Chapter 27: You're Good at This
Solicitor's Office of Edward Tonks
Ronald Bilius Weasley
July 15, 1989, Saturday
"Approver Regent? What is that?" Ron asked.
"An Approver Regent is a type of regent with limited authority. They don't have the power to make decisions for the person they represent, but they can endorse those decisions, thereby confirming their soundness. However, if they believe the decision is unsound or harmful, they can refuse to approve of it," Mr. Tonks said.
"I've never heard of a regent like that before," Bill interjected.
"That's because they're not used very often. It's usually used in Houses where the Lordship hasn't yet been assumed by anyone, with only minor heirs. When an heir wants to take on some House-related tasks themselves, before becoming Lord, they can appoint an Approver Regent for themselves. It's also sometimes used for elderly wizards and witches whose memories are thought to be failing," Mr. Tonks said.
"I see. So why do you think an Approver Regent is necessary?" Ron asked.
"Because even if you get the necessary permissions from your guardians from the start, any signatures you put on contracts later could be challenged in court by someone else. Most likely, malicious individuals seeking to exploit your age will try to evade their contractual responsibilities using this method. Even if you win in court, it will most likely significantly disrupt your business operation," Mr. Tonks said.
"So, it is like that. Having this Approver Regent sign every contract will prevent others from resorting to these methods. Mr. Tonks, you're good at this," Ron said.
"Thank you for the compliment. There's one more thing. If you choose an Approver Regent who is a family member or someone very close, I suggest you have the contracts you make signed by at least a third party as a Confirmator. Otherwise, although it's a low possibility, a lawsuit could be filed alleging that the Approver Regent did not act in your best interests due to emotional bias. This wouldn't significantly impact your business, but it could still cause you trouble. Especially if the accuser's claim is accepted, past transactions could be re-examined." Mr. Tonks said.
"Hmm. Does this third party need to be a specific person? Or can it be anyone?" Ron asked.
"This person doesn't need to be a designated person, and you don't need your guardian's approval, unlike an Approver Regent. And you don't always have to use the same person Confirmator. But it would be helpful if they were professionals or well-known, respected individuals."
"And thanks to the signature of this professional or well-known Confirmator, we'll be preventing those who want to take advantage of us by unfairly using legal methods, right?" Ron asked.
"At least, that's the method that comes to mind. But we can't know for sure until we actually encounter it. We can only take precautions as much as we can," Mr. Tonks said.
"I can live with that. And I like this method you suggested. I want to use it until I'm considered an adult. What do I need to do for that?" Ron asked.
"First, you need to get your parents to sign the Edict on Permission to Exercise Authority for Minors. Then, your parents need to appoint an Approver Regent for you by signing the Approver Regent Appointment Document. And finally, if you plan to use a Confirmator continuously, I recommend that you draw up a Confirmator Agreement Contract with this person. This way, you'll be less likely to be left stranded when you need this person," Mr. Tonks said.
"Hmm. I hope your solicitor's office can prepare all three of these documents for me, ready for signature," Ron said.
"Our solicitor's office will have no trouble preparing these documents for the necessary fees. And don't worry, these fees are certainly not as high as a magic contract," Mr. Tonks said.
"Then please prepare these three documents. The parties for the Edict on Permission to Exercise Authority for Minors are already specified. But I would like to ask you to leave the names blank for the Approver Regent document and Confirmator contract," Ron said.
"Sure. Reginald, please start preparing the documents," Mr. Tonks said.
"Of course, Mr. Tonks," said Clerk Foster. "But I will need some information about Mr. Ronald Weasley's parents."
"I can help with that," said Bill.
Then Bill and Clerk Foster moved to another corner of the room, conjured up two chairs and a table, and began preparing the necessary paperwork.
Meanwhile, Ron continued his conversation with Tonks and said, "Now that I've learned I can do business, even if it requires some preparation, I have another question I'd like to ask. Does the concept of a company exist in the wizarding world? Especially companies with different types of liabilities."
"Ah. Reginald mentioned this subject, but I'm sorry to say that there's no such thing as a corporation in the wizarding world. Individuals are responsible for all the assets they possess. However, if an individual is a Lord, that responsibility can extend beyond that individual to their House and its members. Of course, the Ministry of Magic and its affiliated institutions, as well as institutions operating with special permits, are exceptions," Mr. Tonks said.
"Hmm. Institutions like St. Mungo's and Hogwarts?" Ron asked.
"Exactly, and Gringotts is one of the best known," Mr. Tonks said.
"And I suppose not just anyone can get such a permit, right?" Ron asked.
"Unless the Ministry of Magic decides that an institution is essential to the functionality of Magical Britain, it's not possible," Mr. Tonks said.
"I understand. So, what should I do if I want to sell something? I can't just go and sell whatever I want, can I?" Ron asked.
"Actually, you can sell whatever you want. No law or condition in the wizarding world prevents it. As long as the item being sold isn't prohibited or subject to permission, it can be sold almost anywhere. Furthermore, there's no sales tax or anything like that in the wizarding world. So, you don't need to set up a company and document everything or issue invoices," Mr. Tonks said.
And after this explanation, Ron paused for a moment. He knew things weren't as strict in the wizarding world as they were in the Muggle world, but he hadn't realized how lenient they were.
