[removed]

"Oh, hello sir! A little surprised you came to my little business today!"

It's true. I was surprised he came today. I thought it would take Ares another decade or so to open that door. With how much work I've been doing for the gods of commerce and science these past few decades, I thought Ares would be content to have new followers as a bonus. Gods know how the worst of us love to play with our new toys.

"Your technicalities do not amuse me, broker. You do well for a follower of my brother. Or should I say ex follower."

"You flatter us both, sir! In the world of business, it's always great when mentors and mentees eventually become business partners. And when you're from a small village trying to make it big in the world, it's nice to have some attention from the man who's known in all the realms!" Loyalty can only take you so far. Sometimes, it's better to spread my wings to take us all higher. But not too close to the sun. I prefer to be alive and profitable.

I gesture to an open seat, my best chair. A gift from Hephaestus after I increased his follower count by 12%.

"I grow tired, broker. Tired of boredom. These tiny skirmishes these humans have today can't compare to the opera of war I once savored in the past! The weapons you've made happen have brought humanity to their knees-"

"Thank you, sir!"

"-but with great weapons means weaker resolves."

An interesting point. With how much of a return Hephaestus and Hermes cohorts have been receiving, I've neglected the war gods in all this.

"Well, the deal I made between the Americans and Hephaestus wasn't made with the intent to cause aggression, just a bit of knowledge and insight! If I had known you wanted to keep the war going, I'd have rung you up! Now, before we go any further, would you like some ambrosia or nectar? Your brother Hermes sent me a shipment of nectar for the millennium anniversary of me opening up!"

"I know of your ways, broker. Your words are sweeter than nectar, and even more intoxicating. It would work on a lesser god that you've milked before, but not on me. How likely am I to gain influence amongst the mortals in Asia?" He says all this but still chooses to take a seat. Perfect. It's a special high to know I'll be making a deal today.

"Straight to the point, huh? I'd have said you were efficient, but I've seen what kind of wars you love to cause!"

"Well, the middle east would be your best chance, but I've had some talks with a Slavic representative that I think would greatly interest you. These days, gods doing a joint investment are all the rage, so backing a few key members in the Kremlin together shouldn't be a problem."

"Excellent! I tire of how frigid these politicians have made modern warfare."

I pour us both a glass of Hermes' gift. Nectar that took centuries to develop and ferment over time. Sweet words paired with sweet drinks brings sweet profits.

"We're lucky. It won't take our plans even a fraction of the time it takes for the nectar to mature."

"And it'll be much sweeter. War often is."

For a god of war, he likes talking about sweets a lot. It's always difficult dealing with his kind. Might be sweet for him, but not for me.

At least the commerce gods leave people alive when they wreak havoc (for the most part). Can't find the right people for the gods if they're dead, really.

Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.

Reminders:

>* No AI-generated reponses 🤖 >* Stories 100 words+. Poems 30+ but include "[Poem]" >* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail >* [RF] and [SP] for stricter titles >* Be civil in any feedback and follow the rules

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