"I need a batch of your potion; estimate how much would be needed for 20 hectares?"
Rachel stood before one of the stalls, notebook in hand, jotting something down.
"20 hectares... I'd recommend 300 liters. Of course, if you want to maintain the optimal concentration of active elements in the solution."
"So, one liter for 6 square meters?"
"Yes, assuming the right ratio of potion to water. It's not a problem if you have a bit too much potion, but if the fertilizers are too little compared to the water..."
"Yes, yes, efficiency will suffer. I understand. Alright, I'll go apply for funding; I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Alright."
Rachel nodded to the seller and headed towards the development financing desk nearby.
After some time, weaving through the crowd and waiting in line for a few minutes, Rachel finally reached the cashier.
"Good day, how can I assist you?"
"Good day, from District 102, England, Rachel Thorbils wishes to request funding for three items showcased at the exhibition."
"Alright, have you filled out the application form?"
"Yes, fortunately, each seller has several of them." Rachel said, handing over two completed forms.
"Alright, soil improvement potion, and... you're the first customer to approach the garden gnomes... and new 'watering gates.' Can you justify your requests?"
"Our village recently received an exclusive order for cultivating jumping bulbs, and to maintain quality production, I believe it's necessary to use the very best fertilizers."
As for the garden gnomes, this request is directly related to my third inquiry. As you've seen, I want funding to purchase watering gates. The issue is that while the gates can transport water, they are too expensive. I'd like to request funding for a trial sample, and the garden gnomes should lay a stream to the other farms in the village.
"Hmm..."
The woman behind the desk pondered for a moment, but after a while,
"Alright, although I think it's more practical to request multiple 'portal irrigation systems' at once, it's your choice. Provide your council member identification and wait for two minutes."
"Here you go."
Rachel handed the woman something like a token, a hexagonal token with the number 102 engraved on it.
The woman took the token and moved back a bit, sitting at another desk to fill out some paperwork.
After half an hour, Rachel held three documents in her hands and walked towards the stands she had previously chosen.
Approaching the familiar man selling potions, she said,
"Here's the confirmation of funding receipt. After providing the service, you'll receive payment directly at the Ad Astra Bank."
The happy man took the paper with a magical seal on it.
"Excellent, excellent! To which address should we ship the potions?"
"To City Warehouse #102; we'll distribute the potions among the residents ourselves. Thank you."
"No, thank you. You can't imagine how delighted I am. Before the magical surge, I was just an unknown potion maker, but now authorities come to me and order potions!"
"Um, okay."
Rachel soon left the excited man and headed to the next booth.
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Two days later.
Rachel stood by the river, as if waiting for someone.
"Swoosh, swoosh."
Two consecutive apparition sounds, and behind Rachel appeared three... two and a half people.
"Good morning, Miss Thorbils, is this the river where we're installing the portal irrigation system?"
"Good morning, yes."
"Alright, I see you have other visitors besides me, so let's get to work right away."
Rachel nodded and glanced at the man who had already taken out a large suitcase of tools from his pocket.
"Miss Thorbils, do we need to extend this river to other farms?"
"Yes, try to make branches without interfering with the portal installation."
"Got it!"
One man and one garden gnome exclaimed loudly.
"Hey, Ramsay, go call the others. I'll check the soil for now!"
The garden gnome said and dove into the ground like into a pool.
When Rachel thought she was about to witness a linguistic nose, the gnome simply disappeared into the earth.
The man also wanted to apparate to bring the other garden gnomes when Rachel asked,
"Um, are you the founder of the company?"
"Huh? Oh, is it strange to see garden gnomes and humans working together? I'm a co-founder, Flubus is also a co-founder. There are three of us are owners, and fifteen workers, all except me, are garden gnomes."
"Don't take it as rudeness; I'm not a racist. It's just interesting how this happened. A wizard started a company with garden gnomes and even considers them equals...?"
"Many ask me about this. These guys were actually my only friends after the Death Eater attack fifteen years ago... My wife and son died, and I was left alone in the house, not knowing how to go on..."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"No, it's okay. Well, one day I wanted to end it all by hanging myself, but out of nowhere, Flubus popped up and cut the rope. He called me an idiot and all that... Sorry, I need to call the others."
"Um, yes, yes. Sorry again for making you remember..."
The man just nodded and apparated.
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