After seeing the siblings off, Alan sat back at the counter, contemplating new alchemy products. Although the customers who had wandered in to browse asked many questions, almost none of them had made a purchase. After a while, the shop was empty once more.
The main issue was the price point; people weren't yet convinced of the actual effectiveness of these items. Alan wasn't too worried. Once the Aurors from the Ministry experienced them firsthand, they would naturally become his best advertisements. Once his reputation solidified, business would pick up.
Furthermore, Alan planned to follow Joey's suggestions and create a line of civilian-friendly products. He could have Rita Skeeter place a few features for him in The Daily Prophet, ensuring a steady stream of interest.
As he was lost in thought, Aseria finally emerged, looking exhausted from testing the inventory piece by piece. She walked to the counter and handed over a parchment.
"The goods have been inventoried," she said, her voice a bit tired. "This is the bill for 20% of the payment. Once all the remaining products are submitted, the Ministry will pay the final 50%. If you don't see any issues, please sign here."
"No problem." Alan took the parchment, briefly checked the figures, and signed his name. He looked at her with a smile. "So? Is the quality up to your standards? Remember to tell your colleagues the shop is officially open. Tell them to stop by when they have a moment."
"Your efficiency is indeed surprising. To produce so many standardized pieces of equipment in just three days is truly impressive," Aseria said with a professional, polite smile.
"By the way, since I'm here, I'd like to buy some equipment for my own use. I remember the Ministry has internal pricing," she added, glancing around the room.
"That's right, and Ministry employees can also purchase certain products not displayed on the shelves. Currently, I'm only exhibiting non-dangerous goods," Alan explained.
"I see." Aseria nodded thoughtfully. She had wondered why the showroom was so sparse; it turned out the rest was restricted inventory. "Then I'd like to purchase a few Anti-Apparition Jammers, Shielding Jammers, Tactical Boots, and a few amulets."
Alan looked at her strangely. She wanted items with such heavy tactical purposes immediately. Her intentions didn't seem entirely academic.
"I'm sorry, jammers are prohibited items for private sale. Tactical Boots and amulets, however, are available. How many do you want?"
Aseria raised an eyebrow in surprise, a hint of frustration crossing her face. "Jammers aren't for sale? Didn't you say Ministry staff can freely purchase all items?"
"I can't help it; that's a Ministry regulation. If you want those, you'll need to secure an official approval document first," Alan said with a helpless shrug.
"Alright, then I'll take three pairs of Tactical Boots, ten Sonic Boom Amulets, and five pairs of protective gloves." She composed herself quickly and offered another smile.
*She wants that many? And only boots, no vests?* Alan noted. Generally, only wizards skilled in combat placed such high importance on footwork and movement speed. These items together were quite expensive; Aseria was clearly well-off.
"No problem." Alan put on a welcoming expression, acting the part of a shopkeeper serving a major client. He walked into the back room and returned shortly with a tray.
"Thank you." Aseria handed over the money pouch, then asked casually, "Mr. Wilson, you haven't graduated yet, have you? School is about to start soon. Will your shop remain open?"
Alan replied indifferently, "Don't worry, I'll have someone helping to look after the shop. Besides, my studies aren't very demanding; I won't be staying at school full-time."
"I see. Well, I wish you a prosperous business, Mr. Wilson. I'll come back to patronize your shop if I have the chance." Aseria smiled politely and walked out.
Alan watched her depart with a smile that vanished the moment the door closed. He turned and went into the back room, quietly calling out, "Kiki!"
Kiki, dressed in casual clothes, Apparated in front of him and bowed respectfully. "Master, Kiki is here."
"Did you see the woman who was just here?" Alan asked coldly.
"I saw her clearly through the surveillance mirror," Kiki replied, standing at attention.
"I tampered with the three pairs of Tactical Boots I gave her. These are trackers. You are to monitor her location every day between dinner and midnight." Alan took three compass-like devices from his pocket and handed them to Kiki.
"Yes, Master." Kiki took the trackers without question. To her, Alan's orders were paramount.
"Remember the tracking techniques I taught you. Be careful not to expose yourself. If she discovers you, disengage immediately. Your safety is the priority, understand?"
"Don't worry, Master. I guarantee the mission will be completed."
"During the tracking, record where she goes and who she speaks to. If the boots are separated, just record who the new owners are and where they live. But the primary target remains that woman," Alan said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yes, Master." Kiki nodded, then paused. "But what if she doesn't keep any of the boots and gives them all away?"
Alan nodded with satisfaction. "Good, you've learned to consider the variables. If she gives them all away, then focus on the new owners. If she moves via Apparition, you will lose her regardless. You can decide who is the most valuable to follow in the moment. If things get complicated, I'll have Hog assist you; he can share the load. His stealth skills have improved significantly lately."