They brought him to the front of the stage, where several instruments lay waiting. The boss, arms crossed and expression unreadable, pointed coldly.
"Pick one."
His tone was icy, like he'd beat Luca to death if displeased.
But it wouldn't come to that. Luca wasn't afraid. Not now. He hadn't learned music just to pass the time. In his past life, it had been part of the training. Back then, he'd been preparing to become a surgeon, fulfilling the dreams of his parents. In the process, he'd become surprisingly skilled with instruments.
If he hadn't died back then, maybe he would've become a doctor or maybe a musician. But after what he'd seen in Solaris, he no longer trusted the path he once believed in. It's not that they've done anything wrong, but his instincts as an investigator are telling him there's something hidden beneath the surface. And so that path was no longer his first choice.
He walked with difficulty toward the instruments, leaning on his cane. Every step was slow, but determined. At last, he stopped before a polished piano.
With a calm expression, he sat down, adjusted his posture, and gently pressed a few keys, testing the tone. Then, he began to play.
It started with a mellow tune, soft and haunting, the kind that drew silence from a room. Every note resonated with an aching memory, like a lullaby from a forgotten home. His hands danced across the keys with grace born not of practice, but instinct. The music flowed like water, steady, soothing, mesmerizing.
Then, without pause, he shifted. The melody grew lively, joyous. His hands traced the keys faster than thought. The once-quiet brothel stirred. Curious sisters peeked through curtains, drawn by the playful rhythm. One or two swayed gently to the beat. His performance was like a conversation, tender at first, then thrilling.
His expression remained focused, serious. Yet there was confidence in his gaze, precision in every movement, as if the piano itself obeyed his thoughts.
When the final note echoed into silence, the room erupted.
Applause rang out from the sisters. Even the boss, still as a statue until now, showed a flicker of trust in his gaze.
Luca stood and limped over. He said nothing, waiting calmly.
"Come here at six," the boss said at last. "You'll work nights."
"Understood, boss."
"You can leave now."
The boss nodded once, then turned back to his office. Just like that, Luca had secured the job.
A small smile tugged at his lips. Rare. Subtle. But it was real. A weight on his chest had lifted, just a little.
The brothel sisters swarmed him with teasing grins.
"Well, well, look at our new musician~"
"Such a handsome boy, too~"
Luca offered a polite bow and excused himself.
"I must go now. I will return tonight."
That's when a voice called out from the side.
"Hey."
He turned.
It was her, the golden-haired girl from last night. Her eyes held a strange clarity, like a lake with no reflection, just depth.
"Yes…?"
"You played beautifully," she said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you." He dipped his head respectfully, then turned and walked away, cane tapping the wooden floor.
Luca returned to the bridge by noon.
Evelyn was awake, still pale with fever but smiling faintly. Rin sat beside her, telling stories, both of them chuckling softly.
When they saw him, Evelyn blinked with confusion, then tilted her head. There was something almost surreal about Luca's appearance.
His clothes were clean and finely tailored. He carried himself, straight-backed despite the cane in his hand, giving off an air of quiet refinement.
"Lu…?"
"Yes, it's me, sister."
"Woooow, Luca! Be my husband!" Rin squealed with delight.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes at her, glaring.
Rin looked away quickly. "Kidding~ Hehehe."
"You look handsome," Evelyn said with a soft voice and warm smile.
"Thank you, sister. How's your health?"
"I'm feeling better. Did you buy those clothes earlier?"
"Yes… I'm sorry. I spent all our money."
She shook her head. "Hm-mm. It suits you."
"In return, I got a job."
"Really?" Evelyn asked.
"Yes. In the Red District."
"Wha—Lu… don't tell me you… You're doing that kind of job…?" Evelyn looked horrified.
"Can I take you home for a night if I pay?" Rin added playfully.
"Rin!"
"No, I'm not doing that kind of job," Luca said calmly. "I'm a musician now. At The Scarlet Veil."
"Ohhh~ I didn't know you could play an instrument," Rin said, wide-eyed.
"I just have good control of my hands," Luca replied modestly.
"That's… wonderful," Evelyn whispered.
"You should rest, sister."
"I can't sleep again. And I feel better now."
"Alright. I'll be working tonight, so I'll rest a bit before that."
"Okay, sleep well, Lu."
He lay down, head resting on the makeshift pillow. As his eyes fluttered shut, he heard Evelyn and Rin continue chatting softly. Their voices faded into his dreams.
Luca woke before five, cleaned himself again, and prepared for work. Evelyn was still awake.
"I'll come with you," she said quietly.
"No. It's dangerous for girls in the Red District." He shook his head firmly. "Stay and rest."
"…Alright, be careful, Lu," she said, reluctantly.
"See you later, Luca!" Rin added with a grin.
He nodded and left.
When he arrived at The Scarlet Veil, the golden-haired girl was waiting at the door.
"You really came," she said with excitement.
"Yes…"
"The boss is in his office."
She guided him in. Inside, the boss was seated with several others, including the elegant dancer from last night.
"I forgot to mention," the boss said. "My name's Derek. These are the performers and musicians. They'll be your partners."
"I'm Luca. Nice to meet you all."
"Tonight, you'll partner with Ted. Follow his lead." Derek's eyes swept across the room.
"All of you, put on a good show tonight. We've got nobles coming. They pay well, especially for girls who perform—so give them what they want."
"Understood, boss!"
"You're dismissed."
***
That night, Luca performed alongside Ted, who played the violin. Sometimes they were joined by a singer. Other times, Ted and a hand-drum player added depth to the rhythm while the curvaceous dancer swirled and moved across the stage, drawing whistles from the crowd.
A guitar player joined in occasionally, backing a girl with a sultry voice.
Girls who could sing and dance earned far more than those who simply offered their bodies.
Luca didn't particularly enjoy earning money this way, surrounded by lust and spectacle, but for now, it was a start. One day, if he could play for a ball or teach music, he'd gladly make the change. Until then… he had to survive.
Entrance fees for that evening's show. Admission costs around fifteen copper.
However, when guests bid for a girl, that was an entirely separate matter, those prices could climb as high as one to five gold coins, depending on the girl and the bidder's desire.
He worked from six in the evening until three in the morning. He pocketed twenty copper. Not much.
But enough to prove one thing. He wasn't powerless anymore.