RFC-Mini Arc 4: Night Life-17

A pair of arms wraps around my shoulders and I breathe in Kierra’s scent. “A little more than you imagined.”

“Mm.” I purposely told Bell not to give me details, wanting to be surprised. “Why is it so…”

“Large? Prominent? Visible?”

“Yeah.”

“I know~” Cynthia says coming to stand beside me. “Quest was founded as the frontline for pushing into the monster-riddled plains in the past. There was no time for law and order. The guilds, which were more like gangs back then, handled everything from legitimate taxes to black markets for monster bits and pieces. And where there are gangs—”

“There’s courtesans,” I finish.

“Ah.”

“What?”

“Nothing, nothing. It’s just your word choice reveals quite a bit about you.” She giggles. “Things became a bit more civil once the plains were cleared and the king asserted control. Then the casters came for the Hall. However, the city’s charter reflects its past. The gangs organized, becoming guilds, and the guilds have a lot of power. They’re the ones behind…” She gestures toward the building. “This place thrives off hunters.”

“Are we going inside or not?” Miss Alyssa says, heading for the doors, bottle in hand. For someone who was so grumpy at the start of the evening, she’s mellowed out quite a bit after being properly lubricated. She’s even wearing a small smile. She’s had her fair share to drink and seems all the better for it.

“I suppose we are.”

Women linger by the doors, cooing compliments and flashing tempting smiles. They reach out as I pass, running coy hands over our group. They take quite an interest in me, and perhaps the elf hanging off me, but keep their hands at bay. I smother a laugh as Alana dances away from the touches, stumbling in her drunkenness. Thankfully, Cloud is there to keep her upright. Maxine huddles next to the taller girl, fending off the women’s friendly hands with a polite smile. They don’t dare try their luck with Miss Alyssa, who’s eyes remain sharp despite her smile, and Cynthia clings to the redhead, enjoying her protection.

We walk into a spacious room dominated by a large stage. Half a dozen tables are arranged in front of it, though only a few places are occupied. Women stride between the tables, carrying trays or sitting down beside a patron and striking up conversation. I’m surprised to see that they’re modestly dressed, with skirts that hang past their knees and simple, but colorful, shirts. If not for the place, I could mistake this as friendly gathering of the middle class.

The presence of security helps to dissuade that but I find it a little hard to think of them as such. The way they watch the room makes their purpose obvious but the young, shirtless chests on display say they’re presence has a secondary purpose. I can’t say I feel any attraction to them but from the way Cloud ogles them and Maxine averts her gaze, they’re certainly attractive.

“Hello~”

I turn to see a woman approaching us. She’s a beauty, of course, but the simple kind with a round, friendly face, guileless eyes, and the big smile of your best friend. She eyes our group with quick glances, not even flinching at Kierra’s, before her gaze settles on me. That’s some impressive observation skills but I imagine she has many opportunities to improve them in her profession. “Welcome to the Courtesan Hall. Can I sit you ladies at a table? A show is about to begin soon.”

“Show?” I ask.

Her smile turns mischievous. “We train the finest dancers in the kingdom. There are a variety of performances, including solos and group dances. I highly recommend it.”

“Alright…” I’m a little thrown by the mundanity of my experience so far. I didn’t expect for women to throw themselves at me, tits out, but, well. If not for the subtle tension in the air, I might wonder if I’ve come to the wrong place.

None of my companions seem to have the same feelings as the lady escorts us to one of the free tables. I sink into the couch and Kierra settles against me. Our guide slips to my other side, taking up the rest of the small couch. Alana takes a look at her before sighing and going with Cloud and Maxine, Cynthia and Miss Alyssa sticking with each like they have for the entire night.

“I never asked for your name,” our guide says.

“Lou.” I look over to Kierra but she remains quiet, smiling.

“I’m Vanessa.” I extend a hand. She hesitates a moment before shaking it, chuckling. “So, Lou, what brings you here?”

“What makes you ask?”

“You’re not our usual type of customer. To be honest, I’m having trouble placing you.”

“Feel free to guess.”

“Ooh, games. What do I get if I win?”

“Make a request and we’ll see.”

“Hm.” She eyes me overtly. “You dress like a laborer but you have money. The name you give me is common but I know a noble when I see one. Can’t hide years of etiquette lessons telling you to walk straight.” She winks. “You seem like you’re trying to blend in, but that’s completely impossible, given your…friends.” She looks to Kierra quickly before averting her gaze. “I’m guessing…you’re a young noble lady attending the Hall out for a night of fun.”

I blink. “How’d you…”

“It’s not as impressive as you think.” She giggles and crooks her finger. I lean toward her and she does the same. “There’s a rumor floating around about an elf teaching at the Hall.” She grins as she leans back.

“I feel like that’s cheating.”

She purses her lips in an exaggerated pout. “Fair’s fair. You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”

“Suppose not. What’s your request?”

“Mm. I think I’ll save it. No one said I have to make it immediately, did they?”

My brows go up. “You’re just making this up as you go along, aren’t you?” Though I have to admit, it’s fun. Easy, almost scarily so.

“Maybe.” She crosses her legs and I can’t help but notice the way her skirts ride up. She waves her hand and another young lady appears. From the corner of my eye, I see a young, bare-chested man approaching my friends. “Can I interest you in something to drink or eat?”

“Nothing for now. Kii?” My wife simply taps my shoulder. “We’re both fine.”

Vanessa dismisses the woman with another wave of her hand. “Then, what do you want Lou?”

The way her tone drops makes it clear there’s more to the question than refreshments. I shuffle, feeling a touch nervous excitement. I lick my lips, trying to find the right words. How does one say ‘what would it cost to have a handful of beautiful women worship me for a night’ without sounding sleazy?

