally shocked.

In response, the director patiently explained.

"According to Mr. Kirigaya Aoka's request, from today onward, all of Ms. Yuuki Asuna's medical expenses will be fully covered by the state, and a team of professionals will be responsible for her treatment and care."

These words hit Yuuki Shouzou and Sugo Nobuyuki like two heavy hammers, striking them directly in the head.

Both men turned to Rozen, their eyes filled with disbelief.

It was only natural, right?

No one expected that such a young man, Rozen, could mobilize national-level resources.

Wasn't he an orphan?

Wasn't he an adopted child from an ordinary family?

How could he have such influence?

Rozen, however, remained indifferent to everything happening before him. His gaze shifted toward Yuuki Shouzou.

"Mr. Yuuki, I wonder if you can now agree to let Asuna marry me?"

Rozen simply asked this one question.

"This..."

Yuuki Shouzou was truly at a loss for words.

Seeing this, Rozen smirked slightly and spoke up.

"Alright, I won't force you, Mr. Yuuki. After all, deciding on Asuna's future marriage while she's still unconscious wouldn't be fair. Once she wakes up, I'm sure she won't let this slide." Rozen continued, "So, let's make a deal."

"A deal?" Yuuki Shouzou instinctively asked, "What kind of deal?"

"It's simple," Rozen replied bluntly. "Since you initially planned to have Asuna married by next month, let's make an agreement until then."

An agreement on what?

"Before next month arrives, I will wake Asuna up."

Rozen declared firmly, ignoring the shock of those present.

"Once Asuna wakes up, she will decide for herself whom she wants to marry."

This was the agreement Rozen made, or perhaps it was more of a promise.

"Wake Asuna up...?"

Yuuki Shouzou trembled.

Soon after, Yuuki Shouzou took a deep breath and stared at Rozen intently.

"If you can truly wake Asuna up and gain her approval, I will agree to your marriage."

Yuuki Shouzou finally made his decision.

"President...!?" Sugo Nobuyuki was horrified.

"Enough, don't say another word." Yuuki Shouzou, resolute in his decision, said to Sugo Nobuyuki, "I know you care deeply for Asuna, but if she wakes up and makes her own decision, I believe you won't object, will you?"

Object?

Even if he did, after Yuuki Shouzou said that, it was impossible to voice it aloud, right?

Not to mention, it wasn't something that could be said in the first place.

Otherwise, wouldn't it be tantamount to admitting that Sugo Nobuyuki didn't want Asuna to wake up?

"...I understand."

Sugo Nobuyuki could only change his expression several times before finally bowing his head in silence.

"Is everything settled?" Rozen then spoke coldly. "In that case, Director, please remember that until Asuna wakes up, aside from Mr. Yuuki and other immediate family members, no one may disturb her without my permission. Otherwise, I may pursue legal action against you."

"You...!" Sugo Nobuyuki's eyes widened.

"I... I understand!" The director hastily agreed.