"Is it really that easy?" Ron asked, still surprised. Didn't this mean he could start selling right now?
"It really is that easy. But those who want to sell a particular product consistently usually buy or rent a shop. Then they can apply for a Shop Name. If you have an official shop name, you can open a vault at Gringotts under that name or do your paperwork under that name. Although there's no change in terms of liability, it makes things easier in terms of management," Mr. Tonks said.
"Oh. Do I need to own real estate to get a Shop Name? And where do I need to apply for that?" Ron asked.
"You don't need real estate. A Shop Name only gives you the right to the name. And although most people apply to the Ministry of Magic, it's not required. The Ministry of Magic can only grant you this right of name for Magical Britain. You can also get a globally valid Shop Name by applying to I.C.W.," Mr. Tonks said.
"A globally valid name? Which of these two gives the quickest response to applications?" Ron asked.
"If you apply individually through the normal channels, the Ministry of Magic will probably respond in 2 or 3 months. That's assuming your application doesn't get lost somewhere in the meantime. I heard someone's application took 7 months to process in the past," Mr. Tonks said.
"That long? And what about the I.C.W. response time?" Ron asked.
"The I.C.W. usually responds within a month. I know what you're thinking, but our Ministry of Magic has a bad reputation worldwide for its paperwork processing speed," Mr. Tonks said with a smile that wasn't really a smile.
He had probably experienced problems with this in the past or was still experiencing them.
"You said it would take this long if I applied individually through the normal channels. Does that mean there are other ways?" Ron asked.
"Yes. If you apply through Gringotts, even your normal applications are processed much faster. There are even express application options. But I've heard they're quite expensive," Mr. Tonks said.
"Why?" Ron asked with a strange expression. He couldn't understand why things were faster when the goblins were acting as intermediaries.
"Apparently, there's a clause in the agreement between the Ministry of Magic and the goblins that obligates the Ministry to prioritize Gringotts' cases. And the goblins are using this legal loophole to handle third-party cases through them and earn intermediary fees," Mr. Tonks said.
Ron thought for a moment that the goblins' cunning deserved respect, then said, "I wouldn't expect anything less from the goblins."
"I can't help but agree," said Mr. Tonks.
"Then, Mr. Tonks, if possible, I'd like you to prepare two Shop Name application forms for me. Please leave the Shop Name sections blank for now. And the application will be made to I.C.W. Most likely through the goblins. But first, I need to talk to them and hear their prices," said Ron.
"...Sure. But why two Shop Names? You can open many branches with one name," said Mr. Tonks.
"Oh, the reason is that I want to make one of the shops the parent shop, and then, for the new business I'll be doing, I want to get a new shop name and position it as a subsidiary shop under the parent shop. Right now, I'm only in the games and toys business, so two shop names are enough."
"Parent Shop? Subsidiary Shop? But in the Wizarding World, there can't be a hierarchy between shop names, and one shop can't take ownership of another," said Mr. Tonks, looking a little confused.
"Yes, I understand that from what you said earlier. But still, a building operating under a Shop Name can rent out the shops inside to others, right?" Ron asked.
"Yes. There is no obstacle to that," Mr. Tonks said.
"My dream is to own a large building and open different shops selling different kinds of my products inside. Just like Muggles have shopping malls, Mr. Tonks. You understand me, don't you?" Ron asked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Tonks' eyes widened for a moment, but then he quickly returned to normal, smiled at Ron, and said, "Your ambition truly amazes me, Mr. Ronald Weasley. And I never thought I'd say this to a nine-year-old, but I must return your compliment. You're quite good at this, too."
"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Tonks. But as I said, if I want to meet Mrs. Tonks' expectations, I can't perform any less than this," Ron said.
"Hahaha." Mr. Tonks heartily laughed and then said, "I'll have Reginald prepare two forms for the Shop Names after he finishes his work. Do you have any other questions?"
"Hmm. Not about this subject for now. But as I said at the beginning, I have a few questions and things I'd like to discuss regarding the products I'm thinking of selling." Ron said.
"Oh. Will I finally get to see those products? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it." Mr. Tonks said.
Ron smiled at this, took the shrunk chest from his belt, placed it on the floor, and then grew it back to its original size. Just as he was about to open the lid, he saw Bill and the Clerk Foster rising and approaching them again.
"Oh, Ron, are you taking out the games?" Bill asked.
"Yes, I'm going to show them to Mr. Tonks," said Ron.
Meanwhile, Clerk Foster placed the documents before Mr. Tonks and said, "Mr. Tonks, the documents you requested are ready."
"Thank you, Reginald. Could you please prepare two Shop Name Application Forms for Mr. Ronald Weasley? The Shop Names will be left blank, and the applications will be submitted to I.C.W. for the global name." Mr. Tonks said.
"Certainly, Mr. Tonks," said the clerk Foster, but before he could leave the desk's side, Bill said, "Actually, Mr. Tonks, you might want to hold those forms for a while. I'm sure Mr. Foster wouldn't want to miss this."
"Oh. This is getting increasingly interesting. Reginald, for now, take notes on the forms and join us as we examine these products. It looks like we're about to witness a rather special moment." Mr. Tonks said, a look of anticipation in his eyes.
End of Chapter 27.
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Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.28: Signing a Magic Contract
Ch.29: There Is No Such Patent Here
Ch.30: Novice Crafter License