“Should I take another guess?” Vanessa says, moving closer. The distance between us is so thin I can vaguely feel her body heat. “Something tells me…you’re not here to see a dance. I think…you want company.”

“Who’d you hear that from?” I grin as she giggles. “Well…you aren’t wrong. Hah, is everyone so awkward about this?” I don’t even understand. With the kind of things that goes on in my home, I have no right to be fumbling over myself like this.

“Usually. Part of my job is to help you relax.” She grabs my hand, her thumb caressing my fingers. “People come here to feel good. That often means more than…” I stiffen as her finger moves over my shirt, from my collarbone to my navel.

Before I can respond, light applause draws my attention to the stage. The lighting dims as the curtains are drawn. I can see a band, but most of their features are obscured by the shadows. All the attention is focused on the woman who strides to the front of the stage. Her face is hidden by a mask, her curves by flowing robes. A stringed instrument begins to play a slow melody and she moves, moving across the stage with an ethereal grace. The customers at the tables are enraptured by the performance. I can appreciate her control to move so smoothly but it doesn’t grab my interest. That is, until her outer robe comes off.

She sheds it with the fluidity of a snake shedding its skin and kicks it away naturally. A flute joins in the music as she continues, each movement as controlled as the last despite the increased tempo. Her skirts comes off next, baring long, toned legs. My eyes widen as she starts on her shirt. “I’m starting to understand why people come to watch your dancers.”

“They are quite amazing,” Vanessa agrees, with a sigh. I can’t tell if it’s one of admiration or infatuation. “The madame is the most exquisite dancer of all. She is truly walking art. I have my doubts that you were talking about their artistry, though.”

“You’re right. I’m not.” The dancer’s sensual stripping is arousing and my growing ardor drowns my nerves. I lean forward, grabbing her chin in an oh so gentle grip. It’d be too easy to hurt that pretty skin. “I did come for some company.”

Her friendly smile turns devious. “Then follow me.”

I follow suit as she stands, Kierra still clinging to me, leaning against my back. I turn to see my friends captivated by the show, in their own ways. Cloud is watching the woman intensely, watching her movements or her assets, I can’t really tell, with an admiring gaze. Alana is concentrating so hard on ignoring what’s happening in front of her that I can see a vein throbbing at the side of her head. Maxine is also watching the show but her gaze is polite. Maybe even admiring the ‘artistry’. Miss Alyssa is drowning herself in the bottle she took from Howie’s bar while Cynthia is having a whispered conversation with another customer.

Maxine is the first to catch my gaze. She looks at Vanessa before nudging Alana and Cloud. The blonde sees an opportunity to escape her current predicament and eagerly jumps to her feet, hurrying over. Cloud is a little slower to move, frequently glancing back toward the stage while Maxine guides her with a hand on her arm.

I turn back to our guide. “Lead on.”

She smiles, leading us toward a stairwell. At the top is another large room. I can hear faint traces of music from downstairs but it’s largely drowned out by the hum of conversation. There are a lot more people here. And a lot less clothes.

Vanessa leans toward me. “Feel free to mingle. Those wearing the ribbons on their wrists? They’re ours. Those doorways?” I follow her gaze as she points them out. “They lead to rooms that are free to be used as you please if you want a quiet place to…talk.” She pauses, making sure I take her meaning before smiling. “Ask any passing server if there’s something you need. Have fun~”

I grab her arm before she can walk away. “And what if I want you for company?”

She titters. Then, without any warning, she steps forward and kisses me.

My shock only lasts for a moment and then I’m kissing her back. It’s different from my usual experience. There’s no struggle for dominance. It’s playful and fun. When she steps back, we’re both grinning. “I’ll see you around, Lou.”

I watch her ass as she walks away, smile stretching wider when she looks at me over her shoulder. “Mm. Yes, you will. Alright, people. Time to make a move.”

“Indeed,” my wife mumbles, giving the room a look. I tap her cheek and she looks at me.

“If I see you trying to tease with one of those boys…” I leave the rest unsaid.

“I won’t, dedia,” she says with a chuckle. “This night is for you, hm? I’ll be good.”

Does that mean you won’t be good after tonight? Hmph, that concession is already a large improvement. “Good girl,” I murmur, chuckling at the way her eyes narrow. I can’t tell if that’s surprise or amusement. Maybe both. “You coming with me or…”

She kisses me on the cheek before straightening up and striding into the room with an easy confidence that turns heads. As expected of my wife.

“Then—”

“Hold on!” Alana grabs my arm with a grip that must be pretty tight from the way her fingers are tensed. “You can’t just leave me in this place!”

“You can stay close to me but try and read the mood.” I’d hate to be getting anywhere and have the mood ruined. She grimaces. “You could always stay downstairs.” The dance was stimulating but overall, pretty tame. Geneva and Bell are lingering outside the building. Having succbi around just seemed to be inviting trouble but they’d keep her safe.

“No, no. I’d rather…stick with you.” She sighs heavily. “Why in the saints’ names did I agree to this?”

“When you stop thinking so much, you’re going to realize that you’re having fun. Cloud? Max?”

“Right behind you, honored sister.” She looks almost as excited as me.

“Most courtesans are adept conversationalists,” the merchant says to Alana, giving her a comforting smile. “Just do what you’re comfortable with. If you find yourself completely unable to relax, a few drinks should help. I’m sure you can count on Lou to make sure you return home without incident.”

“Wonderful advice. Now, enough stalling.” I walk into the room, almost dragging Alana with me.