Chapter 40.
A beauty was right in front of him, yet he didn't appreciate her.
What was even more outrageous was that Eugene specified he wanted to spend the whole night talking with another woman.
Any woman would feel this was an insult to her charm.
But Aisha, with her extremely high self-esteem, didn't show the reaction one might expect.
Eugene's particularly fervent gaze towards the Far Eastern Pavilion.
Instead caused this wild, beautiful woman to show an involuntary look of worry.
Yes.
Not dissatisfaction, nor jealousy, nor anger.
But worry.
In this powerless Pleasure Quarter, one woman worrying about another woman.
What does this situation indicate?
They must be girlfriends!
However, they were not.
Aisha always held a sisterly concern for Haruhime.
The sight of a young girl, isolated in a foreign land and reduced to this, touched the soft spot in the tough-looking Aisha's heart.
"You... want to find Haruhime?"
Aisha's delicate brows furrowed, and her eyes held a significant wariness.
"What, is that not allowed?" Eugene asked, pretending not to know their relationship:
"Has Miss Haruhime not registered here?"
Aisha's hand involuntarily tightened.
If possible, she didn't want any man to interact with that child (Haruhime).
People who come to the Pleasure Quarter are not necessarily all bad, but they are certainly not good.
And Haruhime was merely an innocent girl, powerless and isolated here.
She shouldn't have to surrender her body to strangers like this.
"Miss Aisha seems very worried about her."
"I understand your concern for a junior, but this day was bound to come sooner or later."
"... As long as she remains a courtesan in the Pleasure Quarter."
Eugene took Aisha's hand meaningfully, gently kissed it, and walked slowly toward the lights of the Far Eastern Pavilion.
Aisha, however, could only watch his retreating figure.
If Haruhime were just an ordinary girl, Aisha would naturally be able to stand in front of her, driving away all those with ill intentions, and even unilaterally purchase her freedom.
Unfortunately, Haruhime was not ordinary.
Not only was she not ordinary, but she was also one of the three strongest "cheats" in the DanMachi world view.
It was mentioned earlier.
The secret art (magic) she possesses is called "Level Boost."
It is a divine technique that allows a person to temporarily break through one level, causing their strength to surge.
Its strategic value for the Ishtar Familia, which has secured her, is extraordinary.
It is precisely because of this that Haruhime's status is unlike any other courtesan.
She is perpetually wearing a collar, forever unable to leave this street.
Furthermore, she is required to periodically join the Familia's expeditions into the Dungeon to utilize her power.
All of this is simply because she possesses a value far exceeding her own self.
Which is commonly known as a child holding a gold brick.
As long as this gold brick is on her person, she cannot gain freedom.
In fact, to possess the gold brick, she will be relegated to an accessory, or even...
Lose her life.
Click.
Aisha's teeth clenched.
She tried to help Haruhime, not just once, but many times.
Driving away the customers for her, shielding her from harm in the Dungeon.
But just as Eugene said, as long as she remains in the Pleasure Quarter, as long as she remains in the Ishtar Familia.
She will never be free.
Sadly, Aisha cannot defy a god.
Ishtar, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, governs desire; regardless of gender, all who stand before her become slaves to lust.
She cannot save Haruhime.
And because of her excessive interference, she received cruel punishment.
"Sigh..." Her expression was desolate.
Lena comforted her: "Relax, Aisha, Master is a very good person; at the very least, he won't make Haruhime feel bad."
"Yes," Aisha gave a self-deprecating smile.
"At the very least, he's a decent man. He'll probably give her some unforgettable memories."
"... Before she's torn to shreds by us."
...
Perhaps not understanding why two beautiful women weren't enough, the attendant looked at Eugene strangely along the way.
But eventually, the three walked through the Japanese-style corridor and arrived at Haruhime's room.
"Wow~ The decor is so atmospheric, meow!"
Chloe exclaimed in admiration.
Eugene also had to admit that the Japanese-style decor did have a certain charm in this regard.
"Excuse me, are you the noble master that this humble maid is to serve tonight?"
A soft voice came from behind the screen, and a blonde, blue-eyed Fox Person girl with fox ears pushed open the translucent paper door.
That's right, Haruhime is a Fox Person.
Her crimson kimono was embroidered with maple leaves, and the ornamental collar on her long neck was prominent.
Her eyes, like emerald gems, were filled with timidity and melancholy.
This posture brought to mind a small, captive creature startled by people.
It easily triggered the bestial desire deep within a person's heart.
Because of her delicate nature, which was both pure and alluring, Haruhime was jokingly called the "Lustful Fox" by fans.
"Ah! Another great beauty! Boss, where do you get all this information about women!"
Lunoire cried out loudly.
The Fox Person girl before them had skin like snow and a beautiful, delicate face, perfectly embodying the characteristics of a demure beauty.
In the original work, she was one of the few top-tier beauties whose looks rivaled those of a Goddess.
"Please keep watch for me, ladies."
Eugene waved his hand, and Chloe and Lunoire smartly stepped outside the door.
Before leaving, they couldn't help but peek back at the nervous Fox Person girl.
"My name is Eugene."
After Eugene spoke, he began to take off his clothes.
That's too fast, hey!!
He took off his suit jacket and handed it to the bewildered Haruhime, smiling: "Can you hang this up for me, please?"
The Fox Person girl's eyes brightened slightly. She took the jacket with her delicate hand and very respectfully and carefully hung it on the clothes rack.
"Miss Haruhime is from the Far East, I see." Eugene sat down casually, cross-legged, with a strangely patriarchal demeanor.
It is worth noting that his shirt was not wide open as usual.
Instead, the buttons were neatly fastened.
"Yes, Master." Haruhime nodded respectfully, the snowy skin at her collarbone beautiful to behold.
"I haven't had Far Eastern tea in a long time. Could Miss Haruhime brew a pot for me?"
Another polite command.
However, Haruhime seemed more active than she was initially. After nodding repeatedly, she immediately went into the room to prepare the tea.
"Hmm, just as I thought."
Eugene watched the busy figure inside and drew a conclusion about Haruhime's personality.
As someone from the Far East (Japan), her upbringing stressed obedience to the patriarch.
She placed great importance on complex etiquette and was absolutely submissive to patriarchal authority.
Eugene's commanding tone actually gave Haruhime a sense of direction.
When she had something to do, she felt more at ease.
This was also confirmed in the original work.
After Haruhime joined the protagonist's harem-ahem, Familia-her position in the household was... the maid.
Her daily routine was centered around housework.
Which means that to quickly raise this girl's affection level.
He had to command her relentlessly!
Making her feel that he was her Daddy!!
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