Unable to replace the case for AirPods pro

I bought my AirPods Pro less than two years ago but my case stopped working (it does not charge itself). I don't have apple care. I was told by one Apple advisor that I can get a case replacement for 49$ but later the other apple advisor said that the first advisor was wrong and because my warranty expired this is not possible and that I can only get it repaired for an estimated price exceeding the purchase price. I bought the airpods pro in 2021 for 211, 95 euros and I was told that the estimated repair in the Netherlands would cost 290 euros. It seems outrageous that I am unable to purchase an accessory to my product. Also, the apple shop is not in my city and I am unable to travel there anytime soon. Any advice on how to deal with this situation?