227 THE DETAINED PHARMACIST IS ON A DATE
"And that's how we discovered the Temple of Hera's involvement," Leo added.
Megane's smirk returned. "What Cruenna didn't realize is that Sujira betrayed the Temple of Hera long ago—thanks to your... charms, Lilleo."
Leo allowed himself a rare grin. "Charm and kindness always win."
"What do we do about the Cergontyn family and the Temple of Hera?" Megane asked, shifting back to business.
"The Cergontyns? Nothing," Leo replied, his tone was dismissive.
He smiled before adding, "They're crumbling under their stupidity. Direct conflict with them is unnecessary. Their business will implode soon enough."
"Are you sure you can dismiss the Cergontyn so simply? They are the major pharmaceutical behemoth in Sodom city for centuries?" Megane asked doubtful.
Leo merely smiled without elaborating. Megane could sense his confidence and kept the matter on the side.
"And the Temple of Hera?" Grangya pressed further on the other threat. "If they've involved themselves into this, there has to be a deeper plot."
Leo paused to consider it. The Temple of Hera wasn't in the same league as the Cergontyn family. The situation was different.
"We don't know their objective yet," Leo said thoughtfully. "They've come to Sodom City, which means they have a vested interest here. We can't act rashly."
Megane's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Should we start selling the Magic Gathering Potion again now that I'm back?"
Leo shook his head. "No. For now, we let our enemies think you're under suspicion and detained here by me and we don't have Spike Cactus to make more potions. Meanwhile, only limited number of potions will only be sold in exclusive auctions… for exorbitant prices."
Megane was shocked.
"And what about the ones we're producing in bulk? Are we keeping them in storage? And should we stop production?" Megane asked worriedly.
"No, we don't stop production. The potions will go to our soldiers and the Amara warriors," Leo said firmly. "We need to strengthen our forces."
Grangya frowned. "But the cost of making the potion is significant. It'll be a loss if we don't sell them."
Leo grinned. "We've made more than enough money scamming the Cergontyn family. That silver will last us a lifetime… or two."
Grangya laughed, nodding. "Fair enough."
Megane shrugged. "Looks like I'll need to stay out of sight for a while. That suits me just fine—I have work to do."
"What work?" Grangya asked, her concern clear. "You were just kidnapped! You need to rest. Bara is even planning a welcoming party with an—"
"Orgy, yes, I know," Megane interrupted with a wave of her hand. "But I have a new formula to test. And I'll need a volunteer. Isn't that right, Grammers?"
Grammers stiffened but gave a reluctant nod. "Yes, ma'am."
"We've got a date", he smiled and told himself quietly.
Leo and Grangya exchanged incredulous glances.
"Don't tell me your new formula is an improved version of Jaguar?" Leo asked while narrowing his eyes.
Megane's mischievous grin widened. "How did you guess?" Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Grammers by the arm and dragged him toward her lab.
Leo groaned but couldn't help chuckling. "Well, as long as it contributes to the... lust in Court la Mood, I'm all for their human trials."
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[The House of Cergontyn]
The Cergontyn family's once-thriving business was on the brink of collapse after the loss of their pharmacies. They were desperate. Without a miracle drug to turn their fortunes around, the situation was dire.
"Uncle, at this rate, we'll be bankrupt in less than a month!" Liama exclaimed, his voice thick with frustration as he paced the room.
Selassie asked, "Why hasn't Megane returned yet? What's taking her so long?"
Easiese muttered, "Either she's betrayed us, or Lilleo Gullee has her locked up. We never should have let her go back so easily."
Liama shot him a glare, arms crossed. "You were the one who pushed to send her off for those notes. Don't act like this wasn't your idea."
Selassie waved a hand dismissively, unwilling to account responsibility. "Enough of this. What is the Temple of Hera doing to help us now? They owe us their support."
As if on cue, the door swung open, and two women entered the room. Cruenna was accompanied by another—Sujira.
Easiese's eyes narrowed as he recognized her. "That woman—she's Lilleo Gullee's bodyguard! She's the one who killed Malambe!"
Cruenna stepped forward, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "Sujira is one of our operatives. She's been placed with Lilleo Gullee to monitor him. Sometimes, following his orders is necessary to maintain her cover. What happened to your men was… unavoidable."
Liama's eyes flicked between the two women. "Why bring her here now?" he demanded.
Cruenna gestured to Sujira to explain.
The operative stepped forward, her voice steady. "I sent Megane back to Lilleo Gullee on Mother Cruenna's orders. We couldn't risk arousing his suspicions about her loyalty letting her go back alone. But Lilleo Gullee is paranoid. He's had her locked up in her residence to be safe."
"This is bad," Liama muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We never should have let her go back."
Selassie turned to Cruenna, his tone urgent. "Can you get her out?"
Cruenna paused, considering the question. "I'll send a team of assassins to rescue her. Don't worry—we'll bring her back, along with her formula."
Sujira interjected, her expression serious. "Lilleo Gullee's defenses are strong. Most assassins won't make it through unless you send a larger force. Preferably those at near peak Svad."
Cruenna raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting we expend that many resources just to retrieve one woman from a family in Sodom?"
"It's better to be cautious," Sujira replied. "I've worked hard to gain Lilleo Gullee's trust, so I can't be involved in the operation. We'll need more operatives to ensure success."
Cruenna nodded slowly. "You're right. We can't risk exposing your cover. We'll assemble a larger team."
Selassie leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "So, we'll get our pharmacist back?"
Cruenna's lips curved into a faint smile. "Of course. When the Temple of Hera is involved, failure is not possible."
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