#313 - What about sending away beggars?

“You flatter me.” Anduin shook his head politely. “It was all Professor Flitwick and Professor Bones who helped organize it. Nothing's set in stone yet, so it's best not to be too optimistic about things that are still uncertain.”

“You're too modest.” Amelia chimed in with a smile, “I often hear my brother mention you. He believes that even in the Cairo Alchemist Research Center, you are the most talented alchemist of the last decade. His recent letters from Cairo often mention that the Echo Charm and Tracing Charm you developed are very popular among local scholars. The main reason you didn't win the last International Alchemist Conference was because of your young age.”

“Really? Professor Bones rarely mentioned that to me. He has been busy with the magical rune restoration of ancient ruins recently, and we haven't been in contact for a while.”

Since Bones resigned from Hogwarts, he has been living in Egypt, which is the center of alchemy. They used to be in frequent contact, mainly for academic exchanges. Through his connections, Anduin also met many alchemy masters in Cairo. His alchemy has improved so quickly, thanks in no small part to their help.

Professor Bones often published his academic papers in Cairo, and also held seminars there on his academic achievements, while also actively submitting his works to the International Alchemist Conference.

The International Alchemist Conference is held every three years. The last one was two years ago. He didn't win an award that time, and the news that came back was that it was due to the joint publication with Professor Bones. I didn't expect there to be other reasons.

“The British wizarding world is practically an alchemical desert. It has been a long time since we have cultivated a true alchemy master. The last time we won an award at the International Alchemist Conference was Bones himself. It's a pity that he eventually went down the path of spell optimization and restoration.” Minister Badeno shook his head with regret.

“It's a pity that the British wizarding world has the most prestigious alchemy master, Dumbledore, but no other alchemy talents to show off. So Anduin, you have to work harder. If you can shine in the international wizarding world, it will also be an honor for the entire British wizarding world.”

Minister Badeno considered it and added, “If you can win an honor at the next International Alchemist Conference, I can even personally nominate you to the Wizengamot and try to get you a Third Class Order of Merlin.”

Anduin rolled his eyes speechlessly after hearing this. Is it necessary to put so much pressure on me? Before, I didn't care about the awards at the Alchemist Conference at all, and my only interest was in academics. Now, it has to be turned into a political mission.

“I will do my best, Minister.” Although he was extremely resistant in his heart, Anduin still had to say a few polite words, after all, the Ministry of Magic is also his client now.

After the group entered the Minister's office, they ended the topic.

Minister Badeno asked Anduin to sit aside and wait for a while. She first signed a document and sent it to the fifth floor, asking them to prepare some documents for the establishment of the new company.

Then, she pulled several department heads and Moody aside to discuss in a small conference room. Obviously, their discussion determined the number of equipment ordered.

“Our budget is limited. Anti-magic handcuffs and Tracing Glasses must be supplied in sufficient quantities. We came for these equipment in the first place. Don't forget the recent actions…” Amelia emphasized at the beginning of the discussion.

“That's right, this matter is not a big trouble, but the damage caused is not small. Maybe we should strive for a joint action by multiple national Ministries of Magic.” Bianca, Director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, seemed even more anxious than Amelia.

“Forget it, don't involve the Ministries of Magic of other countries, otherwise there will be a lot of wrangling. Besides, they haven't cleaned up their own troubles yet.” Moody sneered and retorted.

“Alright, the situation is still under control. So this is our own business. Now we should discuss the procurement.” Minister Badeno scolded when she saw the topic going astray.

“Yes, Minister.” The people who were arguing came back to their senses and replied quickly.

“The two pieces of equipment that need to be purchased in advance are indeed more urgent, especially the Tracing Glasses. This doesn't actually cost too much budget, after all, Anduin has given us enough discounts in this regard, hasn't he? The problem now is, what about the other equipment? They are also very valuable.” Fudge also spoke at this time.

“What do you mean? Are you eyeing those shielding jammers? If you ask me, that prop is useless. It's better to order a few more Anti-Apparition Jammers than to buy that kind of prop.” Moody saw Fudge's plan at a glance, and then sprayed him in the face as if he had taken gunpowder.

“You!” Fudge, as a well-known good guy in the Ministry of Magic, turned red with anger after hearing Moody's sarcasm.

“Alright, Moody.” Amelia glared at Moody, “The Ministry of Magic needs cooperation between departments, and it's not entirely up to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Besides, the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes also has its own difficulties. It's excusable to allocate budget to buy a few shielding jammers.”

A few? You're treating us like beggars? You pair of dogs, one playing the white face and the other playing the red face, don't take our Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes seriously at all. You wait, don't let me catch you, Fudge thought secretly after hearing Amelia's words, rolling his eyes several times.

“Okay, I know the value of these equipment very well, don't argue anymore, each department will get an allocation.” Minister Badeno smoothed things over, then looked at Fudge, “Of course, the needs of the front-line combat are more urgent now, so resources must be prioritized to Aurors and Hit Wizards, you have to be considerate.”

“Yes, Minister.” Fudge replied somewhat unwillingly.

“If we prioritize supplying the front-line teams as the standard, should we also purchase more various amulets and defensive gloves, after all, these are good equipment that can directly affect the battle situation, right, and tactical vests!” Bianca was quite active even though she was not from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

“No, the prices of tactical vests and tactical boots are too high to be mass-produced. Let's prioritize amulets and defensive gloves.” Amelia interjected.