"That was how it happened."
In the living room of the cabin, Luo Zhen finished telling his story while holding Asuna in his arms, then looked into her eyes.
Only complicated emotions remained in those beautiful eyes.
"...Why?"
Asuna murmured to herself.
"Why would Yuuki do this?"
Asuna truly had never expected Yuuki to ask Luo Zhen not to tell her any of this, asking him to let her forget about her.
Was that really necessary?
"Even if we can't log into the game anymore and the guild has disbanded, we're still friends. We can chat online in the future, or meet in the real world. Why did she have to go this far?"
Asuna was utterly baffled.
Yet, faintly, Asuna still had an ominous premonition.
Recalling Yuuki's behavior until now, and especially her endlessly sorrowful and reluctant expression and gaze, Asuna had a feeling.
There was very likely a tremendous secret hidden within this.
A secret that might even be impossible for her to accept.
Otherwise, Yuuki would not have gone this far, and Luo Zhen would not have cooperated with Yuuki so completely, hiding all this from his own fiancée.
Not to mention that Luo Zhen's attitude toward Yuuki, as well as the conversation between Luo Zhen and Yuuki, all told Asuna that this matter was definitely not simple.
Perhaps the truth was even more serious and burdensome than Asuna imagined. That was possible, too.
Thinking this, Asuna involuntarily looked at Luo Zhen.
"Tell me." Asuna spoke with utmost seriousness. "What secret is Yuuki hiding?"
This was the first thing Asuna needed to understand.
Only after understanding this could Asuna know just how many connections and complications lay behind it all.
Naturally, Luo Zhen would no longer hide the truth from her.
"Don't worry. Yuuki and I already