-405- Want to continue living like this

After Argo left, Rozen returned to the small cabin as if nothing had happened, continuing to live with Asuna and Yui.

Although Asuna knew Rozen had met with Argo and gave him inquiring looks, but Rozen chose not to share all the information he had learned from Argo.

He didn't want to burden Asuna unnecessarily, considering that she had fully embraced Yui as her daughter.If Rozen were to tell Asuna that Yui's identity still remained a mystery and there was even a possibility she might not be a player, it might cause Asuna unnecessary anxiety.

Therefore, Rozen decided it was better not to tell Asuna about this matter for the time being.

Rozen explained to Asuna that Argo's investigation was ongoing and required more time.

Asuna had some suspicions about why Rozen had to make a trip when he could have simply sent a message, but since Rozen explained it that way, she decided not to dwell on it and continued preparing food for Rozen and Yui.

As for Yui, she remained her usual innocent self, with no suspicions about Rozen's activities. She continued to cling to Rozen as always, being incredibly adorable.

And so, another night fell upon them.

After dinner, a bath, and preparations for bedtime, the three of them, Rozen, Asuna, and Yui, settled into bed together.

"I want to sleep with Mama and Papa."

Yui, who had persistently made this request over the past few days, said it like second nature. Rozen and Asuna smiled wryly, no longer resisting as they did on the first day. They returned to the room with Yui, and all three of them lay on the same bed.

Naturally, Saichou and Hanachou were still accompanying them, already fast asleep at the head of the bed.

As Yui drifted off to sleep, lulled by Asuna's gentle lullaby, Rozen and Asuna found themselves unable to sleep. They watched over Yui, observing her adorable sleeping face. After a while, Asuna broke the silence with a melancholic question.

"How long can we keep living like this?"

The question seemed to slip out of Asuna's lips unintentionally, and by the time she realized she had said it aloud, Rozen had already heard her. Rozen paused his hand, which had been gently brushing Yui's bangs.

"How long...huh?" Rozen asked softly.

However, after a short while, Rozen resumed his gentle motion of smoothing Yui's bangs, and then he spoke softly.

"It'll either be when we're called back to the front lines, or when Yui finds where she truely belongs."

Rozen's words were like the final checkpoint that signaled the end of their life as a family of three.

He spoke these words with sincerity, making Asuna feel a mixture of sadness and reluctance.

Because telling Asuna this would essentially reveal that such a life couldn't be sustained indefinitely and that one day it would come to an end.

The day when Rozen and Asuna return to the front lines or when Yui regains her memories and goes back to where she truly belongs will mark the end of this period.

After all, Rozen and Asuna couldn't continue this reclusive life forever.

As for Asuna, she might be the vice-commander of the Knights of the Blood Oath, but the guild didn't rely solely on her. With Heathcliff in charge, it wouldn't be a catastrophe if Asuna were absent; at most, it would just mean the loss of a powerful player.

However, Rozen was different. He was the leader of the clearing group, the guild leader of the Crimson Wing, and even the hope of all SAO players.

If Rozen didn't return to the front lines, it would be a significant loss for all players. For the clearing group, it would be a devastating blow, and the existence of the clearing group wouldn't be sustained any longer. In that case, players would have to sacrifice their lives to defeat the floor bosses, leading to deep despair and fear, and making it impossible to continue clearing the floors.

Given this situation, Rozen would undoubtedly have to return to the front lines.

The closed beta players need him.

The clearing group players need him.

All players in this world need him.

Aware of this, Asuna knew from the beginning that her and Rozen's life would eventually come to an end.

And the same goes for Yui; she can't stay here indefinitely.

She likely has her own home.

She probably has her own family and companions.

If she recovers her memories, Yui will surely choose to return, right?

In summary, Asuna has known from the start that this period of life would come to an end, but it's precisely because she knows that she feels sad.

If possible...

"I really want to continue living like this," Asuna couldn't help but speak softly, expressing her true feelings.

Rozen didn't know what to say and could only ask with a wry smile, "So, you don't want to return to the real world?"

Facing Rozen's question, Asuna pondered for a moment before giving her response.

"Of course, I want to go back."

Yes, she wanted to return. Who wouldn't?

However...

"While I want to return, I also don't want to lose the memories of living here. Even though it took me a while to realize it, over these two years, I've finally lived as myself, not just responding to others' expectations like a puppet."

Asuna voiced her inner thoughts for the first time.

"So, the life in this world has become important to me too."

This was a thought that the old Asuna would never have had. But now, it felt entirely natural to her.

Especially after these recent experiences, Asuna felt a happiness like no other.

Even in just these ten days, she can confidently tell everyone..

"I absolutely don't regret coming to this world."

Asuna could finally say these words with absolute certainty.

Compared to the past, when Asuna fought desperately to return to the real world and denied everything in this world, believing that everything in this world was false, the current Asuna has truly become radiant.

"Is that so."

Rozen didn't offer any comments on her statement. He simply smiled faintly and gazed up at the ceiling.

Asuna, too, followed Rozen's lead and looked in the direction of the ceiling.

For a while...

"Let's sleep."

Rozen spoke softly, his voice low.

"Em."

Asuna replied with a soft acknowledgment.

They closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep together. Even though they knew that these days would eventually come to an end, Rozen and Asuna silently agreed to cherish every moment they had, not wasting a single second.

However, little did they both know that these days would come to an end sooner than they could have imagined.