382
Chapter 382
Melissa's eyes widened at Zeke's words.
"A new Alchemist association?"
"Yes, the current Union has maintained a monopoly for too long. Stagnant water is bound to rot. Because of this, many people who need medicine are suffering greatly."
In his previous life, Zeke remembered how the Alchemist Union couldn't properly make medicine for the Hong-hwa Disease, yet they disparaged the cure made by the twins.
Later, when the twins revealed the whole process, they said that initially, the Union had offered to sell the cure for them. Al and Jeff had agreed, but when they discovered the Union planned to price-gouge the cure for excessive profits, they released the manufacturing method across the continent.
Zeke judged that since the Alchemist Union was corrupt enough to play with desperate people's lives, it was impossible to fix an organization that was rotten from top to bottom.
That's why Zeke planned to create a new Alchemist association to break the monopoly and eliminate unfair profiteering.
Princess Melissa showed a complicated expression at Zeke's words, then carefully spoke.
"I fully understand Sir Zeke's intentions. However... an Alchemist association needs alchemists. I'm not sure if it's possible to create another organization when all the continent's alchemists can't escape the Union's influence."
Zeke nodded at Princess Melissa's words.
"That's true, if we only look at the Central Continent's situation."
"Pardon? What do you mean? Are there other alchemists besides those on the Central Continent?"
Zeke took out potions and medicines he had prepared and handed them to Princess Melissa.
"Please take a look."
Princess Melissa examined the potions and medicines Zeke gave her, then exclaimed in surprise.
"This is... clearly different from what the Union sells. The scent and texture seem better. How about the effectiveness?"
Zeke nodded.
"It's not inferior to what the Union currently sells. We recently discovered a Naga city in the Southern Continent. There are many Naga alchemists there with skills surpassing the Alchemist Union. What I brought is just a portion of what they make. They have many items that are cheaper and more effective than the Union's."
Melissa's eyes grew round at Zeke's words.
"Are there more potions and medicines like these? And they're even cheaper?"
"Yes, what do you think would happen if we created a new Alchemist association and sold our new medicines along with potions and pharmaceuticals imported from the Naga city?"
It went without saying.
The monopolized potion and medicine market would immediately tilt.
The Alchemist Union maintains its current power because of the funds from their excessive profits.
If they lose in market competition and their funds gradually decrease, their influence would clearly diminish as well.
Melissa examined the potion while speaking to Zeke.
"If we could just sell these, things would go as you say. But isn't it impossible to sell without the Union's certification? Even if I use my influence in Allensia, it would be difficult to sell in other countries."
Zeke nodded and replied.
"I've thought about that aspect as well. We'll grant the certification authority itself to the association."
Melissa made a face showing she found this difficult to understand.
"What? Is that possible?"
"The one who granted them certification authority was the Vadoka Holy Nation."
"AH!"
Zeke had changed his thinking to grant certification authority to the new association as well.
Unlike before, Melissa's eyes now sparkled.
"Then that changes everything."
It was a feasible plan if they had certification authority, sufficient products, Linehart Trading Company's distribution network, and alchemists to support them.
When Princess Melissa showed agreement, Zeke nodded.
"Good. Then let's talk with the Union this afternoon."
* * *
The Alchemist Union was in an emergency situation.
Conrad Mason, the Union's president, was pulling his hair out with other Union executives in the conference room at the top of the Red Tower, the Union's headquarters.
"Damn it, so you're saying one of Feinan Pharmaceuticals' major shareholders is Zeke Draker?"
He ground his teeth.
They had been running around trying to block Feinan Pharmaceuticals' new medicine, only to find out that one of their major shareholders was Zeke Draker, the most renowned knight on the continent.
As he spoke irritably, the vice president beside him said.
"That's true, but our investigation shows it's just Zeke Draker's personal investment, unrelated to the Draker family."
Conrad slammed the desk.
"How can you say that?! Don't you know Zeke Draker is the guardian knight and Black Knight of the Draker family?! Those stubborn Drakers won't just let this slide!"
