Danmachi: Strongest Familia

The crisp sound of gold coins clinking made the quartermaster's eyes narrow with satisfaction.

Renata had brought dynamite; even without payment, he would have ensured everything was done to her specifications. But seeing her so considerate with compensation, he accepted it gladly.

This large bag of Valis, together with the one she had previously thrown at his feet, signified a rare opportunity for him. Today's deal promised substantial profit.

This woman is my lucky star, he mused. Tonight, I'll celebrate with a drink~

Quickly handing over his duties to a deputy, the quartermaster personally led Renata to the warehouse.

As a space designated for military storage, the warehouse was vast—several times larger than any she had seen locally. Being in a kingdom has its privileges, especially when it comes to available land.

Renata eyed the size of the warehouse with approval. One day, with the profit from Rakia, I'll build a warehouse just like this in Orario.

"Well?" he asked. "Satisfied with the space?"

"Yes, this should do," Renata replied, looking around in satisfaction.

"When will your goods be delivered?"

"Very soon. Tomorrow at the latest," she assured him. "I'll contact you once they arrive."

The two signed a provisional purchase contract, and after a few more words, the quartermaster left in haste, eager to report to his superiors and secure additional credit.

The careful planning that had brought him from the lowest rank to his current role as quartermaster had once again served him well.

In the forest a few kilometers outside Rakia's capital, a supply team had set up camp. At the front of the convoy stood Shen and Akali of the Sol family.

Shen wore a headset-like device, a voice piece through which Renata's voice now came through. This device, crafted by Heimerdinger, allowed for clear, remote communication, though only a few were made for the Sol family's use.

And it was Sol himself who had assembled this transport team, drawing his guards and supplies from Valoran. He loaded everything from Orario into his own spatial storage and released it near Rakia's borders. Both Shen and Akali had been hired by Renata to escort the caravan with Kayn as her bodyguard.

"Shall we deliver now?" Akali asked Shen after his call with Renata.

They had divided their responsibilities; Shen would lead the transport team, while Akali's primary role was defense.

"Notify everyone to pack up and prepare to move," Shen commanded.

The transport team consisted mainly of residents Sol had summoned from Ionia, all fresh faces in the region. Shen, held in high regard by his team, quickly saw them dismantle camp and set off.

With Akali protecting the convoy, any monsters encountered en route were dispatched before they posed a threat. The capital of the Kingdom of Rakia wasn't far, and by dusk, Shen could already make out the city's gates.

"We're approaching the city gates," he informed Renata through the headset. 

Seeing the long queue to enter, Shen pulled the caravan aside, bypassing the line altogether. Renata soon appeared near the city gates, presenting the contract she'd signed with the quartermaster to a military official and paying an entry fee. 

After verifying the contract's authenticity, the city's guard accepted her fee, and the caravan avoided the lengthy queue, entering under the envious gaze of onlookers.

Guided by Renata, they soon arrived at the warehouse she'd secured. The team immediately set to unloading, finally completing the job before sunset.

"Until everything here is moved out, I'll need you to guard the warehouse," she requested.

"Understood," Shen replied calmly, exuding a reassuring steadiness.

Renata trusted him—Shen was a reliable figure, both in strength and integrity.

With the supplies in place, Renata knew it was time for the next phase of her plan.

"They should be here soon," she murmured, glancing at the dimming sky.

In the distance, footsteps approached, and Renata opened her eyes to see the quartermaster arriving, accompanied by a man dressed in civilian clothing. Judging by his attire, this newcomer was likely wealthier than the quartermaster.

"You've come rather late. Is there something I can help with?" Renata greeted them, her expression tinged with a playful smile.

The quartermaster's arrival was anticipated; after all, this was Ares' territory. If he wasn't keeping a close eye on his domain, Renata would have to reconsider this partnership.

"Madame Goslav, I've heard your goods have arrived?" he asked impatiently.

"Well-informed as always. I was planning to contact you tomorrow morning," she replied, smoothly opening the warehouse door.