Chapter 31: Entanglement
"So this is the Corridor of Intertwined Fates...a realm where time flows quickly, death is just a mild inconvenience, and magical items drop like snowflakes, each more unique than the last..." hummed Sona, gazing up at the cavernous crystal ceiling of the First Stratum's Seventh Floor with wistful intrigue.
"A bit poetic, but that about sums it up," affirmed Rias, standing a short distance from Sona with her arms crossed, flanked by Vahn, Akeno, and the former's Nadeshiko-like Queen, Shinra Tsubaki.
"And we can use this place freely...?" asked Sona, peering back over her shoulder, the question directed at Rias, but her violet-eyed gaze focused on Vahn.
"Unfortunately, people can only enter and remain in this place when Vahn himself is present," explained Rias. "However, it is possible to explore two or more Floors at a time, and given the time compression, even if you and your Peerage only enter one day a week, that still gives you a full week to train and harvest magical items at your discretion."
"Remarkable..." muttered Sona, crossing her arms and cupping her chin in thought as she softly appended, "This place might be more valuable than the mine of Mt. Olympus or the Dragon Burial Grounds of Europe..."
Making up her mind, Sona nodded before turning to face the group fully, her gaze meeting Rias's as she stated, "Very well. My Peerage shall help your latest member find his footing as a man. But that doesn't sufficiently compensate for the benefits we will receive from this place. What else do you desire from us...?"
With Sona directing her final few words at him, Vahn adopted his most sincere smile, causing Rias to cover her mouth to avoid laughing aloud as he replied, "I would like it if you and Rias could continue being friends for a long time."
"We weren't exactly planning to cut ties..." retorted Sona, exhaling a faint sigh as she crossed her arms and deliberated for several seconds before proposing, "How about this...since we can only enter this place when you are present, then, for the duration of that period, myself and the members of my Peerage shall regard you as our Master..."
"What a clever suggestion..." hummed Rias, adopting an amused smile as she joined Sona in staring at Vahn, awaiting his response.
"What exactly does that entail...?" asked Vahn, marginally more cautious now that he had gone from dating one girl to being betrothed to three in less than two weeks real-time.
"We shall do as you say, dress as you say, and serve you to the utmost of our ability..." stated Sona, a playful smile adorning her lips as she clarified, "In other words, whatever you ask of us, you shall receive. Give to us, and we will accept it with grace, gratitude, and gratification..."