Page 117 of Hospital for Immortal Creatures

Despite his bitterness, he decided to listen to his speech.

“… we already have enough patients, so a decrease in patient numbers because of rumours spreading about the murders at the Hospital does not worry me.”

“Why don’t we increase the prices?” Vladislav offered. “We’re not a charity.”

Mikhail shrugged. “Payment is different. Every creature pays as much as they can afford. It’s always been like that.”

“It’s the twenty-first century!” Lyla barked, pursing her purple lips and slamming her fist on the table. “Living costs are higher than ever. And”—the purple spread into a wide smile—“humans keep creating all this cool stuff. It all costs money, and we’re not supposed to steal…”

“I love diamonds, for instance,” Platinum said as if they didn’t all know that already.

“I like yachts,” Silvester added.

Mikhail furrowed his brow. “I don’t understand. You’re all filthy rich. Why would you need more than what you already have?”

Viktor contemplated the manticore’s words. He wasn’t filthy rich. He wasn’t even medium-rich. In fact, the expression ‘poor as a church mouse’ encapsulated his financial status the best. He had never needed money before, since he rarely left the Hospital’s premises. His life revolved around healing and teaching.

This would change. Right now.

“Access to the building is too easy. Creatures from all over the world come here,” Dimitri said.

“Yeah. That’s the point.” Mikhail waved his hand in dismissal.

“And that’s the problem.” Elisanda sighed. “Let us not be ignorant. Murders, new diseases – we’re losing control.”

The manticore faced her, placing his palms on the table. “Please, be more specific.”

Viktor smirked, knowing Mikhail hated being criticised. This is going to be fun.

Elisanda said, “We believe—”

“Who’s ‘we’?” Mikhail’s calm tone hinted at a storm underneath.

The nymph’s gaze darted around, as if she were trying to regain her confidence, before replying, “Myself and many of the Council members believe that none of this would have happened, had we been stricter about the creatures we allow to waltz in here. One of the ways to achieve that is by raising the prices. Think about it, Mikhail. We could turn this place into a luxury hospital for VIP creatures.”

Viktor burst out laughing. “This is ridiculous! VIP creatures? Absolutely ridiculous!”

Mikhail threw a sceptical glance at Elisanda. “Is this a joke?”

She straightened in her chair, jutting her chin in the air in defiance. “Of course not. Many of us agree that this infection would never have reached the Hospital, had we been more careful.”

“Infection?” Mikhail arched an eyebrow, throwing Viktor into another fit of laughter.

The nymph’s blue eyes widened. “The carcinoma. It is highly likely it was caused by a viral infection. It won’t take long before it spreads…”

“What?!” Platinum leapt up from her chair. “Are you implying it’s contagious?”

“Why was I not informed?” somebody asked.

Next to Viktor, Mikhail’s teeth made an audible grinding sound. “Because it’s not true.”

Elisanda cleared her throat. “I have discussed the possible source of this neoplasm with doctors of the Council and they all support the viral origin theory.”

Viktor didn’t remember anyone discussing this issue with him.

“I see.” Mikhail squinted. “So, your suggestion is to reduce the number of patients to… VIPs only?”

“Exactly.”

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