Chapter 35: Favor
"Who is it that you hate...?" asked Vahn, tilting his head slightly. He still didn't get the impression Tiamat harbored any ill will toward him and Asia, so instead of panicking, he determined humoring her was the best course of action.
"An arrogant and conniving thief named Ddraig, known by most as the Red Dragon Emperor," responded Tiamat, finding Vahn's calm curious as she drew closer to him, completely ignoring Asia as she bent forward to sniff him or, more accurately, his clothes.
"Where did you acquire these garments...?" asked Tiamat.
"Are you talking about my clothes...?" asked Vahn, raising his right brow slightly before revealing, "I made them."
"Hooo? Humans who can create magical items are rare, and I've never seen or heard of one so young being able to produce such high-quality items..." remarked Tiamat, narrowing her eyes and adopting an even more predatory smile than before. Unfortunately, she could smell the aroma of the Sitri and Gremory Houses permeating Vahn's aura, and based on the pervasiveness of their scents, he was no mere acquaintance to them.
"You're the Dragon Queen, Tiamat-sama, aren't you?" asked Vahn, taking the initiative to state, "My name is Vahn Mason, and my friend here is Asia Argento. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Well, aren't you a polite one," remarked Tiamat, suppressing her urge to have Vahn remove Asia from his lap and remove his pants. The aroma of treasure was especially strong near his groin, but since Vahn seemed like a good boy, almost completely free of negative karma, she felt it wouldn't be right to bully him.
"What is your relationship with the heiresses of the Sitri and Gremory Houses?" asked Tiamat, wanting to confirm her suspicions before things potentially escalated.
"I'm going to be Sona's Prince-Consort and Rias's husband," responded Vahn, his expression, tone, and the surety of his aura making it clear, at least to Tiamat, that he wasn't speaking falsehoods.
"Mmm...in other words, taking from you would be taking from the Sitri and Gremory Houses..." muttered Tiamat, her eyes narrowing in annoyance as she folded her arms in a way that emphasized her very substantial bosom and deliberated her options.
"You're searching for treasure...?" asked Vahn.