The air grew heavy as Valeria presented her demand to Eren, her voice carrying a serious tone. "We need your potions, Eren," she stated firmly. "Specifically, we require the top-tier quality potions that the White Raven Guild is known for producing."
Eren couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise at the Matriarch's request. He had anticipated the Amazonians would approach him for weapons through illicit channels, but potion selling was his legitimate business. The Amazonians had easy access to his potions, as they were readily available in various regions of Edinburgh. Regardless of which autonomous zone the Amazonians belonged to, they could have easily obtained his potions without directly contacting him.
Valeria, perceptive to Eren's thoughts through his facial expressions, took a deep breath before continuing. "However, we also require you to create a few potions exclusively for the Amazonians. These potions cannot be obtained through open channels, and we prefer to keep them discreet, away from the knowledge of the Kingdom of Edinburgh."
It was at this moment that Eren realized the true reason behind the Matriarch's invitation to visit the Amazonian autonomous zone. It was a means to prevent the Kingdom of Edinburgh from obtaining intelligence about the Amazonians' activities.
The gravity of the situation dawned upon Eren, and his expression turned grim. It seemed that the Amazonians were preparing to participate in the war in some manner without involving the Anfang Alliance. Though Eren didn't mind conducting business with the Amazonians, he knew he had to display some reluctance to negotiate the best deal possible.
Eren caressed his jawline with his right hand, his gaze shifting among all the Matriarchs before he spoke in a helpless tone. "That's certainly an intriguing business proposition, esteemed Matriarchs. However, I must be honest with you. My guild's potion department is not well-equipped to handle custom concoctions. Therefore, you'll have to excuse me..."
Anticipating Eren's resistance, Valeria interjected, providing answers to address his concerns. She cut him off, expanding on her previous statement.
"Don't worry, Eren. Once we reach a formal agreement and establish some rules, we will provide you with the respective recipes. We'll also send a few of our skilled potioners to your city to guide you in the manufacturing process. Your task will be to produce our potions in bulk according to our specifications."
Valeria's words provided some reassurance to Eren, as she understood his need for expertise in crafting unfamiliar potions. By facilitating the manufacturing process in the initial phases, she ensured that Eren wouldn't bear the sole responsibility for potential manufacturing mistakes.
Eren opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, seemingly contemplating the matter at hand. Evelina, wearing a playful expression, spoke up with a touch of dramatic weariness.
"I hope you can accept our request, Eren. We had initially considered contacting House Slughorn for our needs, but as it turns out, they have been completely uprooted from Edinburgh. So, we had no choice but to seek you out. You see, you created quite a mess by destroying House Slughorn, and it's only fair that you take responsibility for your actions, don't you think?"
The weight of Evelina's words hung in the air, awaiting Eren's response as the gravity of the situation settled upon him.
Eren's mind raced as he contemplated the true motives behind the Amazonians' contact with him. He realized that the destruction of House Slughorn wasn't the sole reason for their approach. They were aware of his connections to Rodrick, and they were betting on the fact that those connections would enable them to receive their bulk order of potions without the intervention of the Kingdom of Edinburgh. Evelina's smiling expressions confirmed Eren's suspicions.
A chuckle escaped Eren's lips before he responded to Valeria. "Matriarch Valeria, I am certainly willing to engage in business with you as long as it benefits me. However, if I were to go along with your proposal, I would be putting my guild in the crosshairs of Edinburgh.
What if you suddenly develop an interest in supporting the war campaign of the kingdom of Layos? Why should I risk that at this crucial juncture when my guild is in the process of establishing itself anew?
And believe it or not, I do care about the safety and well-being of the citizens of Edinburgh. It would be a disservice to them if I were to strengthen you, only to have you potentially harm them by siding with Layos."
Before anyone could respond, Eren heard Alephee's laughter echoing in his head. 'Hehe. Eren, you speaking about the safety and security of Edinburgh's citizens is akin to a lion talking about the welfare of deer.' It seemed that the homunculus was still keeping tabs through her connection with Eren despite getting separated from him.
Eren brushed off Alephee's unsolicited comment and fixed his gaze upon the Matriarchs, his eyes devoid of fear. Indirectly, he conveyed to them that he needed to be compensated adequately for the risks involved.
It was also clear to the Matriarchs that Eren would take responsibility for producing the potions, but he would not be held accountable for what happened to them once they were made and sold. This was in case the Anfang Alliance decided to investigate the matter.
Valeria found no flaw in Eren's logic. She nodded in understanding before providing him with another assurance. "Rest assured, we have no intention of involving ourselves with the kingdom of Layos or its war. Also, you can produce our consignments anonymously, and we do not mind if the White Raven Guild denies any involvement in producing the potions for us."
Valeria proceeded to provide Eren with basic information about the types and quantities of potions she required. She also expressed her interest in Eren's signature potion batch, RDX.
Eren was taken aback by the sheer quantity Valeria was asking him to produce, but a subtle smile formed on his face. He appreciated Valeria's direct and straightforward approach. However, her words piqued his curiosity, and he furrowed his brows as he asked.
"That's rather peculiar. If the Amazonians do not intend to participate in the war between the two kingdoms, why is your order so substantial that you cannot keep the potions as a mere backup?
May I inquire as to where these potions will be used and who your opponent is?"
Eren looked at the Matriarchs cuiously, eager to hear their answers.
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