-1789- The arranged future

"Transfer... schools?"

Asuna was astonished.

Utterly astonished.

Clearly, Asuna had never expected Kyouko to suddenly propose such an idea.

Even Rozen raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing, quietly waiting for Kyouko to continue.

In contrast, Shouzou and Kouichirou exchanged a glance, as if they had either known about this beforehand or had anticipated it. Both chose to remain silent.

In such a situation, Kyouko began to explain.

"I've already asked a friend of mine who's on the board of a high school to allow both of you to take the transfer exams for their third-year program. It's not like your current makeshift school—it's a prestigious high school with a credit system. For you two, you'd likely only need one semester to graduate. This way, you can enter university by September. The university affiliated with that high school is also a top institution. With excellent grades there, your future will be smooth, and you won't lose to anyone in society."

Kyouko had already made these arrangements.

But Asuna responded emotionally.

"I've never thought about transferring schools!"

That was what Asuna said.

"It's precisely because you haven't thought about it that I need to think for you," Kyouko replied, not in anger but rather as though it was the most natural thing in the world. "Listen, Asuna, you're already eighteen this year. You should have been in your third year of high school by now. Your middle school friends are taking their college entrance exams next week. Aren't you even a little anxious?"

At this point, Kyouko began exuding a strong presence.

"You're already two years behind kids your age, so you need to catch up on those two lost years. If you were just an ordinary child, I wouldn't demand this of you. But you're not like most people. Your intellect rivals Kouichirou's and even surpasses any child from our family. To waste such a natural talent would be a crime."

Strong emotions began to surface in Kyouko's gaze as she looked at Asuna.

"You have both the qualification and ability to enter a top university and receive a world-class education. You should do so. Whether you choose to contribute to government or corporate endeavors or remain in academia for research, I won't interfere. But I will not allow you to abandon these opportunities. It's for your own good."

Having said this, Kyouko turned her gaze to Rozen.

"As for you, Kirigaya, there's even less to say. Even though you come from an ordinary family and grew up in an orphanage, I've heard about your reputation as a prodigy since you were four years old. I've been told that your casual remarks in your regular courses have occasionally caused quite a stir in the Ministry of Education. There are many who believe you could earn a doctorate at your age. You've even managed to build connections with the government and hold such valuable cards in your hand. So, if you don't want to waste your potential, you should receive a higher education at a better school to shine even brighter."

In this regard, Kyouko truly admired Rozen.

"To be honest, in all my years at university, I've never seen a child as smart as you. You seem to hold a significant position even in those games you play, as a hero no less, proving you have leadership charm and capability. If managed well, your future achievements could surpass even the most prominent figures in our family. Whether you become a key pillar of the nation or one of the top figures in society, I believe it's entirely within your grasp. I see that potential in you."

This was also why Kyouko hadn't actively opposed the marriage between Rozen and Asuna.

"Just put in the effort, and starting this year, besides school, I can arrange for private tutors. When Kirigaya enters society, whether it's funding or connections, our family has no shortage. You will have the opportunity to lead an extraordinarily successful life. Therefore, I hope you both recognize reality and strive for credentials that no one can rival."

After saying all this, Kyouko let out a sigh.

"No matter what, I hope Asuna will have a good life. And I also hope you can provide her with one."

Kyouko then addressed Rozen directly.

"If you truly love Asuna, you should seriously consider what I've said."

"I've already prepared the application forms—one for each of you. You just need to sign, and I'll handle the rest."

"If you have no objections, you can agree right now."

Perhaps this had been Kyouko's true reason for inviting Rozen to celebrate the New Year here.

Her goal was to have Rozen and Asuna transfer schools and follow the path she had laid out for them.

Even if she wasn't fond of Rozen, this didn't stop Kyouko from seeing his potential.

Just like Sugo Nobuyuki, whom Shouzou trusted and had adopted as a foster son, Kyouko had never been particularly optimistic about Sugo, even though he was a successful individual, having become the head of the RECT research department for full-dive technology at a young age. His talents had been enough for Kyouko to keep silent about the engagement between him and Asuna.

Now, with Rozen, Kyouko saw even greater potential.

In her eyes, Rozen's abilities far outshone those of anyone from his generation or even those older than him. Figures like Sugo Nobuyuki paled in comparison. Kyouko firmly believed that Rozen would achieve extraordinary things in the future, even surpassing the most accomplished members of the family.

By then, Kyouko would consider her mission accomplished.

In summary, Kyouko was willing to dedicate herself to helping Rozen and Asuna reach the pinnacle of their lives. As long as they put in the effort, she would spare no resources to ensure they shine brilliantly.

Otherwise, Kyouko wouldn't have prepared even Rozen's application form or suggested they transfer schools together, showing that she had already acknowledged their engagement, despite her dissatisfaction with how they were currently wasting time at their school.

"Mom, you…"

Asuna hadn't expected things to turn out this way and suddenly found herself at a loss for words.

"I actually think your mom is right. You should seriously think about it."

Shouzou finally spoke, also supporting Kyouko's proposal.

"Sigh…"

Kouichirou, seeing the current situation, realized he couldn't say anything to help the two and silently sighed.

Only Rozen, who had been observing from beginning to end, remained silent.

Until…

"I heard from Asuna that you're against me visiting the Yuuki family's ancestral home, right?"

Rozen suddenly asked this question.

The unexpected query left everyone momentarily stunned, even Kyouko.

////I'm so glad I have a normal mom.... ////