Conrad was the one who blocked Feinan Pharmaceuticals' certification. Despite this, he was now yelling at other executives as the situation worsened.
Another executive spoke up.
"President, this isn't the time to just be angry. We need to come up with a plan."
Conrad pressed his lips together and frowned. Then he looked at the executives with sharp eyes.
"You all know. If that new medicine comes out, our livelihoods are finished."
The other executives gulped.
Being an alchemist was an expensive profession - even more costly than becoming a mage. Just obtaining the necessary equipment and materials was a major hurdle.
A hundred years ago, when Jabir ibn Hassan revealed the patent for refining troll blood into potions, it led to the popularization of recovery potions. Alchemists realized potions and medicines were profitable and began focusing on selling rather than research.
Initially prices were reasonable, but they gradually increased. Now they even controlled production to drive up prices. After receiving certification authority from the Vadoka Holy Nation, they strengthened their monopoly by prohibiting uncertified potion sales.
Thanks to this, alchemists became one of the wealthiest professions. The Union had long abandoned its original purpose of protecting alchemists' rights, becoming a profit-obsessed monster.
If Feinan's cheap and effective new medicine emerged, it would shake the entire pharmaceutical market.
Conrad addressed the executives.
"Listen well. Even if the Draker family steps in, we must maintain our position. Steel yourselves. If there's any traitor among us..."
Though he trailed off, everyone understood. An alchemist who crossed the Union could never return.
Just then, a secretary entered and whispered something to Conrad.
"Z-Zeke Draker and Princess Melissa have come here in person?"
Conrad was flustered, not expecting Zeke to visit the tower directly.
The vice president quickly spoke.
"President, don't forget what you just said. You absolutely cannot waver."
Conrad took a deep breath. Though he'd said they couldn't back down, Zeke was the Draker's guardian knight.
'Damn, but we can't turn away the Draker's guardian knight and Allensia's princess either.'
Then Conrad had an idea.
'Right, let's invite them here. It'll be better to pressure them with all the executives present.'
He told the secretary.
"Escort Sir Zeke Draker and Princess Melissa here."
* * *
The conference room doors opened as Zeke Draker and Princess Melissa entered.
The president, seated in the center, maintained a solemn expression and spoke in a low voice.
"Sir Zeke Draker, Knight of Salvation, and Princess Melissa of Allensia. Welcome to the Red Tower..."
"Interesting. Is this how the Red Tower treats its guests?"
Zeke's single comment chilled the atmosphere. The president was inwardly flustered, not expecting such open hostility.
'I heard the Knight of Salvation was gentle and calm...?'
Zeke sat down casually, crossing his legs and scanning the Union executives before turning to the president.
"You know who I am, Conrad Mason."
At the mention of his name, the president nervously glanced at the vice president, who shook his head.
"Sir Zeke. This is the Red Tower, responsible for all alchemists of the continent. As their representative, I ask that you maintain proper etiquette."
Zeke smirked.
"Why should I show courtesy to those who showed none first?"
The vice president stood up.
"Sir Zeke! How can you be so rude?! Even as the Draker family's guardian knight, you cannot disrespect the Red Tower like this. Leave now. The Red Tower will formally lay a complaint to the Draker family!"
The president trembled internally at the vice president's sudden outburst.
'Has he lost his mind?.'
Zeke nodded quietly.
"I see. A formal Complaint to the family."
He took out a document and examined it while studying each executive's face. They unconsciously shrank from his sharp gaze.
"Well. I came with good intentions to give advance warning, but if you refuse..."
The president panicked.
'Wasn't he here about the new medicine?'
As Zeke rose to leave, the president frantically waved his hands.
"W-wait, Sir Zeke!"
"What? Something to say?"
"W-why did you come here? Since you're here, shouldn't we talk?"
"First you tell me to leave, now you ask why I'm here?"
The president glared at the vice president before speaking gently.
"H-HAHA. The vice president is just very proud of the Union. With all our recent issues, he's been on edge..."
Zeke stared at the president's excuses before sitting down. He opened the documents, thought for a moment, then looked up.
"Evidence has been found linking the Alchemist Union to demon summoning."