Danmachi: Strongest Familia

After making some simple preparations, Renata headed alone to the Blue Pharmacy, the last remaining property of the Miach Familia.

This modest house, which served as both the Miach Familia's residence and pharmacy, was several times smaller than Hestia's rundown church. Though small, it was clean and well-maintained.

Jingle!

As Renata entered, the bell above the door rang with a bright chime.

"Welcome! How can I help—" Naaza Erisuis, who had been busy organizing herbs and supplies, glanced up mid-greeting, and froze when she recognized Renata.

Her words faltered, and she swallowed the rest of her greeting.

"What, no warm welcome?" Renata asked coolly, amused by Naaza's reaction.

"Renata, what are you doing at our Blue Pharmacy?" Naaza demanded, her tone sharp.

When the Janna Familia first began selling life potions publicly, Naaza had intentionally acquainted herself with Renata, the captain of the Janna Familia. Now, she looked at Renata with open hostility, the demeanor of a competitor who had little reason to be cordial.

Renata surveyed the pharmacy with indifference. Herbs and medicinal ingredients were neatly organized by type and effect; the layout was simple, yet precise, a testament to the care and dedication behind it.

This is the kind of talent I need, Renata thought, her gaze bright with interest. However, she knew that convincing Naaza to join her would be no small task.

"I'm a customer now, aren't I?" Renata teased, tilting her head. "Is this how you treat customers?"

"Is God Miach in? I'd like to speak with him," she continued, casually inspecting the layout of the pharmacy.

The question did nothing to ease Naaza's suspicions. 

"If you have a message for Miach-sama, I'll convey it for you," Naaza replied, her forced smile barely concealing her irritation.

Renata ignored the tension and asked nonchalantly, "I'm interested in seeing the healing potions your familia produces. Are there any special formulas?"

Naaza's mind whirred. Why would they need potions made by us? She had bought a life potion from the Janna Familia once, disguising herself to stand in line at their shop, and begrudgingly admitted their product was indeed superior—and cheaper. Even her God, Miach had praised their life potions. Yet here Renata was, openly requesting her familia's medicine. Surely there's a hidden motive here. 

Thinking Renata might be here to copy their formula, Naaza found it odd that Renata would make such a request so openly. Still, she complied, bringing out one of their recovery potions and setting it on the counter.

Renata glanced at the vial but then said, "Actually, I came to speak with you, Naaza Erisuis."

"Speak with me?" Naaza replied stiffly, as if ready to throw Renata out at any moment.

"There's no need to be so cold," Renata replied. "If we can come to an agreement, there may be an alliance between us."

"What could this small pharmacy possibly offer you?"

"Oh, don't undervalue yourselves," Renata replied smoothly, noting Naaza's suspicion softening slightly. "Besides, we share a common competitor."

Renata took a seat across from Naaza, asserting control over the conversation.

"Are you suggesting we target the Dian Cecht Familia?" Naaza asked, her tone incredulous as she realized Renata's intentions.

When Renata nodded, Naaza barely suppressed a laugh. Bold of her, she thought. A newly established familia, even with its golden egg—the life potion—believing it can take on the Dian Cecht Familia?

"Confident, are we?"

"I believe Janna Familia has every reason to be confident," Renata replied, her eyes flashing with pride.

Naaza was momentarily taken aback by Renata's conviction. Though the Janna Familia had rapidly risen in the market with their popular potions, it was uncommon for such a fledgling familia to so openly dismiss its competitors.

Still, there was no other potion in Orario to rival the Janna Familia's life potion. Potions marketed as "cure-alls" existed, but they came at astronomical prices. Janna's product dominated the market in affordability and efficacy.

Aware that her familia had no means of competing with the Janna Familia, and feeling the burden of her small LV2 rank and lack of combat ability, Naaza couldn't ignore Renata's proposal. With most skilled pharmacists in Orario already absorbed by larger familias, Miach's prospects for recovery were dim.

"It seems we have plenty to discuss," Renata remarked, sensing Naaza's hesitation. "Shall we begin?"

Naaza folded her arms and held Renata's gaze, realizing the other woman's intentions. If Naaza couldn't see the opportunity Renata was offering, she'd have to reconsider her own role in leading the group.

"What exactly are you proposing?" Naaza asked, standing up to close and lock the pharmacy door, flipping the sign to Closed.

"I hear there's been some bad blood between your familia and the Dian Cecht Familia," Renata said, her tone light but direct.

She gave Naaza a knowing look, her gaze lingering on Naaza's right arm—an unspoken reference to the old wound that bound the Miach Familia to the Dian Cecht Familia in resentment.