The undercurrents of that night passed just like that.
The next day, everyone at the academy was busy talking about the Night Party.
Naturally, the topic of discussion was the changes in Charlotte and Loki.
Compared to two months ago, both Charlotte and Loki had shown an incredible improvement in strength, sparking a wave of intense conversation.
Especially Charlotte—she had inherited the art of Spirit Arts and displayed the Gram Battle Arts, which had everyone buzzing with excitement.
The name of the Belew family's Gram was already renowned. Now that Charlotte had mastered the Gram Battle Arts, the excitement wasn't just within the academy—it stirred up a storm across the nation.
Loki, on the other hand, had annihilated a group of nineteen people all on his own, a feat that spread like wildfire and made waves everywhere.
Both of them were already considered top contenders among the Thirteen, and now, with such a sudden leap in power, it was impossible for them not to become the center of discussion.
Rozen, however, hadn't made a single move. He merely stood there and watched the battle unfold, leaving quite a few people disappointed.
After all, many were really there to see Rozen, to witness a glimpse—just a sliver—of his terrifying power. Even that would've been enough to serve as a benchmark or point of reference.
But in the end, Rozen didn't lift a finger, leaving all those with ulterior motives completely doused with cold water, caught off guard and unsure of what to do next.
Olga was the same. She had initially planned to observe Rozen during the Night Party, to gauge any changes in his abilities over the past two months. Even if Rozen had only used a little of his strength, it would've been enough to help her form a judgment and draft a strategy. But Rozen had closed off that path entirely.
Left with no choice, Olga had to directly summon the members of the Thirteen for a meeting, hoping to quickly deliberate and make a decision.
However, Olga didn't invite Charlotte, Loki, or Hinowa.
First, Hinowa hadn't returned to the academy yet.
Second, Charlotte and Loki were clearly close to Rozen, so Olga naturally wouldn't extend an invitation to them.
Of course, people like Olga who were trying to make decisions based on Rozen's performance were in the minority. Most of the spectators were ordinary people who just wanted to see Rozen go all out, with no deeper agenda.
So when Rozen didn't fight, many were disappointed.
But whether they were disappointed or not wasn't Rozen's concern.
All Rozen knew was that he was about to lose his mind.
"At this point, Yaya has no choice but to tell everyone."
Around noon, while enjoying lunch personally prepared by Irori in a courtyard, Yaya suddenly made this announcement.
"Yaya already has Rozen's child."
A thunderous statement came from Yaya's mouth just like that.
"Pfft!"
Rozen, who had just taken a sip of soup, spat it out.
"W-W-Whaaat!? Really!?"
Komurasaki was completely stunned.
"C-C-C-Child…!?"
Irori dropped the bowl she was holding. With a loud crack, it shattered on the ground, spilling its contents everywhere.
The three of them stared blankly at Yaya's bashful expression, their minds in chaos, as if a herd of alpacas had trampled over their emotions.
Then—
"C-Child…!?"
"…I didn't hear that wrong, right?"
"No way…"
"R-Rozen-sama's child…!?"
In Rozen's mind, the voices of Mashu, Artoria [Alter], Jeanne [Alter], and Serenity echoed one after another—some exclaiming, some shocked, some bewildered, and some dumbfounded—causing Rozen's blood to boil with turmoil.
One could imagine just how intense their reactions were.
Rozen's mouth twitched endlessly until he finally took a deep breath.
"Bam!"
A fist came crashing down, the muffled thud sounding out clearly.
"Ow!"
Yaya immediately clutched her head and cried out.
Rozen had given Yaya a solid whack on the forehead.
He had no choice.
"What the hell are you spouting!?"
Rozen nearly cursed out loud.
That last statement had been way too impactful. If it had come from Asuna or Mash instead of Yaya, Rozen might've died on the spot.
But Yaya, instead of reflecting, had the nerve to act like the victim.
"What's your problem, Rozen?" Yaya protested. "It's fine if you hit me, but what if you hurt the baby?"
As she said that, she gently caressed her perfectly flat, fat-free stomach with a kind expression.
Anyone who didn't know better would've actually believed she was pregnant.
No—even knowing it was impossible, there were still some who took it seriously.
For example…
"Waaah! Yaya is really pregnant!" Komurasaki jumped up in amazement. "I have to go tell Shouko this wonderful news!"
Saying that, she turned to run off.
"Don't you dare!"
Rozen quickly grabbed Komurasaki and stopped her.
But then, Irori stood up with a pale face.
"C-C-C-Calm down, Yaya!"
No, you're the one who needs to calm down!
"It's... it's okay! Even if it's an unfortunate situation! The child is innocent! If it's Rozen-sama and Yaya's child, then I'm sure they'll grow up to be an exceptional person! I-I can help raise them, it's totally fine!"
Irori was so flustered that her eyes began to spiral, looking ready to faint—something she probably hadn't even noticed herself.
"It's okay… I'm the older sister… I should calmly make all the preparations…! Right! First I'll need to get baby clothes… and formula…!"
Mumbling to herself, Irori wobbled off to prepare.
"You stay put too!"
Rozen quickly pulled Irori into a hug, catching her in his arms.
Seeing these three sisters fully immersing themselves in the situation, Rozen shouted:
"Hold up! Everyone just hold up! The child's not mine! No—wait—I don't even have a child! I didn't do anything! How could there be a child!?"
Rozen's outburst earned him contemptuous stares from both Irori and Komurasaki.
"Rozen-sama, if you've done it, then please have the courage to take responsibility. That's what a real man does."
Irori solemnly advised.
"Is Rozen planning to abandon Yaya now? To cast aside wife and child? That's horrible!"
Komurasaki joined in the criticism.
Before Rozen could even defend himself, Yaya began sobbing with a sorrowful expression, still caressing her belly.
"Poor baby… not even born yet, and Daddy already doesn't want you."
She looked utterly heartbroken.
"Could you not act so convincing!? Enough already!"
Rozen couldn't help but retort.
And so, Rozen threw out a line to end this farce.
"I've never heard of an Automaton Doll being able to have children. Can you all please wake up?"
That was common knowledge.
Even though Irori, Yaya, and Komurasaki were Automaton Dolls with incredibly high levels of realism—they could eat, breathe, and were indistinguishable from humans—pregnancy was simply impossible.
Not to mention, Rozen really hadn't done anything.
"You all know, don't you? All of Yaya's night attacks have failed."
Rozen's words finally snapped Irori and Komurasaki back to their senses.
Meanwhile, Yaya exploded in frustration.
"Then why won't you let Yaya succeed already!?"
She shouted in protest.