My SAO adventure is wrong, as expected

Chapter 75: Hot Spring

"Hot spring?"

"Yeah, Argo just contacted me. She said she found a hot spring inn on the 72nd floor. Said it's a rare opportunity and suggested the two of us go together."

"Really?! But it's rare for Argo to give out info for free."

"No, apparently it's to pay back for yesterday's dinner. Guess pros like her don't like owing people."

"Ah~ that really sounds like Argo."

"So how about we consider tomorrow our substitute honeymoon with the hot springs?"

"That sounds amazing! Thank you, Hachiman-kun!"

"If you're thankful, thank Argo."

"Okay!"

Asuna immediately started sending a thank-you message to Argo, but after reading the reply, her face turned bright red.

"Seriously, that Argo…"

"Hmm? What did she say?"

"She mentioned there's a private open-air bath for couples and suggested we go there together."

"Oh yeah, I heard about that too. What's wrong with that?"

"…You perv, Hachiman-kun."

"We already bathe together anyway."

"Well… when you put it like that, I guess it's fine."

.

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The next morning over breakfast, Asuna suddenly said she wanted to visit Kizmel.

"You know, it was Kizmel who told us about Yui, right? I'd like to thank her in person."

"Oh, right. It won't take much time. Let's stop by on the way."

"Yeah!"

They headed to the dark elves' castle and found Kizmel already waiting at the entrance.

"Yo, what brings you two here today?"

"Kizmel!"

Asuna cheerfully ran up and hugged Kizmel, who returned the embrace warmly.

"What's the occasion, Asuna? You look happy."

"Mhm, thanks to you, Kizmel!"

"My doing?"

Asuna explained everything about Yui to Kizmel.

"I see… So that spirit became your daughter…"

"Yes. Right now, Yui—our daughter—is asleep inside here."

Hachiman took out the gem containing Yui's data from the shared inventory and showed it to Kizmel.

"I see. I can feel the spirit's power from this."

"I knew you'd be able to sense it."

"Yes. Though she's asleep, the power is strong… Truly impressive."

"Well, she is our daughter."

"Exactly!"

"If her arrival brought you two happiness, then as the one who told you, I'm deeply glad."

"Thank you so much, Kizmel!"

"Thanks to you, we have a new member in our family."

"Seeing you two this happy… I feel a little jealous."

"Kizmel?"

Hearing this, Asuna tilted her head in confusion.

"What did I just say? Am I jealous of the spirit?"

"Kizmel, you're family too!"

Asuna hugged her again, and Hachiman wrapped his arms around both of them.

"That's right, Kizmel. You're an important part of our family."

"Thank you… So this is what happiness feels like. I'm surrounded by so much joy right now. If only I could be like that spirit too…"

"Kizmel… you want to become a gem?"

Asuna cried out in shock at the sudden statement.

"But if you do that, we won't be able to touch you like this anymore!"

"Asuna, I've been thinking lately—this world will eventually be liberated. When that happens, you'll all leave. But if I enter a gem like the spirit, maybe we can meet again someday. It's just… something I feel deep down."

"Your intuition, huh?"

"Yeah. There's no logic behind it, but something in me says I need to do this."

"Hachiman-kun…"

"Asuna, let's call Kirito."

Hachiman seemed to realize something and contacted Kirito. The four of them gathered in front of the Black Iron Palace terminal that housed Yui.

"Here… the spirit's power is very strong."

"Kizmel will reside in the gem. Say your goodbyes while you can."

"It's not goodbye—we'll always be together."

With Kirito's help, Kizmel transformed into light and disappeared, leaving behind a beautiful gem. Asuna carefully placed it in their shared inventory.

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.

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The next day, the two arrived at the hot spring inn on the 72nd floor.

"This is the place?"

"Really gives off the vibe of a traditional hot spring inn."

"Feels like something from the old era."

As they entered, an NPC proprietress greeted them.

"Welcome! Are you two staying tonight?"

"Ah, yes."

"Wow, she's super realistic…"

"Please follow me to your room."

She guided them to a spacious tatami-style room with a private open-air bath. The inn also had a large communal bath.

"Let's check out the big bath first."

However, the men's side already had guests—Kirito, Klein, and Agil.

"So that's what you meant by 'see you later.'"

"Now I get it!"

"Sometimes it's nice to be honest with each other!"

"Oi, Klein, Agil! Don't get too close! Kirito, what are you rubbing your hands for?!"

On the women's side were Lisbeth and Silica.

"The guys' side is really noisy."

"Argo-san isn't here though."

"Asuna, your figure is still so amazing~"

Lisbeth suddenly groped Asuna's chest.

"Kyaa! Liz, don't grab me there!"

"It's such a waste that only Hachiman gets to enjoy these!"

Silica looked at Asuna's chest, then down at her own, and let out a resigned sigh.

"I want some too…"

From the men's side came Hachiman's scream:

"Cut it out already! Klein! Kirito, don't egg them on!!"

"It's a happiness tax!"

The girls burst out laughing. Lisbeth kept teasing Asuna.

"If this keeps up, your husband's not gonna last much longer."

"Liz, stop! These belong to Hachiman-kun!"

Another uproar came from the men's side.

"Asuna! Don't make it worse! It hurts! Klein! Kirito! Agil, do something!!"

"Shut up! The happiness tax just went up!"

And so, amidst all the laughter and chaos, the night deepened at the hot spring inn.