Chapter 158: Accord
"So there are two full tiers of keys higher than the ones you gave me and Robin...?" asked Nami, frowning as she and Robin sat flanking Vahn atop a comfortable red leather sofa in the palace's ninth-floor lounge.
Nodding, Vahn explained, "Platinum keys are given to executive members of the recently created Dragon's Pavilion. Above that are special crystal keys denoting my wives, future wives, and those with special permissions. Gold is the highest a provisional resident or dependent of the palace can acquire, so it's not like I'm holding out on you...it simply indicates that you have stronger ties to the world you originate than the palace, which isn't a bad thing..."
"In other words, to obtain higher tiers of keys, we either need to become agents of the palace or dedicate ourselves to you..." concluded Robin, her expression and tone calm as a thoughtful glimmer flashed across her blue eyes. She had previously reincarnated as a Devil after a lengthy chat with Venelana, so while she intended to remain with the Straw Hats to the end of their journey, she felt that becoming the Pavilion's representative in her world wasn't out of the question.
"What does the Dragon's Pavilion even do...?" asked Nami, filling Vahn's sake cup as he presented it. She wasn't particularly fond of the idea of becoming a Maid, but to thank him for coming to their aid and allowing the other Straw Hats to hide out within the palace, she and Robin were wearing loose kimonos and attending him as he awaited his meeting with Ravel.
"We're still hammering out the details, but our primary focus is facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between worlds..." answered Vahn, taking a sip from his sake cup before revealing, "After the next cycle, the first three floors of the palace will become a hub all Ascendees can access to spend or earn Tower Points outside of the Tower. The first floor will be dedicated to shopping and leisure, the second will focus on material processing and item production, and the third will have training and spa facilities similar to the 0th Floor of the Tower."
"It sounds like the palace will become very busy in the future..." remarked Robin, resting her head on Vahn's right shoulder, tracing her right index finger around the rim of his sake cup, and staring at the shimmering clear liquid thoughtfully.
"And what about the remaining floors...?" asked Nami, her curiosity piqued and treasure sense tingling. It didn't take a genius to understand that the changes to the palace were to ensure Vahn and the Dragon's Pavilion had a steady supply of Tower Points, so if she could secure herself a piece of the pie, she could potentially become stronger without needing to venture into Dungeons or fight monsters.
"Floors four through six will be residences for the palace's personnel and staff..." explained Vahn. "As for seven through nine, they are the personal domain of me, my women, and the highest-ranking members of the Maid Batallion...put simply, they're where me and the people I care about can relax, network, and indulge ourselves..."
"How many people is that...?" asked Nami, curious to know the number of women Vahn was involved with and where she ranked among them.
"Let's see..." muttered Vahn, leaning his head back slightly as he recalled, "Including the two of you, there are six holders of gold keys, four holders of platinum keys, and ten holders of crystal keys..."
"Isn't that just a tad excessive...?" asked Nami, her smile cramping as she imagined Vahn surrounded by twenty faceless women with her and Robin near the group's edge.