Chapter 409 - 405 ~ Parental Concerns

Yuuki Shouzou and Yuuki Kyouko entered into a bedroom of splendor.

This single room dwarfed even the living room of their own estate, containing its own study area, rest area, a walk-in closet, and even its own private bathroom, separated from the main bathroom a few rooms away.

The morning light seeped through the opened, heavy curtains of the tall window that perfectly overlooked the entire courtyard and gardens of the estate, bouncing off the chandelier of jewels that hung from the ceiling.

But despite the beauty of it all, their attention immediately gravitated towards the bed.

Laying down upon the massive bed that sat at the end of the room was the familiar boy they came for.

Upon his head was the familiar large gray helm, the same one that their daughter adorned as well. And on the side of the bed, medical apparatus for monitoring vitals with various wires connected to his body, as well as an IV stand to provide him with the needed nutrients that he couldn’t get through ingestion while being trapped in the death game.

"Yuuji-kun...!"

Kyouko was the first to immediately dash towards his figure and sat down on the edge his bed.

Slowly, ever so softly as if afraid to break him, she touched his hand and slowly lifted it up to hold it with both of hers.

Her eyes never left his figure, observing as closely as she could to determine his condition.

"He seems... healthy."

Shouzo approached the bed, his eyes still filled with worry and concern. But now, there was a trace of relief after seeing Yuuji’s condition with his own eyes.

"The young master’s vitality is remarkable. Combined with the medical attention and proper care I have been providing, there is no need for concern regarding his safety and health."

Semiramis bowed lightly, her lips curling into a small smile.

The two of them noted the hint of pride and confidence in her tone.

And while Kyouko would’ve perhaps admonished her to not be complacent, she held her tongue.

Yuuji’s current condition was better than she expected. If she wasn’t aware of how long the game had trapped her daughter and Yuuji, she would’ve guessed he had just entered the virtual world a few hours ago.

"Are you a certified medical professional?"

There was a hint of surprise in Shouzo’s voice. But even more than mere disbelief, there was a concern.

He couldn’t simply leave Yuuji’s wellbeing in the hands of someone he didn’t even know their qualifications to be able to take care of him.

"Yes. I am a fully certified medical professional with a doctorate in medicine and neuroscience. In addition to my proficiency and training in combat in order to properly protect the young master in any situation, I have been personally chosen by the young master to serve him."

If there was any doubt left in him, it disappeared the moment Semirais told him that she was personally chosen by Yuuji himself to serve him.

If it was him, he wouldn’t simply choose anyone with even a shade of doubt on their qualifications and character to serve him this closely.

And so, he nodded towards Semiramis, before shifting his gaze back at Yuuji.

He was just laying there, seemingly asleep. Just like their daughter.

But he knew, in that digital reality, both of them were fighting for their lives against otherworldly beasts and monsters, where one mistake could lead to true death in the real world.

Such a thought had haunted him for countless nights. His hands clenched into a fist involuntarily.

"Still... Should we bring him to the hospital as well? They’ll have better equipment there. We can also look after him alongside Asuna..."

Kyouko turned towards her husband. Her voice firm and composed, belying the worry and fear she kept hidden in her heart through years of composure. Still, at this moment, she couldn’t hide it all completely.

Shouzo could see it in his wife’s eyes. Even Semiramis could see it as well. That and the slight force she put into her hold on Yuuji’s hand.

"Forgive me, Kyouko-sama. But I believe that would trouble the young master."

Both pairs of eyes turned towards Semiramis. But her composure, elegance, and gracefulness in every minute movement of her body held.

"I have observed several news reporters staking out outside and around the estate. While they may not know of the young master’s identity yet, if he were to be moved to the hospital, where security would be left on the hands of the hospital, his identity would be revealed sooner or later, and that would go against the will of the young master."

"...That’s true."

No matter how much he tried to keep it a secret, news of his daughter being one of the many victims of the death game still spread regardless of his efforts.

And knowing Yuuji, he wouldn’t want such a thing to happen.

"Please rest assured, Shouzo-sama, Kyouko-sama. We have all the equipment and necessities needed to ensure the well being of the young master. I can confidently guarantee his health and safety for as long as I remain breathing."

Semiramis knew full well that nothing could even come close to harming her master. But, she spoke those words with no less conviction than how it was intended.

The couple looked at each other, weighing the options in a silent conversation and understanding born from decades of marriage.

Finally, Shouzo nodded.

"Very well."

Kyoukok nodded as well, and her eyes returned to Yuuji as she held up her hand and pressed it against her forehead.

Then, Shouzo turned towards Semiramis.

"We shall visit again in a few days... No, we will be visiting regularly from now on. Once every three days."

"Very well. I believe the young master would very much appreciate your visits."

Semiramis bowed.

Then, after a few moments, Kyouko placed Yuuji’s hand back onto the bed by his side, stood up, and walked towards her husband as the couple made their way to the door.

She stopped near Semiramis and met her gaze.

"Please take care of him."

"Of course. With everything in my power, and beyond."

They left.

And as she watched their car recede into the distance, Semiramis made a mental note to herself.

’I will have to report this to master.’

--------------------------------X--------------------------------

Upon arriving at their accommodation, the four of them gathered in Yuuji and Asuna’s room.

