The Foundation of Mily

The next three days passed in a blur of paperwork, sketches, and whispered plans. True to his word, Aiden delivered everything Lily needed: a cleared plot in the bustling 4th Circle district, a registered business license under her new alias, and even a discreet escort to help move about unnoticed.

The building they were given was no ordinary boutique. It was a towering three-story structure located at the heart of a thriving commercial avenue. With its wide glass-paneled windows and tall arched doorways, it stood like a declaration of intent — this was not a side project. This was a future empire.

When Lily saw it for the first time, her breath caught.

"This is… massive," she whispered.

Michelle smiled proudly. "Told you. We don't do things halfway."

Inside, sunlight poured in through the high windows, illuminating the open spaces. The ground floor would become the showroom. The second would be the work floor — for sewing, tailoring, and finishing garments. The third floor would house the design studio and management offices.

Aiden arrived later that afternoon, dressed sharply and already flipping through lists.

"We'll need machines," he said, "both manual and ether-powered. I know a dwarven engineer who can customize them for delicate fabrics."

He handed Lily a folder filled with supplier contacts. "You'll need to choose a fabric supplier. I've shortlisted three companies — two local, one foreign. All high quality, all dependable."

Lily set the folder aside for a moment. "Before that, we need a name."

Michelle grinned. "We already agreed on that, remember?"

Together, they said it: "Mily."

Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Creative."

"It stands for Michelle and Lily," Michelle said proudly.

"That's… surprisingly sentimental for you."

Michelle only smirked.

By the end of the day, the trio had hired the core staff — a talented seamstress team, three design apprentices, a store manager, and a marketing strategist who'd worked with noble clientele before. Lily handpicked the sewing staff after reviewing their portfolios, making sure each one could bring her visions to life.

While Michelle oversaw hiring and logistics, Lily threw herself into design. Her sketches were bold and modern, blending Elarian elegance with sharp silhouettes and asymmetrical cuts from her past life. She drew dresses that shimmered like moonlight, coats lined with runic embroidery, and tunics with hidden pockets and subtle enchantments.

Meanwhile, Aiden handled negotiations with the fabric supplier — a merchant prince from the neighboring kingdom of Daltierra. Within a week, contracts were signed, and bolts of silk, velvet, linen, and enchanted thread began arriving in crates.

As the machines were installed and the staff began their training, the building pulsed with energy. The sound of humming looms, scissors snipping, and muted conversation filled the air.

Lily stood on the top floor one evening, looking out the window as the sun dipped below the skyline.

From nothing, they had built something.

Not just a business — a base. A dream. A legacy in the making.

Mily had begun.