[TL/N: New Book -
Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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Originally, Sol's support for the Xenos had been a strategic move, intended to benefit his own familia as well. But now, it had turned into a purely transactional relationship.
Still, regardless of the method, as long as he could win over the Sol Familia, Ouranos considered his goal accomplished.
"What kind of reward do you want?" Ouranos asked in a deep voice.
"Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who takes advantage of a crisis," Sol replied smoothly. "I just want full control over the Ishtar Familia's assets."
You say you don't take advantage, yet…
While the Ishtar Familia might not have been among the most powerful in Orario, their ability to generate wealth was unrivaled.
After all, they had their hands in every vice—gambling, drugs, and most prominently, the flesh trade. Though the latter was their main business, even a small involvement in the other two yielded terrifying profits.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to sustain an empire as large as Pleasure District.
"That's impossible," Ouranos said firmly. "At most, the guild will stay out of it. How much you can claim will depend on your own ability."
It was a compromise, but one Ouranos could live with.
He didn't particularly care who controlled Pleasure District, as long as the guild continued receiving its annual taxes without issue.
"That's enough for me," Sol replied, satisfied. "Then, we have a deal."
As long as the guild didn't interfere, no one else had the power to challenge him for it.
"I hope you'll keep your end of the bargain," Ouranos warned.
"Of course. I'm an honest and trustworthy man," Sol said with a grin.
"And one more thing—while the Ares Familia is preparing for war against Orario, I don't want to see any more internal conflicts."
"Don't worry, I'm not the type to go around picking fights," Sol said dismissively, waving his hand.
Without waiting for Ouranos' reaction, he turned and disappeared into the dimly lit corridor behind him.
In the Guild Lounge
Riveria sat at the table, absentmindedly fiddling with her hands.
The tea in her cup had long since gone cold.
Across from her, Saria was doing her best to offer words of reassurance, but Riveria remained tense. If anything, even Saria was starting to feel uneasy.
Fortunately, the awkward silence was broken by Sol's arrival.
Pushing the door open, he strode in confidently and took his place beside Riveria with practiced ease.
Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his embrace before she had a chance to react.
"Ah… I-I'll go prepare some fresh tea," Saria stammered.
Flustered by Sol's casual display, she quickly scrambled for an excuse to leave the room.
If she stayed any longer, she'd be nothing more than a third wheel.
"Cut it out. We're still in the guild," Riveria muttered, swatting at the hand resting on her shoulder.
But there was no real strength behind her protest.
Sensing her half-hearted resistance, Sol grinned and made no effort to move away.
"You seem nervous," he said, leaning in slightly. The faint fragrance of Riveria's scent filled his senses. "Were you worried about me?"
There was no need to rush.
For now, no one was around to disturb their moment together.
"Perhaps I was overthinking things," Riveria admitted. "It seems your negotiations with Ouranos-sama went smoothly."
"Of course," Sol smirked. "When have I ever failed?"
Reaching for Riveria's cup, he downed the cold tea in one gulp.
After all that time talking with Ouranos, he hadn't even been offered so much as a sip of water.
What a stingy old man.
"Let's head back early. Everyone in the family is still waiting for news."
The two sat in silence for a while. But as Sol's movements became increasingly... undisciplined, Riveria abruptly stood up, causing his arms to slip from her shoulders.
If she didn't stop him now, who knew what he might try next?
Besides, certain discussions were best had in private—after all, the guild wasn't exactly their territory.
"Tell Kayle and the others to clear out the Pleasure District with confidence. If anyone tries to take advantage of the situation, show no mercy."
Back at the familia residence, Sol gave Riveria his instructions.
As for Ouranos' earlier warnings? They went in one ear and out the other.
After all, he had only promised not to provoke others. But if someone was stupid enough to make a move against him, he certainly wasn't going to just sit back and let it happen.
What's more, he had made his stance clear. If anyone still dared to stir up trouble, they had only themselves to blame.
With reconstruction underway, Orario enjoyed a rare period of peace over the next few days.
Every now and then, adventurers would gather outside the Pleasure District, trying to gauge the situation.
But the moment they saw the Kayle Familia and the Morgana Familia leading the rebuilding efforts, any hopes of claiming a piece of the territory were crushed.
On the second day after Ishtar's downfall, Sol released the remaining members of the Ishtar Familia who had been locked away in his basement.
Renata and Morgana wasted no time dividing up the captives.
But there was one unexpected development—Kayle immediately singled out Aisha Belka, the most capable warrior among them.
Aisha Belka.
A warrior prostitute.
And yet, Kayle—with her infamously rigid sense of justice—had no issue taking her in.
It was then that Sol realized he had been thinking too narrowly.
Yes, Aisha had been part of the Pleasure District. But for Amazons, such things weren't unusual. Even the Artemis Familia had Amazons among their ranks.
Kayle, ever the idealist, respected the customs of every race—Amazons included.
No past mistake could overshadow Aisha's strengths: her cold exterior masked a fierce loyalty, her resolve was unshakable, and in battle, she was mature, decisive, and highly trusted by her former comrades.
And the fact that she had managed to maintain such a strong character while surviving in the Pleasure District? That was impressive in itself.
She was, in every sense, a warrior who had endured the harshest of trials.
Sol had no idea what Kayle said to her, but after just a few minutes of conversation, Aisha agreed to follow her without hesitation.
Whatever spell Kayle had cast, it had worked instantly.