175 THE NEW BROTHEL
[Many months ago, in Gomora City]
"Damn those stupid bitches believing in a stupid demon- Lusifar. I'll reclaim my dungeon one day, and they'll know exactly who they're dealing with," Sakema muttered under her breath, her fists clenched as she wandered the streets outside Court La Pleasure.
Her body ached with the aftereffects of her resurrection.
She had been hunted relentlessly by Madame La Rosa's Seer, and to escape, she had been forced to sacrifice her own essence.
That desperate act had cost her life.
As the true Rose Demon, her unique ability ensured her resurrection—this time, cast back to life on the streets. Although she was resurrected the ordeal left her vulnerable and her magic weak.
"That impostor Madame La Rosa won't get away with this," she vowed, her voice a low growl.
Suddenly, a sharp, tingling sensation coursed down her spine. She froze.
"Damn it," Sakema hissed. "The Seer is probing me again."
Her heart raced as she glanced around, searching for an escape route.
Before she could move, a wealthy young lord appeared in the distance. His confident gait was flanked by soldiers trailing discreetly behind him. His fine robes and commanding presence marked him as someone important.
"I don't have a fucking choice," she thought. "I'll have to take a risk."
Without hesitation, Sakema hurried toward him, her movements deliberate yet desperate.
"Master, can you spare a coin for a poor girl?" she asked, her tone soft but pleading.
The young man, Lilleo Gullee, paused, studying her with mild curiosity. Without a word, he reached into his pocket and handed her a coin.
------
[In Court La Mood]
"We're in trouble—all our courtesans have left," Madam Butterfly complained as she stormed into the room.
"This is bad. How are we supposed to run Court La Mood without the Roses?" Petunia asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Where have they all gone?" Leo asked, his brow furrowing.
"I know," Madam Butterfly said, her gaze narrowing as she turned toward Petunia. "They've gone to the brothels of the Lotus family."
"Leave me out of this! I have nothing to do with it," Petunia protested, raising her hands defensively.
"It's not Petunia's doing," Leo interjected calmly. "It's Lillsa."
"What do we do now?" Grangya asked, looking to Leo for direction.
"We'll temporarily close Court La Mood," Leo replied. "Bring in the courtesans we've prepared from Debauchery City and let them settle before we reopen."
Madam Butterfly blinked in surprise. "You've already planned for this?"
"Yes," Grangya said with a small smirk. "We anticipated the Roses might leave, so we selected some of the most beautiful courtesans from Debauchery City ahead of time. We've been waiting for the right moment to bring them in."
Leo nodded. He had long realized they couldn't hold on to the Roses, not with Lillsa's magical hold over them. Their only option was to bring in new talent to keep Court La Mood running.
"And what about the Roses? Are we just letting them walk away like this?" Petunia asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Of course not," Leo said, a dark glint flashing in his eyes. "No one leaves here without settling their debts."
Grangya chuckled, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Spoken like a true demon."
------
[In Court La Lotus]
"Where is that Petunia? Doesn't she know we're reopening Court La Lotus with a grand fanfare?" Madam Chantrieri demanded, pacing the room in frustration.
"She's probably with Lilleo Gullee at Court La Mood," Sakema replied, her voice calm yet pointed.
"That girl! What did that demon give her to defy us like this?" Chantrieri fumed, her fists clenching.
"We should focus on the opening, Mother," Sakema interjected diplomatically. "Important guests from all over Sodom will be attending."
"You're right," Chantrieri said, taking a deep breath. "We'll deal with that brat later. Lucky for me, I have you, Sakema. What would I do without you?"
"I'm here to help, Mother," Sakema replied, her expression dutiful.
As the evening unfolded, the grand reopening of Court La Lotus was in full swing. Guests flocked to the newly renovated brothel, eager to see the courtesans who had famously defected from Court La Mood.
"The guests are here, Madam. It's time for your speech," Arum said, gesturing toward the stage.
Madam Chantrieri ascended the platform, greeted by applause and cheers. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a stir ran through the crowd.
To her shock, Lilleo Gullee and Petunia strolled into the gathering, their presence drawing gasps and murmurs from the audience.
"Congratulations on your grand opening," Leo called out with a mocking smile.
The crowd buzzed with intrigue.
"Isn't that Lilleo Gullee? What's he doing here?"
"Did he come to reclaim his courtesans?"
"Are we about to witness a showdown between rival brothels?"
The murmurs grew louder as Madam Chantrieri's composure faltered.
"Petunia, get back here!" she barked, glaring at her daughter.
"No," Petunia snapped, her defiance palpable. "Not while she's around." She pointed accusingly at Sakema.
The guests exchanged knowing glances, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding family drama.
"Calm down, Mother. The entire city is laughing at us," Sakema whispered urgently to Chantrieri.
Taking a deep breath, Madam Chantrieri forced a smile and returned her attention to the crowd. But before she could begin her prepared speech, Leo's voice rang out again.
"Why don't you show off your courtesans now?" he challenged, drawing everyone's attention.
"This isn't your event!" Chantrieri snapped, her anger barely contained.
"But isn't that why everyone's here? To see the women?" Leo countered, his tone infuriatingly casual.
The crowd murmured in agreement. "Yes, show us the courtesans!"
Arum signaled for the Roses to be brought out.
"What are you doing, Arum?" Sakema hissed, displeased at the deviation from the schedule.
"The crowd wants to see the women. Let them," Arum replied smoothly.
One by one, the Roses appeared on stage, their faces veiled.
"Perfect timing," Leo said with a sly grin. "Now, lift their veils."
The crowd echoed his demand. "Lift their veils! Lift their veils!"
Chantrieri hesitated, her fury barely contained, but Arum gave the signal. The servants stepped forward and unveiled the Roses.