Lewd Courtship - Chapter 52

Rachel took a deep breath and grasped the doorknob. With a soft click, the door opened. Her heart pounded faster as she stepped forward.

The room was simpler than she had expected. Gray soundproofing foam lined the walls, while a thin rug spread across the floor, giving it a soft feel.

Only a small chandelier illuminated the sound-dampened space, its gentle glow casting shadows across the room.

Under that subdued light, Rachel spotted the bed. A wooden frame stood in the center, equipped with fastening devices. On the wall, several neatly arranged ropes revealed their presence.

The arrangement wasn’t excessive, yet it made clear at a glance what kind of place this was. Rachel pressed her palm against the center of her chest, where her heart thudded painfully from nervousness. Just then, another clack sounded from the door.

Before she could even turn, the door creaked open and a man stepped inside. He had a sturdy build and approached swiftly, pulling back her hood. Her forehead, brows, and wide, startled eyes were fully exposed. Rachel stared up at him with round eyes.

The gaze she met was shockingly cold. Clear, ice-like gray irises bore into her as though piercing through her.

Cold…

That frosty stare held her, but soon she found herself thinking it was a little disappointing. His features were well-shaped, but plain—ordinary to the point of blandness. He was the kind of man whose face would leave not a single trace in memory, even if one brushed past him on the street.

If only he had a slightly more graceful appearance, or at least one outstanding feature, it would have been nice.

Rachel didn’t even expect him to look like the Emperor, who was practically on the level of a celestial being.

Still, shouldn’t he at least be on par with the Imperial knights she usually looked down on?

‘If I don’t like his face, then no matter what…’

No matter his character or disposition, it was impossible unless she felt a physical pull.

Just as Rachel was silently fretting over this, the man suddenly reached out. His cold fingertips slid through her hair. As he seized it, a light sting ran through her scalp and her head was forced back.

“Ah…!”

Her face naturally tilted upward. Beyond the blurry ceiling in her vision, the man’s lips drew closer and closer. Just before his breath could touch her, Rachel hastily cried out the shop’s name.

W-wait, Volutum’s! No—Voluptas!!

The man’s movements froze instantly.
He let out a short breath and stepped back a few paces.

“Why is that, I wonder?”

Gray eyes filled with puzzlement rested on her.
Rachel avoided his gaze, nervously touching her lips.
She felt the heat rise in her cheeks from the awkwardness of the moment.

“…Please call the manager.”

The man didn’t answer. Instead, he walked to the corner of the room and casually tugged on a cord hanging from the ceiling. A moment later, the door opened and the manager appeared.

As he stepped inside, the manager exchanged a brief look with the man before cautiously turning his attention toward Rachel.

Rachel approached.

“What happened?”
“Well, it’s just…”

Rachel trailed off and stole a glance at the man. No matter how displeasing his appearance was, it wasn’t polite to say it outright. She leaned closer to the manager so her voice wouldn’t carry.

Pressing her face right up to his ear, she whispered,
“…Make it someone handsome.”

The whisper was short and precise. The manager’s eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, but his face betrayed no emotion. He simply gestured toward the man. The man shrugged once and quietly left the room.

Click. The sound of the door shutting echoed. Only then did the manager sigh, his expression showing mild embarrassment.

“He already has quite a decent face, though. The thing is… truly handsome men usually don’t engage in this kind of play.”

The manager’s tone was soft and courteous. Yet, there was an undercurrent of reproach hidden in it.

Sensing the nuance, Rachel scrunched her nose. She had come here personally to confirm his inclinations, but the fact that she was receiving veiled reproach from a mere club manager pricked at her pride. Annoyed, Rachel raised the corner of her eyes.

“Forget it. I’ll just go back.”

The manager clapped his hands sharply to catch her attention.

“Ah! There is one person. He’s really handsome and very popular. Just a moment, I’ll bring him right away.”

Before Rachel could even respond, the manager yanked the doorknob. Through the slight opening, he slipped out almost as if he were fleeing, leaving her alone to stare at the now-closed door.

“…Quick, isn’t he.”