Secret World of Occultists-Chapter 31: Bespoke Tailoring

After all the official paperwork was completed and Abel was sworn in, John Kensington instructed him to take the rest of the day to settle his private matters, starting his work the following day.

There were hardly any matters the youth needed to settle, but with the 18 sterlings advance and a signing bonus of 5 sterlings he received just now, he sure was going to go shopping!

Surprisingly, Henry also decided to tag along with him.

"Aren't you busy or something?" Abel arched an eyebrow as the pair walked down the sidewalk, heading to a nearby gentleman's clothing store after the youth expressed his interest in buying proper clothes for work.

Henry adjusted his tophat, shielding his eyes from sun rays. "Our duties chiefly consist of inquiring into anomalous occurrences, assisting in their containment, and ensuring discretion in their aftermath."

He then turned to Abel and smiled, "Though, I daresay, such investigations are not an everyday affair."

"...So most of the time you guys do nothing?" Abel asked after an awkward pause.

"Not quite." Henry shook his head. "More often than not, our time is spent patrolling the city, keeping watch for any disturbances of an unusual nature. Beyond that, on occasion, we are dispatched to safeguard esteemed clients of the Trust."

He paused for a moment before adding, "There are a fair number of gentlemen of means who conduct business with the Trust. And many more who would seem them come to harm."

"Hey, tell me something," Abel began, "The Trust is laundering money for the Ministry, right?"

Henry's lips twitched. "Oh my! Whatever could have led you to such a notion, my friend?"

"Yeah right." Abel rolled his eyes.

After walking for a few more minutes, the pair finally arrived at their destination.

Situated along a bustling street in the commercial district, J. Thomson & Sons, Gentleman's Clothiers was a fine establishment where men could purchase ready-made garments or commission bespoke attire.

The exterior featured large glass windows displaying mannequins wearing the latest fashions, including frock coats, waistcoats, and cravats.

Looking at the name of the shop elegantly inscribed above the entrance, Abel couldn't help but state, "I think this place is a little too expensive for my taste."

However, Henry had already entered the shop, leaving behind Abel standing awkwardly on the sidewalk.

Having no other choice, Abel could only enter while shaking his head. He decided to do some window shopping before coming up with an excuse to leave.

It's gonna be so embarrassing, he thought.

The interior of the store was well-lit with polished wooden floors and gas lamps. The atmosphere exuded sophistication, with a subtle scent of tobacco and woolen fabrics.

Shelves and cabinets showcased neatly folded shirts, cravats, gloves, canes, and hats. Tailored suits and coats hung on wooden racks.

There was a designated space with full-length mirrors and fitting stools where customers could try on garments.

Seeing the interior, as well as the fact that there were no other customers there, Abel confirmed in his heart, Yeah, this place is definitely too expensive!

Right at that moment, a middle-aged man with a receding hairline emerged from the back of the store, gazing at the two new customers.

But when his gaze landed on Henry, his eyes lit up. "Ah, Mr. Mercer, what a wonderful surprise!"

The man wasn't wearing his coat, only his waistcoat over his shirt. And the sleeves of his shirt were rolled to his elbows. It seemed that he was working in the tailoring workshop located in the back of the store.

"What brings you back to us? I trust the fit was to your satisfaction, or is there some adjustment that might be required?" He asked as he shook Henry's hand.

Henry shook his head with a smile. "No, that is not the case, Mr. Taylor. Your craftsmanship is impeccable. The fit is quite perfect." He then cast a glance towards Abel before adding, "It is my friend who is in need of bespoke tailoring."

Custom-made?! You bastard! That's even more expensive than ready-made garments, Abel cursed inwardly.

When Mr. Taylor cast his gaze towards Abel and the clothes he wore, he couldn't help but deeply frown. "Good heavens, young sir! You are most certainly in want of some proper attire!"

Abel's lips twitched at that remark. He tried to come up with an excuse to leave this place. Not only did this place look extremely expensive, but Henry had also asked for bespoke tailoring for him.

There was no way he would have that kind of money to burn through. Also, there was no way he was going to spend most, if not all of his advance payment on clothing.

He coughed awkwardly, "Uh, Henry, uh, you see... I forgot my—"

Henry interrupted him, "You are now a security consultant with the Trust, Abel. As such, you shall enjoy the benefit of a bespoke wardrobe from this esteemed establishment."

He then looked at Mr. Taylor and asked, "Sir, might I trouble you to inform my friend of all that is included in his standard-issue attire."

"But of course, Mr. Mercer." The middle-aged man nodded happily.

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He then looked at Abel and spoke with a professional tone, "Two formal tail coats for high-society engagements, two frock coats for everyday wear, five shirts of fine linen and cotton, three waistcoats and accompanying trousers of varying degrees of formality, two pairs of leather boots and shoes, two top hats, and lastly a gentleman's cane."

Abel's lower jaw almost touched the ground. Henry suddenly chimed in while packing the bowl of his smoking pipe with tobacco, "Additionally, you shall receive an annual allowance of 10 sterling for the purchase of additional garments or replacements from this establishment."

The youth stuck a match and brought it to the pipe's bowl, lighting the tobacco, and inhaling gently. As he exhaled the smoke, he looked at Abel's flabbergasted expression and let out a light chuckle.

"If you were not already aware," he said, "the Kensington & Blythe Commercial Trust holds a financial interest in J. Thomson & Sons, Gentleman's Clothiers."

Abel involuntarily gulped, lifting his lower jaw back from the ground. He lifted his chin and coolly said, "Yes, of course, of course. I know that."

His antics caused Henry to shake his head, chuckling.

"Now, young sir, how may I address you?" Mr. Taylor stepped forward, offering a handshake.

Abel firmly shook the man's hand and smiled, "Abel Bishop. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Taylor."

"Very well, Mr. Bishop." The man nodded, guiding him to the large mirror in the corner. He then took out his measuring tape, donned his spectacles, and set to work.

"Just to inform you, Mr. Bishop," said the man. "The completion of two full, high-quality sets, everyday wear, work attire, accessories, shoes, and the like, shall require approximately a week. Needless to say, we employ only the finest materials, and as for our craftsmanship..."

Mr. Taylor's lips curled up into a smirk. "Even the Chairman of the Trust, Mr. Kensington himself, speaks most highly of the intricacies of our work!"

Abel's blue eyes flashed with a keen light. Chairman, he thought. I see... So they don't know about the true work that we do.

"One moment, Mr. Bishop, I shall be right back."

Seeing the man walk around the counter and go to his workshop, Abel glanced at Henry and asked, "Hey, what other job benefits do we get?"

Henry exhaled a plume of smoke, revealing an amused smile, "Oh? I thought you already knew?"

Abel rolled his eyes and insisted, "Just tell me, man."

Henry chuckled, "Ver well, then. Once you've finished here, let us retire to the coffeehouse by the University. I shall explain in full the many benefits afforded to security consultants such as ourselves."