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nThe atmosphere between Terio and me turned slightly strange as we walked down the narrow alleys on the town. The worst part of the awkwardness that appeared the second I uttered my request managed to diffuse already, but it still wasn't the same comfortable one we had before I shot the proposition.

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"If Mia ever finds out about this...

" Terio muttered, proving that he was aware of what was going between the girl and me.

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"You don't need to worry about it. I will tell her about this myself... but at the right time,

" I instantly replied.

nMy reasons for going to the brothel were way different than what I suggested to Terio... But I couldn't fill him in the details. After all, the scheme brewing up in my mind was something that even Vaner was likely to scold me heavily for.

nSadly, I was desperate. Desperate to earn money, recognition and backing. And with my skills and intentions, the brothel was simply the best place to have a shot at.

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"Oh, give me a second,

" I asked suddenly, leaving Terio stranded in the middle of the street. With my poach in my hand, I ventured into a clothing shop I just happened to notice.

nA few moments later, I was back at Terio's side, with my funds heavily strained for the sake of a small bag that I hung on my back.

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"Shall we go?

" I asked, picking up the pace.

nBefore long, the street turned red. Even though it was the middle of the day, the massive array of lanterns managed to throw a red shade at the passageway, instantly announcing the purpose of this location.

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"This is the place,

" Terio said, his words followed by a deep sigh.

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"Young masters, welcome to our humble abode,

" a young girl appeared the second Terio spoke up.

nIt was clear that she was on the lookout for anyone even remotely interested in visiting the place.

n'What a supreme customer service,' I thought with a sneer, obediently following the girl inside the building.

nThe second we stepped through the doors, the atmosphere of the place overwhelmed us in an instant. No matter where I looked, I could see beautiful girls in skimpy attires eyeing us out as if they were some kind of predators locking their sights on the prey.

nThe air was heavy with the scent of perfume and human sweat.

nI pulled out a bunch of gold coins from my poach before passing them to the girl's hand.

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"I would like you to organize a pleasant night for my friend here,

" I said, looking towards Terio.

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"Huh?

" my senior brother only shrieked in surprise, clearly unprepared for my decisive actions.

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"Surely,

" the girl replied, a gentle smile appearing on her lips as she raised her hands and clapped them twice.

nA group of flirtatious girls appeared out of nowhere, only to surround Terio and lead him away. I was left all alone with my young guide in less than a minute.

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"My request will be very specific and unusual,

" I announced, eyeing the guide's outfit. From how revealing it was, it was clear that guiding the customers wasn't the only thing she was expected of in this place.

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"Young master, don't worry,

" the girl said with a smile, lowering her head in a deep bow that allowed me to glance deeply into her modest cleavage.

nThis place seemed to prefer youthful girls over the overwhelmingly beautiful ones for the guides.

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"As long as you are willing to pay, our girls... and boys, will surely satisfy you,

" she explained, not showing any signs of hesitation.

n'I guess this place is known as the best brothel in the city for a reason,' I thought, holding back a snicker.

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"That's great,

" I nodded my head with gratitude.

"For now, I need an empty, well-lit room with a huge bed or a huge table,

" I said.

"Later on, I wish for a group of young girls to come so that I will be able to make my offer,

" I explained my request.

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"Your offer... sir?

" the guide finally showed some signs of hesitation, clearly unsure how to understand my words. She even leaned her head over her shoulder and placed her forefingers on her lips in a cute expression of confusion.

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"As I said, my reason for visiting this place... Is very specific,

" I said with a smile, treading ahead with my head raised high.

nTo hell with social awkwardness! If I wanted my plan to work, I couldn't allow my shyness and introvertedness to reign over me now!

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"I have a lovely girl at home, who I have no intention of cheating on,

" I announced after letting the girl ponder over my wishes for a short while.

"I came here not to play but to do business. If you are curious,

" I stopped for a second, only to send the guide a meaningful glance,

"feel free to come. Also, fear not, I have no intention of embracing or even touching a single girl in this place,

" I added.

nFor the second time, my guide was stumped by my words. I could guess that when she heard that I had a 'specific request,' she imagined some kind of outrageous or strictly shameful play, something that a normal person wouldn't dare to ask their girlfriend or wife for.

nBut to openly claim that I came here without the slightest intention of getting down to the business? Or rather, that I came here exactly to conduct business instead of playing around?

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"Sir...

" the girl muttered, unsure how she should react to my wishes.

"Your request is definitely unheard of,

" she admitted before releasing a sigh. Yet, before even a shred of doubt could appear in my heart, her face took a professional look once again as she raised her lovely, blue eyes at my face.

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"For thir... forty gold coins, I can arrange for everything young master requested,

" the girl said with a confident voice.

"And... And I will come as well,

" she added, a slight blush appearing on her face.

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"Great, lead the way then,

" I was quick to respond, barely able to stop my laughter.

nI was curious what face this girl would make once she learned my purpose of coming here!

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"Oh, right, before I forget,

" I added as I was about to start following the girl.

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"What is it, young master?

" the girl asked in an obedient voice, clearly happy with the commission she would make out of my request.

nFor her, whether I came here to admire the paintings on the walls or ** a bunch of girls didn't matter. As a guide, she did her job as it was expected of her.

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"Once the girls will be about to come, it would be lovely if you could also call the person managing this place.

"

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