Keeping his promise, Kalron wasted no ti and got straight to the point.
“I know everyone here is fully aware that we’re essentially getting mana stones for next to nothing, and I doubt any of us want that to change. However, we all understand this situation won’t last. Once the empire begins its initial integration efforts, they’ll inevitably discover the true value of mana,” he said, pausing briefly to observe the reactions of everyone in the room.
Their expressions remained neutral, uninterested even, as everything he had said so far was common knowledge among them. But Kalron wasn’t reiterating these points for the sake of stating the obvious—he needed to ensure that everyone present was on the sa page. It was crucial to eliminate even the slightest chance of misunderstanding, no matter how unlikely it seed.
Not wanting to waste more ti or risk losing their attention, Kalron quickly shifted to his main point.
“The reason I called this eting is to propose a joint effort to delay this inevitability and ensure we can continue buying mana stones at these extrely low prices for as long as possible—and in the largest quantities possible.”
A brief silence fell over the room as everyone processed his words. Each representative appeared deep in thought, aligning Kalron's proposal with their own interests and considerations before deciding how to respond.
“Don’t you think Princess Seraphina has already inford the emperor about the actual value of mana stones? They could very well be observing us to see how we act, testing whether we assu they’re ignorant—or if they allowed this specific exchange at the current rates simply because it was already agreed upon six months ago,” the Valthorin representative remarked. His voice carried weight, highlighting the potential risks of Kalron’s suggestion. “And What makes you so sure that the topic of adjusting the pricing wasn’t already part of the agenda before you demanded we prioritize the mana stones exchange?”
“What will you do if the empire discovers our attempt to suppress this information and retaliates?” another representative imdiately added.
One by one, representatives from the various civilizations followed suit, voicing their concerns and pointing out flaws in Kalron’s proposed plan. Each raised probing questions, exposing potential vulnerabilities and risks that would co with attempting to manipulate the situation. The room filled with the sound of debate as they challenged the feasibility and consequences of the plan.
Kalron listened intently, ntally noting each question and concern raised. Once the representatives had finished voicing their doubts, he turned his attention to the Xor’Vak representative and asked, “What was the actual price of mana before the discovery of the empire?”
Kalron listened intently, ntally noting each question and concern raised. Once the representatives had finished voicing their doubts, he turned his attention to the Xor’Vak representative and asked, “What was the actual price of mana before the discovery of the empire?”
The Xor’Vak representative gave Kalron a sharp glance, pausing for a mont before replying, “I don’t know the auction buying price. The only price I’m familiar with is what we pay for mana already acquired and owned by the Grand Xor’Vak governnt. But I’m assuming that’s not the price you’re asking for, is it?”
“You are correct,” Kalron replied before following up, “And why is it that way?”
The Xor’Vak representative raised an eyebrow, clearly questioning why Kalron was asking such trivial questions. Still, he decided to indulge him and answered, “Because that is not my responsibility. It falls under the purview of a select group of Xor’Vak officials responsible for acquiring it for the empire. They are supported by individuals from the civilizations under our protection.”
Upon hearing the answer, the representatives imdiately understood the purpose of Kalron’s question. It indirectly addressed one of their concerns—that the emperor might already know the true value of mana stones, possibly through Seraphina. However, that worry was now dispelled. They realized that even within the Xor’Vak governnt, only a select few individuals were privy to the actual market price of mana stones purchased externally and then sold to the citizens. This insight reassured them that the likelihood of the emperor having access to such detailed pricing information was minimal.
“That settles one concern,” Kalron said, following the Xor’Vak representative’s response. “As for whether the empire knows the true worth of mana stones and plans to increase the price, we can use this eting to agree on a unified position—a price increase we’re willing to negotiate while ensuring it still remains lower than the pre-empire discovery rates.”
He paused briefly, gauging the reactions in the ntal network before continuing.
“As for the risk of the empire uncovering our plans and retaliating, we can all take a mana oath to maintain strict confidentiality about this discussion. If, despite that, the empire does find out and reacts negatively, we can collectively protest under the argunt that this was a matter of self-interest. After all, the empire willingly offered the initial price and agreed to the deal. They were not hard in any way by our agreent since it was based on terms they themselves proposed. If they later beco upset upon learning the true market value of mana stones, that’s a result of their own failure to conduct proper market research—not our actions. By their own admission, the price they set was profitable for them at the ti.”
“Additionally, the scope of retaliation is limited,” Kalron continued, “because they’ve sworn a mana oath and signed a mana contract to sell mana stones to us. That contract also includes our acknowledgnt of them as allies of the Conclave. If they break that agreent, we’ll have every right to break it as well.”
As Kalron addressed their concerns and dismantled their worries, the representatives’ expressions shifted. Their eyes lit up as they began to see the situation from a new perspective. They realized that this was, in essence, a win-win scenario.
Either they could continue buying mana stones at cheap cost for the duration it took for the empire to fully integrate into the Conclave, or, in the event the empire retaliated and broke the agreent, it would nullify all existing contracts. That scenario would allow them to leverage the mana stones they had already acquired to send sufficient military forces to finally overpower the empire.
“So, how do you suggest we proceed?” the Yrral Coalition representative asked.
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