Miracle Summoner

Actually, even Asuna herself didn't expect that she would care so much about the people from the "Sleeping Knights."

Although Asuna indeed enjoyed the atmosphere of the "Sleeping Knights" and considered them all good friends, caring to this extent still felt a bit strange.

But Asuna just couldn't control herself.

For the past few days, the image of Yuuki's last smile had been constantly on her mind.

That smile, filled with endless sadness and longing.

Every time she thought of that smile, Asuna couldn't help but feel uneasy inside, and a strong impulse to meet Yuuki again surged within her.

However, Yuuki was no longer in ALO, and even the other members of the "Sleeping Knights" had disappeared. Asuna could only be troubled by this every day, unable to find peace.

Now, after being asked by Rozen and seeing his gentle gaze, Asuna felt a desire to pour out everything to him.

So...

"I just want to see Yuuki again."

Asuna said what was truly in her heart.

After all, what Asuna really wanted was to meet Yuuki again like this.

Only by meeting Yuuki again could Asuna understand the meaning of that smile.

Otherwise, Asuna felt that she would never be able to let go and would carry it with her for the rest of her life.

Rozen naturally saw through Asuna's thoughts, and with a slight sigh, he said:

"It's very likely that you're just overthinking it."

Rozen deliberately said, "You also mentioned that the reason Yuuki and the others invited you to join them in defeating the boss was because the 'Sleeping Knights' were about to disband. They all had their own things to do in real life, and wouldn't be able to keep logging in. So, it's normal that they're no longer online."

That could be the truth.

When you really thought about it and remembered the purpose of the "Sleeping Knights" and Yuuki's situation, it seemed quite natural that they weren't online anymore.

Now that the "Sleeping Knights" had successfully defeated the floor boss and left the names of all their members on the Monument of Swordsmen in the first town of Aincrad, they had fulfilled their purpose of coming to this world. It was only natural for them to disband and return to reality, just as they had said before.

From now on, they really wouldn't be logging in often, or even at all, and that was also possible.

So, Asuna...

"You don't really need to care so much, do you?"

Rozen gazed at Asuna, as if trying to see through her heart.

Asuna had of course considered this.

She had already thought of Yuuki and the others' words about disbanding, so she knew very well that it was normal if they didn't log in anymore.

However...

"I still really want to see Yuuki again." Asuna looked directly into Rozen's eyes and said seriously, "I don't know why, but I just want to see Yuuki again. If I can't do that, I think I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Asuna spoke with such sincerity.

"Mama..." Yui embraced Asuna and looked directly into her face, unsure of what to say.

Rozen also fell silent.

After a while...

"Looks like it's still like this."

Rozen suddenly smiled and said this.

"Huh?"

Asuna was taken aback.

Seeing this, Rozen tapped Asuna's nose lightly.

"I knew it. Even if you successfully completed the quest and achieved your goal, you wouldn't be able to treat this as though nothing had happened and just return to your normal life," Rozen said bluntly. "I could see that, and so could Yuuki."

"Yuuki...?" Asuna was stunned.

Looking at the confused Asuna, Rozen smiled faintly.

"Actually, during the victory party, I had a little chat with Yuuki."

Rozen revealed this unknown piece of information.

The conversation that day was shared by Rozen and entered Asuna's ears.

...

"Ha..."

As the victory party was nearing its end, everyone was cleaning up inside the small cabin and chatting happily when Rozen slowly walked out of the living room, stepped outside the cabin, and looked at the pine forest. He held a cup of wine in his hand and let out a breath as if taking a break.

Since the food and drinks were provided by Rozen, everyone decided that they would take care of the cleanup, and Rozen was allowed to rest outside.

Rozen was more than happy to relax, leaving the living room and going outside to enjoy the view.

At that moment...

"Ah, today was really fun."

With such an energetic voice, the Imp girl came out as well, leaning against the wooden fence and standing next to Rozen, gazing at the scenery outside.

"Yuuki?" Rozen noticed Yuuki and was first startled, then smiled faintly and said, "What's up? Sneaking off to slack off?"

"Ah haha." Yuuki scratched her head and smiled. "I can't help it. I'm terrible at cleaning. Once I start, if I get too into it, I'll start playing and make things even messier. Just now, I almost swung the furniture like a sword. Everyone kicked me out."

This mischievous?

But, Yuuki showing up was actually quite timely.

"So, what are you planning to do next?"

Rozen wanted to talk to Yuuki properly.

It seemed that Yuuki had the same idea, purposely making a mess and coming outside to find Rozen?

The evidence was...

"Honestly, I'm really troubled."

Yuuki almost immediately stopped smiling and looked at the scenery outside, her voice lowering.

"Originally, I planned to disband the 'Sleeping Knights' after leaving our names on the 'Monument of Swordsmen,' but now, I'm so happy that I'm hesitating. I don't know whether I should really do it."

Saying that, Yuuki gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Even though I know it has to end, at the last moment, I'm becoming reluctant. If my sister knew, she would probably laugh and scold me for not growing up."

It seemed that Yuuki was letting it all out now, mentioning her own concerns. Unlike before, when she would dodge the topic, she was being quite open now.

Rozen knew that Yuuki had something to say to him.

As expected...

"Although it's not good, no, it's really bad, but at this point when we're about to disband, we've dragged you and Asuna into our lives. I'm really sorry about that."

Yuuki turned to Rozen.

"But there's one thing I want to ask you."

Yuuki's gaze was very serious.

Then, Yuuki made this request.

"Can you please not tell Asuna about my situation? Please help her completely forget about me and the 'Sleeping Knights.'"

This was Yuuki's request.