Chapter 637: Looking for Me to Work? Let Me Pluck Some Wool!
No matter how much he internally complained, Garrett Nordmark still read the manuscript in his hands from start to finish. Then, facing the exceptional beings below, he raised a peaceful, utterly dependable smile—
Military families should indeed receive special treatment!
Soldiers fight at the front, and their families should be well cared for at home!
Letting soldiers bleed in battle while their families cry at home is not conducive to a nation, or a magic council, strengthening its cohesion!
Indeed, no one wants to fight a fierce battle and triumph, only to return and hear, "Oh, sorry, your wife tragically died in childbirth, a loss of two lives..."
And if a death occurs in the field, the misfortune that befalls the family only adds to the sadness.
If possible, Garrett would even like to contract all medical services for the entire fleet's military families. Of course, the council would still need to foot the bill, perhaps with a 30% discount?
Of course, such an order was too large for the Oak Grove Clinic to handle alone. So far, they had only received a share of the obstetrics department.
But, how many exceptional beings are deploying this time?
How many families have pregnant women, and how many pregnant women will give birth during the fleet's deployment?
Names? Addresses? When will they come to set up their records?
Someone come and coordinate with him!
After the mobilization meeting, Garrett discreetly approached Commander Drake. Then, he immediately dashed off to the review committee following the commander’s guidance.
"Rest assured, we have everything prepared."
The head of medical affairs at the review committee, Archmage Kreber, put down his feather pen and confidently replied.
For this great war, the review committee had been busy for a full two years. Every little detail had been considered, even the medical care for families, which ultimately fell under his jurisdiction.
Exceptional beings are precious resources, with combatants ranked as knights or higher and spellcasters as apprentices or above, all documented by the logistics department—
"The number of pregnant women under your care won't exceed 20, perfectly timed for birth in these upcoming months, likely no more than 10."
Seeing Garrett’s relieved expression, he smiled faintly:
"I'll get you the list soon. You can assign someone to accompany an official from the logistics department and visit each household."
This would require an experienced female, such as sending someone from the Love for Infants Medical Center. Garrett secretly decided, moving on to the next topic:
"So, how do we settle the finances? Will the council pay in full, or at a discounted rate?
Theoretically, when the Oak Grove Clinic was established, it received an initial council investment of 5,000 contribution points and a monthly payment of 500 contribution points.
In return, the clinic undertook to provide up to ten third-tier spell treatments each month to designated individuals from the council.
This could also be considered a type of fixed treatment, although on a much smaller scale, merely a modest supplement to their income.
As a new medical facility, especially one located in the slums, not many wizards sought treatment there.
This time it’s different. Cesarean sections are the Oak Grove Clinic’s specialty, with the market demand limited only by the financial capabilities of the families involved...
After all, a cesarean section priced at 2,000 gold coins, equivalent to three third-level spells, could easily exceed the budget if not discussed beforehand.
"This project is not included in the previous free medical services." Archmage Kreber flipped through the documents beside him:
"Half-price payment, settled monthly. Most clinics undertaking fixed medical duties funded by the council research grants operate on this revenue-sharing basis."
He quickly found the document he needed. Opening it with a pleased smile, he handed it over:
"Coincidentally, Madam Dorothia has applied for a joint research project with you, and the approval has just come through. Since you're here, take it back with you."
Garrett swiftly scanned the document, indeed seeing the 50% revenue sharing ratio prominently displayed. His index, thumb, and ring fingers touched the paper surface, slightly pushing it, he pondered:
"What if there's a medical accident?"
"Medical accident..." Archmage Kreber. He repeated the new term, quickly grasping its meaning. With a helpless shrug, he replied:
"There's nothing we can do about that. We all know that even the highest-order grand prayers can't solve every problem. In this regard, we trust in the sincerity and kindness of the healers."
The old man slightly bent his eyes, his long white eyebrows framing a genial, even slightly cunning smile:
"After all, one could not possibly perform healing spells without a sincere desire to help others, right?"
Uh, that's not very good. Absolute power leads to absolute corruption, even in the medical field. Garrett firmly shook his head:
"I mean,
I hope to record every single detail as much as possible. The diameter of the baby's head, the width of the pelvic outlet, the baby's posture inside the mother, heart rate, the mother's heart rate, and the frequency of contractions. Moreover, it’s best done magically—"
"So what do you need?"
Archmage Kreber asked with interest. Some of these records could be manually noted, like heartbeats and contractions, while others would require magic. Relying on magic would increase the costs.
But he had to admit, no divine spell could guarantee 100% safety. And in case of an accident, a complete record could help console a grieving family, at the very least absolving the council of responsibility.
Although he felt that Mage Nordmark might be overly cautious, as if he was always afraid of someone harming him...
"I need a powerful magic source." Garrett repeated the request he had made to his fellow mages:
"Ideally, a mage tower's energy core and a tower spirit. If not, give me a large batch of magic potions and enough recording devices and lenses to get by for now..."
Archmage Kreber began shaking his head at the first request. Then, hearing the second, he sighed, his face breaking into a smile:
This young man really knows how to ask for funds. Start with an audacious demand, necessary but outrageous, then settle for something more reasonable...
"How much do you need?"
Garrett silently pulled out the budget.
Doing research, getting a head start on funds is always good. Mage towers and tower spirits can accumulate slowly...
With the deal concluded, everyone was pleased. The next day, as a key logistical member, Garrett went to the port to see the fleet off.
Watching the towering flagship set sail into deep waters, Garrett faced the sea breeze, a contented smile on his face.
The various achievements he had made before, he estimated, would likely save a few dozen to a hundred warriors in this fleet.
And the fleet's chance of successful deployment had also increased by that little bit—
How wonderful.
They must triumph!