Sean had his own workshop.
Once the contract was validated, he would inherit more than half of the Emerald Workshop.
A smaller portion, concerning the international trade department, would involve a partnership with the Tyra family witch beside him.
"Please take a look. I'm formally applying to become your agent... Heavens, good fortune always arrives when you least expect it..."
Sua kept her head down, appearing restrained and excited, with a hint of furtive nervousness.
"Agent..."
Sean took a contract, a bit puzzled.
"Let me explain..."
Sua couldn't suppress the smile at the corners of her mouth, so she spoke earnestly with an excited tone.
"In the wizarding world, products made by wizards are easily sold all over the globe... Look, esteemed Mr. Hermes. Those wizards wearing Ministry uniforms and badges are from the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
"They are responsible for approving international transactions for wizards. This includes the International Magical Office of Law, the International Confederation of Wizards, and the International Magical Trading Standards Body.
"Most of them here are commissioners from the International Magical Trading Standards Body stationed at Emerald Workshop.
"And when we want to sell magical products internationally, we need to partner with an international merchant who has passed the Ministry's qualification review."
Sua's words mentioned a specific concept—International Merchant.
"It's such an honor. To think I have the chance to apply for a partnership with you... Oh, may you know, I am also an international merchant."
Sua smiled with pursed lips, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks, earlobes, and even her neck.
To partner with the future greatest wizard, the Thrice-Great Hermes, and to experience the mysteries of alchemy with him—was there anything more wonderful than this?
Sean looked at Professor Tyra, then carefully read the contract, and he roughly understood.
Due to the existence of Portkeys, the Floo Network, and so on, it wasn't difficult for wizards to conduct international trade. Therefore, the Ministry of Magic had spawned a massive department—
The Department of International Magical Cooperation.
They reviewed wizards' qualifications and allowed a select few to conduct formal international trade.
The relationship between international merchants and the Department of International Magical Cooperation was much like the relationship between overseas traders and customs.
And since the safety of magical items sold by wizards was hard to guarantee—Sean knew a certain Hufflepuff senior had once run around with a "nuke"—the Department of International Magical Cooperation officially only allowed international merchants to freely transport goods in and out of different countries.
Thinking about it, it was quite normal.
After all, in the wizarding world, carrying a few wands in an Undetectable Extension Charm bag could possibly land you a war crime charge.
"It's up to you, Sua... Although dull, she is fairly diligent. But before that, let Sua show you the other international merchants. A few decent ones have come sniffing around like puppies smelling a bone."
Professor Tyra said indifferently.
Sua's neck turned a bit red.
At this moment, the three were walking in a small garden filled with magical circuits. These circuits isolated sound while maintaining suitable temperature and humidity.
"They say you can at least rival Master Nicolas Flamel."
Sua whispered, her slightly trembling wrist indicating she was far from calm.
"Mr. Flamel is the true Alchemy Master."
Sean said.
"You are too modest."
Sua said in a low voice.
Finally, they stopped in front of a sturdy gate inlaid with illustrations of magical creatures and emerald stone slabs, decorated with brass knockers.
Sua hesitated for a moment, reached out to knock the knocker, and then immediately stepped back.
At the same time, the gate swung open with a creak, sweeping the decorations in front of it to the side.
Three wizards behind the door seemed to have been waiting for a long time.
"Esteemed—"
One wizard suddenly lost his voice. He jumped up, walked past the fountain in the center of the garden in a few steps, and excitedly grasped Sean's hand.
"My student, the dull Marr."
Professor Tyra commented mercilessly.
"Mr. Marr, an international merchant Aunt Tyra is fairly satisfied with. Although sometimes he's shrewd beyond belief, he loves alchemy very much. He invests half of his income into alchemy experiments."
Sua whispered an addition.
Sean looked at her with some surprise.
"Oh, please don't look at me like that. Although I'm in competition with them, Aunt Tyra always tells me that truth is truth, and falsehood is falsehood. Fairness brings justice. More importantly, I believe you will choose me—"
Sua seemed to be cheering herself on.
Opposite them, Marr smiled self-deprecatingly, as if embarrassed:
"Professor Tyra, please preserve my last shred of dignity."
He pleaded almost begging, then cast a burning gaze at Sean.
Young... too young...
In the center of the fountain where they stood was a dolphin statue, sitting on a finely carved white stone base, with a notched tail pointing high upwards.
Behind the fountain was a cluster of rose bushes. The flowers were exceptionally bright, all indigo blue, with some petal edges tinged with pale purple.
Up close, one could smell the unique fragrance of roses, stronger than ordinary ones.
It was from behind these bushes that the other two international merchants walked up to Sean.
"Dear Mr. Hermes—"
A Latina witch exuded a capable aura.
"Aura, the international wizard merchant responsible for trade with Uagadou."
Professor Tyra's tone warmed slightly.
"Aura, a rising genius alchemist from Uagadou. Of course, she can't compare to you at all. Oh right, I heard she chose to become an international merchant only after you participated in the International Alchemy Conference. Thanks to her fairly solid foundation in alchemy, her trade is going quite smoothly."
Sua said.
"Respected Senior Tyra. And dear Mr. Hermes..."
She stared at the young wizard without blinking.
If gazes had temperature, Sean would probably have melted by now.
The last one to walk over was a chubby wizard, who said shyly:
"Mr. Green, how is the recent menu at Hogwarts?"
This question stunned Sean.
"Rilavita, the wizard responsible for Hogwarts' international trade. Purchasing potion ingredients, magical equipment, food, and handling book exchanges for the Hogwarts Library are all done by him."
Professor Tyra said.
Sean's eyes lit up. He had always had some small questions.
Wizards could indeed be self-sufficient, but that didn't mean they isolated themselves.
Even the Weasleys had to go to Diagon Alley to shop.
But for Hogwarts Castle, who handled the purchasing?
Hagrid? He sometimes handled a part, but most of his energy was occupied by the Forbidden Forest;
House-elves? Their status didn't allow them to complete such trading tasks;
Mr. Filch? Sean knew it wasn't him.