Illegal Business

"What kind of business? Let's hear it."

Fran was curious as well.

"Let's go somewhere quieter. Follow me."

Elan rose and headed toward a corner.

Fran was somewhat surprised. What business could be more serious than selling Spells...

In Loderis, no shop was allowed to sell Spells. As Rita had said, Apprentices could seemingly only obtain Spells by excelling in classes or joining a school of magic.

Before coming here, Fran had also asked around about other places that sold Spells. She had found two, but both used the same aristocratic recommendation system, leaving her with no choice but to come here.

But she had not managed to learn anything further, which showed just how City of Apprentices felt about the sale of Spells.

He had just sold her a Spell openly in a public place, yet discussing this business required going somewhere "quiet."

After thinking it over, Fran still followed him.

Elan rounded a corner, pressed the nearby candlestick, then pushed against a wall. A dim passageway appeared.

Fran followed him inside, keeping a close watch on her surroundings. When they reached an undecorated room, Elan turned to her and said:

"All right, this is the place. May I ask what your success rate is for making Energy Potions? Can you make one in five attempts?"

Fran was stunned. How did he know I could brew Energy Potions?

Elan smiled and explained:

"No need to panic. I smelled Sunlight Flower on you. After it is made into an Energy Potion, its scent lingers on the people around it and fades after a few days."

"But on Apothecaries who make it, the scent is much stronger than on those who use it. Once you have seen enough of them, it is easy to tell."

"And I have met several Apothecaries like that and secretly bought a few things from them..."

"So tell me, can you manage one successful bottle every five attempts?"

Fran did not answer immediately. She pondered for a while before speaking.

"I can do slightly better than that, but why should I sell them to you?"

Elan countered:

"Not sell them to me. Sell them to other people."

Damn, this was even more serious. So this was the business he meant—running a smuggling operation right under the Pharmacist Association's nose. Was he tired of living?

Fran already wanted to leave. She truly did not want to get involved in something that could cost her head. But then she remembered her high output rate; she could never use all those potions herself. With a trace of hope, she asked:

"What about the Pharmacist Association?"

She meant that she would only do it if Elan could offer a workable solution. Otherwise, she would leave immediately.

But Elan's next words directly shocked her.

"The Pharmacist Association..." Elan repeated in a strange tone before saying:

"So you didn't know. The Pharmacist Association can barely save itself now."

"Can barely save itself?"

"Just last week, the Pharmacist Association's funds were diverted by a committee member to invest in a shipment of goods—spices, gemstones, precious metals..."

"But..." Elan changed direction. "A civil war broke out in the Antir Kingdom, and the rebels seized all the goods. Not only that, but the delivery deadline has arrived. The committee member used the Pharmacist Association's name, so they also have to pay penalties for breach of contract."

"The diverted funds amounted to 220% of last year's revenue. The committee simply cannot plug that hole..."

After hearing this, Fran felt that the Pharmacist Association was finished. But how had she not heard of something this big...

"Of course, it is understandable that you did not know. The Pharmacist Association has always used a two-tier pricing system for potions: one price for Apothecaries and another for outside sales."

"Since the difference was not large before, and Apothecaries could also purchase materials and potions at lower prices, everyone tacitly accepted it."

"So after this year's disaster, the Pharmacist Association suppressed the news, kept prices for Apothecaries largely unchanged, and raised prices for outside sales by more than double."

"Yet the matter was quickly exposed, and news of the diverted funds got out as well. All Apothecaries from Velos Academy and Blackwater Academy announced their withdrawal from the association..."

The reason Apothecaries tolerated the association holding their "potions" for them was that it also protected their interests and provided them with services.

But this diversion of funds had nearly brought the association's operations to a standstill. The only reason some places could still function normally was because of the current exorbitant potion prices.

And once potions stopped selling, the association would be finished.

The Apothecaries of Velos Academy and Blackwater Academy did not believe the association could survive this crisis, so they began establishing themselves independently.

"The association's lifeline is Energy Potions."

"Since potion prices rose, other potions have become nearly impossible to sell. Only Energy Potions are different."

"The assessment for competing over Formal Mage resources is not far off, and this year there will be additional slots, allowing more people to obtain resources. So all Advanced Apprentices are preparing intensely..."

"Everyone wants to get ahead of the others, and Energy Potions are a necessity. They give you more energy and let you make use of more time."

"So Energy Potions are still selling extremely well."

Fran understood now. If Elan bought from her, then with current prices as a benchmark, he would have no trouble selling them as long as he priced them a little lower. This was a highly profitable business.

"But what if we go against the association and push them into desperation?"

Elan knew this was the moment to convince Fran. He had to ensure that she felt safe before she would agree to trade with him.

"What are you afraid of? As I recall, the association's mandatory agreement was abolished ten years ago to cut costs. Even if they find out you are selling privately, they cannot do much to you officially. At most, they can expel you from the association."

Being expelled from the association meant losing its channels and being unable to buy or sell goods through it. That would bind her to Elan's side, because Elan clearly had channels of his own.

"That is only the worst-case scenario. I am not even afraid of selling Spells. Do you think I would fear the Pharmacist Association?"

What he said was indeed true. Selling Spells provoked the authorities of Loderis, while selling potions offended the Pharmacist Association.

It was just that the former was more severe in nature, while the latter was more profitable...

Fran had already made up her mind. So what if she was expelled? After this deal, she would likely have more than enough money to cover the expenses of advancing to the Formal rank.

"How much can you pay per bottle?"

"The association currently sells them for 45 silver coins a bottle. My purchase price is 30 silver coins."

Elan saw Fran's expression and knew she was somewhat dissatisfied, but he explained:

"I can only sell them for at least less than 40 silver coins. Otherwise, if we undercut them too little, no one will come to us. And I need some profit too. You will still make plenty selling at this price."

"Deal."