"Do you think we're still in SAO? There's no favorability setting here," Asuna said, giving Yusei a look.
Nevertheless, she took out a small, square box from her bag. The box was square, which seemed a bit odd.
It looked less like a chocolate box and more like a Christmas present.
Puzzled, Yusei took it and looked at the square gift box in his hand.
Asuna smiled mysteriously, "It's a surprise. Yui and I made it together."
Yui, standing beside Yusei, also nodded happily, "Mhm! Yui and Mama carved it together-"
Asuna quickly covered her mouth, "Yui, if you say it, it won't be a surprise anymore."
Yusei was curious, 'What could it be that's so mysterious?'
But looking at this square gift box, a touch of tenderness appeared in Yusei's eyes. After all, this was something Asuna and Yui made together. It was one of a kind in the whole world.
Kaguya, watching the family of three flaunt their affection, felt very hesitant. The wrapping paper on the chocolate in her schoolbag was almost crumpled from her grip, and she still hadn't decided.
Hayasaka whispered in Kaguya's ear, "Ojou-sama, you need to decide quickly. I've seen many girls in this school planning to give chocolate to Yusei-sama."
'This school was now filled with 'wolves and tigers'. I couldn't hesitate any longer.'
Thinking this, Kaguya released an embarrassed cough.
Her face was slightly flushed, her eyes unconsciously looking to the side as she took a rectangular box of chocolate from her bag, "This... this is to thank you for your guidance in swordsmanship."
She placed the chocolate in Yusei's hand.
Seeming to remember that Asuna was still nearby, Kaguya added, her face reddening further, "It's just a thank you. Remember to keep teaching me swordsmanship in the future."
Yusei was momentarily surprised, then smiled and nodded, "Can I open it?"
Regarding Asuna and Yui's gift, the mother and daughter pair wouldn't let him open it, so he was feeling antsy. Now, seeing the chocolate Kaguya gave him was also unique, Yusei wanted to open it and see.
"You may."
Kaguya nodded, her voice carrying a hint of expectation.
This was her masterpiece, into which she had poured a lot of effort.
'This guy would definitely like it, right?'
Asuna and Yui also leaned in, very curious about the 'obligatory chocolate' Kaguya had given.
When the wrapping paper was removed, everyone saw that the chocolate Kaguya had given was actually an exquisitely carved sword.
Judging by the prototype, it seemed to be based on the Shinomiya Family's [Nameless]. Naturally, it didn't have any worn or rusty traces, but rather exquisite carvings.
The blade rested on a perfectly carved sword stand. It looked less like edible chocolate and more like a fine piece of sculpture.
Seeing this painstakingly made 'obligatory chocolate', Asuna felt a vague sense that something was off.
Seeing Yusei's astonished expression, Kaguya felt much better. She asked nonchalantly, "So? Is the carving nice?"
This was the first time Yusei learned that Kaguya had skills in culinary carving.
He immediately nodded, though his expression held a trace of hesitation.
"It's very beautiful."
Receiving Yusei's praise, Kaguya was in a good mood. Seeing his hesitation, she couldn't help but ask with a smile, "What's wrong?"
"I was thinking about where to start eating it."
Kaguya's face flushed red, and she glared fiercely at Yusei.
'All you think about is eating! Shouldn't you properly preserve the gift I gave you?'
But, thinking carefully, chocolate is indeed meant to be eaten, even if it has been carved into a work of art.'
'And... its taste must be very good. This guy loves sweets so much, he'll definitely like it.'
Thinking this, Kaguya couldn't help but show a silly smile. After a moment, she said softly, "You can start from anywhere. See if it suits your taste."
"Okay, I'll try it. But it's so beautiful, I'm almost reluctant to eat it."
"It's fine. Next time, if you want to collect it, I can carve another one for you."
While the two were discussing 'how to eat the chocolate', Asuna heard every word. Her frown deepened, and she felt a sense of loss in her heart.
After a long while, just as Yusei was about to start with the sword stand, Asuna suddenly spoke.
"Wait."
She looked at this exquisite work of art and finally understood what felt wrong in her heart.
Asuna said with a smile, "Yusei-kun, why don't you open the chocolate Yui and I made for you as well?"
"Didn't you say it was a surprise?"
"Yes, precisely because it's a surprise, it needs to be opened."
"..." Yusei was speechless, "Then why did you stop me when I wanted to open it earlier?"
With Asuna's permission, Yusei was finally allowed to open it. He had been very interested in the chocolate Asuna and Yui made for him.
Immediately, he put down the [Nameless] carving Kaguya had given him and took out the square gift box from Asuna and Yui.
Seeing Yusei stop, disappointment was inevitable in Kaguya's eyes, but she quickly became curious about that square gift box.
She was also curious about what kind of chocolate Asuna would give Yusei.
In her opinion, it should be heart-shaped.
However... if it were her from before, she might have felt very disappointed and envious, right?
But just now, after seeing her [Nameless], Kaguya felt her gift today had already won.
'Now, even if Asuna gave him heart-shaped chocolate representing love, it wouldn't matter.'
Under everyone's expectant gazes, Yusei opened the gift box.
The packaging wasn't complicated. Once opened, the chocolate inside was revealed.
It was a house, like a miniature building model. At first glance, Kaguya recognized it looked very much like the Shinomiya main house.
But then she realized, 'The Kazami Residence?'
Yusei also cast a knowing look at Asuna.
Asuna nodded slightly and said softly,
"I had Yui search for the data from SAO. We recreated the original model and carved this place that represents where we fell in love."
"This is where we fell in love, and it's our home."