Chapter 453: The International Merchant
Sean now possessed his own workshop. Once the contract took effect, he stood to inherit the majority of the Emerald Workshop. As for the smaller portion concerning international trade, he would be working in partnership with the Terra family witch at his side.
"Please, have a look. I am formally applying to become your agent... Heavens, fortune truly does strike when one least expects it..." Sua murmured, her head bowed. She appeared both demure and exhilarated, with an undercurrent of nervous, secretive excitement.
"An agent..." Sean accepted the parchment, looking puzzled.
"Allow me to explain..." Sua couldn't suppress the smirk tugging at her lips, so she adopted a serious, enthusiastic tone. "In the wizarding world, magical products are easily transported across the globe... respected Mr. Hermes, look here. Those wizards in Ministry robes wearing official badges? They are from the Department of International Magical Cooperation. They are responsible for vetting international transactions, overseeing everything from the Office of International Magical Law and the International Magical Trading Standards Body, to the International Confederation of Wizards."
"Most of those individuals are representatives from the Trading Standards Body, stationed right here at the Emerald Workshop. When we sell magical products internationally, we are required by law to work with an 'International Merchant'—one who has been vetted and certified by the Ministry."
Sua's explanation introduced a concept Sean hadn't fully considered: the International Merchant.
"It is such an honor that I have the chance to apply for a partnership with you... Oh, please know, I am also a certified International Merchant," Sua said, biting her lip. Her cheeks, earlobes, and even her neck flushed a soft, rosy red. Was there anything more exquisite than partnering with the greatest wizard of the future, the Thrice-Greatest Hermes, and delving into the mysteries of alchemical magic alongside him?
Sean cast a glance at Professor Terra, then studied the contract carefully. He finally understood. Because of Portkeys, Floo Networks, and the like, international trade wasn't difficult for wizards. Consequently, the Ministry had developed a massive, sprawling department: the Department of International Magical Cooperation. They vetted a wizard's credentials and authorized only a select few to conduct formal international trade.
The relationship between an International Merchant and the Department was much like that of an overseas merchant and customs. However, because magical items were notoriously difficult to regulate—Sean recalled that his old Hufflepuff senior had once roamed about carrying a "nuclear bomb"—the Department only permitted these licensed merchants to carry goods freely across national borders. It made sense; in the wizarding world, carrying a few extra wands in an Undetectable Extension Bag could land you charges of war crimes.
"The decision is yours, Sua... though she is a bit dim-witted, she is at least diligent," Professor Terra noted dryly. "But before you decide, let Sua take you to meet the other merchants. A few have sniffed you out like puppies chasing a bone."
Sua's neck flushed even deeper. The three of them were walking through a small garden filled with magical circuits that simultaneously dampened sound and maintained a perfect, temperate climate.
"They say you are at least the equal of Master Nicolas Flamel," Sua whispered, her trembling wrists betraying her inner turmoil.
"Master Flamel is the true master of alchemy," Sean replied.
"You are too modest," Sua murmured.
Finally, they stopped before a sturdy door inlaid with a field guide of magical creatures and emerald-green slate, decorated with a brass knocker. Sua hesitated, tapped the knocker, and immediately retreated. The door groaned open, sweeping away the ornaments in front of it. The three wizards behind the door had clearly been waiting for a long time.
"Respected—"
One of the wizards was suddenly struck speechless. He stood up abruptly, strode past the fountain in the center of the garden, and gripped Sean's hand with fervor.
"My student, the dim-witted Mall," Professor Terra remarked mercilessly.
"Mr. Mall is an International Merchant whom your Aunt Terra is... satisfied with," Sua whispered, "though he is sometimes shrewd to the point of absurdity. He pours half his income into alchemical experiments."
Sean looked at her in surprise.
"Oh, please don't look at me like that. While we are rivals, Aunt Terra always taught me that truth is truth and lies are lies. Fairness brings justice. More importantly, I trust you will choose me—" Sua said, as if trying to bolster her own resolve.
Across from them, Mall offered a self-deprecating smile. "Professor Terra, please, spare me the last shred of my dignity." He spoke almost pleadingly, before fixing a burning gaze upon Sean.
So young... far too young...
At the center of the fountain was a statue of a dolphin perched on a white stone base, its tail arched high, save for a small, chipped section. Behind the fountain was a thicket of rose bushes, exceptionally radiant with deep, indigo flowers, their petals edged in faint, shimmering violet. Close by, the fragrance of the roses was intense, far richer than any ordinary bloom. It was from behind these roses that the other two merchants stepped forward.
"Dear Mr. Hermes—" the Hispanic witch had a sharp, professional air.
"Aura, the International Wizarding Merchant responsible for trade with Uagadou," Professor Terra's tone thawed slightly.
"Aura is an emerging talent in Uagadou's alchemy," Sua explained. "Of course, she is not a patch on you. Oh, right, I heard she only chose to become an International Merchant after you attended the International Alchemy Conference. Thanks to her solid foundation in alchemy, her trade ventures have been quite successful."
"Respected Senior Terra. And dear Mr. Hermes..." Aura's eyes were fixed on the young wizard, not blinking once. If looks had physical heat, Sean likely would have melted already.
The final man to approach was a plump wizard who said shyly: "Mr. Green, how is the recent menu at Hogwarts?"
The question caught Sean off guard. It was true that wizards were largely self-sufficient, but that didn't mean they were isolated from the world. Even the Weasleys had to shop in Diagon Alley. But for Hogwarts Castle itself, who was responsible for the procurement? Hagrid? He helped sometimes, but the Forbidden Forest consumed most of his energy. The house-elves? Their status forbade them from participating in such transactions. Mr. Filch? Sean knew it wasn't him.
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