Chapter 172: Fighting Alone, Unconcerned with Victory

Regardless of whether she is an adventurer or a merchant, taking on a powerful adversary isn't a rational choice.

He is merely a quartermaster. His only obligation is to report the situation to his superiors later; the rest is none of his concern.

"May I know what products you have?" The quartermaster returned to his seat, obediently feigning interest as he scribbled in his notebook.

"Potions and bombs of various kinds," she replied.

"Bombs? You have access to bombs?" 

After all this time, explosives are no longer a rare sight in this world—even soldiers of Rakia have heard of them. Great power, low cost, and a wide range of damage. Combined, these advantages make explosives far more appealing than magical swords.

When Ares first learned about the existence of explosives, he immediately recognized their potential in combat.

Yet the Guild, keenly aware of this, strictly regulated explosives within Orario, barring any from leaving the city without its explicit permission. This setback stymied Ares' initial plans to introduce explosives in substantial quantities.

For years, he had sent agents to Orario to kidnap an engineer with knowledge of explosives production, but these efforts invariably failed.

For a "God of War," some might argue he's more like a "God of Defeat."

Who would have guessed this mysterious woman before him held the secret to explosives?

This could finally be his break, he thought.

If Ares could secure a large stockpile of explosives through him, the quartermaster, perhaps there would be a reward in store for him.

His eyes glazed as he indulged in the bright future this deal might bring.

"This is a grenade," she said, placing it on the table. "If you wish to inspect the goods, I recommend finding an open space."

Noting his expression, Renata sensed the deal was nearly sealed.

In the Kingdom of Rakia, few had ever seen explosives up close, and the quartermaster had only heard of them secondhand. He knew only one rule: the larger the explosive, the greater the power.

Yet this grenade looked rather small.

Perhaps it would be wise to test it in an open space to see if it truly packed any punch.

"You'll understand its power when you try it," Renata smirked, detecting his doubts.

"Please wait here," he replied.

The quartermaster finally agreed. After all, he had little to lose—and his advancement might be on the line.

A deafening explosion echoed from the training grounds nearby after he left, drawing the attention of residents, who turned to look. But being a military-restricted area, no civilian could get close.

"Miss, may I know your name?" he asked.

"You may call me Madame Goslav," she replied, a proud smile hinting at the prestige of her family name.

Though she hadn't offered her first name, her surname alone carried an air of nobility.

"Dear Madame Goslav, please pardon my earlier rudeness."

Realizing that this woman held the key to his advancement, the quartermaster's tone grew warmer, and he began using honorifics with ease.

Though he oversaw the Kingdom of Rakia's military supplies, he had conducted the grenade test discreetly, informing no one else. But with an explosion of that magnitude, inquiries from upper management were inevitable. Should his superiors intervene, his opportunity for recognition could dwindle.

If this woman grew displeased and sought a different officer, his golden chance would slip away. He needed to act quickly to secure an agreement.

"Think nothing of it," she replied coolly. "I only want to know—am I qualified to trade with you now?"

"Certainly, but I'd like to know: how extensive is your stock?"

Would he truly let this chance slip?

He still wanted to gauge her inventory.

If the quantity was insufficient, it might not impact the battle significantly.

"How much can you handle?" Renata answered confidently. "Beyond grenades, I have various other types of explosives and numerous high-quality potions—all at a very affordable price."

Her words left the quartermaster nearly breathless.

She really must have a substantial supply to make such bold claims!

Yet, after witnessing the grenade's power firsthand, he was ready to overlook the potions and focus solely on the explosives.

"No need to worry about the price," he replied, "we're well-funded this time. However much you have, we'll take it all."

"That's reassuring to hear," she replied dismissively.

It was evident that he had ignored her mention of potions and other types of explosives.

But no matter. She would wait until she met Ares.

"Per the regulations, however, I must see the goods on hand before finalizing the purchase."

"Understood," she replied, "but first, I need to rent a warehouse to store my supplies."

"If you need storage, I can arrange it for you. There's more than enough space."

Though aware of her intent in raising the matter with him, the quartermaster willingly accepted. As a supplier of provisions for the Rakia Kingdom Army, he had access to several empty warehouses.

Allocating one to Renata for temporary storage was within his authority.

After all, Renata had come here to supply the Kingdom of Rakia—if others discovered her stock, they would have no claim.

"Thank you," she said, placing a generous bag of currency on the table for the warehouse rental.