Danmachi: Strongest Familia

"Sigh… One troublesome task after another. Starting from scratch like this will be difficult," Renata muttered to herself. "The Janna family has so few people, and right now, the only one idle enough to spare is Mundo."

But entrusting Mundo to make potions was out of the question.

"I'll have to talk it over with Janna-sama," she resolved.

The secrecy of potion-making couldn't be risked with outsiders, so it was clear Janna would need to expand the family workforce. While there weren't many available hands in Zaun, she could try Ionia. If that didn't work, she'd follow Morgana's lead and see if Sol-sama had anyone skilled to lend.

——

"Speak to Sol-sama for assistance?" Janna repeated, visibly startled by Renata's bold suggestion.

"It would be ideal to find skilled hands in Demacia or Ionia, or perhaps recruit from other families. Even if they only handle parts of the potion-making process, it would help," Renata explained.

Unfortunately, there weren't many alchemists in Ionia or Demacia.

"I still feel awkward about poaching from others," Janna said, casting Renata an apologetic look.

Initially, she'd feared trouble from these "problematic children," but Renata had managed them well. Her worries had been unfounded—Renata had a gift, yet Janna had hardly assisted her beyond providing their initial residence.

"Well then, please reach out to Sol-sama familia. They have many elves, and hiring them on a contractual basis should be safe. They'd be more trustworthy than strangers," Renata suggested.

"That's a more practical approach; I'll reach out shortly." Janna agreed with a quick nod.

This suggestion was exactly what Renata had hoped for—knowing her Goddess well, she'd anticipated Janna's cooperative nature. Any lingering resentment from her youth had faded, replaced with gratitude. Janna's support allowed Renata to realize her ambitions without constraint.

"Thank you. I'll take care of the rest from here."

"Yes, but remember, I'm always here for you," Janna said, gently brushing a hand over Renata's cheek, making her heart skip for a brief moment.

---

 [The Sol Family]

"Understood, I'll handle the hiring," Sol agreed readily to Janna's request. "We can arrange it once Riveria returns."

From the start, he'd intended for the Janna family to manage potion production, though he'd hoped to wait until their footing was firmer. Yet Renata had moved quicker than he'd expected.

With the main issue settled, Sol and Janna continued their conversation, casually updating each other on the Janna family's current status.

Not long after, Riveria arrived, and as Sol turned to greet her, he noticed a serious expression on her face.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Look at this first," she replied, handing him a bounty list without hesitation, even in front of Janna.

The notice detailed a mission to locate Bell Cranel's party.

This kid seemed to attract trouble wherever he went. 

Since Morgana's takedown of the Apollo family—along with Sol's sending Apollo back to the heavens—the storyline had been unpredictable, leaving Sol uncertain of what might unfold next.

Lately, Sol has been occupied with gathering divine power, and neither he nor the goddesses could spare attention for Bell.

"When did this come up?"

"Just this afternoon. Saria handed it to me."

"Ah, right, Saria's still acting as Bell's adventurer advisor," Sol noted, nearly having forgotten.

"So, where is Alfia?" he asked.

"I haven't informed her yet. I came straight here," Riveria replied.

"Notify her, then… we should also get in touch with Hermes. He's always shown a particular interest in that boy."

As Sol organized the necessary manpower, Hestia and her friends were meeting in a dilapidated church, their familia's modest house. Among them was Hephaestus, one of the few friends who wasn't as financially strapped as the others.

Miach and Takemikazuchi had brought along their familia members, preparing to aid Bell's group, which had been trapped in the dungeon for a full day after encountering monsters pass—thanks to the group of adventurers from Takemikazuchi's family.

Hephaestus is here because her apprentice Welf is also in that team.

Without the help of the Apollo family, Welf is still a member of the Hephaestus family.

Although he didn't join the Hestia family, the other party still formed an adventure team with Bell.

"We'll start the preparations as soon as possible, form a joint search team, and put the rescue of people back as the top priority."

"Hey, I'm here to help Hestia too!"

At this time, another sound came from the door.

Hestia turned her head in surprise, and there were two people standing at the gate, Astraea and Hermes.

"Astraea! And...Hermes?"

It is understandable for Astraea to help Hestia. After all, the two virgins have a good relationship in the heavens and Astria is always helpful.

Of course, she is no longer a virgin, but it doesn't affect their good relationship.

But what is Hermes here for?

She's been in the lower realm for so long, but she didn't have any contact with the other party.