-403- Hard to hold back the jealousy

And so, three days passed.

During these three days, Rozen, Asuna, and Yui had truly become like a family, living a life that was no longer filled with excitement but was undeniably warm.

Though their days were ordinary, consisting of simple meals, casual conversations, and everyday routines, everything felt precious because of its simplicity.

In this world, there were many who aspired to such a life, but how many could truly achieve it?

Even for players who stayed within the safe zone, they had to rack their brains daily to earn some col for a chance at this kind of contentment. Pursuing such a peaceful life seemed nearly impossible.

Therefore, these days were also treasured by Rozen and Asuna, who often found themselves at the frontlines of battles. They were gradually immersing themselves in this daily life, feeling content beyond measure.

And, with Yui's presence, an unspoken sense of responsibility added to their joy. They resembled parents who had to take care of their child, and Rozen and Asuna were embracing this role with open hearts.

Of course, the joy wasn't limited to just Rozen and Asuna; it extended to Saichou and Hanachou as well.

Since Yui had arrived, these two rainbow butterflies had stuck to her like glue. They spent each day playing together:

Sometimes, they chased each other in the open space outside the cabin.

Other times, they played hide and seek in the nearby forest.

Occasionally, Yui watched in delight as the two butterflies danced in mid-air.

And sometimes, they ventured further to search for wild fruits together.

The melodious laughter of the young girl and the pleasant cries of the rainbow butterflies filled the air around the cabin, creating a heavenly atmosphere.

Speaking of Yui, during these three days, she seemed to be gradually recovering. Her speech became more like that of a regular person, and at times, she even made mature remarks.

However, Yui remained a little girl at heart. Every night, she insisted that Rozen and Asuna sleep with her, and she couldn't bear even one of them missing.

In this situation, Rozen and Asuna found themselves gradually getting used to sleeping beside each other. The initial nervousness and discomfort lessened over time, and every night, they fell asleep alongside Yui as if it were the most natural thing.

If anyone from the outside were to witness this, they would undoubtedly say one thing: "You might as well get married."

Rozen and Asuna, of course, were aware of each other's presence but deliberately chose not to acknowledge it, continuing to live together like a real family.

Yui began to rely on them more and more as time went on.

However, during this time, strange occurrences still happened around Yui.

Sometimes she would stare into the distance with a distant look in her eyes.

Other times, she mumbled incoherent words in her sleep.

Occasionally, she would tremble as if scared and seek refuge in Rozen or Asuna's arms.

At times, she even seemed to be in pain, clutching her head and emitting soft moans.

All of these signs indicated that there might be unresolved issues with Yui. But whenever Rozen and Asuna contemplated taking action, Yui would suddenly return to her usual self, calling out "Mama" and "Papa" with her innocent voice as if nothing unusual had occurred.

Seeing Yui like this, Rozen and Asuna could only hide their worries deep within their hearts and continue to accompany the young girl, living their lives as a family of three.

Until one day...

"Ding!"

On the sofa in the living room, Rozen was eloquently telling Yui a certain horror story. Yui sat there with wide eyes, her face filled with tension, when suddenly, an icon appeared before Rozen.

"A message?"

Rozen paused, his eyes narrowing as if he already knew who had sent the message.

"Papa?"

Yui seems to notice something as she looked up in confusion.

"It's nothing." Rozen reached out, gently patting Yui's head. "Papa needs to step out for a moment. How about you go to the kitchen and help Mama?"

Three days had passed, and the Rozen who initially felt the helplessness of becoming a father had completely disappeared. His tone when he referred to himself as "Papa" sounded natural and proficient.

Although Yui didn't understand what had happened, she obediently nodded her head, hopped off the sofa, and ran into the kitchen.

"Gu!"

"Gu!"

Saichou and Hanachou, on the other hand, immediately abandoned their owner and chased after Yui without any hesitation.

"These two..."

Rozen sighed in both resignation and amusement before standing up from the sofa.

At that moment, Asuna peeked out from the kitchen.

"Rozen?"

Seemingly having heard something from Yui, Asuna leaned out with an inquisitive look directed at Rozen.

In response, Rozen only said one thing.

"I'll be back in a bit."

His brief words resembled a husband's parting to his wife.

It seemed that during these three days of a warm life, Asuna had awakened her role as a wife. She nodded at Rozen, smiling.

"Be careful on the way."

Rozen responded with a smile, then, under her gaze, he left the living room, opened the front door, and stepped out of the little cabin.

....

Outside the cabin, in the pine forest.

Rozen, just as before, entered the forest and approached a tree.

"Living the good life, aren't we, ZenZen?"

Playful words filled with teasing and hidden laughter came from the information broker leaning against the tree. Rozen could see the mockery in her eyes, impossible to conceal.

Rozen could only squint his eyes.

"Can I say that your reaction upon seeing me is exactly as I expected?"

Rozen said somewhat wearily.

Argo spread her hands, looking helpless.

"Why did you have to hide in a place where no one can find you and do something that makes everyone jealous? I've been quite nice not to rat you out."

It sounded heartless, but it was the truth, wasn't it?

"Living together with the almost national idol, Little Asuna, and even having such a cute daughter, your life is so comfortable. It's hard to hold back the jealousy."

Argo said with that tone.

Rozen exploded in anger.

"It's one thing if a man says something like that! What's a woman like you, acting like a single dog?"

Rozen shouted, causing Argo to burst into laughter.

Actually, this little mouse just wanted to tease Rozen; she wasn't genuinely envious or jealous, was she?

And then...

"I have some information regarding the matter you asked me to investigate."

Argo brought the conversation back to the point.