The Seventh Case

Chapter 17

Asuna and Kazuto

"Something is off about this floor", Kazuto frowned as he observed the massive expanses of the floor. It seemed like a small kingdom. He was sure it would have taken Kayaba at least a year to code this floor alone, but he couldn't fathom the fact that there were seventy eight floors remaining.

"What is?", Asuna asked him, casually tightening her grip on his arm. It was more than obvious to Kazuto that she did not care about this conversation. His fiancee was far too happy at the moment to register an important conversation, but he couldn't blame her. He himself could not prevent the smile on his face each time he saw her angelic face.

"Nothing. You are not in a state to remember this conversation anyway", he accused her and Asuna raised her eyebrows.

"Are you?", she countered and Kazuto avoided her eyes. He did not expect Asuna to ask that question and blushed hard. Asuna giggled softly and kissed his cheek, standing on the tips of her toes.

"Is someone embarassed?", she pressed further and she enjoyed it when he was cornered. His behaviour was far too cute to let go off.

"So, what is the first thing you want to do here?", she asked him, observing the beautiful scenery.

Lots of birds and insects were there on the twenty second floor - things they couldn't observe in the previous stages.

A small butterfly with violet coloured wings was fluttering around. Smiling at the beautiful insect, Asuna brought her left hand out and the insect gracefully glided down and took its offered seat.

"Marry you", Kazuto whispered and Asuna's eyes shot up. Her hands began to tremble as she searched his face for any signs of a cruel smirk. To her surprise and partially to her relief, she did not find any such signs.

"Are you...Are you sure about-"

"I know I am sure. I know I cannot see another woman the way I see you, Asuna. I love you", he stated with a straight face. Even though his face was straight and emotionless, Asuna could see the sincerity of his words through his eyes and failed to hold her tears yet again as she flung herself into his embrace.

"I love you too, darling. Let's get married", she whispered into his chest.

Over his shoulder, Asuna's eyes caught a signboard.

Log Cabin for Sale!! 10 percent off from the original price.

Name: Forest House K4
Distance: 3.5 Kilometres to the South from here
Description: One storey, surrounded by Coniferous forest
Required: Completion of Quest << Witch of the West and the Three Treasures>>
Difficulty of Quest: 1
Maximum Registered Occupants: 6
New Price: 5 Mega Cor (5,000,000)

She pointed towards the board and Kazuto read it. He did not seem too impressed by the price.

"I think the price is a scam", he mumbled with a weak frown. "I mean, look at it. How can an offer price be at a perfect 5 Mega Cor?"

"So what? I guess the quest should last only for a few minutes, or an hour at max", she retorted with a pout, but her fiance seemed unconvinced.

"I just...I feel it would be more private", she whispered as she weakly avoided his gaze but leaned in closer to him.

Their faces were inches away from each other and Asuna could feel his warm breath rattle the few unruly strands of her hair over her forehead. Kazuto reached and tucked a thick lock of her hair behind her ear.

"What....are....you...waiting...for?", she murmured into his lips. She brushed her soft lips across his in a tantalizing fashion and softly smirked as he clenched his jaw before yielding to her charms.