Win-Win

No matter their rank, no one present in that conference room was a fool. Most of the attendees had seen through Amosta Breen's intentions.

Some were inwardly thrilled—a business venture with boundless prospects. If they could get involved and claim a share, the income would be enough to keep them comfortable for the rest of their lives. Naturally, there were also upright people whose brows furrowed deeply at Amosta Breen's proposal.

Because it was undoubtedly an infringement upon MACUSA's interests. Yet from a legal standpoint, there was nothing wrong with it.

But Amosta had not finished speaking. After taking in the changing expressions around the conference room, Amosta cleared his throat and continued,

"This is merely one option. In fact, there is an alternative—the vast majority of the Learning Machine's general components can be custom-ordered from most alchemy workshops. Only its core components need to be produced in our workshop. Given that, we do not necessarily have to manufacture and sell the complete machines ourselves."

"You mean?"

Having been completely drawn in by Amosta Breen's proposal, Marcyll asked instinctively.

"—We can cooperate with local workshops. They pay a deposit and patent licensing fees, while we provide the blueprints and authorization. The Learning Machines would be manufactured locally within the American magical community, then sold through the local workshops' retail channels."

Amosta put it succinctly, and as expected, his words stirred up another wave of commotion.

Localized sales and production—Marcyll pressed her lips together. Her heart pounded so rapidly that a faint flush even rose to her cheeks.

For magical families with both the desire and ability to enter this trade, localized sales and production would greatly reduce transportation costs and taxes. In return, however, they would have to bear the labor and material costs incurred during production. Compared with the