Friends of the Slum

[Two days later, outside of a newly-erected factory plant in the Outskirts.]

Spark and Milo entered the factory in midst of a discussion.

Employees hurried from one place to another, or worked stationary, busying themselves with one process of textile manufacturing.

One station dyed cloth, while others worked and sowed cloth together, to form either T-shirts, Hoodies, or Trousers, and there was also the department to ink patterns and words on the garments, all with the help of Alesso's printing apparatus.

Workers in the dye segment wore masks to hinder irritation of the skin and the lungs, even though the fabric hasn't developed to chemical processesing yet. The dye was mostly derived from plants and berries, copying existing techniques from Fraal's textile industry.

Of course, there were ready-made fabrics to allow for higher-quality products, designed for wealthier clientele.

As long as someone wanted to work, and work was needed, Spark didn't turn them away.

In some way or another, it was also considered giving back. Every worker is inhabitant of the Slums, formerly homeless, and unemployed. And Spark made the restriction to only hire from the Slums, as long as the employees weren't to corrupted and turned vile by the mindset of poverty.

The only exception were the victims of the tragedy, and especially widowed or left-behind family. Spark insisted that they had utmost priority in the hiring evaluation.

Now they receive a workers salary, 70 coppers a day, approximating 1 gold coin and 4 silver coins a month.

This far surpassed the standards for compensation in the Outskirts, therefore this job became desirable. It was enough for food, and going out to eat, plenty for clothes, which when bought directly from the textile plant, had a massive discount of almost producer costs, and enough to change their residency if they rented in the Outskirts.

Therefore, many people in the Outskirts wore garments with inscriptions, figures and patterns, a trademark for Spark and Terry's business.

Spark and Terry gained fame and were celebrated as friends of the slums.

"Hello Bosses!"

A woman clad in formal wear, greeted Milo and Spark, who had only just entered, drawing attention to the two.

Spark wore a suave, dark-red velvet suit, and matching red cloth trousers. His hair was orderly and kempt back, while a black tie wrapped around the collar of his flawless white shirt. He looked imposing, with aloof temperament, and an air of otherworldly charme permeated from his stature.

Milo's ocean blue suit also radiated professionalism, and walking next to each other, the two made a long-standing impression.

Terry, who was in discussion with the woman, turned around and beckoned Spark and Milo with a joyful, beaming smile.

"Young Spark and Milo! It's wonderful to see you."

Spark noticed Terry's mood, reciprocated the smile and asked:

"Something good happened to you?"

Terry was taken aback for a while and considered his words, before resuming to grin happily.

"My life is nothing but joy ever since we opened three 'Clothes Maketh' Men' stores, and the factory. Being here made me realize, just how many people can enjoy a fruitful life with our support, and just how many are depending on us by now."

Spark nodded in agreement.

"It's the joy of launching a business from the ground up. I'm feeling good about it as well."

"So, how's the new innovation coming along?"

Terry motioned his hand and invited the two over to one of the departments. The factory wasn't massively big, as finances didn't allow to construct a mega-factory, but it was still sizeable. The cost of land and construction with with help of Body Foundation Artists, exceeded hundreds of gold coins. It needed almost the entirety of Silver Hawk's "inheritance", but since then, the clothing business diffused smoothly, with the garments being worn frequently in the Outskirts, and also in Monsoon City.

There were two stores in Monsoon City. One for the suits, and one for plain clothing.

And another store for plain clothing existed in the Outskirts.

With the help of Mr. Kandel, Mr. Koriande and Mr. Taler and other new acquaintances, Spark managed to diffuse their products inside the gargantuan City Walls. It would become a problem in the long term, if the garments were trademarked and only worn by people of the Outskirts.

The Market Cap would decrease by leaps and bounds! Fortunately, Spark thought ahead, and aided by plentiful experience, avoided this scenario.

They reached the department, and Terry immediately showcased, what would essentially be considered an absolute innovation.

A hood, parted in the middle by trails of iron, interwoven and stacked on top of each other, but strangely holding together, as if glued in some sort of way.

"I don't understand how you can come up with these things Spark..."

Terry's eyes were glistening, and excitement oozed from his words.

"It's fascinating! The sides hold together and part only when the center piece is hoisted or lowered..."

"I've thought about it, and this invention has place not only in the textile industry, but rather in utility areas too!"

"Here... I've written down some areas and business which might appreciate the 'zipper' as you called it."

Terry handed the youth, a piece of paper with many observations, thoughts and practical applications.

Spark could only read them by one, and his grin widened with every idea he read. When he finished, Spark lifted his gaze and stared happilx at Terry for a moment.

'Terry... He's really invested into the business! I love this!'

"There are some ideas worth pursuing, like this one or this one here..."

"We need to think this over in detail, and make fitting arrangements with the businesses. Let's see if they are interested! Milo, I'll leave that to you."

"Yes Boss!" Milo agreed with delight.

After discussing some specifics and financials, the two parted ways with Terry and left. Suddenly, Spark noticed a boy waiting for him at the entrance, and lightning up when they were face to face.

"Big Bro Spark!" he said, and bowed politely.

"Oh, aren't you?"

Spark narrowed his eyes and inspected the boy. He seemed familiar... Right! It was one of the kids he rescued. His light brown hair was cut, and no longer messy, leaving two deep, sparkling purple eyes open, shining with splendor.

Spark was surprised and smiled excitedly, "I remember you! How have you been doing? Why didn't you come for tea?"

"Ah..." the young boy fidgeted, "It's just that I couldn't find you, until I've heard about the factory here..."

Spark twitched and felt a bit embarrassed.

'Oh... Right, we have moved...'

"So you're working here now?"

The young man lit up and nodded, he was behaving grateful and excited, which made Spark very satisfied.

"Yes! Ever since a week ago. I've ready received my first pay."

"That's wonderful. Right, I still don't know your name?"

"Horal... It's Horal..."

Spark put his hand on the boy's shoulder as they continued walking and talking.

"So it's Horal. Say, Horal, do you want to catch up with the other kids?"

....

Spark and Horal spoke some pleasantries for a little while, and the talk ended with Spark pressing Horal some coins in his hand, and telling him the new address in Monsoon City, if he ever felt like visiting for some tea.

After that, Milo and Spark entered Monsoon City and took a carriage to the Mansion, where they both would turn to their own devices.

But when they came back, a pleasant surprise awaited them instead.

Another kid actually broke through to the Body Foundation Stage!

Entering the foyer, and subsequently the living room where cheers and laughter resounded all around, Spark pleated his eyebrows when he caught sight of Joey throwing a giggling girl into the air.

It was actually... Tali, the daughter of Terry.