The girls sat together on the edge of Yuuji’s bed, leaving the other bed empty, while Yuuji sat on the chair he had pulled closer to the bed from the desk at the end of the room.

Then, he began telling them Heathcliff’s offer.

Full independence and resources he and Asuna would need to eliminate every single member of Laughing Coffin under his banner.

"That’s... amazing. He’s willing to do all of that for you...?"

Although unfamiliar with guild politics and management, even Yuna could understand the implication of such an offer. She doubted any other players, no matter how high-leveled or skilled they were, could receive such an offer—essentially a blank check—to join a guild.

"...It’s really unbelievable. I’ve heard that he’s quite the upright character, but I didn’t expect him to give you this kind of offer just so you two can help him destroy the red guilds."

Lux leaned back, resting her weight to her hands on the bed.

"It’s honestly not a bad offer... Nothing will change for you. You’ll still be doing what you’re doing. But now, you can access their coffers whenever you want."

"In theory... But if we were to join, we’ll be under Heathcliff and be a part of the Knights of Blood. We’ll have to, inevitably, put aside some time for it."

If it was her before she met Yuuji, she would’ve joined the Knights of Blood to help her grow. After all, compared to the other large and powerful guilds, the Knights of Blood seemed to be the most decent choice.

Their leader was famous for his strength and character, and their ranks were exclusively filled with elite players.

It was the perfect place to grow if she could be accepted, and she was confident in her skills.

But now, if she were to join the guild, she would inevitably have to set aside some time for it, which would affect the efficiency of her progression that she had optimized with Yuuji’s help.

"Still, I do understand that there’s still merit to this."

Asuna crossed her arms and continued.

"We can utilize their network and resources to find members of Laughing Coffin more easily and safely... And if we can have a team of our own, we’ll have more people helping us."

The benefits were apparent to see... Just as the drawbacks.

All eyes turned towards Yuuji as he fell silent into a deep thought.

Despite all the advantages it brought, there was one major downside in joining a guild to pursue a highly dangerous and elusive organization such as Laughing Coffin, or any other red-player guilds for the matter.

Stealthiness.

If they were to join a guild, especially one as well known and prominent as the Knights of Blood, it would be difficult for them to operate in secret.

Players would be able to keep an eye on the guild’s subtle maneuvering to be able to deduce his movement.

Their resource spending. Their operational focus. Their members’ movement. If investigated closely, they could easily find information that would lead back to him.

If he were solo, other players wouldn’t be able to easily track his movement. All the resources he spends would also be from his personal funds, which would be vastly more difficult to track. He’d be able to hide his intentions more easily.

Moreover, Yuuji also couldn’t rule out the possibility of spies within the guild itself.

Players in the same guild would be able to track each other’s position through the guild member list.

If there was a spy within the Knights of Blood, they’d be able to escape before he arrived, or worse, set up an ambush to kill him when he arrived at their location.

Then, he felt warmth on his hand, and a gentle hold that grounded his thoughts to the present.

"Yuuji... How about this? I will join the Knights of Bloods and use their resources to help you while you stay solo and act more freely?"

His eyes widened in shock at Asuna’s proposal.

If she were to be the only one to join, it would certainly allow him to access the Knights of Blood’s resources and their benefits without having to suffer the cost.

But he erased the thought immediately.

"No. I won’t allow that."

He shook his head and turned his hand to hold her smaller one, firmly clasping it.

"Although Heathcliff may be a man of character, in all honesty, I can’t fully trust the rest of the Knights of Blood members. There’s no way for us to know if there were any Laughing Coffin spies in the guild, and I can’t risk you being there alone and targeted."

Lux crossed her arm and held her chin thoughtfully.

"I agree with Yuuji. Laughing Coffin and other red-player guilds are known to have green-players infiltrate towns and guilds to get them information and resources they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get. I’ve seen many green-players coerced or manipulated to do their bidding. It’d be really difficult to know who’s who before it’s too late."

If Yuuji and Asuna didn’t save her from Laughing Coffin, she might’ve become one of them right now. Infiltrating towns and groups as a green-player to feed them information and resources.

The mere thought made her stomach churn.

Silence fell once again...

"Then, what should we do?"

Yuuji thought for a moment. Then, he let out a sigh.

"We’ll think about it... I still have questions regarding Heathcliff’s motives. I need to know the true reason why he wanted us so badly in his guild with seemingly no benefits."

He let go of Asuna’s hand and leaned back to his chair. The hard, unpolished wooden chair without cushion didn’t offer any comfort, but for now, it was something he could lean onto and rest his weight on.

"Meanwhile, you two still have a concert to prepare."

Yuuji pointed at Yuna and Lux. Then, he shifted his fingers to himself and Asuna.

"And we still have a floor boss raid to prepare for. So let’s get some rest for the day. We’ll have a long day tomorrow!"

The three girls nodded, and one by one they all raised from the bed.

"Then, we’ll see you guys tomorrow!"

"Good night, you two~"

Yuna and Lux exited the room and headed back to their own room, while Asuna went to take a bath, leaving Yuuji alone with his thoughts.

’Just what are you thinking, Heathcliff...’

He let out a deep sigh and plopped down on his bed, letting the sound of running water distract his mind from the perplexing proposal from the man known as the "Strongest Shield" and leader of Sword Art Online’s strongest guild.

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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this Chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!

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