Danmachi: Strongest Familia

Renata's explanation snuffed out the last glimmer of hope in Ares' heart. Recruiting her would not be easy, after all.

"If you ever change your mind, you're welcome to reach out anytime," he said. "I'll always have a place for you here."

"I appreciate the sentiment," Renata replied, her words tactfully creating a polite distance between them.

"Alright, back to business," Ares resumed. "Can we rely on you to supply these potions and bombs consistently in the future?"

Renata gave a measured response. "As long as no unforeseen circumstances arise, I have no intention of abandoning this market I've started to build."

"Of course, Madame Goslav," interjected Marius, his tone careful. "But we'd like to formalize our arrangement by signing a minimum supply agreement with you."

He slid a contract, prepared in advance, across the table. The agreement stipulated that Renata's caravan would need to deliver a minimum quantity of potions and military supplies to Rakia each month—a condition that Renata, intending to build a long-term partnership with Rakia, found agreeable.

"I accept the terms," she said, nodding. 

"However, I should clarify: the exact pricing will be subject to change, depending on circumstances at the time." 

Noticing Ares' approving nod, Renata added, "And the Ares family will need to ensure the safety of my caravan while in Rakia. If any losses occur due to unexpected events within Rakian territory, the Ares family should cover those."

Knowing that future trips would require others to lead the caravans on her behalf, Renata wanted to guarantee that Rakia would assume the risks of transporting valuable cargo.

Marius was about to object, but Ares raised a hand, signaling silence.

"While in Rakia," Ares declared firmly, "your caravan will be under our protection. Should anything happen, we'll bear full responsibility for any loss."

The promise was made with all the weight of a god, underscoring Ares' commitment to protecting those who conducted business in his domain.

"As expected of Lord Ares, God of War," Renata responded, handing the amended agreement back to Marius.

Marius reviewed each clause, then, with Ares' signal, added his own signature. With that, Rakia finally had a reliable trade route, solidifying its access to valuable resources. Renata's expertise as a merchant had been evident from the start, and now, as long as Rakia provided a profitable market, she would ensure a steady flow of supplies.

Even so, Renata knew that what she delivered today was just a taste. No savvy merchant would reveal their entire hand in a first transaction.

The finer details had already been negotiated the day before. "For today's batch, I'll offer the potions and bombs at the original price we discussed," Renata announced. "The Rage Potion, Witchcraft Potion, and Steel Potion are each set at 1 million valis. Including the life and magic potions, your total comes to 80 million."

The figures, prepared well in advance, were delivered with efficiency. The three main potions accounted for 45 million, with the life and magic potions adding substantial value, particularly in Rakia, where prices for such basics were doubled due to import costs.

Ares glanced at his logistics head, who gave a quiet nod, indicating the pricing was acceptable.

"Including other supplies, your final total is 300 million Valiss," Renata concluded.

With Ares' encouragement, the transaction proceeded smoothly. The pricing appeared to be even better than expected, so Marius and Ares paid the full amount. Since this was a military warehouse, the supplies didn't even need to be moved.

"Pleasure doing business," Ares said with satisfaction. "We'll look forward to your next shipment, Madame Goslav."

"This time's just a friendly discount," Renata replied with a smile. "Next time, I'll be charging full price."

"Then do be kind, Madame Goslav," Ares replied with a laugh.

With her supplies sold, Renata saw no reason to linger in Rakia. She needed to return to Orario as soon as possible to check on her family and tend to other matters. Work, it seemed, never ended.

——

"Prepare for battle," Ares instructed, surveying the military supplies. His confidence grew, bolstered by Renata's supplies and the prospect of future deliveries. The attack on Orario seemed more achievable now.

——

Outside Rakia's capital, Renata and her group—Shen, Akali, and the others—began their journey home. However, they soon discovered that Sol and Alfia, who had accompanied them to Rakia, had slipped away, leaving them stranded.

This posed a problem. Without Sol's guidance, returning to Orario would be challenging. None of them had registered with the Union before leaving, meaning if they returned now and were stopped by Ganesha's guards, their situation could become complicated.

"I'll try contacting Sol-sama," Renata said, attempting to resolve the issue. "Meanwhile, let's take a break."