Chapter 134: Conviction
"Well, now. It's only been a short while, but you appear to have gained quite a bit of confidence while you were away..." remarked Azazel, sitting casually with the knuckles of his right hand propping his cheek and head.
"One of the many benefits of a renewed perspective..." responded Vahn, sporting a relaxed smile as he looked around the table, appending, "I see some new faces. And I can't help but notice that three of them are among the most breathtakingly beautiful women I have ever seen. Of course, our resident Leviathan doesn't lose to any of them..."
Seeing Vahn send a playful wink her way, Serafall couldn't help covering her mouth to stifle a giggle before remarking, "I quite like this version of you~" in a sensual, sing-song tone.
"Indeed," hummed the voluptuous Yasaka, narrowing her naturally narrow, vulpine eyes as she huskily stated, "But let us save the pleasantries and becoming better acquainted for another time. If I'm away from my shrine for too long, some naughty children could try something, or the leyline of Kyoto could become unstable. I'm Yasaka, by the way. Though many refer to me as the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox of the West."
"And I, young man, am Odin, Chief Deity of the Norse and Allfather of the Aesir..." chimed Odin, caressing his beard with his right hand and grinning wolfishly as he silently approved of Vahn's remark regarding the quality of the women present.
As he didn't feel like waiting for everyone to introduce themselves, Vahn plainly stated, "I am aware of everyone's identities, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintances. However, as Yasaka-san isn't the only one with someplace else to be, let's keep this meeting brief."
"Yasaka-san...?" repeated Yasaka, somewhat taken aback by Vahn's lack of formality but not taking it to heart as she knew his status would greatly exceed hers in the future, presuming it hadn't already.
"Then I will speak plainly and succinctly," said Sirzechs, sporting his usual relaxed smile as he revealed, "We've all had the opportunity to review the documents compiled and provided by Lady Venelana and generally agree with your decision to stay neutral. However, due to your close association with various high-ranking and Pure-blooded Devils, there is a concern you will be biased in your future dealings."
"It's only natural that I show favor to those I'm close to or care about," responded Vahn, shaking his head. "But that bias, as you call it, doesn't extend to Devilkind as a whole. It's unreasonable to favor or resent an entire group of people because of your affection or hatred toward a few. My only genuine bias is against those who go out of their way to cause trouble or threaten the peace, stability, and livelihoods of others in their personal pursuit of pleasure, fulfillment, or power."