Buying an alchemy item with a shelf life of only two years for 50 Galleons was, to be honest, not cheap. Thus, Minister Bagnold did not respond immediately after hearing Alan's offer; instead, she turned and beckoned the three other department heads. The four of them huddled in a small circle, quietly discussing the matter.
"Although the functions of these four pieces of equipment are excellent, the price you set is still difficult for us to accept," Amelia said with a slight hesitation, stepping half a pace forward.
"Since that's the case..." Alan put on a sincere expression. "If the Ministry of Magic is willing to purchase fifty or more units of these four types of equipment at once, I can give you an eighty percent discount. This concession is much greater than the one for the amulets."
After hearing Alan's reply, Amelia lowered her head in thought for a moment, then whispered to Minister Bagnold. After another round of discussion, she turned back to Alan.
"The Self-Checking Pocket Watch has a long enough shelf life, so we can accept the original price of 50 Galleons per item. For the protective gloves, we can accept your discounted price of 40 Galleons. However, we hope to further reduce the cost for the Magic-Suppressing Handcuffs and Tracking Glasses."
Alan feigned contemplation. *They would rather pay the full 50 Galleons for the pocket watch than lower the price of the handcuffs and glasses?*
The Ministry's goal for this demonstration was clearly these two items. Coupled with the actions of the officials earlier, Alan judged that the trouble they had recently encountered was related to tracking a specific target. Was it a fugitive? A smuggler? Or some kind of magical creature?
Alan shook his head. These matters had nothing to do with him. However, judging by the attitude of the officials, he knew they were preparing to purchase a large quantity of handcuffs and glasses. He would have many more dealings with the Ministry in the future, so he might as well use these two pieces of equipment to build a solid relationship.
"Alright." Alan finally made up his mind. Since he wanted to build rapport, he would make a significant concession. "It seems you are very fond of these two items. As a gesture of sincerity for our first cooperation, I can offer you a special discount!"
"A special discount?" Amelia raised an eyebrow, watching Alan intently.
"That's right. For the first fifty units of the Magic-Suppressing Handcuffs and Tracking Glasses that the Ministry orders, I will charge 25 Galleons per item, considering it an opening offer. After that, when the Ministry purchases these two pieces of equipment, the price will revert to 30 Galleons. What do you think?" Alan calculated that even with this, after deducting costs, he would still have a thirty to forty percent profit—though it was far from the exorbitant margins of his other products.
Upon hearing this offer, Amelia and Minister Bagnold exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with joy. This price was considerably lower than they had anticipated; it was a truly pleasant surprise.
Now, not only Minister Bagnold, but even Amelia looked at Alan with kindness and admiration. It seemed the student her brother had always spoken highly of was indeed extraordinary. He likely saw through their intentions, which was why he offered such a low, almost loss-making price. At this moment, in the eyes of these high-ranking officials, Alan was simply a conscientious merchant who understood the bigger picture.
"Very good, we accept your goodwill. Do you have any other products to demonstrate? If not, we can discuss the order," Minister Bagnold said eagerly.
Her target was indeed only a few specific products. She had probably learned of their functions when Moody boasted to her earlier. However, those earlier items were just trifles; what he was about to show them were the real treasures. Alan smiled slightly.
"My apologies, Minister, I may have to take up a bit more of your time. I still have quite a few products to show everyone, and I believe they won't disappoint you," Alan said with a slight apologetic air.
"It's alright. Your talent always brings surprises. Please continue." Given Alan's generous performance, Minister Bagnold was in an excellent mood. Even though the part she was most interested in had been settled, she gave him ample time.
"Thank you, Minister. Next, please allow me to introduce two exquisitely crafted, semi-permanent pieces of equipment: the Tactical Vest and the Tactical Boots."
"This Tactical Vest is made from Re'em hide. It comes with a layer of Stress Protego and a layer of a humanoid Shield Charm, providing multiple layers of protection. It also features a Disillusionment Charm for quick concealment and a Levitation Charm, so even if one falls from a broom, the damage can be reduced or eliminated."
"Furthermore, this vest has a constant Water-and-Fire-Repelling Charm, ensuring the wearer's safety in harsh environments. The two pockets on the upper body have been enchanted with an Extension Charm, providing enough internal space for various necessities. There are also potion pouches and wand holsters on both sides, allowing for quick reaction times."
"The charms on the Tactical Vest can automatically replenish over time once activated. As long as there is no physical damage, the shelf life is five years or more. As for the other item, the Tactical Boots..."
Alan was becoming more and more adept at sales. In just a few minutes, he finished introducing both items. He priced the Tactical Vest at 200 Galleons and the Tactical Boots at 150 Galleons.
The onlookers now revealed eager eyes, including Minister Bagnold. She hadn't expected Alan to have such high-quality gear in his possession. During the subsequent demonstration, the surrounding people swarmed forward to test both items.
Alan noticed that most preferred the defense-oriented Tactical Vest and were less interested in the Tactical Boots. Perhaps in their eyes, the mobility provided by Apparition or brooms was already sufficient. However, some individual Hit Wizards, such as Rufus Scrimgeour—the Deputy Leader of the Hit Squad and current Deputy Head of the Auror Office—placed greater importance on the boots. They understood the role of short-range, high-speed maneuverability in combat. Whether for positioning or dodging spells, footwork was a key focus for true duelists.