Extra's Rise: I Stole All The Women In The Hero's Party-Chapter 23: Red Light District (IV)

Zayn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "At night?"

Liriel nodded. "Mmm. Timberstead's a place that never really sleeps, but once the sun sets, the real money starts flowing. That's when the merchants close up shop and the adventurers come in with their earnings. More often than not, they're looking for ways to spend it."

"Drinks, gambling, companionship..." Selis listed off casually, resting her chin on her palm. "The night is when people loosen up, and that means opportunity."

Zayn swirled his drink thoughtfully. It made sense.

Adventurers risked their necks out in the field, and once they made it back to town, they were eager to blow off steam.

Whether that was through alcohol, entertainment, or other pleasures, the city's nightlife thrived on it.

Bran, however, seemed more interested in something else. "Wait, so if you're not prostitutes, what do you do?"

Selis smirked. "Curious, are we?"

Bran chuckled. "Can you blame me?"

Liriel rolled her eyes playfully before answering. "We work at different establishments around here — mostly as hostesses, bartenders, or performers. Some places offer companionship, but not that kind. Sometimes people just want someone to drink with, to listen to them complain about their day, or to stroke their egos a bit."

Bran looked like he was about to say something, but Zayn cut in first. "Then how does the red-light district actually work?"

Selis perked up at that, her tail swaying lazily. "That's a good question."

She set her drink down and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just a bit, as if she were about to share a well-guarded secret.

"There are four dominant houses in the red-light district," she began, holding up four fingers. "Each one controls a different part of the business, and every prostitute, entertainer, or worker in that part is under their contract."

Zayn listened closely, intrigued by the structure.

He remembered it from the novel but there was a difference from reading it on a phone and having a busty girl explain it to you.

A DIFFERENCE!

"The first house," Selis continued, "is the House of Roses. They're the most high-class of the four. They cater to nobles, wealthy merchants, and those with expensive tastes. Their workers are trained in etiquette, conversation, and... well, other skills that appeal to the elite."

Liriel smirked. "Basically, if you're broke, don't even think about stepping through their doors."

Bran whistled. "Sounds fancy."

Selis nodded. "It is. The women — and men — who work for the House of Roses are considered the best of the best. Their contracts are the most expensive, and breaking one? Nearly impossible unless you've got an absurd amount of money."

Zayn took a sip of his drink, filing that information away. "And the second house?"

"That would be the House of Shadows."

Liriel's expression darkened slightly at the mention, her ears twitching.

Selis, however, remained composed. "They deal in more... taboo interests."

Bran raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Selis shrugged. "That depends. Some say they're just a brothel like any other, but others claim they deal in underground trades — information, stolen goods, even assassination contracts."

Zayn frowned slightly. That was a big claim. "And Timberstead allows that?"

Liriel scoffed. "The city turns a blind eye to it. If the House of Shadows is involved, it means someone important is making a profit."

Zayn exchanged a glance with Bran.

It wasn't surprising — powerful organizations always had a way of making sure they weren't disturbed.

Selis continued, "The third house is the House of Silk. They're the most 'traditional' of the four. They provide a wide variety of workers, from dancers to courtesans, and they focus on sheer volume. If you've got coin, you'll find something to your liking."

Bran smirked. "Sounds like the busiest one."

"It is," Selis confirmed. "Their workers have shorter contracts and more flexibility. They make the most money in bulk rather than exclusivity."

Zayn tapped his fingers on the table. "And the last house?"

Selis's silver eyes gleamed. "The House of Blossoms."

Liriel's tail flicked in amusement. "Now they're an interesting bunch."

Selis smirked. "Unlike the others, they don't just offer physical pleasure. They specialize in creating 'experiences.' It's not just about the body — it's about the mind. They use illusion magic, alchemy, and even exotic performances to craft the perfect fantasies for their clients."

Zayn raised an eyebrow at that. "Illusion magic?"

Selis nodded. "Exactly. Some people don't want just any partner — they want someone from their past, or maybe even someone impossible to have in real life. The House of Blossoms makes those dreams come true."

Bran let out a low whistle. "That's... actually kind of impressive."

Zayn nearly groaned inwardly. Anime and Mangas really misguided him, it was usually a place for prostitutes after all.

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Liriel chuckled. "And expensive. You'd need a heavy coin pouch to afford a night there."

Zayn leaned back in his chair, processing everything he'd just learned.

Timberstead's red-light district wasn't just a chaotic mess of brothels and taverns — it was a carefully structured business.

Each house catered to a different clientele, ensuring that everyone with coin had a place to go.

It was smart.

And very tempting.

Bran finished off his drink with a satisfied sigh. "Well, damn. You guys really know your stuff."

Selis grinned. "We work here, remember?"

Liriel smirked. "And some of us actually pay attention."

Zayn chuckled. "This whole place really is an economy of its own."

Selis nodded. "That's why it thrives. No matter what happens in the outside world — wars, monster attacks, political struggles — people will always want what we offer here."