Chapter 252: The Star Attraction

Chapter 252: The Courtesan

A knock sounded at the door.

Sitting up from the bed, Karen reached out and opened it...

Outside stood four attendants bearing a bathtub, within which lay a woman whose face was veiled in sheer gauze—no, not a woman, a mermaid.

"I did not place an order."

"Sir, this was arranged for you by your friend."

"My friend?"

"Yes, your friend."

"My apologies, but I have no need for this."

At that moment, the mermaid in the tub began to sob, her weeping a tremulous, shuddering sound that seemed to pluck at the very heartstrings of anyone who heard it.

Had it been anyone else, man or woman, they likely would have lost themselves to heartache in those tears, but Karen’s mental resilience was far beyond ordinary. In that instant, his first instinct was:

She is attempting to influence me with mental force!

"I said, I have no need."

"Sir, if you do this, we will not be able to account for it. The order has already been delivered to you. If it is returned, she will be punished."

A mature woman dressed in a long gown walked to the doorway and spoke to Karen.

"Punished?"

"Yes, any mermaid whose order is returned faces punishment; such is the rule of our theater. Furthermore, she will lose the commission she was meant to receive. You need not do anything at all, sir—just let her stay here and chat with you to pass the time. Please, be merciful."

By Karen's reckoning, this was likely an order placed for him by Richard or Leon. To refuse with fierce vehemence would be unseemly, so he could only nod.

The attendants carried the bathtub into Karen's room and filed out. The mature woman gave Karen a faint smile, saying, "Thank you for your kindness."

With that, she closed the room door.

The smile faded from her face then, replaced by a frown; she truly had no inkling what game the noble Her Highness was playing. She was not even certain whether it would be better for the handsome gentleman inside to touch that mermaid or leave her alone.

Regardless, she had successfully delivered the courtesan. Whatever happened next, no blame could be cast upon her.

Inside the room,

The mermaid removed the sheer veil, revealing her face.

She was exceedingly fair, and exceedingly tender.

Confronting her, all other adjectives seemed to vanish from the mind; the ultimate fairness and the ultimate tenderness seemed like the most harmonious pairing of colors in the world, perfectly manifested upon her form.

Crossing her hands before her, the mermaid bowed to Karen.

Karen sat back down by the edge of the bed, watching her.

The mermaid opened her hands, revealing a blue reagent bottle within her palm. She cast her gaze toward Karen, silently asking if she should drink it now to manifest legs.

To her surprise, however, the handsome gentleman did not answer. Instead, he reached out and took the reagent bottle from her palm.

Karen uncorked the bottle and brought it beneath his nose to sniff. Though he was no master of pharmaceutics, Pu'er was an expert in the craft; back home, to treat Dora and Doreen, Pu'er had concocted no shortage of potions, so Karen possessed some understanding of the matter.

The scent of the potion was slightly pungent; inhaling even a fraction brought a faint drowsiness to the brain.

"This thing cannot be taken frequently; it is detrimental to the body."

The mermaid offered an awkward smile; this was the first time she had ever encountered such a guest.

Other guests had told her to drink it first, or told her not to drink it at all, or had her drink it halfway through the act.

"Can you not speak?"

The mermaid nodded.

"Then we shall not chat."

The mermaid nodded again, assuming they were to proceed directly to the main event. She unfurled her arms, preparing to display her seductive charms.

"I will sleep in the bed, you will sleep in the bathtub. We shall each take our rest."

"..." The mermaid.

Karen lay back down on the bed, crossing his hands beneath his head as a pillow, and closed his eyes.

Every person had their own preferences, or quirks, which in most cases fell within an acceptable, normal range. For instance, Eunice knew he fancied stockings; every time she returned, she would prepare several varieties to please him.

This was a way for a young couple to delight each other—perfectly natural and quite harmless.

But with this mermaid, no matter how beautiful or exquisite her features, the moment Karen saw that fishtail in the bathtub, he lost every shred of interest. That he had not allowed his expression of discomfort to show was already a testament to his self-restraint.

That fishtail, those fish scales, gave Karen the distinct impression of being in a seafood market. He did not even dare recall the lavish seafood feast Laurey had treated him to at noon.

The courtesan mermaid in the bathtub was utterly bewildered.

What was happening?

She had come to sleep, but surely not to sleep like this...

