Sean had his own workshop now.
Once the contract took effect, he would inherit more than half of Jade Workshop;
the smaller portion—its international trade division—would be operated in partnership with the Tayra-family witches around him.
"Please review this. I'm formally applying to become your agent… Merlin, luck really does arrive when you least expect it…"
Suya kept her head down, looking both restrained and thrilled, with the nervousness of someone trying to be discreet and failing.
"Agent…" Sean accepted the contract, puzzled.
"Let me explain," Suya said—her smile refusing to stay down, so she forced herself into an excited-but-serious tone.
"In the wizarding world, products can be sold across the globe very easily… honored Mr. Hermes, look.
Those wizards in Ministry uniforms with Ministry medals—they're from the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
They handle approvals for international wizard trade. Internally, that includes the International Magical Law Office, the International Confederation of Wizards, and the International Association of Magical Trade Standards.
Most of the people you see are Trade Standards Association officers stationed at Jade Workshop.
And when we want to sell magical products internationally, we have to work with an international merchant who's passed Ministry qualification review."
Suya's explanation introduced a very specific concept—international merchant.
"It's such an honor that I even get to apply to cooperate with you… Please understand, I'm an international merchant too."
She pressed her lips into a smile. Her cheeks—and even her earlobes and throat—flushed faintly pink.
To cooperate with the future greatest wizard—thrice-great Hermes—feel the mysteries of alchemical magic alongside him… what could possibly be more wonderful?
Sean glanced at Professor Tayra, then read the contract carefully, and he more or less got it.
With Portkeys and the Floo Network, international trade wasn't difficult for wizards at all—so the Ministry had expanded into a huge department:
the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
They vetted qualifications and permitted some witches and wizards to conduct legitimate international trade.
The relationship between international merchants and that department was basically the same as overseas traders and customs.
And because magical goods were hard to regulate—here Sean couldn't help thinking of his Hufflepuff senior lugging around something that was basically a "nuclear bomb" in a suitcase—the Department officially allowed only international merchants to freely carry goods across national borders.
Which was, frankly, completely reasonable.
After all, in the wizarding world, if you used an Undetectable Extension bag to carry a few wands across borders, you might get tried for war crimes.
"It's your call, Suya… dull, but diligent," Professor Tayra said flatly.
"But before that—have Suya show you the other international merchants. A few decent ones have come sniffing around like puppies who've caught the scent of a bone."
Suya's neck flushed even redder.
The three of them were walking through a small garden laced with spellwork—runes that muted sound while keeping temperature and humidity at a comfortable level.
"They say you're at least on par with Master Nicolas Flamel," Suya whispered, her trembling wrist betraying how far from calm she was.
"Mr. Flamel is the true master alchemist," Sean said.
"You're too humble," Suya murmured.
At last they stopped before a sturdy door inlaid with a Fantastic Beasts panel and emerald-green stone slabs, decorated with a brass knocker.
Suya hesitated, tapped the knocker, then immediately retreated.
The door swung open with a bang—creaking as it went—and swept the decorations aside.
Three wizards inside looked as though they'd been waiting a long time.
"Honored—"
One of them abruptly lost his words. He shot upright, crossed the garden fountain in a few strides, and gripped Sean's hand, eyes shining.
"My student—Marle, the dull one," Professor Tayra commented without mercy.
"Mr. Marle—Aunt Tayra is fairly satisfied with him as an international merchant," Suya added in a small voice.
"He can be so sharp it's almost indecent, but he genuinely loves alchemy. He pours half his income into alchemical experiments."
Sean looked at her in surprise.
"Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm competing with them, yes, but Aunt Tayra always says: truth is truth, lies are lies. Fairness is what brings justice.
And more importantly—I believe you'll choose me—"
It sounded like she was psyching herself up.
Across from them, Marle gave an embarrassed, self-mocking smile.
"Professor Tayra… please leave me at least a shred of dignity."
He nearly begged—then turned that burning gaze back onto Sean.
So young… too young…
In the center of the fountain stood a dolphin statue on a delicately carved white base. Its tail had a chipped notch, curving high upward.
Behind the fountain was a rosebush—brilliantly vivid, the blossoms an indigo-blue, some petals edged with faint purple.
Up close, the scent hit like a real rose, only richer.
From behind those roses, the other two international merchants stepped forward.
"Dear Mr. Hermes—"
A Latina witch with a crisp, capable air.
"Ora," Professor Tayra said, her tone warming slightly. "International merchant responsible for Wakanda trade."
"Wakanda's rising alchemical prodigy," Suya supplied.
"Of course, she's nowhere near you. Oh—and I heard she only became an international merchant after you attended the International Alchemy Conference.
Thanks to a fairly solid foundation in alchemy, her trade has been going well."
"Honored Senior Tayra. And dear Mr. Hermes…"
Ora's eyes locked on the young wizard without even blinking.
If a stare had temperature, Sean would've melted on the spot.
The last person to come over was a plump wizard who spoke shyly:
"Mr. Green—how's Hogwarts's menu these days?"
That made Sean pause.
"Liravita," Professor Tayra said. "The wizard responsible for Hogwarts's international trade.
Potion ingredients procurement, magical equipment procurement, food procurement—and the book exchange work for the Hogwarts library are all handled by him."
Sean's eyes lit up. He'd had a small question for a long time.
Wizards could be self-sufficient, sure—but that didn't mean they shut themselves off from the world.
Even the Weasleys still had to shop in Diagon Alley.
But for Hogwarts itself—who handled procurement?
Hagrid sometimes took on part of it, but most of his time was swallowed by the Forbidden Forest.
House-elves weren't allowed to conduct outside transactions.
And Filch… Sean knew it wasn't Filch.
~~~
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