"Once I get the materials I need," he muttered.
Singed's tone grew flat, clearly suppressing his irritation. A faint trace of blue veins stood out on his bald head.
He'd initially achieved his goal of securing funds, but why did he have to lower himself so much just to ask for it? Calm down, he reminded himself. With the money in hand, he could finally pursue his own research interests. The thought of being cooped up in his workshop day in and day out, endlessly churning out potions, bored him. If he didn't have this chance to explore the materials unique to this world, he would have walked away long ago.
"Are you done already? Singed looked angry when he left."
As soon as Singed departed, a light breeze blew into the room, along with Janna.
With the fresh air Janna brought in, the strong scent left by Singed dissipated, and Renata felt herself breathe easier.
"Scientific lunatics tend to have their quirks, Janna-sama. You needn't worry about him," Renata replied.
The cool breeze from Janna soothed Renata's earlier frustration, though it didn't quite rid her of the unpleasant taste lingering in her mouth.
"Still, as a family member, I hope you'll get along more harmoniously."
"Don't worry, I know how to handle these 'scientific geniuses.'"
As Renata spoke with Janna, her tone softened. While she'd been away, even Singed had worked quite diligently under Janna's guidance. The family had amassed numerous skilled alchemists, each brought back to contribute their talents.
Renata knew that her laid-back goddess wasn't accustomed to this kind of work, yet Janna had stepped up to help them. Janna's charm was undeniable; her followers were proof of that.
What could you call it other than natural charisma?
Whenever the pharmacy opened, all Janna had to do was stand by the counter, and even the waiting customers gravitated toward her to make their purchases. That kind of affinity couldn't be learned—it was an inherent gift. If only Renata had a similar charm; it would make her business negotiations far more successful. Alas, a capitalist at heart, she was self-aware enough to know she could never match Janna's aura.
"Glad you understand. I wanted to let you know that the family's warehouse will soon be full. Didn't you say these potions needed to be kept?"
"Oh, the warehouse is full already? That was fast."
When she returned earlier, Renata had been genuinely delighted to see so many experienced alchemists in the family. Their productivity had surged, and even some members were tasked with producing the new bombs Jinx had designed.
With storage now maxed out, she would have to think about distribution.
Fortunately, she already had plans.
From the moment she began working with the Demeter family, a thought had formed in her mind.
"I'm heading out!"
After finishing her black tea, Renata quickly stood, and under Janna's curious gaze, she disappeared from view.
"It's a shame... I was going to invite her to the evening festival," Janna murmured with a sigh.
Meanwhile, Renata hurried to the residence of the Demeter family. Pausing to catch her breath, she straightened her posture, restoring the dignified image of Madame Glasc before entering. A family member quickly came over to greet her, recognizing one of their most valued clients.
The Janna family had become a prominent presence in Orario, and their influence was growing. Recently, they had released a life potion that forced the Dian Cecht family to cut their prices to prevent further losses. Many adventurers took advantage of the cheaper potions and were thankful to the Janna family, contrasting them with the Dian Cecht family, who had long charged exorbitant prices. The Janna family's reputation had soared.
With this success, it was the Demeter family that reaped significant profits, thanks to Renata. She had bought out their entire stock of herbs.
A benefactor had come calling, and they were ready to accommodate her.
"I have some business to discuss with your captain. Is she available?"
"Due to the Ares Familia's upcoming move, she's out overseeing the harvest of this season's crops outside of Orario. She probably won't be back until evening."
Given that the Demeter family was heavily involved in agriculture, most of their farms were located on Orario's outskirts. If they didn't harvest soon, the Ares Familia's impending invasion could destroy their crops.
"Is Demeter-sama available, then?"
"Oh, is that Renata? What brings you here?"
Just as Renata asked for Demeter, a soft, feminine voice called out. She turned to see familiar golden hair, amber eyes, and an imposing figure approaching.
"Demeter-sama," Renata greeted, taking half a step back and bowing slightly.
"No need for formalities here. What's brought you to see me?"
"I know your family owns the largest farmlands around Orario, and I'd like to buy a plot. Even if it's a bit out of the way."
"Buy land?" Demeter looked surprised. "You mean farmland around Orario?"
Demeter's family had monopolized farmland near Orario from the beginning, securing it at a high price while most adventurers preferred not to farm. Yet, this was the first time another familia had expressed interest in purchasing land from her.