Yet with the guest lying on the bed in such a manner, what could she do?

The potion bottle was in his hands. Was she supposed to tumble out of the bathtub, flapping her tail on the floor while crying out for him to come help her up?

As the courtesan, she possessed her own pride.

Thus, using her left hand, she drew her long hair to her lips and began to blow a faint, whistling melody.

No sooner had the sound arisen, before it could even take effect, a cold voice drifted from the bed:

"Do you not recognize the clothes I am wearing?"

The woman froze; she truly did not recognize them.

The Dark Moon Island boasted a sizeable native population, but the true pillars of its entertainment industry were the passing merchants, pirates, and lords of other nearby small islands; the Dark Moon Island was the sole transit hub for trade in these waters.

Yet the island had long forbidden the entry of foreign churches, practitioners of external faiths, and similar outside forces; any occasional interactions were strictly confined to the Bernard Hotel.

Though a missionary post of the Church of Order had now been established on the island, the duration was still brief, and its influence had not yet spread wide. The islanders were largely unfamiliar with it, to say nothing of a marginalized group like the mermaids.

"Praise Order."

The mermaid opened her mouth, her face pale with terror.

She did not recognize the divine robes of the Church of Order, but she knew of the Church itself. The might and terror of the Church of Order was no secret even on this island, and the unfamiliarity between the two parties only served to magnify that fear.

The mermaid immediately lay back obediently within the bathtub, daring to make no further covert moves, her body trembling slightly from dread.

Lying on the bed, Karen frowned slightly.

Why did it feel as though someone were spying on him?

...

"Your Highness, Mr. Karen has gone back to sleep, and the mermaid remains in the bathtub."

The female warrior, Panmir, reported to Ophelia behind her while continuing to peek at the opposite room.

Having just returned from delivering the delivery, Madame Chainay heard these words and immediately smiled. "It appears Mr. Karen is truly devoted to Your Highness."

Whether the princess of the Dark Moon Island could wed an outsider, and whether it aligned with the interests of their factions, Madame Chainay did not know, nor did she need to know. She only needed to say what was pleasing to the ear.

No trace of a youthful smile touched Ophelia’s face, as if the matter brought her no joy at all, and she merely said flatly, "Let us return."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Farewell, Your Highness."

…

Karen did not know how long a ticket for a third-floor private room could actually last; it seemed that as long as you kept placing orders or extending your time, they would let you use it indefinitely.

Yet more than two hours had already passed, so was it still not over on their end? He had already taken a whole afternoon nap.

Immediately, another possibility occurred to Karen—perhaps it was already over over there, and they were waiting for him because he had never dismissed the mermaid on his end.

So, had he passively renewed his order?

Karen sat up from the bed, opened the door, and found a waiter standing in the hallway outside.

"Excuse me, are my friends finished?"

"Sir, they are already downstairs waiting for you at the lounge bar."

As he had suspected.

Karen shook his head, somewhat speechless; he, who kept himself pure, turned out to be the longest one and even had to keep them waiting.

"How many points—well, Order vouchers?"

Karen remembered Lawren saying that the ordering fees here had to be paid directly to the mermaids, bypassing the theater's front desk.

"Sir, your consumption here has already been paid for. You may go straight downstairs."

"Paid for?" Karen frowned slightly. This was impossible; the three of them had already closed their bills and gone downstairs. Even if they had requested a joint bill upon leaving their rooms, it should only cover the expenses incurred up to that moment.

Furthermore, everyone's price and service were different, making it inconvenient to pay on someone else's behalf.

"Very well, I understand."

Karen turned his head to look at the mermaid lying in the bathtub. Indeed, she was a true mermaid; after soaking in the tub for so long, her skin showed not the slightest sign of whitening.

"Goodbye."

"Safe travels, sir."

Karen went downstairs, and by the bar sofas, he clearly saw Richard, Leon, and Lawren sitting there.

Seeing Karen come down, the three of them burst into a cheer together:

"Oh, oh, oh, you're finally down! Do you know how long we've been waiting for you!"

"Now this is a king, a true king!"

"Is your competitive spirit really that strong? How many times did you extend the order? You didn't just have the mermaid lie in the tub to chat and drag out the time, did you?"

"Which of you paid my bill?" Karen asked.

The three looked at one another.

