Chapter 9: Earthly Pleasure Manor |
In the southern end of Blackmoon City, the opposite direction of the City Lord's castle in the north, there exists an entertainment district frequented by all humans, whether they are witches or mortals, men or women.
It was called the red-light district, a place dedicated to achieving the sensual pleasure and satisfaction of the body.
In the past, the red-light district was a place frowned upon by the upper-class society.
However, ever since the seven stars aligned and the Realm of Gehenna connected to the world, thus bringing death upon it, seeking pleasure became one of the principal enjoyments in life since no one knew when they might die.
Since life was short, it was better to live without reservation than to die with regrets – such was the thought that raised the popularity of the red-light district.
"Earthly Pleasure Manor… It's been about a year and a half since I came here," Vaan softly muttered while gazing up at the brothel in front of him.
A few familiar faces could be seen standing at the entrance, greeting the witches in passing.
Although Vaan only stood a short distance away from them, they did not recognize him due to the black hood and darkness of the night hiding his facial feature.
"Good day to you, Esteemed Guest." A male prostitute greeted Vaan as he approached the person before inquiring, "Have you come seeking a companion to spend the night?"
"V-Vaan?!"
The male prostitute, Randull, was immediately taken aback before he stared at Vaan with wide eyes and inspected his black outfit.
"That uniform… I thought you were another witch from the academy—hm?" Randull got a better look at Vaan's outfit up close before he added, "No, it's quite similar to the witches' uniform, but it's not the same."
'Of course, it wasn't.' Vaan inwardly thought.
Initially, it may have been a witch uniform, but it had already undergone alteration to suit men's style.
"This outfit is actually pretty cool, isn't it? Where did you get it? I would also like to get one," Randall inquired further before he suddenly shook his head and said, "No, wait. That isn't what I wanted to ask."
"Why have you come back, Vaan? Didn't you enter the Blackmoon Academy of watcha-call-it?" Randull asked shortly after.
Vaan smiled lightly before asking, "Is Teach—Is Lord Manfred present tonight?"
"Teacher is in his room on the top floor," Randull nodded and said, "Since you came to see Teacher, you should go ahead, Vaan. I'm still on duty, so we can catch up another time. I don't need to call someone to show you the way, right?"
"Unless someone burned down the brothel and rebuilt it with a different interior design from what I remembered, I won't." Vaan smiled and patted Randull on the shoulders, "Alright, that's that. I won't take any more of your time. Don't leave the guests waiting."
After bidding farewell to Randull, Vaan headed inside the brothel and took the stairs directly to the upper floors.
The establishment was full of private rooms for the sake of the guests' privacy.
However, women, especially witches in this age and frequent visitors of the brothel, were very bold and open.
Whether it was on the couch or by the bar counter, topless women could be seen holding handsome men in their arms as they flirted, conversed, made out, and drank.
Beautiful as they are, Vaan did not show much of a reaction.
It was not strange, considering he used to work in the Earthly Pleasure Manor after the Manor Owner, Lord Manfred, took him in and taught him how to please women to earn his keep.
As such, he was already used to such a sight.
And although prostitution wasn't the noblest of professions, it was much better than scavenging on the streets, fighting with other scavengers, and not knowing when the next full meal was.
As long as he could eat well, sleep well, and stay alive, the details of how he lived did not matter.
"Hey, handsome." A pretty brunette in her 30's tapped Vaan on the shoulder and asked, "Care to keep this Lady company for tonight?"
'A True Witch.'
Vaan's eyes flickered for a moment after gauging the person's strength.
Shortly after, he smiled and politely refused, "Sorry, I don't work here anymore and am actually on my way to see my teacher, Lord Manfred. However, if you can leave me a name and room number, I can visit you after?"
At the same time, Vaan held the lady's hand, which was on his shoulder, and gave it a suggestive yet gentle rub with his dexterous thumb.
The lady immediately felt a pleasant yet electrifying sensation run through her entire being, making her feel slightly weak but hoping for more.
"Is that so?" the pretty witch mulled with a slightly disappointed look for a moment before giving Vaan a flirtatious smile, "It's unfortunate, but I suppose I can only wait. The name's Grissel, and I'll be in room no.7 on the third floor. Be sure to visit later, alright?"
"Of course, Lady Grissel." Vaan raised the lady's smooth hand and gave it a gentle peck with his lips before saying, "A gentleman's words is his worth in gold."
Grissel did not notice the subtle hint of emotional indifference in Vaan's words.
She was satisfied with Vaan's social etiquette and troubled him no further, allowing him to continue on his way.
"Go on then."
"Thank you, Lady Grissel."
Vaan took his leave shortly after.
So long as one was a man and not under the service of another witch, they had no right to refuse a witch's request – such is what it meant to live in a witch kingdom ruled by the witches.
But if one can provide sufficient reason, it was possible to refuse a witch's request.
Lord Manfred's name was one such reason.
As a Rank 3 Aura Grandmaster comparable to Senior Witches, even True Witches had to give Lord Manfred adequate respect.
Lord Manfred's name had sufficient weight and reason for Vaan to refuse Grissel's request outright, but he chose not to do so.
There was something he wanted to confirm through the witch later.
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