Chapter 64: Sweetness and the Setup

Chapter 64: Sweetness and the Setup

"Hey, since that's the case, how about we temporarily suspend the Knights of the Blood' activities?" Kirito said this matter-of-factly, and everyone quickly agreed.

"Well, considering the current situation..." "What's wrong with that! We've worked so hard before; at least resting until the 75th-floor boss fight shouldn't get us punished." "That's right, that's right!"

Hachiman felt glad hearing everyone's attitude, but he still hesitated.

"However, in the end, it's not good to just break our agreement casually. After all, it was under these conditions that Heathcliff agreed to the duel." "So it's still..."

If only using marriage as an excuse might work...

"Then how about using a merit or achievement as an excuse instead?" "A merit?"

Argo, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly spoke up.

"Actually, while investigating Heathcliff, I accidentally got some intel.

I was originally going to tell only the concerned person, Hachiman... but now I'll just reveal it here."

Listening to Argo's mysterious words, Hachiman guessed what kind of information it might be. When he heard the details, he was shocked but also enlightened.

"Kuradeell is a former member or affiliated with the Smiling Coffin?" "Exactly. I happened to catch that guy sneaking around meeting two men. After following them, I found they mentioned the term 'Smiling Coffin' multiple times in their conversation."

...That guy's obsessive fixation on Asuna really does resemble the Smiling Coffin's style. So that's how it is...

"Although it's just a possibility, how about setting a trap to confirm it? Hachiman, you're the best at these kinds of schemes, right?" "What do you take me for..."

Before Hachiman could protest, the others were already loudly agreeing.

"Hachiman-kun's plan will definitely work." "If it's Hachiman, he'll come up with a good strategy." "Right, right."

"Even you guys... well then. We can't just leave it be. Though it seems like we're setting a trap just to take a break... let's set a trap for Kuradeell."

"As expected of Hachiman!" "This is the Hachiman we know!"

With Hachiman's declaration, the celebration party came to an end. Everyone gave blessings to the newlyweds and left one after another, until only Hachiman and Asuna remained.

"Ah... Asuna, sorry for springing this on you so suddenly. From now on, please take care of me." "Geez~ you scared me with how sudden that was. But honestly... I was already mentally prepared." "Really?" "After all, I've been watching Hachiman-kun. Recently your attitude toward me has changed compared to before—I noticed it too." "No way... it's that obvious?" "Not really. Others probably didn't notice, but I just vaguely felt it..." "I see. As expected, I can't beat Asuna."

The two sat on the sofa, eyes closed, leaning against each other.

"Hey, Asuna, when did you start liking me?" "I can't say exactly. Maybe because we've always been together, I liked you from the start but didn't realize it. Or maybe something triggered it... How about you, Hachiman?" "About the same. Although there were several times I realized I might like Asuna, I convinced myself it was just 'because we're friends' and didn't think deeper." "I see..."

"But now it doesn't matter. After all, we are... married." "Yeah... it feels like we skipped a lot of steps."

As the calm realization flooded in, both suddenly grew nervous. Asuna broke the silence first:

"It's getting late, do you want to eat something? Or take a bath? Or... sleep?" "Oh, I'm not very hungry, but I can eat with you. Then a bath... or sleep..."

For the two inexperienced ones, those words were like a landmine.

They fell silent, more reserved than before.

The bathroom was large enough for both to bathe together, and the bed was spacious. Finally, Hachiman mustered courage and spoke:

"By the way... we bathed together before. How about bathing in swimsuits today? It would save time." "Yeah! Let's do that!"

The compromise proposal was accepted, but the real issue was still ahead.

"Then... shall we sleep?" "Yeah."

"..."

Unable to bring himself to say sharing the same bed, Hachiman was about to head to the bedroom alone when Asuna gently tugged his sleeve.

Seeing his wife's flushed face, Hachiman blushed but spoke firmly:

"Y-yeah, let's sleep together. We're already husband and wife." "Yeah!"

Holding hands, they lay down on the bed, the warm touch comforting them as they naturally embraced.

"This must be happiness, right?" "Yeah, I'm super happy now." "Me too."

Asuna hesitated for a long time, finally gathering courage:

"Um... Hachiman-kun, do you know how to do 'that' in this world?" "Asuna, who told you? Argo? Or that pink-haired girl?" "Miss Argo taught me before she left..."

"That guy really meddles..." "Are you not willing, Hachiman-kun?" "No way! I'm just a little shy..."

"..."

Looking at his blushing wife, Hachiman kissed her deeply. After a long embrace, they looked into each other's eyes and removed all their gear.

"I love you, Hachiman-kun." "I love you too." "If you hadn't grabbed my hand and ran with me then... I might have already died." "I really want to praise myself for that moment." "Yeah, my husband is truly the kindest."

In this fictional world's late night, the two finally became one.

.

.

.

The next morning, Hachiman woke to find Asuna already preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

"Ah, good morning! I was just about to call you." "Oh."

Looking at his wife's smile, Hachiman once again resolved to protect this happiness.

There was an important mission today, so he had to get energized.

"After breakfast, shall we go to headquarters together?" "Yeah. Although I don't have a good plan yet, maybe gathering info at headquarters will inspire something."

After arriving at headquarters, as the Knights of the Blood' new member, Hachiman was first introduced by Heathcliff to everyone.

"As you all know, after winning yesterday's duel, this Hachiman-kun will be joining us. His role is Asuna's bodyguard and advisor."

The sudden promotion caused a stir.

While some opposed, those familiar with Hachiman accepted it calmly.

Among the opponents was a practical forces commander named Godefry, who insisted on testing Hachiman's strength and proposed going to the 55th-floor labyrinth.

"But you should be well aware of Hachiman-kun's strength?" "The practical forces need team-compatible strength. As a commander, I must confirm this."

When Hachiman heard the phrase "not needed," Asuna's eyebrows slightly furrowed.

'Asuna is angry.'

Stopping his wife who was about to step forward, Hachiman said:

"Godefry is right. Although we need to traverse the lower floors, can you all keep up?" "Of course!"

After angering Godefry and discussing with others, it was decided he, Hachiman, and Kuradeell would form a team for the mission.

After the meeting, Hachiman explained to Asuna:

"I suggested forbidding carrying crystals. That way, the enemy can only use paralysis poison to attack. You follow secretly and contact Argo to capture the remaining Smiling Coffin members." "Got it! Good luck, darling." "Argo is currently tracking Kuradeell. Once everything is confirmed ready, the operation will be tomorrow. Please take care, dear wife."

Later, Argo sent a message: Kuradeell had indeed purchased paralysis poison.

At the end of the report, she wrote: "You really can't go against Hachiman." Thus, the plan to capture Kuradeell was officially scheduled for the next day.