"What condition?" Instead of agreeing immediately, Tenraku inquired.
"I want her, Asia Argento," Tiamat said, astonishing everyone by her request, as she glanced towards Asia.
"Tiamat San wants me, me?" Asia appeared bewildered, seemingly taken aback by Tiamat's unexpected proposal.
Certainly, it wasn't just Asia; Tenraku and Rias' group shared the same surprise.
"Yes."
"Asia Argento, there's something about you that attracts us Dragon Race. Being around you naturally brings peace to our minds, and even your presence brings us good fortune."
"I've been observing you for a long time, and my intuition tells me that you are more precious to us Dragon Race than any treasure," Tiamat earnestly stated, leaving Asia with an incredulous expression.
Was she really that remarkable? How come she had never realized?
"Now that you mention it, it does seem that way. Whether it's bad-boy Tenraku or Lucy, Asia has always been beloved and welcomed by dragons. Even Ophis enjoys spending time with Asia," Xenovia and Irina commented, feeling amazed.
"How about it, Asia Argento? Would you like to come to my side?" Tiamat extended an olive branch once again, even offering incredibly lavish incentives.
It was almost like saying, "Asia, come be my pet. You won't have to do anything, just let me pamper you."
Though the metaphor might be slightly inappropriate, it captured the essence of Tiamat's proposal.
"Sorry, Tiamat San, but I cannot agree to this condition. Asia is our family and companion, not an item to be traded casually," Tenraku said, standing protectively in front of Asia.
If it had been any other condition, Tenraku might have considered it, but the request for Asia was non-negotiable.
Absolutely not!
"What about your own choice, Asia Argento?" Tiamat frowned slightly, seemingly displeased, and then turned to Asia.
She felt that her offer was already quite generous. For anyone else, it would have been a golden opportunity and honor to receive the protection and affection of the Chaos Karma Dragon without having to do anything.
"I-I'm sorry, Tiamat San. I don't want to leave Tenraku-san and everyone," Asia said, bowing apologetically to Tiamat.
While she didn't understand what "cause and effect" or "luck" Tiamat mentioned, she was happy about Tiamat's recognition. However, she would never leave Tenraku-san and everyone, no matter how generous the offer.
"I see..."
Tiamat displayed a hint of regret, but since Asia had declined, she didn't insist further.
"Tiamat San, how about proposing another condition?" Tenraku suggested.
Though she exuded a cold demeanor, Tiamat seemed to be reasonable, and Tenraku's opinion of her rose slightly.
"No need. I'll retrieve those lost treasures myself. However, since you're partly responsible, both you and Ddraig will assist me when the time comes."
"Just assisting is completely fine, but is that all? Shouldn't I compensate Tiamat San with some other treasures?" Tenraku proposed.
"I don't need those things. I'll collect the treasures I desire myself."
"Well, Red Dragon Emperor, Princess Rias, Princess Sona, there's nothing else for me to do. I'll take my leave now." With no hesitation, Tiamat bid farewell to Tenraku and the girls before directly opening a magical array and leaving.
"Although I've heard about her before, this Dragon King seems quite different from the others," Sona remarked, expressing her admiration. "Most Dragon Race members are domineering and enjoy combat, but she, despite her pride, doesn't give off that unpleasant vibe."
Tenraku agreed with Sona's observation. "Indeed. Tiamat is unique."
Meanwhile, Tenraku looked back at Asia. "Asia, you just passed up a great opportunity. If you had followed Tiamat, you could have lived a life of luxury without any responsibilities. But by staying with us, you'll have to cook, clean, and face dangers in battles regularly."
He teased Asia, gently patting her head, knowing full well that Asia understood his jest. Asia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she responded with a playful scowl. "Tenraku-san!"
...
Later that night, Tenraku and the girls received an invitation from Duke Agares and his wife, and they arrived at the House of Agares' main residence via a transmission formation to join Seekvaira and the duke for dinner.
Madame Agares, a beautiful and elegant woman, resembled a mature version of Seekvaira. Duke Agares, as rumored, was friendly and gracious, warmly welcoming Tenraku and Rias' group.
The dinner was sumptuous, with hundreds of servants standing by, and everyone enjoyed delicious food and lively conversation.
"Kamiya Tenraku, what do you think of our Seekvaira? Why don't you enter into an engagement with her as well?" Duke Agares suddenly suggested, causing Tenraku, who was sipping wine, to choke on his drink at the unexpected proposal.
Feeling the scrutinizing gazes from Rias and Sona, Tenraku couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
He was completely caught off guard; he hadn't done anything!
"Otou-Sama!" Seekvaira said, embarrassed, as she stood up.
"Dear, you've had a bit too much to drink," Madame Agares smiled and gently reminded him.
"Haha... I apologize for the misunderstanding. Rias, Sona, please don't mind. Just consider what I said earlier as a father's momentary slip of the tongue while worrying about his daughter's marriage." Feeling that his words might have been inappropriate, Duke Agares apologized and then engaged in casual banter with Tenraku and the others.
He joked about Seekvaira's age and her difficulty finding a suitable spouse, how she always rejected suitors due to her high standards, and how she finally agreed to an engagement with a young man who seemed perfect for her, only to defeat him in a Rating Game and embarrass him, thus canceling the engagement.
Seekvaira felt embarrassed by her father's words, while Tenraku and Rias' group were amused and slightly embarrassed at the same time. They hadn't expected Seekvaira, who usually exuded such a powerful aura, to have such embarrassing stories, reminiscent of Rias and Sona's past experiences...
To be continued...
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