Richard spoke up, "When I wanted to give you vouchers earlier, didn't you say you had some on you, Karen?"

"Very well, I understand."

"What happened?" Leon asked. "It can't be that someone paid your bill for you, could it?"

"It seems so."

"Oh, that really is strange," Lawren laughed. "This is your first time on Dark Moon Island, right? Could you possibly know someone here..."

At this point, Lawren subconsciously looked at Leon. If Karen knew anyone, it would be that lady, though clearly it was inappropriate to make such a joke while both Leon and Karen were present.

"It is getting late, let us head back," Leon said, reaching out to pat the shoulders of those around him.

The four of them climbed back into the carriage, and half an hour later, they returned to the hotel. Continuing deeper by carriage, they arrived at the residential area for their team; outside the entrance of the quadrangle courtyard, a group of warriors clad in red armor stood guard.

"It should be some prominent figure from Dark Moon Island coming to see Grandfather," Leon said.

The group alighted from the carriage, and the warriors did not block them, stepping aside to clear the way.

When Karen and the others walked inside, they found Neo leading the remaining members of the Whip of Order squad, lined up in two rows in the courtyard.

This was basic social etiquette; the Whip of Order squad had actually come along this time to serve as a guard of honor.

"Damn it," Lawren cursed himself softly, knowing his duty was to keep records during such official meetings, yet he, the secretary, had been absent just now.

Karen and Richard immediately drew out their silver masks, placed them upon their faces, and joined the ranks.

Leon adjusted his clothes, preparing to go inside to pay his respects as well. His grandfather was receiving a guest, and it was only right for him to go up, offer a greeting, and have his grandfather introduce him, which counted as basic social etiquette.

However, Bishop Wolfrun was already walking out of the house with the guest at that moment.

Standing beside Bishop Wolfrun was none other than Miss Ophelia.

The meeting between the two had evidently concluded, and they were performing the closing formalities.

"Your Highness Ophelia, your visit leaves me deeply flattered."

"While in York City, I received much of your care. Now that you have come to the island, it is only proper that I show the hospitality of a host."

The cooperative negotiations between Dark Moon Island and the Church of Order had commenced in York City, and Wolfrun was one of those who handled the matters.

"Your Highness is far too courteous. To be able to come to such a beautiful place is my honor."

"I also hope that after the formal negotiations end, you will remain on the island a while longer, so that we may entertain you properly, as well as our friends from the Church of Order."

"Thank you for your invitation."

Discovering the guest was Ophelia, Leon could not help but hesitate, even casting a deliberate glance toward Karen standing in the ranks.

He had long told Karen that he disliked such arranged marriages, so he harbored no grievances against those rumors and would not target Karen because of them, believing such actions would make him look low-class.

Yet he needed to consider his grandfather's attitude, or rather, his grandfather's face.

Unfortunately, he had no mask in his pocket; otherwise, he truly wished to wear one and hide within the ranks as well.

But just then, his grandfather, walking down the steps, had already fixed his gaze upon him.

"Leon, come here."

Leon could only walk over, "Grandfather."

Then, he looked toward Ophelia and said, "Your Highness Ophelia, hello. It is a great pleasure to meet you once again."

"To see Mr. Leon again brings me great pleasure as well."

"This boy Leon loves Dark Moon Island very much. See, just after putting his things away upon checking in, he went out for a stroll."

As an elder, Wolfrun habitually spoke some kind words for his grandson.

"Oh? Where did Mr. Leon go for a stroll this afternoon?"

Leon replied with a smile, "I went to have a meal of local seafood, and then simply wandered aimlessly along the streets to feel the local customs and culture. Generally, when traveling to a place, I do not quite like going to specific scenic spots, for I feel true beauty lies in walking around at random."

"Mr. Leon possesses quite an elegant taste."

"It is not elegance, but simply that I believe only in this way can one perceive true beauty with the heart."

Leon's response was gentle, refined, and smooth.

Wolfrun laughed, "That is just how he is. Young people nowadays just love this kind of romance and artistry, ho ho."

The old gentleman remained blissfully unaware that his grandson had spent the afternoon patronizing a brothel.

Even less did he realize that the esteemed lady standing before him was fully aware of his grandson's afternoon indiscretion.

…

Within the ranks, Richard subtly nudged his head toward Kaelen, gesturing for him to look at Lady Ophelia.

