Chapter 644: Bringing Back Alchemy To Velmora

The three of them left the production hall and returned to the entrance, where Damian’s palanquin waited beneath the watchful eyes of the attendants.

President Shūren had requested a private discussion, and Damian saw little reason to conduct negotiations in a building filled with curious alchemists and servants. Whatever agreement they reached would affect Velmora’s economy, the association’s future, and potentially his own survival. It was better to keep the details away from unnecessary ears.

Laura entered first, taking her usual seat with the familiarity of someone who had already decided that Damian’s palanquin was an extension of her personal space.

Damian rolled his eyes and followed, settling opposite her, while Shūren entered last and closed the door. The attendant outside received a brief instruction to remain nearby but not disturb them unless summoned.

The palanquin’s protective formation activated with a soft hum, isolating the interior from the sounds of the capital. Shūren straightened his crimson robes and placed a small document case on the seat beside him.

"Your Highness, I appreciate you agreeing to hear our proposal."

Damian rested one arm against the side of his seat. "You have something I need, and you want something I can provide. There’s no reason to make this complicated. Let’s discuss the terms."

Shūren inclined his head. "Very well. Our first concern is the association’s independence."

"Explain."

"The circumstances that drove us out of Velmora began with interference from the royal family and its court. Our association was treated as though it were another government department, despite the fact that we had existed long before several of the current ministries. Officials attempted to dictate appointments, influence our production, and redirect our resources toward their own interests. When we resisted, our position became increasingly difficult to maintain."

The president’s expression tightened at the memory.

"Alchemy is not a simple trade. Our formulas are accumulated knowledge, developed through generations of experimentation. Some require decades to perfect, and others depend on techniques known to only a handful of senior alchemists. Yet the court behaved as though the association’s achievements belonged to the state simply because we operated within its territory."

Damian listened without interrupting.

It was hardly an unfamiliar story. Governments had a habit of confusing the authority to regulate an institution with the right to control everything it possessed. A profitable organisation attracted officials who wanted to direct its wealth.

Once the royal family began treating the association as an extension of its own household, conflict had been inevitable.

"So you want to return to Velmora without becoming a subordinate institution of the government," Damian said.

"Precisely. We are willing to fulfil our obligations to the city, but we cannot accept a situation in which the royal family or its court can directly interfere with our internal affairs."

"Then the association must be recognised as an independent body under Velmora’s laws," Damian replied. "Your leadership appoints its own members, determines its production priorities, controls its research, and manages its internal finances. Government officials cannot order you to produce particular pills, seize your formulas, or replace your leadership at their discretion."

Shūren’s seven tails shifted slightly, and his eyes brightened.

"That is exactly what we seek."

"Don’t celebrate yet. Independence does not mean exemption from the law. Your association will still be subject to the city’s laws concerning trade, public safety, criminal activity, and the movement of restricted materials. If someone uses your facilities to manufacture poison for an assassination, you cannot simply declare that the government has no authority to investigate."

"Naturally. We seek independence in our operations, not immunity from the law."

"Good. Then we understand each other."

Damian leaned forward slightly.

"Now, in exchange for that independence, the government will receive thirty percent of the association’s profits."

Shūren’s smile faded a little.

"Thirty percent?"

"Yes."

"Your Highness, that is a substantial share. Alchemy requires rare ingredients, expensive equipment, and years of training. Our operating costs are considerable, especially when producing advanced pills. If we surrender thirty percent of our profits, it will affect our ability to expand."

"Profits, President Shūren. Not revenue."

The president paused.

Damian continued, "You deduct legitimate operating expenses, wages, ingredient costs, equipment maintenance, research expenditure, and other approved business expenses before calculating the profit. The government receives thirty percent of what remains. I have no intention of taxing every coin that passes through your hands."

Shūren considered the distinction.

It made a considerable difference. A tax on total revenue could cripple an institution with expensive production requirements, while a share of net profit would allow the association to account for its costs before fulfilling its obligations.

Still, thirty percent was not insignificant.

"And the annual quota?" Shūren asked.

"The government will also receive a fixed quota of quality pills each year. The exact quantity and varieties will be determined according to your production capacity. I don’t expect you to surrender a portion of your entire stock whenever an official decides he needs something. We will establish a written schedule, with agreed quantities and quality standards."

"Would the quota be in addition to the thirty percent?"

"Yes."

Shūren frowned.

"That may prove difficult in years when ingredients are scarce or production suffers."

"Then the agreement can include provisions for extraordinary circumstances. If a natural disaster destroys your ingredient supply, or a war disrupts trade routes, the quota can be reviewed. But you will not be permitted to use ordinary business difficulties as an excuse to avoid your obligations."

The president remained silent for several moments.

Nevertheless, the terms were more reasonable than Shūren had anticipated. The association would retain control of its operations, protect its research, and earn the freedom to expand without a ministry interfering in every decision.

Thirty percent of profits and an annual quota of quality pills were a heavy price, but they were predictable obligations.

Predictability was valuable.

Shūren opened his document case and took out a sheet of parchment, making several notes.

"I believe we can accept those terms, provided the government formally recognises our independence and cannot alter the arrangement unilaterally."

"That will be included in the agreement. Any changes must be negotiated and accepted by both parties."

"Then we have the foundation for cooperation."

Damian nodded. "We do. But the association’s return will also depend on its ability to contribute to Velmora. I want access to training opportunities for local alchemists, a programme for developing apprentices, and reasonable commercial arrangements with the city’s merchants. I won’t force you to reveal your most valuable formulas, but I expect the presence of your association to benefit more than its own members."

Shūren thought about it before replying.

"We can establish an apprenticeship programme and offer training in basic alchemy. Advanced formulas and restricted techniques would remain under the association’s control, but we can train local practitioners in fundamental methods, ingredient preparation, and safe furnace operation."

"That is acceptable. The details can be negotiated later."

Laura, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward.

"So the association really will return to Velmora?"

"If we can finalise the agreement," Shūren replied.

She smiled. "My father will be pleased to hear that."

Damian glanced at her. "Don’t tell him anything until the terms have been formally settled. I don’t want half the noble clans celebrating a deal that hasn’t been signed."

Laura’s smile became sheepish.

"Of course."

"That sounded suspiciously like a promise you intend to break."

"I said I wouldn’t!"

Damian gave her a doubtful look before returning his attention to the president.

"Now, let’s discuss the Soul Fortification Pill."