Chapter 8 - Troubling Desires(4)
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"I was wondering how much money I should pay for my visits there. I don't want to spend all of my savings in one month, only to regret it later."
That's the other issue that really bothered me. Of course, I would love to have a companion without any other worries. But without the proper courtship and emotional connection, the only other way to have that is by spending money.
And maybe I was a spendthrift in my previous life, but I very well knew the result of overspending and not saving for the bad days. And this brothel thing seemed to be a black hole for monetary plans. I felt really troubled by those thoughts, making me think again and again about what kind of method I could safely use in this world that wouldn't have Earth-shattering consequences. Mother's reply soon arrived too,
"It really depends upon each Girl's own asking price, but the cost for a decent company for one night costs around 1 Gold. If you try skimping on it while still playing safe, then 20 Silver is a good amount."
I-It costs that much?! Darn it. It really doesn't seem possible to visit the brothels to resolve my lust every single time. In the end, would I really have to use my trusted right hand?
While I was thinking about all these matters, Mother spoke further,
"Of course, the richer the past of the Girl, the higher the asking price would be. I remember your Father once telling me that the company of the top Girl from his young days would cost around 55 Gold. The poor guy saved his money for many years, only to end up being married before fulfilling his dream."
Huh? Father? That bearded man full of charisma? That dude wanted to visit a brothel in his youth, too? Do these urges really run in the blood or something?
Oh, man. Why do I feel like I am hearing something that I really shouldn't...
"Alas, the Girl he had been chasing after had already bought out her contract and left the industry altogether, so your Father had to make do with this Mother of yours in the end, hehe."
S-So sad... Father's innocent dreams were never realized. It seems like, under the guise of a tough noble, there are a lot of vulnerabilities within Father. Strangely, it kind of made him look a lot more human that way, though.
On the matter of the costs, though, I couldn't help but mumble to myself,
"That... actually costs a lot more than I thought it would. Maybe I should look into more ways to make money..."
Before I could speak any further, Mother quickly interjected my statement, as she spoke instead,
"Don't worry about those things, Lily. Your Mother here has saved up a lot of money, in case you wanted to get married around this age. You can use that money anytime you need to. No need to stand on ceremony for that, alright?"
What? Is Mother okay with me getting married? Sorry to spoil your hopes, Mom, but I ain't marrying a guy. Not a chance in any of my lifetimes. However... would she agree if I brought a bride home instead?
As I felt troubled to ask Mother something so out of the ordinary, she continued to speak further,
"Hmm. That matter aside, the Baron in charge of that place has actually amassed a fortune for himself; however, he is scared of his rivals rattling his income to the Royal Family, hence he has been very loyal to us for a long time, as nobody dares to investigate him or make trouble in our territory. Most of his wealth is sent away to his other estates and hidden warehouses in the neighboring nations."
That's kind of reassuring, I guess? But that Baron seems like a very shady dude to me. Gotta keep a close eye on that one. Usually, such characters would plot devious schemes while acting subservient. If it were with some other family, I wouldn't interject. However, for the sake of my family... and my Mother, I will be the one to scrutinize such shady people from now on. After making that vow within my mind, I came up with another matter that I could only ask her for the correct opinion.
"Um, Mother? There won't be any issues with diseases or anything doing it with them, right? That place is reputed for its safety and hygiene. It would be okay, right?"
Mother seemed not to be too worried about it at all, as she waved her hands lazily with a little smile on her face as she spoke,
"Don't worry. Don't worry. As long as you don't do it with random strangers and only go to reputed institutions, paying for the premium Ladies, there would be no problems. Not a lot of people can actually pay for their services. They are mostly used to lure in new customers in hopes of being with them one day."
Why does it sound like Mother actually has a lot of experience in this field? Maybe she researched these things sometimes in the past? And from her words, one more thing popped up in my head.
"L-Like Father?"
Mother giggled very naughtily when I spoke of Father. She looked very amused as she replied,
"Yup. Very much like your Father."
"Also, when you reach the place, talk to the Baron's representative first. They would guide you to the best and safest experience possible after knowing your identity. Just don't take any discounts or special offers, okay? They are usually used to gain favors for the future. It's better to just keep the relationship monetary than anything else."
So, I must make sure not to get trapped within such schemes as well? Maybe I should really rethink this whole brothel proposal. So many problematic things at once while I try to just enjoy myself? I don't think I may be up for it.
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