Kaelen ignored him entirely.

Then, Kaelen noticed that aside from Memphis, every single person in the formation was either winking at him or making discreet hand gestures.

Kaelen chose to disregard them all.

The bunch of them were simply eager for a spectacle, and with Leon present, their appetite for drama was only amplified.

Helpless, Kaelen could only blame himself for wearing his grandfather’s mask by mistake back then, and for speaking far too much, which had directly brought about the current predicament.

…

"I am old now; perhaps only you young people truly share common ground for conversation," Voflon remarked.

"You are not old at all. Your mind is just like a youth's—vigorous and bursting with vitality," Ophelia flattered smoothly.

"Heh, when a man reaches this age, he must accept his limitations. It is difficult to possess that old vigor anymore. Right now, I am merely helping the young ones watch the road ahead. After that, it will be up to them to take over and continue serving the Great God."

"I am deeply sorry for disturbing your rest."

"No, no, not at all. I am immensely grateful that Your Highness could visit. By all rights, as a guest, I should have been the one to pay respects to the host's household first."

"Please rest, I shall take my leave now."

"Very well. Leon, see Her Highness out."

"Yes, Grandfather."

Ophelia walked outward, with Leon accompanying her at her side.

As she passed by Kaelen, she did not spare him a single glance.

However, Kaelen felt no sense of disappointment. Even without the repeated warnings from Purr at home, Kaelen would not foolishly indulge in flights of fancy here.

The only vessel suited for storing faint, beautiful sentiments was the one called memory.

Yet he knew with certainty that he would meet Lady Ophelia again. It was not a matter of romance, but rather a question of his own identity; Dark Moon Island would undoubtedly invite him over specifically for a discussion.

Ophelia walked past Kaelen.

Well.

She seemed to have gained a little weight.

Perhaps she had grown thin from hunger while staying at the Ankara Hotel, and upon returning home, she could eat and drink normally again, thus regaining her fullness.

Just then, Kaelen heard the Captain's voice:

"According to protocol, Richard, Kaelen, you two shall accompany Mr. Leon to see the guest off."

Captain, what on earth are you playing at?

Kaelen looked toward the Captain. Across the mask, Kaelen could not see his expression, but he felt certain that the Captain wore a mischievous smirk.

Richard turned and followed Leon. Left with no choice, Kaelen could only join Richard in trailing behind Leon.

Stepping outside,

Ophelia was in no hurry to board the carriage, choosing instead to continue strolling while Leon walked beside her.

The carriage and the entourage followed from behind, with Kaelen and Richard trailing Leon, flanked by the female warrior Panmire and another woman warrior.

In truth, the most uncomfortable person in this situation was Leon. With Ophelia ahead of him and Kaelen behind him, he had not even attempted to initiate small talk or conversation since stepping out, feeling that doing so would make him look utterly ridiculous.

Finally,

upon reaching a shaded spot beneath the trees by a scenic river, Ophelia halted her steps.

Everyone else stopped as well.

Facing the water, Ophelia spoke:

"Kaelen."

The moment the name was called out, Leon very consciously stepped back, shrugging his shoulders to dispel the awkwardness.

Though her voice was not loud, it was exceedingly clear—so clear that there was absolutely no room to pretend he had not heard it.

Kaelen had no choice but to walk toward Ophelia.

Meanwhile, beneath his mask, Richard's expression was shifting rapidly. As Kaelen took his place behind Ophelia, a knowing, maternal grin spread beneath Richard's mask.

Leon retreated toward the side, gesturing with his hand for the others to fall back with him. Richard naturally followed suit, and Panmire led the other female warrior backward as well, clearing the space and leaving it entirely to the two of them.

Richard nudged Leon's shoulder with his own and said, "I didn't expect you to be such a gentleman."

"I do not care for political marriages. I want my freedom."

"So, you ought to feel grateful to Kaelen?"

"I am afraid you are asking too much of me. I am no saint."

"No, in my heart, you are already Saint Leon."

…

Beneath the shade of the trees, Ophelia still faced the river, refusing to turn around, keeping her back to Kaelen.

"Went out for a stroll this afternoon?"

"Yes."

"Where did you go?"

"Had some seafood first."

"And then? What did you do after?"

"Visits to a brothel."

———

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