Miracle Summoner

Rozen's sudden question was indeed abrupt.

One moment, they were still discussing life plans, and the next moment, the topic suddenly shifted to something entirely unexpected. It was natural for everyone to be caught off guard.

However, Rozen didn't retract his question and simply looked at Kyouko, waiting for her answer.

This caused Kyouko to frown, a faint trace of displeasure surfacing in her heart.

Kyouko despised being interrupted like this.

As mentioned earlier, Kyouko relied on her sharp rhetoric and ruthless political maneuvering to defeat all her competitors within the academic department and rise to the position of full professor. This speaks volumes about her ability to control the flow and techniques of a conversation.

Her earlier discourse also showcased this ability to the fullest. From transitioning the topic of The Seed to social accomplishments, and then from social accomplishments to discussions about transfers and future plans, everything was seamlessly interconnected without any flaws. She even subtly hinted to Rozen that if he truly loved Asuna, he should strive to provide her with a better life, creating an atmosphere where they had to comply with her arrangements.

Ultimately, Kyouko's words successfully gained Shouzou's support, left Kouichirou speechless, and even silenced Asuna. This fully demonstrated Kyouko's high-level negotiation skills.

Now, only Rozen remained.

As long as Rozen agreed, this matter would be essentially settled.

And Kyouko believed that during the earlier conversation, Rozen wouldn't find any reason to refuse.

Who could have expected that Rozen would suddenly bring up such a topic, completely disrupting the atmosphere and stance that Kyouko had carefully built? It was only natural for Kyouko to feel displeased.

Still, Kyouko had to answer Rozen's question.

She had just expressed high expectations for Rozen earlier. If she failed to provide a proper explanation for his question, the favorable conditions she had painstakingly created might all fall apart.

Thus, Kyouko spoke.

"I did oppose it, because I know very well how elitist the relatives back home are. With your current qualifications, even if you've made significant money through The Seed, others would merely view you as a nouveau riche. After all, it wasn't a program you developed, and you lack any substantial background or identity. Add to that the stain of SAO, and many people might not treat you kindly."

In other words, Kyouko was implying that her opposition was for Rozen's protection.

However...

"That's not the real reason, is it?"

Rozen gazed at Kyouko and suddenly smiled, making his response.

"Aren't you actually worried about losing face in front of those relatives?"

This one sentence caused everyone in the room to sharply inhale.

Even Asuna was no exception.

"...What did you just say?"

Kyouko's face darkened.

Rozen's words had already crossed the line into accusations, far more excessive than before.

But Rozen remained indifferent and calmly continued speaking.

"If it was about protection, fearing that the relatives wouldn't be friendly, then you should have left Asuna behind too, not just me. Why only me?"

That's right.

If Kyouko truly had such considerations, it wouldn't just apply to Rozen. Asuna should also have been left behind, unable to visit the Yuuki family estate. Otherwise, given Asuna's history of being imprisoned in SAO for two years, lagging behind her peers academically, and currently attending a school often regarded as a shelter, those so-called relatives would undoubtedly exhibit far worse attitudes. Even if they pretended to be polite on the surface, there would be plenty of sarcastic remarks and condescending pity behind closed doors.

Under such circumstances, if Kyouko didn't protect her own daughter but instead focused on protecting a not-so-favored son-in-law like Rozen, it would seem highly illogical.

Thus, Rozen concluded.

"You opposed bringing me along simply because you didn't want to lose face."

Rozen stated this with a polite tone, smiling as he spoke without any hesitation.

"You just said we all need to accumulate credentials that no one can challenge. But the same goes for you, doesn't it?"

For young people like Rozen, Asuna, and Kouichirou, credentials were determined by academic achievements, qualifications, and social accomplishments. Hence, they needed to attend prestigious schools, earn respected diplomas, and secure high-ranking positions in society to be deemed successful.

For someone like Kyouko, who had already achieved success, her credentials were based on nurturing outstanding students, mentoring exceptional new generations, and raising accomplished children. This would significantly enhance her life's résumé, earning others' admiration.

The Yuuki family members were exactly like this. They didn't just compete on individual achievements but also on how well they educated and raised their children. Otherwise, topics for gossip would abound.

Even the most successful individual would be considered a failure in life if they were criticized for being unable to educate their children or produce capable successors.

That was why the Shinkawa brothers had been pushed to desperate ends by their father. Similar examples surely existed among these successful elites.

As someone who had climbed from humble beginnings to her current position, Kyouko had worked hard for her success. How could she possibly allow blemishes to mar her life's résumé?

Kyouko needed to continue building her credentials, ensuring her children turned out to be remarkable. Only then could her success be deemed complete.

In this situation...

"Kouichirou-nii has already achieved notable success, and you must be quite satisfied. While Asuna encountered setbacks, they were beyond her control, and there's still room for recovery. That's why you're keen to arrange her transfer as soon as possible. As for me, despite your so-called high expectations, with Sugo Nobuyuki as a comparison, even if his character is questionable, his career is considered successful. Meanwhile, I'm just a nouveau riche. Not only is The Seed not my creation, but I also haven't even managed to leverage it to start a business. I carry the label of a prodigy but willingly waste time in a special school. You must fear others saying, 'How could you approve of such a son-in-law?' Right?"

Rozen smiled as he spoke, though there was little genuine warmth in his eyes, which remained calm and detached.

"In that case, if things go awry, I'd become a blemish in your life's résumé."

"And that's why you opposed bringing me along while going out of your way to arrange a transfer for me. When I eventually rise to prominence and earn others' respect, your credentials as the 'mother-in-law who nurtured me' will shine even brighter."

"That, is your real objective, isn't it?"

Each sentence caused Kyouko's face to grow darker and darker, her expression more severe with every word.

Finally...

"Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."

Rozen locked eyes with Kyouko and unhesitatingly stated:

"I'm very satisfied with who I am now. I'm equally satisfied with my current school and firmly believe I'll also be satisfied with my future life."

"Thank you for your efforts, but I must decline."

"I will not transfer schools, nor do I aspire to become a pillar of the nation or a top figure in society."

"You're wasting your energy."

These words rang clearly through everyone's ears.

Leaving everyone speechless.

The atmosphere in the living room grew heavier once again.

Meanwhile, Kyouko's expression turned icy, and she stopped speaking entirely.