"Commissioning other affiliates for expeditions is good," Cynthia said, "but what of sending Draethon Knights or perhaps even a council-led expedition of warlocks to the Eldorian Continent? Or… is that an impossibility?"
The room fell into a prolonged silence. No one seemed eager to respond.
At last, Kepler broke it with a sigh, gazing up at the ceiling.
"The Draethon Knights have been sent before. We experienced too great a loss only thirteen of the fifteen returned, and the two we lost were both Mid-Rank Weapon Masters. It was a hard blow."
"And while warlocks might be granted some leniency to leave Lumenoth under certain circumstances," Lady Curie added, "we members of the council are strictly forbidden from leaving the state."
"A law passed down from Draethon himself?" Cynthia asked.
"That's right," Pythagoras said, nodding in agreement.
"But make no mistake," Mendeleev interjected, prompting Cynthia to turn her gaze toward him.
"It's not just Draethon keeping us here. The four Guardians themselves mandated that council members must remain within Lumenoth's borders."
Cynthia nodded slowly, thoughtfully.
"I understand that warlocks especially those of us on the council have highly unpredictable and unique abilities. But is there a specific reason why we are prohibited from leaving? Or is this ban placed on most of Lumenoth's people as well?"
Kepler scratched his head before answering, clearly reluctant.
"That matter… pertains to our oldest council member. He made us all swear an oath never to reveal the reason. Only he is allowed to speak of it."
He let out a breath.
"Unfortunately, he's been in closed-door research for over thirty years now. So unless he decides to emerge… well, let's just say the chances of you ever finding out are slim."
"And the law is mostly for us Council members," Kepler finished. "All other warlocks are evaluated by us, and based on that, we determine whether they're permitted to roam."
Understanding, Cynthia clasped her hands and placed them gently on the table in front of her.
"Are we in dire need of money now?" she asked.
"No, Councilwoman Rochester," Warden Calisa replied. "At the moment, the funds can last for a few years... that is, if no one starts any more research projects."
Lady Curie leaned her elbow on the arm of her chair, resting her chin on her thumb and supporting her cheek with her index finger.
"And just to put it out there, all of us will be starting research projects, one after another. That's going to deplete the reserves in short order."
"With current projections, and taking into account what Councilwoman Curie just said," Warden Calisa added, "the reserves will barely break even, even with all revenue streams considered."
"What if we look into the Patent Vault?" Pythagoras suggested. "Perhaps release a few new inventions or upgrades to existing ones?"
"Not a bad idea," Mendeleev added. "Might also be wise to sell a limited batch of ingredients we've been holding back, especially those used in elixirs and pills."
"Those are likely options indeed," Lady Curie agreed with a slight nod.
"Are we all in agreement for now?" Kepler asked. Everyone nodded in response.
"Well then," Lady Curie continued, "while we're all still here Lady Rochester, have you settled into your manor?"
"I have," Cynthia replied.
"And what about your powers?"
"I've asked Tet for tomes and scrolls on a few topics I'm currently exploring," Cynthia answered. "I'll be taking things one step at a time as I work toward mastering them."
"That's good. If anything comes up, you can always find one of us if we're not in closed-door research," Lady Curie said with a smile. "Or Tet himself he may not seem like it, but he's quite knowledgeable on warlock matters."
Nodding, Cynthia replied that she will.
"Well then, I believe that concludes this emergency meeting. I'll see you all at next week's session," she said, rising from her seat.
Everyone stood, exchanged farewells, and departed to their respective estates.
Back at her manor, Cynthia was greeted at the entrance by Jennifer, who followed her and Opal up to her room as the Draethon Knights departed with the Kirlo.
"Young Miss," Jennifer said, stepping forward, "I've brought back everything you requested, along with something the Marquis said you should have."
She handed Cynthia two storage rings, placing them carefully in her hands.
"Mhm, I wonder what it may be," Cynthia murmured as she scanned the contents of the rings with her Psy energy. After a brief moment of focus, she set one of the rings down on the table.
"Opal, I'd like an early dinner I have quite a few things to sort out."
With a graceful bow, Opal exited the room to fulfill the request.
"And Jennifer," Cynthia called out.
"Yes, Young Miss?" Jennifer responded attentively.
"Find Clementine or Charlotte. Ask them to lead you to the place that's been designated for the lab, and start organizing it." Cynthia handed her the second storage ring. "Use this."
Jennifer accepted the ring with both hands, bowed respectfully, and took her leave without another word.
Once the room was quiet again, Cynthia turned toward the space beside her.
"Now then, Vesaran."
"Master."
"You heard everything that was discussed, didn't you?"
"Yes, Master."
"Good. Then you know the problem we face with the mission to collect the shards."
"Yes. The matter of shard collection will need to be approached differently now, to which there is a possibility that the items that the Marqius sent inside the ring could be of some use in achieving this," Vesaran replied in his calm, echoing tone.
"You mentioned that the item the Marquis sent might be of assistance in this?"
"Indeed. I believe it could help us, or at the very least, tip the odds slightly in our favor."
"You believe so," Cynthia repeated thoughtfully, her gaze drifting back to the ring on the table.