"We're discussing the trade agreement. The British Ministry of Magic will certainly expand its trade share because of Alan's Silver Lightning Trading Company. If we can reach a distribution contract with Alan's Silver Flash Alchemy Company, it means we'll be the first to obtain sales rights for its products in Egypt and have the opportunity to sell the products throughout the region," Mrs. Abdu briefly explained to Sebastian.
"Indeed. What do you think of Alan's company? Are you interested in investing? Our idea is for several trading companies to unite, with each distributing one or two of Alan's product series," Mr. Issa said, then smiled at Alan. "After hearing your detailed product descriptions, I can't wait to start importing from Silver Flash."
"You're too kind, Mr. Issa. I merely leveraged my youth and a few ideas to develop these tools. In terms of technical depth, I truly can't compare to the masters," Alan said modestly.
In fact, during their previous discussions, the matter of distributors had already come up. These two alchemy masters, along with several other senior researchers who later joined the conversation, were all very interested in his work. Once they heard Alan describe his complete product catalog, they became even more eager. Some masters even made offers on the spot, promising various conditions, and the group almost came to blows right there in the hall.
Finally, Mr. Issa stepped forward with a suggestion. Since Alan's product line was so extensive, one company taking it all would truly incur public wrath. Therefore, he suggested categorizing the inventory by product type, allowing everyone to compete fairly for each series. This proposal was immediately agreed upon by the wizards, who were eager to hold an on-site bidding. They had clearly recognized the potential of the Silver Lightning Trading Company.
Alan had no objection. Those gathered were the most renowned and powerful wizards in the area. Since they were showing such respect, he couldn't possibly refuse.
"Mr. Sebastian, do you have any intention of collaborating with me?" Alan looked at the 'Sphinx' with a smile.
"Oh, no…" Sebastian politely declined with a hint of apology. "I'm not very interested in doing business. You all can discuss it."
*Discussing business now? It's not even certain if this kid will be alive tomorrow,* Sebastian thought with a hidden smirk.
*Good thing he didn't agree,* Alan secretly mused. *He doesn't have many days left to live. After dealing with the Thunderbird, I'll have to silence this Sphinx too. If he had really agreed and bid a high price, I would have been in a bit of a predicament.*
"Since that's the case, let's go into the inner room to talk," Mr. Issa said, happy to have one less competitor. He immediately organized the group, wanting to find a private place for a detailed discussion.
The group was small—about eight or nine people. Mr. Issa led them to a lavishly decorated reception room to finalize the distribution contracts. Since Sebastian had declined, he was left behind. Bianca wanted to understand the local market's reaction to Alan's products, as it directly affected the subsequent trade agreement, so she followed along. As for Bones, at Alan's request, he had already become the general agent in Egypt. The remaining six individuals were all powerful alchemy masters who owned their own industrial empires. Some even held monopolies on certain products, like Ms. Abdu, whose company manufactured nearly all the magic cameras in the wizarding world.
"Alright, now no one else will disturb us." Mr. Issa motioned for everyone to sit. "We're all familiar with each other, so let's get straight to the point. I'll go first."
Mr. Issa looked at Alan. "After seeing it in action, my favorite product is the Humanoid Target. I hope to secure the sales rights for it in Egypt. For this, I am willing to confirm an initial order of 5,000 Galleons and can pay a 20% deposit in advance once the trade agreement is finalized."
Mr. Issa was efficient, presenting his terms for the most technically advanced item in the catalog. The other alchemists fell silent, unwilling to compete. In their eyes, while the target was impressive, its commercial volume was lower than the other products. The cheapest target cost over a hundred Galleons, so 5,000 Galleons only represented a few dozen units. Still, an immediate 5,000-Galleon order was a significant opening move.
"Since no one intends to compete, Mr. Issa, the Humanoid Target business in Egypt will rely on you," Alan decided. He was moved by the man's sincerity. Currently, no one knew exactly how the final prices would settle after tariffs, yet Mr. Issa had committed without hesitation.
Bianca was even more excited than Alan. Her mind was racing: if the tariff on 5,000 Galleons was 30%, then just one product could bring over a thousand Galleons in revenue to the Ministry. However, an even more staggering offer followed.
"I want to be the agent for magic lamps, including both household and decorative lighting. I am willing to confirm an order of 6,000 Galleons, with a 20% deposit, and grant the Silver Lightning Trading Company the exclusive right to distribute our magic cameras in Britain, provided that the initial supply is completed within one month." Ms. Abdu immediately threw out an offer that dwarfed Mr. Issa's.
"I can offer an 8,000-Galleon order. I don't have exclusive distribution rights to trade, but I can offer 1,000 Galleons just to purchase the rights for this series."
Before Bianca could process Ms. Abdu's generosity, another alchemist raised the price. The bids became increasingly competitive. Alan's lamps had stolen the show at Karahei; they were his most popular and commercially viable products.
"A 10,000-Galleon order, plus 1,000 Galleons for the distribution rights," Mr. Issa jumped back in, unwilling to settle for only the targets.
"Mr. Issa, your appetite is too big," Ms. Abdu said, rolling her eyes. Even though they were friends, she wasn't going to let personal feelings interfere with a lucrative deal. "A 12,000-Galleon order, 2,000 Galleons for the rights, and my previous conditions stand."
"13,000 Galleons!"
"13,500!"
The price was surpassed almost instantly. Ms. Abdu remained silent for a moment before speaking again. She was determined to win the lamp series. She knew that for items like lamps and phonographs, the real profit lay in the consumables: the energy storage components and the records. It was the same model she used for her cameras, which relied on film and developing tools.
"A 20,000-Galleon order, plus 4,000 Galleons for the distribution rights, and I will pay a 30% deposit upfront!" Ms. Abdu proposed a staggering price that stunned the room.
It wasn't just the 20,000-Galleon order that shocked them; it was the 4,000-Galleon rights fee and the immediate deposit. Together, that was 10,000 Galleons in cash. Doing business in wizarding society relied heavily on cash flow, and debt or delayed payments were common. The thought of producing that much liquid cash made the other alchemists' heads spin. Ms. Abdu was clearly not someone to be trifled with.
Naturally, the deal went to her. Bianca was in a daze, staring at the alchemists. *Is alchemy really this profitable? If I had known, why did I study Magical Creatures? My salary is 200 Galleons a month—barely 2,400 a year. Ms. Abdu's single order is worth ten years of my life!*
Alan remained calm, presiding over the rest of the bidding. While the lamps were gone, other products like the magic pendants and phonographs were highly sought after. Tracking glasses, protective gloves, health scanners, and music boxes were all snatched up. However, specialized equipment like jammers, tactical maps, and vests remained off the table; those would be handled directly between the various Ministries of Magic, with the British Ministry taking the lead.