Chapter 7

—A high-class courtesan.

So, basically, she was like the mistress of a politician, a bureaucrat, or the president of a major corporation?

She really was a femme fatale.

Just making eye contact with her had left me a little dizzy. If a woman like that seriously tried to seduce me, I might need several hearts just to survive it.

“Well, I’ll remember you, at least. Lord Yuri of Seven Trees.”

Nina chuckled and flicked the ash from her cigarette with her finger.

“Thanks, Nina. Anyway, if you meet anyone looking for a dream, send them my way.”

I left the gold coin I’d received as pocket money on the counter, got to my feet, and walked out of the establishment.

The night breeze felt refreshingly cool against my heated skin.

“What will you do next?”

Clive’s low voice came from right behind me.

“Don’t use formal speech. First, I’m getting something to eat. Drinking on an empty stomach is rough… Ah, that place should do.”

Across the street stood a building with light spilling out of it, just bright enough to catch my eye.

It was two stories tall, and an appetizing, hearty aroma wafted from inside.

Smoke, grease, and spices.

…Yeah, that was the smell of a place that served good food.

“…That establishment is…”

There was a hint of confusion in Clive’s voice. Sorry, buddy, but whatever you have to say can wait until my stomach’s full.

Without hesitation, I walked straight inside.

The moment I entered, I was hit by a wave of heat and laughter.

Everywhere I looked, the customers were almost exclusively men.

And nearly all the employees were women. There were so many of them that I had to wonder if the place was overstaffed. They poured drinks for the men, carried out dishes, and whispered to them in sugary voices, all while wearing strangely intimate smiles.

The men were practically melting with delight as they gazed at the waitresses with lecherous eyes, practically undressing them with their stares.

I could even see some of the waitresses heading upstairs to the second floor with male customers.

Hmm?

…Ah, I got it. This was probably one of those places. The kind that sold spring on the second floor—in other words, a restaurant that offered sexual services upstairs.

Well, whatever. This was all part of my field trip.

I settled into an empty seat. As expected, Clive remained standing beside the chair next to me, waiting on me like a proper bodyguard. Seriously, this guy was so dutiful.

I got back up and pulled out the chair in front of me for Clive.

“Please forgive my rudeness, Master.”

I hadn’t forgotten our roles. I was the attendant, and you were the master.

Clive’s face twitched ever so slightly, but I kept smiling and putting on the pressure. Don’t underestimate me.

Eventually, he seemed to give up and quietly sat down. Good boy. Well done.

Once I sat back down, a petite, friendly-looking girl approached us.

“Have you decided what you’d like to order?”

She tilted her head with a gentle smile, and I raised a finger casually.

“I’ll have whatever you recommend.”

Before long, a hearty-looking dish arrived, its aroma of meat and spices rising into the air.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—the moment I took a bite, a deep, satisfying fullness seemed to spread through my stomach. The rich fat and bold aroma packed quite a punch.

“…This is delicious.”

I found myself drinking more, too. The strong seasoning paired surprisingly well with the alcohol. Before I knew it, I was in danger of having one too many.

That was when it happened.

“Please, stop…!”

A shrill voice rang in my ears. I turned to see a drunk man forcibly tugging at a young woman’s arm. Her eyes were wide open, and she was visibly terrified.

Ahh… She was a newbie, all right. Her movements were awkward, and she didn’t seem like the type who belonged in a place like this.

I let out a small sigh, pulled back my chair, and stood up.

“Cut it out.”

The man shot me a fierce glare.

“What the hell do you want?”

“Is being forceful your hobby? Girls don’t like that kind of thing, so knock it off.”

“Shut the hell up. I paid for her, so I can do whatever I want with her!”

Yeah, well, I could understand his point of view, I guess.

But you shouldn’t scare a girl like that.

Girls were delicate princesses, after all.

Handing your body over to someone bigger, stronger, and rougher than you probably took an incredible amount of courage.

That’s why you had to treat them gently.

“Everyone’s got their own tastes, but forcing them on someone is lame. Try acting like a gentleman.”

The man’s shoulder twitched for a moment. He’d clenched his fist.

…Well, I could probably dodge the first punch, even if I was drunk. The guy was drunk, too. But more importantly—

I glanced toward the edge of my vision.

Clive was there, silently glaring at the man.

He’d probably take the guy down before he could land a punch. Me, basking in the glory of Clive’s intimidating presence. Man, this felt great.

The man clicked his tongue, roughly yanked his hand away from the girl, and spat out, “Fuck! You’ve ruined the mood!”

Then he staggered out of the establishment.

“Sorry for interrupting your work. Here, this is for you.”

I pressed a gold coin into the girl’s small hand. She stared at it in confusion before cautiously accepting it.

Then, perhaps finally feeling safe, the corners of her eyes slowly filled with tears.

Yeah, this girl really wasn’t suited for this line of work.

“If you hate this job, don’t force yourself to keep doing it. If you don’t have anywhere else to work, come to Seven Trees. Just follow the northern highway straight for half a day. I’m building a city there right now.”

I went over to the woman who seemed to be the proprietress and placed all the pocket money left on the counter in front of her.

“Sorry for causing a commotion. Use this to buy everyone a round.”

I had no idea how much money was worth in this world, but I figured she’d know how to make good use of it.

The proprietress quietly collected the coins.

“…Who exactly are you, boss?”

I wanted to say I wasn’t anyone worth introducing, but—

“Yuri. Yuri of Seven Trees.”

I spoke loudly enough for the whole establishment to hear, then spun around.

“Drinks are on Lord Yuri! Raise your glasses!”

Bottles of alcohol were carried to the various tables, and small cheers broke out throughout the room.

—Well, it wasn’t actually my money.