Chapter 265: Meander
[Day 35]
Though most of his free time was spent with his harem and children, Vahn wasn't especially against spending time with other men if they invited him out for drinks or simply wanted to chat in person. It was thanks to that he knew that Azazel was expecting no less than five kids, that Gojo was able to prevent a major disaster from occurring, and that Kiba had entered into a relationship with a girl named Kobayashi Rindo—who recently became a Devil.
With such revelations still fresh in his memory, Vahn wasn't too surprised when Himmel invited him out for drinks and a meal in the resort's bar and lounge, leading to him casually disclosing, "This might come as a surprise to you, but I've been seeing someone..." midway through their fifth round.
"That's exceedingly good news..." responded Vahn, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from his heart as he offered a genuine smile and asked, "Who's the lucky lady?"
"Her name is Elinalise Dragonroad..." revealed Himmel, causing Vahn to spit-take mentally. The woman in question was an Elf originating from the same world as Paul Greyrat and Ghislaine Dedoldia. She had come to him in the past in search of a cure to a malicious curse that forced her to have sex and intake men's semen to survive, and though he initially refused her offer to repay him with her body, their paths had crossed more than once due to her status as a First-Grade Maid.
Though Vahn's expression didn't change outside a slight raising of his eyebrows, Himmel knew what he was thinking, a wry smile adorning his face as he nodded and confirmed, "It's the same Elinalise you're thinking of. The two of us formed a Party last cycle, but we only recently became a couple. That's why I wished to speak with you. I would like you to annul her contract or at least facilitate her demotion to a Third-Grade Maid..."
"Oh, is that all...?" responded Vahn, exhaling from his nose and smiling as he produced a copy of the contract members of the Maid Battalion signed as he explained, "Feel free to review it if you like. Every Maid we employ is an at-will employee, so there aren't any provisions or penalties that would preclude Elinalise from leaving our service or modifying her classification. She's free to leave, and out of consideration for our friendship, I will sync your keys to facilitate you traveling to her world and vice-versa."
Blinking in surprise, Himmel's first instinct was to refuse Vahn's offer on principle but it was simply too generous and opportune a gift to pass on. He would need to discuss the matter with Elinalise, but if she agreed, it would allow them to spend time together and aid one another without the palace or Tower as proxies.
"Hey, don't even think about refusing it..." said Vahn, noticing Himmel's hesitation and smiling as he added, "I want both you and Elizalise to be happy, Himmel. Everyone deserves happiness, but the two of you have put in the work. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."