Though it was said there was something awkward between them, only Asuna felt uneasy, while Yuu remained completely calm, his heart at ease.
Since Nun Martha finished her story, Yuu had already anticipated this kind of development—the only unexpected part was that he thought the system would make him actively pursue being Asuna's online boyfriend. Instead, it had planted a hint here, still preparing the necessary identity to complete the mission for him.
Online boyfriend… meaning, letting him use this mission to openly get closer to Asuna, right?
Yuu was experienced with the system's strange patterns, so he quickly grasped it. But one thing he could never predict was the system's criteria for choosing targets.
Back then, he and Haruno were just strangers passing by. And now, it wasn't the black-stockinged girl following him, nor Yukino, let alone Yuigahama or Totsuka… For the second mission, the system chose Asuna, whom he'd only helped once by the artificial lake. This tied to the third mission's target, and the meaning behind it was worth pondering.
…Could it be the system held an internal beauty contest, and the most popular one won?
Yuu shook his head, refocusing on the conversation before him.
"Thankfully, the mission is clear—just go to the Land of Love to get the Beloved Flower."
Sipping his teacup, he narrowed his eyes slightly, speaking calmly to the girl across from him. "Accepting a mission without asking for details—I told you you'd regret it… So, want to give up?"
"Ugh…" Annoyed by his cold remark, Asuna's face flushed as she gritted her teeth, staring at him for a moment before replying stiffly, "This is about saving Grandma Martha. Of course I won't give up!"
Setting down his teacup, Yuu raised an eyebrow at her. "Then, are you sure about going to the Land of Love together?"
"…"
Asuna bit her lip, lowering her head in silence for a few seconds before sighing softly, giving a wry smile.
"In the end, I'm the one who should be hesitant… I dragged you into this, and now you're stuck doing this mission too."
"You get it." His fingers brushed the cup's rim as Yuu smiled casually. "It's just a game, though. Having something to do is better than fighting aimlessly. I didn't stop you from triggering the mission for this reason too. In some ways, thanks to you, this game's gotten more interesting."
"Surprisingly, you're good at comforting people… Anyway, thanks, Yuu-kun." Patting her chest lightly, Asuna finally showed a relieved smile. The tension and awkwardness that had lingered since accepting the mission and talking here vanished with just a few of his words.
"It's all because this game's too realistic, that's why I care so much…" Asuna shook her head secretly, pulling the mission item from her inventory and placing it on the wooden table.
Right, don't overthink—just focus on the mission!
"You're better at gaming than I am, so I'll leave the next steps to you. I want to heal Grandma Martha as soon as possible… whether she's a game character or not."
With her serious gaze, Yuu nodded calmly and confidently. "As long as you obediently play support, leave the carrying to me. I'll try to complete the mission without getting hurt."
"Eh? Why worry about getting hurt?"
"I'd feel sorry for myself."
"…"
Asuna was speechless. The guy who just said it's only a game was now worried about feeling sorry for himself if hurt in-game? This guy loved joking.
"Since we lack information, our plan is simple—wear these rings and head to the Land of Love to find out more."
Getting to the point, Yuu opened the box containing the Beloved Rings, handing the women's ring to Asuna and taking the men's ring to inspect. The gleaming silver ring, adorned with a pink heart-shaped diamond, looked beautiful and elegant. In the real world, it'd probably cost tens of millions.
Asuna, examining the ring closely for the first time, had her eyes sparkle. A girl's natural instinct made her reluctant to put it down, as if eager to try its effect.
Yuu didn't hesitate, selecting to equip the item. "Put it on. The mission won't start otherwise."
Her hand holding the ring froze, and Asuna blinked at him, stammering slightly. "W-Why are you so decisive?"
"Huh? What's the issue?" Yuu looked confused, stroking the gleaming silver ring now on his left ring finger. "It's like needing to buy a weapon to hunt Orcs. What's there to hesitate about?"
Her fair skin flushed, and Asuna spoke in a flustered panic, as if at a loss. "N-No… After wearing it, won't we be forced to become…"
"Oh, that's what you're worried about." Yuu shook his head, sighing.
Looking into the distance, his tone grew wistful. "That's why, if you haven't experienced the golden age of online dating, where countless elementary schoolers on a single map called each other husband and wife, it's really…"
He didn't finish, but anyone could sense his dismissive tone.
The corner of Asuna's eye twitched, her slight embarrassment quickly turning to anger, her half-darkened face forcing a smile. "Yuu-kun, if you have a problem with me, how about we duel outside the city right now?"
"No problem here." Yuu swiftly changed the topic, speaking seriously. "It's just a system label change. Even if this virtual world feels real, it doesn't mean our relationship changes."
"I won't do anything to you just because of this ring, and you don't need to call me husband because of this marriage status. Think of it as another form of party."
"Besides, once the mission's done, it's all over. Our relationship."
Reasonable and convincing. Hearing his explanation, Asuna slowly let go of her pride as a girl and, with a resigned sigh, chose to equip the ring.
*DING-DONG!*
A window appeared before her with a brief message:
[You have married Yuu.]
Next to her health bar, a pink heart symbol appeared… likely a marriage-exclusive status buff.
"I got married just like that?"
Confirming this fact, her breath caught unconsciously, leaving her a bit dazed. She knew it was just an in-game marriage, flimsier than a verbal contract—but as a girl, a creature who deeply valued love and marriage, how could she not waver at all?
Never having had a boyfriend, with barely any experience talking to boys, yet in a game, she married a teammate she'd known for mere hours, with no foundation of love? This wasn't just skipping steps—it was like rocketing into space.
"If Mom found out, she'd faint…"
A wry smile curved her lips, her right elbow propped on the table, holding her slightly dizzy head. Looking at the ring on her left hand's ring finger, she truly didn't know how to describe her feelings. Unconsciously, Asuna glanced up at the handsome young man across from her, wondering what his expression was like, whether he, like her, felt this "marriage" was surreal.
"Hm?"
Noticing her gaze, Yuu shifted his attention from the game panel, quickly understanding her feelings. After a moment's thought, he smiled and said, "Don't worry, after the divorce, I won't demand alimony."
"…"
Her dazed expression froze. Then, Asuna lowered her head, her hair hiding her face, as if wanting to say something.
"…Pfft!"
But what came out was uncontrollable laughter.
"Haha, Yuu-kun, you're really…"
Covering half her face to stifle her laughter, Asuna quickly shed her long-held grace and politeness, laughing heartily until she was weak, slumping onto the table, her brown hair spilling over her face.
She laughed freely and joyfully, as if trying to light up the dark night outside the window, laughing without a care.
"Alright! Since you put it that way… let's get along until the divorce!"
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, host, you received a reward: Gaming (Expert Level).]
[Congratulations, host, you received a reward: Swordsmanship (Expert Level).]
[Congratulations, host, you received a reward: You must taunt the waiter first (Status) Once.]
"…"
In silence, Yuu looked at the carefree, laughing girl before him with a strange expression.
(Dude, I was just trying to lighten the mood—your reaction's a bit much, isn't it?)
For some reason, Yuu felt a little scared of himself for making a girl laugh with just a few words.