Danmachi: Strongest Familia

Knowing that grenades were particularly in demand, Renata had made sure they were stacked at the outermost edge of the shipment, ensuring the quartermaster saw exactly what he wanted at first glance.

She hadn't expected him to bring along a higher-ranking official, suggesting their interest and urgency were greater than anticipated. However, Renata had been prepared from the start to meet with Rakia's upper ranks.

"Are all these boxes filled with grenades?" the quartermaster asked.

"Just the outermost crates—100 boxes total, each with 50 grenades. Inside, there are also potions and other types of explosives," Renata replied smoothly, having memorized the inventory details.

"Pleased to meet you, Madame Goslav. I am Marion Lazia, of the Ares family, and I serve as Rakia's Minister of Logistics."

The man behind the quartermaster stepped forward and, with a refined demeanor, extended his hand to Renata.

Sizing him up, Renata quickly deduced his significance. Bearing the Rakia name and holding such a position—this man must wield considerable influence.

"Mr. Marion, I'm honored to have someone of your stature here," Renata replied.

"Madame Goslav, I appreciate the courtesy. I do have one question for you, if you'll indulge me?" Marion asked, his gaze suddenly sharp.

"You're welcome to ask. I may know the answer," she replied calmly.

"Are you from Orario?" His expression grew intense, and a practiced pressure exuded from him, testing her composure.

"Does it matter?" she replied, unfazed, a slight smile hinting at the corners of her mouth.

Her expression made Marion uneasy, as if he'd been subtly outmaneuvered. 

"Well," he conceded, "as long as these items are as useful as you claim, that's what truly counts."

Seeing his attempt at intimidation fail, Marion quickly resumed his courteous tone, understanding now that she was no ordinary dealer.

"We'll take all the grenades. What's your price?" he asked, ready to negotiate.

"If you're purchasing the full lot, I can offer them at twenty thousand Valis per grenade—a total of one hundred million Valis," Renata responded without hesitation.

"Twenty thousand per grenade? That's steep." Marion frowned, his instincts telling him to haggle.

"Getting these items into Rakia was no small feat," Renata countered coolly. "This rate is already a concession for a first transaction. I didn't come here to give handouts."

Her words left no room for misinterpretation.

Though her primary goal wasn't profit, Renata was still intent on securing every penny for her efforts. This was exclusive smuggling, after all—who else could deliver such quantities of explosives in a single shipment? She could have easily doubled her price.

"One hundred million Valis is hardly pocket change. And these are just grenades," Marion pointed out, though he knew her pricing was fair.

After all, as Rakia's Minister of Logistics, negotiating costs was ingrained in him.

"I understand, but from what I've heard, Lord Ares has set aside ample funding for this campaign," Renata said with a knowing smile.

"The budget isn't just for supplies. Keeping a large-scale war operational requires significant resources," Marion replied, still probing for an advantage.

"How about this: for a first transaction, I'll offer a discount on additional products. If you're short on cash, I'm also open to valuable items as payment—say, magic books or rare materials."

Marion recognized the bargaining circle she had led him in. It was clear she intended to set the terms. And though the mention of magic books or rare materials was intriguing, these were precisely the items he'd rather not part with.

"Very well. Could you introduce the rest of your stock?" Marion asked, shifting the focus and buying himself time to think.

Following his cue, Renata began describing the other types of bombs. Marion, being far more knowledgeable about such weapons than the quartermaster, listened intently, his expression only changing once she began detailing her potions.

"How could such a potion exist? I've never even heard of this," he murmured, astonished.

"It's a recent innovation," Renata explained. "We have our own alchemist, and we're testing this new product to gauge market interest."

Marion's breathing quickened as he examined the bottles, captivated as if by rare treasures—his reaction much like the quartermaster's upon seeing the bombs.

"The effects of these potions—are they really as you claim?"

"Absolutely. You're welcome to test them yourself, Mr. Marion. Seeing is believing, after all."

Renata's offer to test the product reassured him, and he felt more certain of her words. If these potions were as effective as she claimed, they could be even more valuable to the Ares family than the bombs.

"Please rest here tonight, Madame Goslav. I'll return tomorrow with my assessment of the potions."

Taking one potion for testing, Marion instructed the quartermaster to see Renata and her team's comfort, then hurried off, eager to explore the potency of her wares.