“A revolution…… really?” Maven asked while tilting her head. It was a little hard to believe that improving the effectiveness and shelf-life of potions by a mere 20% could be considered a revolution.

“Don’t underestimate the power of that 20%, little Saintess!” the Sage said energetically. “Now, the lowest tiers of potions could have the potency of the mid-tier. The mid-tier would be as effective as the high tier. This will completely overturn the potion market!! Just imagine, what if I made the highest tier of potion with those tools - why, it would practically become the legendary elixir! If only the ingredients weren’t so hard to obtain…… I’d sure love to make it.”

《Wow, Maven! The way he talks, this could turn into a big deal…》 Kannon chirped, despite looking a bit confused - the complicated discussion completely flying over her tiny head.

“Not only that… but because these potions all last a fair bit longer, we can ship them farther than ever before. Magic medicines expire awfully quickly and the Alchemy Guild can’t afford to put branches in the truly remote regions, so this would be a godsend for them. We just can’t get medicine to the distant corners of the kingdom before they lose effect. Once these new and improved potions go public, everyone will be singing praises for the Saintess from the rooftops!” The Sage said while practically shouting with passion by the end of tirade.

A chill went down Maven’s back as the Sage’s words tumbled out, she could practically see the fuss people would raise once production kicked into high gear. If she ever visited the rural areas, a massive uproar would almost be guaranteed. The image of excited, pitch-fork wielding farmers mobbing her wherever she went caused Maven to twitch uncontrollably.

“Isn’t that wonderful, my lady? We must make as many of these instruments as possible!” Shayna said happily. Whenever Maven’s reservations could get in the way of her duty or preparing for the future, Shayna would gently nudge the conversation along. Over these last ten years, Shayna had acted as a grounding influence for the occasionally petulant Maven and kept her on the right track.

“Indeed! I’ll need to send some of these gems to everyone in the Production Department, we’ll make enough equipment for the whole country!”

As the Sage spoke, a large bag somehow appeared out of thin air and was overturned above the table. Glittering crimson gems cascaded out of it, creating a small mountain on the desk. The total quantity of magic gems was easily quintuple what he received from Maven just a few minutes ago, causing all the women in the room to freeze in shock. Somehow this bald old man had just casually pulled out a fortune’s of these incredibly hard to acquire jewels, so numerous in quantity that it exceeded the net worth of your average noble.

《…… Didn’t it take you more than five years to acquire those jewels you lent to him…… and that baldy just casually whipped out so many. Am I the only one who feels like I was just money-slapped?》 Kannon said with gold coins in her eyes.

“…… Where’d you get these, Taris?” Maven asked the Sage reproachfully.

Determined to ignore the accusation in her eyes, the Sage just blinked back at her innocently - pretending not have just shown off his money.

*Sigh*

Knowing she’d never get anywhere with this aggravating child, Maven just did as he wished and filled the magic gems with power.

“So…… Any other unpleasant surprises for me, Mr. Sage? You sure you don’t have any more requests?” Maven asked tiredly.

“Well……” He said, “Maybe just one more favor. Could you put me in touch with some of your friends in the Wings of the Saintess? I need some people I can trust if I want to get these tools and potions where they need to go…… Some of the vice-leaders are little too close to the nobles. They have quite a bit of sway in the guild and they’re too well-connected for me to oust them.”

Maven blinked at the Sage, more than a little surprised to hear the Sage asking for her help. Luckily, the leader of the Wings of the Saintess, Fae, was present. As her Goddess was lost in her thoughts, Fae could pick up the slack.

“We’ll get you whatever you need. I won’t allow anybody to block Maven’s path, no matter how rich or powerful they might be. Since you’re helping Maven build her legend, that means I won’t allow anybody to block your path either.”

“Excellent,” the Sage said happily, “I may need your help keeping those nosy fellows out of my business. Can’t have them swoop in and take credit for the Saintess’ achievements, after all.”

“Exactly!” Fae said, nodding emphatically again and again.

“It’s always refreshing to work with you,” the Sage said as he rose from his chair and prepared to leave. On his way out the door, he left one final cutting remark with a mischievous grin, “I can’t wait to see how many more people worship the Saintess once these potions start hitting the market.”

“You stupid baldy!” Maven shouted as the door swung to a close.

Fluffy

Things are about to start ramping up, so these next few chapters may take a little longer than usual to write.... I'm working on the 'climax' of Volume 1 and I want to really try and get it right! Gotta kick off this adventure with a bang XD