including purchasing raw materials for Magic Crystal Cards, investing in basic hardware, sponsoring competitions with Magic Potions...
The purchase of Magic Potions was a transaction from the left hand to the right, aimed purely at inflating the bank's costs.
From the books, Hudson had already invested one million two hundred and eighty thousand gold coins in the Near East Development Bank since its establishment.
This was just the beginning. Barring any accidents, the bank's cost investment on its books would continue to rise.
Creating such high costs was not intended to scare off competitors—not that there were any.
Daring to issue loans in the Near East Region was akin to charity. The uncontrollable risks were enough to dampen everyone's investment enthusiasm.
The main purpose was for outside show.
With hefty cost investments as a backdrop, it became reasonable to later collect fees and loan interests.
