"When it comes down to it, are we really in dire need of the lost income?" Pythagoras asked, turning his gaze to Lady Curie. "I was under the impression that our coffers remain quite substantial, especially with our other revenue streams being nothing short of robust."
"Yes," Mendeleev added, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "The sudden disappearance shouldn't have too great an impact. Lumenoth has a vast number of income sources. We should be more than able to maintain functionality."
"You both raise valid points," Lady Curie acknowledged, her tone calm yet firm. "Our treasury is indeed in a healthy position at present, our reserves are substantial. However, that will not remain the case for long. Currently, our spending is far lower than our income far lower. But that will soon change."
She leaned forward slightly, folding her hands.
"A myriad of upcoming projects will require exorbitant amounts of funding, not to mention manpower, which in turn translates to even greater expenditures. That is precisely why every single income stream matters."
She continued, casting a meaningful glance across the table.
"All council members, excluding Lady Rochester for now, are either preparing to or have already embarked upon their research initiatives. And I must remind you again: such ventures are never cheap. It is with this in mind that we must now consider how best to bolster our financial resources."
"Raising the prices on our patent catalogue… might that be an option?" Mendeleev suggested. "Or perhaps not the most prudent choice?"
"It may work for certain items," Lady Curie replied, considering it. "But the general market performance for our products is already middling. They weren't cheap to begin with, and the demand has reflected that."
"What of the World Transport Centre?" Kepler chimed in. "Might we increase the governmental fees there?"
A moment of silence followed his suggestion, the weight of the idea settling in the room.
Then Pythagoras spoke, his tone measured. "I don't believe increasing government fees would be wise."
"It wouldn't?" Kepler asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No. The costs of hosting the building are already considered excessive. There is one nation that does not charge tax to host our High Commission, simply as a way to negotiate not having us increase our rates for the world transport centre. Well, I don't think they would like to receive another increase."
"Pythagoras is right," Lady Curie agreed. "That option is far too risky."
"Then… is it time we consider auctioning items from the vault?" Mendeleev asked, his tone serious.
At his words, a hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned to him.
"That," Lady Curie said sternly, "is simply something we cannot allow. The items within those vaults are far too valuable and dangerous to be released into the world. Especially the Oblivion Prism."
Mendeleev raised a hand, as if to calm her. "When I mentioned auctioning items, I didn't mean the Oblivion Prism. That artifact, above all, must remain sealed. I was merely suggesting there may be other, less critical items we could consider."
"Even so," Lady Curie replied, her voice quiet but firm, "we tread a dangerous line the moment we open that vault. Let us not forget what we've locked away and why."
"I understand. Forget I ever suggested the idea," Mendeleev said, conceding with a small nod.
"Lady Rochester," Kepler said, turning to Cynthia, "you may be new, but do you have any thoughts on the matter?"
Everyone turned their attention to her.
Cynthia took a breath before speaking.
"Well, while I don't claim to know the situation as thoroughly as the rest of you, I believe that allowing the common people more accessibility could yield a net positive, after all, they too spend coins."
"Oh? Do expound on that," Lady Curie said, her focus sharpening as she looked at Cynthia.
"The common folk vastly outnumber Mystics," Cynthia began. "Most of them can barely afford more than basic sustenance. However, there are certain things that, if needed, they will find a way to pay for, healthcare being one of them. At the moment, it's far too expensive for the average non-Mystic. Only a select few can afford even the most basic restorative treatments."
She continued, "If more of them had access to affordable elixirs and pills, we could see an increase in revenue through alchemy. Widening the market could allow us to earn more even if prices are slightly lowered per unit."
Lady Curie sighed lightly and shook her head.
"It's a reasonable idea, but I'm afraid life and commerce are not that simple," she began. "While great strides have been made in the field of alchemy, we are far from the point where elixirs can be mass-produced at a consistent, guaranteed rate. Even I, with the highest current success rate, only achieve around sixty-seven percent."
She leaned back in her chair.
"That means success rates vary wildly depending on the alchemist. The various Alchemy Associations across the world each produce different results, making standardization and pricing a nightmare. Lowering prices in hopes of higher output would be a lofty dream… one that bears no fruit."
"And that reality extends to every product originating from Lumenoth," Kepler added. "Our high prices are driven not by greed, but by the inconsistency of success rates."
"Exactly," Lady Curie agreed. "So, for the common people, relying on non-Mystic methods is their best hope. Traditional apothecaries must remain their primary source of care."
There was a thoughtful pause before Cynthia raised another point.
"Has it ever crossed anyone's mind to commission an expedition to the Eldorian Continent?" she asked.
"Of course, Lady Rochester. Expeditions are regularly commissioned by our affiliated organizations," Pythagoras answered. "And they do bring back rare goods from time to time." He paused, his expression growing serious.
"However, I must remind you: the cost of those expeditions is nothing short of nightmarish, and the returns are often not worth the sacrifice."
He continued,
"Take the Azure Dragon Sect, for example. Yes, they returned with a Sun Fruit, a truly rare and potent item. But in doing so, they sent more than a hundred and thirty War Masters mid to late stage and above Martial Artists, and only seventeen returned, most of them grievously wounded. While they gained powerful materials, they lost critical support. Elders and senior disciples were wiped out. The price, quite literally, was paid in blood."