Chapter One

The city was home to no small number of fabulous entertainment venues, but one was particularly popular with its never-ending stream of visitors. Far from its large hall where music and shows were performed to cheering audiences, its upper floor was home to an array of private rooms, each with an air of exclusivity. At the farthest end, away from all prying eyes, a man and a woman were having a secret rendezvous.

The room was one of the venue’s more understated options, but when the restless man sat down, he was nonetheless surrounded by decidedly exquisite decor. The chair, with a beautiful woven pattern on its seat and back, received him gently. He’d worn his best suit to avoid looking out of place, but sadly he was outshone by the quality of the furnishings.

His young face, full of vitality, had a masculine handsomeness to it, and he had taken great pains to force his ever-unruly hair into a gentlemanly style. Despite appearances, however, it was more than obvious that he wasn’t accustomed to such places. The atmosphere had overwhelmed him straight away, and he hunched up, looking very uncomfortable indeed.

The woman who sat down across from him had her face hidden by a lace veil. Her velvet dress, appropriate for the late autumn season, was dark brown. It appeared plain at first glance, but the design was in keeping with the latest fashion. The figure-hugging skirt emphasized her dainty silhouette. This type of dress was also favored by the courtesans who worked here, as it was optimal for showing off one’s sensual appeal. However, unlike the courtesans, this woman was rather lacking in curves. Her thin limbs, which held not even a smidgen of voluptuous charm, still looked like those of an adolescent.

Once they both were settled, the woman spoke first. “I’m awfully sorry to have brought you to a place like this.”

Her mouth and chin were barely visible belo