The girl tapped her chin, thinking. "I like the little light balls it spits out," she said earnestly. "It’s so much more interesting than boring old oil lamps or candles!" Then, as if struck by inspiration, she added, "If it could be a different animal, like a kitten or an owl, that would be even better!"
Alex's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "A magical lamp… that isn’t fire-based?" It was true, the wizarding world’s standard lighting ca in the form of candles, lanterns, and open flas. Wizards seed to prefer traditional light sources, perhaps because they matched the old-world aesthetic of magic.
Even Alex had defaulted to using candles and oil lamps, electric lights had been commonplace in his past life, so he had grown to appreciate old-fashioned illumination. But for young wizards, flas weren’t exciting, they were ordinary.
This light-spitting raven, however, was sothing new. He glanced around the shop again. Sure enough, multiple children and even so adults were drawn to the floating light balls, watching them drift through the air in fascination. ‘This might actually be a good product idea…’ Alex turned back to Gemma. "So, a light-based magical decoration that looks like a small animal?"
Gemma nodded enthusiastically, and Alex smirked. "You might be onto sothing." He had spent so much ti focusing on battle-oriented gear that he had completely overlooked the civilian market. Defensive equipnt was expensive, and battle tools were a niche product, but magical decorations? Those could appeal to any wizarding household. A realization settled in as he considered the possibilities. ‘I should start thinking beyond just combat gear,’ he mused
Perhaps the real money wasn’t just in selling to Aurors and dueling wizards, but in enchanted ho goods, toys, and civilian accessories. This simple, purely decorative raven had caught more attention than half the combat gear on his shelves. Maybe it was ti to expand his thinking.
After seeing Joey and Gemma off, Alex sat back at the counter, his mind turning over ideas for new alchemy products. The initial crowd that had co to check out the shop had mostly been browsers, not buyers. They asked plenty of questions but made few purchases. It wasn’t surprising, his products were expensive, and most custors didn’t fully grasp their functionality.
Alex wasn’t concerned. Once the Aurors at the Ministry of Magic began using his gear and experiencing the benefits firsthand, they would spread the word. When the right people vouched for the quality, demand would naturally rise. At the sa ti, he was already planning to introduce new, more affordable civilian products based on Joey’s suggestions. With a well-placed article in the Daily Prophet, courtesy of Rita Skeeter, he could ensure his business gained attention quickly.
Just as he was lost in thought, Azalea finally erged from the back room, looking visibly drained after testing every single piece of equipnt. She approached the counter, pulling out a parchnt and handing it over. "The inventory is accounted for. Here’s the paynt authorization for the next twenty percent. Once the remaining products are delivered, the Ministry will transfer the final fifty percent. Sign here if everything checks out."
Alex glanced through the docunt, verifying the details before signing his na. Looking up, he smiled. "How was the quality? Everything up to standard? Be sure to let your colleagues know my shop is open. They should stop by when they have ti."
Azalea gave a polite smile, a hint of professionalism in her expression. "Your efficiency is impressive. Producing so much equipnt in just three days is no small feat." Her gaze wandered over the shop again before she added casually, "Since I’m here, I’d like to purchase so equipnt for personal use. I rember Ministry employees receive internal pricing?"
"That’s right," Alex confird. "Ministry staff also have access to so products that aren’t displayed on the shelves. The store only showcases non-restricted goods."
Azalea nodded in understanding. "That explains why the selection seems limited." She glanced around once more before stating her request. "I’d like to buy so anti-Apparition jamrs, shielding jamrs, tactical leather boots, and a few amulets."
Alex raised an eyebrow, giving her a brief but pointed look. "Jamrs are restricted items," he said flatly. "You’ll need Ministry authorization to purchase those. But tactical leather boots and amulets are available. How many do you need?"
Azalea didn’t react imdiately, her expression neutral but thoughtful. "I thought Ministry employees could purchase all available products. Why is the jamr an exception?"
Alex shrugged. "That’s the Ministry’s rule. If you want one, you’ll have to file for approval."
After a short pause, Azalea adjusted smoothly. "I see. In that case, I’ll take three pairs of tactical leather boots, ten sonic boom amulets, and five pairs of protective gloves."
Alex kept his face neutral, but her request caught his attention. That was quite a substantial purchase, and it wasn’t the usual selection of soone simply looking for self-defense. The fact that she wanted tactical boots but not a vest was particularly telling. Boots were often favored by those who prioritized speed and agility in combat, wizards who specialized in mobility rather than brute force. Combined with the fact that she had attempted to purchase restricted jamrs, it was clear that Azalea was no ordinary Ministry employee. Still, he played the role of a delighted shopkeeper, flashing a smile. "No problem," he said, stepping into the back room. A few monts later, he returned with a neatly arranged tray carrying the requested items.
"Thank you," Azalea said as she handed over a heavy pouch of Galleons. As she took the tray, she glanced at him casually. "Mr. Wilson, school starts soon, doesn’t it? Will your shop remain open while you’re away?"
Alex leaned against the counter, his expression relaxed. "Don’t worry, I have soone to manage things in my absence. My schoolwork isn’t particularly demanding, so I won’t be spending much ti on campus."
Azalea gave a small nod, a polite smile still in place. "I see. Well, I wish you a successful business. I’ll be back when I have the chance." With that, she turned and left the shop.
Alex watched her go, the pleasant expression never leaving his face. But the mont she was out of sight, his deanor shifted. Turning towards the back of the shop, he called softly, "Wimzy."
A second later, a uniford figure Apparated into the room, bowing respectfully. "My lord, Wimzy is here."
"Did you get a good look at the woman who just left?" Alex asked, his tone cool.
"I observed her through the surveillance mirror," Wimzy confird without hesitation.
Alex reached into his robes, pulling out three small tracking charms shaped like compasses. "I tampered with the tactical boots she purchased. There’s a tracker embedded inside. Monitor her location from dinner until midnight each day. I want to know where she goes and who she ets. If the three pairs of tactical leather boots get separated, your priority is identifying their owners and where they live. The main target remains the woman,"
"Understood, my lord," Wimzy nodded obediently but hesitated for a brief mont before voicing a concern. "What if she doesn’t keep the boots and all three pairs end up with different people?"
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