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 came in the form of candles, lanterns, and open flames. Wizards seemed 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, flames weren’t exciting, they were ordinary.
This light-spitting raven, however, was something new. He glanced around the shop again. Sure enough, multiple children and even some 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 something." He had spent so much time focusing on battle-oriented gear that he had completely overlooked the civilian market. Defensive equipment 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 home 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 time 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 come 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 customers 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 same time, 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 emerged from the back room, looking visibly drained after testing every single piece of equipment. She approached the counter, pulling out a parchment and handing it over. "The inventory is accounted for. Here’s the payment 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 document, verifying the details before signing his name. 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 time."
Azalea gave a polite smile, a hint of professionalism in her expression. "Your efficiency is impressive. Producing so much equipment 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 some equipment for personal use. I remember Ministry employees receive internal pricing?"
"That’s right," Alex confirmed. "Ministry staff also have access to some 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 some anti-Apparition jammers, shielding jammers, tactical leather boots, and a few amulets."
Alex raised an eyebrow, giving her a brief but pointed look. "Jammers 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 immediately, her expression neutral but thoughtful. "I thought Ministry employees could purchase all available products. Why is the jammer 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 someone 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 jammers, 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 moments 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 someone to manage things in my absence. My schoolwork isn’t particularly demanding, so I won’t be spending much time 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 moment she was out of sight, his demeanor shifted. Turning towards the back of the shop, he called softly, "Wimzy."
A second later, a uniformed 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 confirmed 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 meets. 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 moment before voicing a concern. "What if she doesn’t keep the boots and all three pairs end up with different people?"