Chapter 1806: -1786- The circulating atmosphere
The atmosphere in the hall began to grow heavy.
Yuuki Kyouko simply looked at Rozen, and with just one action, everyone else in the Yuuki family stopped whatever they were doing and fell silent.
Even Asuna felt her heart tighten again, her delicate face becoming tense.
Taking all this in, Rozen deeply gazed at Yuuki Kyouko.
This rumored mother of Asuna might appear to be just a woman, but she was far from simple.
Although the head of the Yuuki family was undoubtedly Yuuki Shouzou, even he did not dare act presumptuously in front of Kyouko.
This was because Yuuki Kyouko, despite coming from a humble rural background, had climbed her way up through sheer ability, entering a prestigious university and making her mark in society.
She eventually became a teacher at a prestigious institution, and after marrying Yuuki Shouzou, she used her sharp wit and ruthless political maneuvers to defeat all her academic rivals, becoming a full professor at the age of 49 last year. Many men instinctively feared her and avoided direct confrontation.
Even her husband, Yuuki Shouzou, would go to great lengths to avoid disagreements with her at home. The strict upbringing of the Yuuki children could largely be attributed to Kyouko, while Shouzou was mainly focused on his company, often too preoccupied to notice the nuances of his surroundings. Even though he was no longer the CEO, he was still busy traveling abroad to negotiate partnerships with foreign capital.
It was this personality that led Shouzou to trust Sugo Nobuyuki, which in turn caused his daughter to suffer. Shouzou was competent in business but severely lacked the ability to read people.
Of course, it was also due to Shouzou's personality that Rozen was able to establish an engagement with Asuna. Despite knowing about Rozen's relationship with Asuna in SAO, Shouzou met Rozen for the first time and quickly agreed to their marriage. This showcased his lack of judgment in personal matters.
As a result, Shouzou was often away for work, leaving almost everything at home to be decided by Kyouko. Even the children's education was primarily planned and supervised by her.
In other words, the Yuuki household's current atmosphere and challenges were largely influenced by this mother.
Everyone in the Yuuki family was well aware of Kyouko's dislike for Rozen. Now, as she stared at him with a blank expression, the heavy atmosphere in the room grew even more oppressive.
If it were anyone else, being stared down by someone like Kyouko in such an atmosphere would likely leave them flustered and unsettled.
Unfortunately for Kyouko, her authority had absolutely no effect on Rozen, who remained calm and composed.
In fact, Kyouko's dislike for Rozen stemmed largely from his attitude.
Having long recognized Kyouko as the source of Asuna's suffocating childhood and family life, Rozen had never shown her much respect. His disregard for Kyouko's authority was evident, and this had soured their first meeting in Asuna's hospital room. From then on, Kyouko's impression of Rozen had only worsened.
As someone who had spent years in a position of authority and who held herself in high esteem, Kyouko naturally judged Rozen's value from her perspective. Their mutual dislike was therefore inevitable, with Rozen openly defying her and Kyouko singlehandedly devaluing him.
That being said, Rozen still upheld basic manners.
"Sorry to interrupt."
Rozen spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, bowing politely to the Yuuki family before raising the bag he had been holding.
"This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."
Having been meticulously trained in etiquette by Natsuki, Rozen's gesture was flawless and beyond reproach, resembling that of a nobleman. It was so impeccable that even Kyouko had to admit that, despite his humble origins, Rozen carried himself like the scion of a prestigious family. His behavior was nearly perfect, even eliciting a sense of goodwill.
Yuuki Shouzou and Yuuki Kouichirou were both smiling warmly, clearly impressed and satisfied by Rozen's demeanor.
"Don't say such things. We're already very glad you could come," Shouzou said with enthusiasm. "Come, have a seat. We're all family, no need to be formal."
Shouzou's attitude toward Rozen was quite friendly.
This was the current dynamic in the Yuuki household: the father and elder brother were supportive of Rozen, while the mother remained distant. Nonetheless, Kyouko hadn't opposed the engagement and seemed content to quietly observe, perhaps still evaluating Rozen.
"Thank you."
Rozen approached and took a seat on the sofa.
Asuna, of course, followed closely, sitting beside him and remaining silent throughout.
"Sata-san, please make some tea for Kirigaya-kun," Shouzou instructed a nearby maid.
"Yes."
The maid, named Sata, bowed deeply before wheeling the tea cart forward to prepare tea for Rozen.
The fragrance of tea began to fill the room, slightly easing the heavy atmosphere.
At this point, Shouzou, Kouichirou, and Rozen had already begun chatting.
"How have you been recently?" (Shouzou)
"Not bad, thank you." (Rozen)
"I heard you started a guild in ALO and are now its Guild Leader, commanding many players and earning great respect. When can you give me a tour?" (Kouichirou)
"Anytime. Just let Asuna inform me, and I'll make the necessary arrangements." (Rozen)
"Oh? Making arrangements? It seems you truly command respect." (Shouzou)
"It's more like everyone is being kind to me. I just tend to meddle when I'm not needed." (Rozen)
"Haha, you're too modest. You're a hero who saved thousands of people! I also heard that the fully immersive technology market now uses programs you developed. The government is even promoting and publicizing it. You must be earning quite a lot!" (Kouichirou)
"Not much. Honestly, I just shamelessly took something from someone else to profit off it. It's nothing worth mentioning." (Rozen)
"You're being overly humble, Kirigaya-kun." (Shouzou)
"Exactly." (Kouichirou)
The three men continued chatting amicably, creating a lively and pleasant atmosphere.
Kyouko, however, remained coldly observing.
Asuna, on the other hand, kept her eyes on Kyouko. Seeing the flicker of light in Kyouko's eyes, she immediately realized that her mother was about to speak.
As expected...
"Is it true that 'The Seed' circulating online belongs to you?"
Kyouko suddenly asked.
The atmosphere in the hall froze once again.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone