Chapter 188: War Preparation (4)

Riveria sighed and rubbed her temples, feeling exasperated.

Didn't Sol just claim that he had nothing to do with this conflict with the Ares Familia? And yet here he was, suggesting they get drawn into a protracted war.

"It's mainly because of Renata," Sol explained. "She made a contract with the Ares Familia. Even though I've kept some distance from it, I still have to support her efforts."

"So, in other words, it's Renata who's directly involved with the Ares Familia?" Riveria finally pieced together the situation.

It made sense. Sol rarely left Orario without some purpose in mind, and she'd been curious about what he was up to on this latest trip. And as for that whole "saving the world" story he had told her—she didn't quite believe it was purely selfless heroics.

Knowing Sol's personality, he wasn't exactly the type to save the world unprompted. 

Could this have something to do with Goddess Artemis?

Though Riveria had never met the goddess, she'd heard of her. Artemis was known as one of the three virgin goddesses in the divine realm and was said to be close to Astraea and Hestia. 

Anyone favored by Astraea and Hestia couldn't be that bad. She must be a remarkable goddess.

But still, Riveria felt a twinge of irritation. She would have preferred if he'd simply admitted to negotiating with the Ares Familia. That would've made her feel a bit better.

"So, I assume you and Artemis-sama had a pleasant chat?" Riveria asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Is she one of your old friends from heaven, too?"

Everyone knew that Sol had a certain camaraderie with several goddesses.

Riveria was aware of his history with them, but she pretended not to know. After all, many of those goddesses were his companions long before her. There was Astraea openly in his life and Demeter and Freya watching in the background.

"Me and Artemis? There's nothing about us," Sol replied, waving off the idea.

Though Artemis was definitely his type, nothing had happened between them. He was willing to own up to his escapades, but he wasn't about to let her think he'd done something he hadn't.

"Are you sure you're not hiding anything else from me?" Riveria asked with a raised eyebrow, unwilling to be blindsided by any new surprises once the fighting began.

Sol shrugged, spreading his hands in an exaggerated show of innocence. "I've only been gone from Orario for a week—what could I have done in that time?"

Riveria knew Sol too well, which was precisely why she was wary.

Was there anything he couldn't do?

"Alright, enough of this," Sol said with a grin. "We're here to enjoy the festival, not to stress over battles." He stuffed the last of his snacks into his mouth, wiped his hands, and pulled Riveria to her feet.

His sudden movement shook her out of her thoughts. She sighed and decided to go along with it.

After all, if something was going to happen, she would face it when it came. Sol was right about one thing—this was a rare chance for them to enjoy a peaceful moment together. She wouldn't waste it worrying over upcoming conflicts.

They strolled through the festival, enjoying the evening and the brief respite. It wouldn't be long before the Ares Familia arrived, and these quiet moments would be few and far between.

As night fell, news of the impending attack on Orario by the Ares Familia spread among adventurers, encouraged by the guild.

Meanwhile, Renata, as the instigator behind the scenes, was quick to pick up on the development. She wasn't the only one—many business families were eagerly preparing for the opportunities the conflict would bring.

Naaza, leader of the Miach Familia, who had been helping Renata, returned to her own familia to make her own preparations. Even if they couldn't claim the biggest spoils, even the leftovers from this "feast" would be enough to provide for her familia.

During Renata's absence, Janna had recruited several alchemists with high pay and new medicine formulas, so their staffing needs were well-covered.

"It looks like your plan is working," Singed remarked from Renata's lavish office, lounging comfortably on an expensive sofa.

Aside from her knack for business, she certainly knew how to indulge in luxury. This sofa, for instance, felt especially comfortable—almost more so than the one he had in his own studio. Singed made a mental note to find an opportunity to "borrow" it someday. After all, he was working diligently for her, so claiming a little comfort for himself seemed fair.

"This was easier than I expected. Maybe I overestimated the Dian Cecht Familia's defenses," Renata replied, almost bored with how little resistance they had shown.

She'd anticipated a strategic response, but they had only emptied their supply of healing potions. Perhaps they were attempting to study her products by buying samples to analyze.

Their response struck her as naive, but that wouldn't stop her from continuing her plan. Growing up in the underworld of Zaun, Renata believed in survival of the fittest.

Their weakness would only make her more ruthless. As they retreated, she advanced, determined to sink her teeth into the Dian Cecht Familia's wealth until she had devoured every last piece of it!