Capítulo 1812: -1792- Far from over
After the adults left, everyone undoubtedly became more relaxed, chatting enthusiastically and filling the living room with laughter.
Although Kouichirou was significantly older than Rozen and Asuna and had already entered the workforce, he displayed a curiosity far surpassing that of a child, frequently asking Rozen and Asuna about the games, seemingly longing for such experiences.
"Although I also have a full-dive machine, the AmuSphere, it's basically just a decoration in my room that I rarely use."
Kouichirou couldn't help but sigh as he said this.
After all, Kouichirou had nearly inherited the family business, needing to run around for work daily and seldom having time to rest at home. Even today, by the time Rozen arrived, Kouichirou had just returned home after handling work outside—on New Year's Day, no less—highlighting how busy he was.
Although Kouichirou had entered virtual worlds before, it was primarily to take a brief stroll, never having the time to truly immerse himself in the games.
According to Kyouko, for a successful social figure like Kouichirou, spending time on games was considered a waste. This was the fate of the eldest son of the Yuuki family.
It was easy to see why Kouichirou agreed with Rozen's earlier statements but wouldn't claim to live worry-free.
As a successful example of Kyouko's strict upbringing, Kouichirou's life was already set on a path of responsibility. His future likely involved arranged meetings with daughters of similarly prestigious families, eventually marrying one to uphold the Yuuki family's traditions.
Imagining such a life made it clear how exhausting it would be for Kouichirou.
However...
"Rebelling isn't necessary, but I might need to think about making time for myself to enjoy life properly," Kouichirou said with a smile, hinting at some ideas of his own.
This eldest son of the Yuuki family had, more than once, sincerely asked Rozen to take him into ALO to enjoy the game properly whenever he had the chance. Rozen naturally agreed immediately, claiming he'd be available anytime.
As for Asuna, seeing her brother like this didn't make her worried; it actually made her happy.
Asuna understood that, as the only male in the family, Kouichirou bore far more pressure than she did. If he could relax and play with them in ALO during his free time, Asuna would wholeheartedly support the idea.
The three continued chatting in the living room until Shouzou and Kyouko came downstairs, prompting them to stop.
Finally, the New Year's dinner began.
Everyone gathered in the dining room, dining formally and properly.
During the meal, Shouzou, as always, exuded a kind and approachable demeanor, while Kyouko remained cold and silent throughout.
Frankly, Kyouko's attitude could create a tense and heavy atmosphere in other settings, given her imposing presence, making others quite uncomfortable.
This was why neither Asuna, Kouichirou, nor Shouzou usually liked to contradict Kyouko—her presence and ability to dominate the mood were too overwhelming.
Unfortunately for Kyouko, she was dealing with Rozen this year.
As mentioned before, compared to the numerous challenging opponents Rozen had faced, Kyouko was nothing.
Thus, Rozen frequently initiated conversations, skillfully shifting topics and pace, bringing the atmosphere to life. His humor and tact not only prevented the mood from dropping but made it increasingly lively, allowing Shouzou and Kouichirou to completely relax, even subconsciously ignoring Kyouko's presence while laughing and chatting with Rozen.
This caused Kyouko's expression to grow colder, and her gaze toward Rozen became increasingly displeased.
It was likely that this university professor, famed for her sharp wit and political acumen, had never been so thoroughly ignored or outmatched before.
Rozen's capability surprised Kyouko, making her reassess him, but her thoughts were straightforward.
(What a waste of talent to squander such skill.)
Kyouko watched Rozen closely and then glanced at Asuna, who was warmly observing Rozen chatting with her family, her gaze flickering with contemplation.
By this point, Kyouko had mostly made up her mind.
(We'll see what you decide to do.)
With these thoughts in mind, Kyouko continued observing.
Later, under Shouzou's lead, the group left the Yuuki household and headed to the main residence of the extended Yuuki family.
The numerous members of the Yuuki clan gathered in the spacious hall of their ancestral home on this day, reconnecting with one another.
For Rozen, this was a first, but for Asuna, it was a family reunion she hadn't attended in four years.
In November 2022, during her third year of middle school, Asuna was trapped in SAO until January 2025, when Rozen finally rescued her. Hence, this marked her return to the family gathering after a four-year absence.
Within the vast, Kyoto-style teahouse-like residence, Asuna was compelled to wear a kimono, greeting relatives, including her grandparents, like an NPC hostess.
Her long-lost cousins were naturally delighted to see her.
However, standing beside her, Rozen still detected some unsettling emotions amidst their joy at Asuna's safe return.
Predictably, when these emotions were directed at him, they grew even more pronounced.
Evidently, the attitudes of these so-called relatives toward Rozen were less than friendly, as he and Asuna had suspected.
If this was the dynamic among the younger generation, the rivalries and tensions among the adults were even more intense.
Asuna couldn't help but worry whether Rozen might suddenly say something provocative, leaving everyone embarrassed.
Her concern wasn't unfounded.
Rozen had always been the type to respond in kind—kindness for kindness, but he was far from polite when others weren't.
Yet, contrary to his expectations, the family reunion, which seemed destined for conflict, proceeded surprisingly smoothly.
No one directly provoked Rozen, nor did anyone openly mock him. On the contrary, after the elders arrived, the Yuuki clan members began casting Rozen wary and uncertain looks.
The reason? One individual.
A high-ranking figure in the Yuuki family, someone influential even at the highest levels of the national government, unexpectedly came over mid-gathering to greet Rozen personally, engaging him in a polite conversation.
This individual's attitude shocked everyone, including Shouzou, Kyouko, Kouichirou, and Asuna.
Rozen was momentarily taken aback before realizing the reason.
(This person knows who I am and initiated this conversation not just to show respect but also to warn the rest of the family not to provoke me and escalate matters.)
Exactly so.
The individual likely anticipated that, given Rozen's understated presence, some tactless relatives might offend him, potentially leading to trouble if Rozen retaliated.
Thus, they took the initiative to approach Rozen courteously, signaling to everyone that even they had to treat Rozen with respect, ensuring no one acted recklessly.
After this, the uneasy gazes toward Rozen disappeared, replaced by curiosity and speculation, as the matter became a topic of quiet discussion.
This allowed the reunion to conclude peacefully.
Once the Yuuki family returned to their main residence, and Rozen departed for the Kirigaya household, the aftermath of the event was far from over.
Status de energia semanal
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