The door at the far end of the hall swung open, and Madam Vex strode in like she owned the entire kingdom.
She was a woman in her late thirties, with raven-black hair pinned up in an elegant twist and a dress that hugged her curves like it was tailored by a perverse dressmaker.
Her eyes, sharp as daggers, scanned the room, and the air seemed to tighten under her gaze. She carried a leather-bound ledger, slamming it onto the table with a thud that made Mira jump.
"Alright, you lot," Madam Vex said, her voice smooth but edged with authority. "We've got a problem. And an opportunity."
Kael leaned forward, intrigued. His system screen flickered in the corner of his vision, but he ignored it for now.
According to his predecessor's memories, Madam Vex wasn't the type to waste words, and if she was calling a meeting, it was big.
"The Church of Sacredflame is sniffing around again," she continued, pacing slowly. "Their Flame Knights raided two high-level brothels in the lower district last week. Burned one to the ground and placed their heads on pikes, the usual nonsense. They're getting bolder, and our little textile front won't hold them off forever."
Jace snorted, kicking his feet up on the table. "Let 'em try. We've got peak Mortal-Rank wards, don't we? Also, mana barriers and all that?"
Madam Vex shot him a look that made him shrink back in fear. "Mortal Rank wards aren't worth trash against a Flame Knight. They don't even stop a determined low-level knight wielding a cheap sword. And if they find out what we're really doing here, we're all kindling."
Lila stopped filing her nails, her eyes narrowing. "So what's the plan, Madam? We packing up and moving?"
"Not yet," Madam Vex said, a sly smile creeping across her lips. "That's where the opportunity comes in. I got word from a contact in the viscount circle. House Varnell—one of those hypocritical families that preaches purity while funding the brothels in Bright Moon Province—is hosting a secret gala next week. They're looking for… entertainment. High-class, discreet, and very well-paid."
Sara perked up, her skirt shifting dangerously. "How well-paid?"
Madam Vex's smile widened. "Enough to buy us new wards, more performers, better cover, and maybe a few bribes to keep the Church off our backs for sometime. But they want the best. And they want new faces." Her eyes landed on Kael, lingering a bit too long. "That means you, pretty boy."
Kael blinked, pointing at himself. "Me? You sure they want a rookie?"
"You're a fresh intake," Vex said, leaning on the table, her cleavage dangerously close to stealing the show. "And you've got that… thing down there. It best be put to use. Don't think I haven't seen you in your birthday suit, Kael. And I'm betting your big brother will make those noble women drool."
Kael's system pinged, and a new screen popped up.
[Ding!]
[Main Quest: Impress Countess Leya]
[Objective: Perform at House Varnell's gala and secure a contract for the Pleasure Wand Whorehouse. Showcase your… talents to leave a lasting impression.]
[Time Limit: 7 days]
[Rewards: 100 Gold Coins, 100 Experience Point, Random Skill Card]
[Failure Penalty: Decreased Reputation with Madam Vex]
Kael's grin returned, wider than ever. "Alright, Madam. I'm in. What do I need to do?"
Madam Vex straightened, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Get ready to charm the pants off some rich hypocrites. And I mean that literally. Sara, Lila, you're on the job too. Jace, you're backup. Mira, keep the place spotless in case we get surprise visitors."
Mira nodded nervously, while Jace groaned, clearly annoyed at being sidelined. Sara winked at Kael, her foot brushing his under the table. "Don't worry, newbie. I'll show you the ropes… or maybe something more fun."
Kael's blood thrummed, his lust demon side practically purring. He pushed his glasses up, trying to play it cool. "Let's just focus on not getting burned at the stake, yeah?"
The room erupted in laughter, but Madam Vex's sharp clap silenced it. "Meeting's over. Get to work. Kael, stay behind. We need to talk about your… presentation. I'll teach you a thing or two to make you well... ahem.., prepared."
As the others filed out, Sara's hips swayed with extra flair, and Kael swore she was doing it just for him.
'I'll punish you sooner or later.' he swore.