In the end, I couldn’t withstand Beren’s puppy-dog eyes. As the male-dressed “Alisha Da,” I agreed to accompany her on this so-called “investigation of pleasure districts.”
My creepy old man was dead right: the more serious a beautiful woman looks, the deadlier her pouting becomes.
I’ll admit—Beren’s timid, little-animal expression nearly had me wrapped around her finger.
…
A few nights later, the appointed time arrived for our “student discipline inspection” and “correction of bad behavior.”
After rushing to change into my male disguise right after school and sneaking out, I finally waited at the meeting spot for the late Elf.
Having spent time in Luo City, the former Discipline Elder had softened a bit. Maybe humans weren’t as “evil and depraved” as legends claimed—Beren’s perpetually furrowed brows had finally relaxed.
Elves don’t have “ugly”; they only have “who’s more beautiful.” Beren clearly ranked among the exceptional.
Off-duty, she’d swapped her strict yet oddly alluring work uniform for a light sleeveless top and watery-blue skirt. Her carefully combed hair made her look like she’d stepped back into her “youthful maiden” years.
Worried about mobility, she’d ditched her stockings, revealing pale, slender legs. A hair tie looped around her wrist added an air of pure innocence.
Spotting me—ahem, spotting “the ever-reliable butler, Alisha Da”—she dashed over like any love-struck girl, steps quickening.
“I’m sorry I’m late! I… I hesitated so long picking an outfit. I finally found something suitable, but then time ran out…”
Beren bowed her head repeatedly as she reached me.
She hadn’t realized her gorgeous outfit was utterly inappropriate.
“I… I know! In human etiquette, being late for a date is terribly rude! Ah! Cough… no, not a date—an inspection! An inspection…”
So you know it’s not a date? Then why dress so finely, tempting every man here to commit crimes with those starry eyes?
“Sigh… Let’s just start the investigation.”
I exhaled.
I couldn’t send this Elf back now. Besides, “Alisha Da’s” duty tonight was to play bodyguard.
Reaching out my hand, I pretended not to notice the sudden blush on her cheeks.
“For safety, please hold my hand. Where we’re going… isn’t exactly wholesome.”
Being a bodyguard really isn’t easy.
…
The pleasure industry is humanity’s incurable shadow. It exists not just in my grandfather’s Kingdom of Lothric, but everywhere.
Unlike blatant brothels flaunting “transactions,” these establishments are more… refined.
Outwardly, they’re venues for men and women to “unwind” and “enjoy life,” opening at dusk with drinks and light entertainment. Any “mutual agreements” made there? Purely personal choices.
That’s the gray zone, I suppose.
That’s why I didn’t dismiss Beren’s proposal.
If top students from Luo City’s finest academy were caught here at night, the scandal would be catastrophic.
And honestly, I was grateful she’d come alone—no squad of Elders for a “raid.”
So, admitting I’d never been to such a place myself? Best left unsaid.
…
The moment Beren and I slipped past the curtain into “Luo City’s biggest pleasure house,” a sickly-sweet perfume nearly made me gag.
Cheap scents mixed with pipe smoke assaulted my senses, screaming at me to flee.
Glancing sideways, Beren wasn’t faring better. Clinging tightly to my arm, her face pale but stubbornly keeping pace.
Sure, this hour was prime for catching misbehaving students—but this Elf was taking “discipline” way too far.
Plus, a genuine Elf paired with a “butler” stuck out like sore thumbs here.
I realized too late.
A shadow darted from the darkness. Within seconds, arms coiled around me like serpents.
Before I knew it, a mature woman dressed as the madam puffed a pipe, her breath warm against my ear.
“Well now~ After all these years running this place, a gentleman of your caliber is a first.”
Her half-exposed chest reeked of dangerous perfume. Her seductive face and still-vibrant body oozed temptation.
“Here for fun? I’d offer it free—and my girls might even pay you.”
Hey, don’t treat me like some pretty-faced gigolo…
Seeing my disinterest, she sized up my body.
“Or… perhaps you’d like private lessons from the madam herself?”
Are you an idiot!? If I liked older women, I’d have gone straight to Serica! Ah… cough! No, bad example.
“Ahem!”
As I struggled to reply, Beren deliberately cleared her throat beside me, as if demanding attention.
This Elf was trembling so badly she nearly collapsed into my arms—why show off now?
“Oh? You brought your own companion? Then I won’t disturb you.”
The madam chuckled softly, then casually plucked a badge from Beren’s chest.
“Teacher, you’re careless. Hide your identity when sneaking in, hmm?”
“If you’re here to catch rowdy boys, I welcome it. My place is legal—underage students cause real headaches. Enjoy your evening, you two.”
With that, she swayed away into the crowd.
No wonder she ran such a big establishment…
Even I felt uneasy—not just Beren, whose legs were shaking. Thankfully, the madam had tacitly approved our “inspection.” Time to act.
I glanced at Beren.
She’d already buried herself in my chest, trembling slightly all over.
Surrounded by humans she disliked, in this tainted place, the pure-hearted Elf’s discomfort was only natural.
“D-don’t get the wrong idea!”
The proud Elf insisted, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes.
“I-I’m only hugging you… for d-disguise! To blend in!”
Yes, yes.
Tonight, whatever you say goes, Teacher Beren.
