Prostitution
html, body { margin:0; padding:0; } Actor: Derek Walker 13
Prostitution
Is there any job easier for a woman to make that much money with her body? Men who want to buy women exist everywhere in the world. And women who exploit that to earn cash are just as common. Even on the battlefield, you can find prostitutes without much trouble.
"How about it!?"
Pushy demanded an answer, his eyes sparkling eagerly.
The food the three of them had ordered steamed invitingly as it arrived. Luna fixed him with an unyielding stare, while Isabel averted her gaze, turning toward the sizzling roasted pork leg.
"I'll pay you generously—no skimping on wages. One gold as a signing bonus. And another gold per AV shoot."
Isabel's eyes widened at Pushy's words. The amount he was offering was absurdly high. She didn't know the average pay for a prostitute, but common sense told her no one made that kind of money. It was more than what the head butler of the Benellia family earned.
"Unbelievable."
Luna said it in a voice like ice. She was right—it was hard to believe the sum Pushy was proposing. It was suspicious enough to scream scam.
"Of course you'd think that. But I'm serious. Hell, I could bump the signing bonus to two gold if you want."
"No thanks. Miss, let's go."
Luna stood without touching her food. Isabel stared at her blankly.
"Wasting time listening to a con artist like this."
Luna grabbed Isabel's arm and pulled her along. Pushy waved his hands frantically, his voice flustered.
"H-Hey, think it over! If you change your mind, come to Fairy Kingdom on Colon Street, Third Alley!"
Luna ignored him completely and strode out of the shop. Left alone, Pushy sighed and eyed the untouched feast.
"Damn, what a good actress. Now, how the hell am I supposed to eat all this...."
When people are backed into a corner, they do things they'd never consider otherwise. That was exactly Isabel's situation.
Prostitution
For the lady of the Benellia family to sell her body in a brothel? Unthinkable. Nobles were supposed to embody nobility just by existing.
Prostitutes, on the other hand, were spat on by everyone. Even the men who used brothels didn't hesitate to insult and degrade the whores.
But right now, Isabel couldn't afford to be picky. Time was running out for her.
"Nothing."
Isabel forced a hollow smile. She'd scoured the whole city but, predictably, found no legit way to make quick cash.
Branded a traitor to the Dove Kingdom and on the run, her options were severely limited. And ways to earn big money fast? Nowhere in sight, even if she searched with her eyes peeled.
The mercenary guild paid decently. Taking on quests there beat slinging drinks at a tavern or waiting tables.
But she couldn't reveal her identity officially, so the best she could do was F-rank. And F-rank quests wouldn't net her five gold, let alone five silver.
"Let's head back to the inn for now. You look exhausted."
Luna said, sweating bullets just watching Isabel. She nodded weakly. Wandering more wouldn't turn up any miracles.
Back at the inn, they spotted Walker in the first-floor dining hall. He waved them over when he saw them.
"Miss, over here."
The table held simple fare: chicken soup and such for dinner. Isabel and Luna joined him.
"Where've you two been wandering?"
Walker tilted his head curiously. Isabel blushed and mumbled,
"Job... hunting."
"Ah, got it."
He nodded knowingly. An awkward silence settled over the table. Isabel hated it. Forcing cheer into her voice to break it,
"Commoner food isn't bad. I'd eat this chicken soup again."
"Glad it suits you. Dig in."
But the conversation died again. Walker only spoke after finishing his soup.
"I went to the trade post today. Scouting goods to sell, gathering funds and all."
"So that means...."
Walker hadn't committed to the loan yet. But opening with this suggested good news.
Isabel watched his mouth tensely.
"Market prices are lower than expected.... Fifteen gold's about my limit."
15 gold
Not chump change.
"Fifteen gold is a fortune. If you can lend that much, I'll never forget your kindness, Mr. Walker!"
He shook his head.
"Miss! I said twenty gold myself. Somehow, I'll scrape together twenty for you within a week!"
Isabel bowed mid-sip, tears welling in grateful eyes. Walker waved awkwardly, embarrassed.
"No need to bow."
"I only regret I have but one head to bow. Truly, thank you. I'll never forget your devotion."
"If that's how you feel, I'm grateful too. But even twenty gold leaves you short, right?"
Isabel nodded with steely resolve.
"I'll make up the difference somehow."
Her voice rang with determination.
Two ideas popped into Isabel's head. One: beg Count Kengor for a discount. Two: sell her body for the shortfall.
The ideal was obviously the first. But Count Kengor agreeing to lower the price? Fat chance.
He'd demanded thirty gold precisely to avoid handing over Aness. Accepting a discount would be weirder.
'Even if I pay thirty, he might make excuses and keep big brother Aness.'
That was more likely. Still, she couldn't abandon her brother. Excluding his pederasty, Kengor was one of the more noble-like nobles in Dove Kingdom.
He hadn't betrayed her—that said enough about his character. Nobles didn't go back on their word. She'd have to bet on that.
So the realistic option was starring in that AV Pushy mentioned. Risky, of course.
For starters, the guy reeked of scam. A one-gold signing bonus? Still unbelievable.
'What should I do.... What would Mother have done?'
She agonized. Sleep evaded her. Isabel pulled an all-nighter.
"Miss, breakfast?"
The maid Luna came to fetch her. Isabel went down with her. Seeing her troubled face, Luna spoke.
"Sleepless night, huh."
Isabel smiled bitterly and nodded.
"Couldn't sleep a wink. First time I've fretted like this."
"Money troubles?"
She nodded again. Oddly, she felt safe spilling everything to this maid. Luna's stunning yet impassive face inspired trust—she'd keep secrets.
"Never realized money was so precious. Sigh.... What now, Luna? What should I do?"
"You're still mulling that Pushy guy's offer."
"If it's legit.... It's my only shot to save big brother Aness. I think it's a scam too, but...."
A drowning man grabs even a rotten rope from above. That's Isabel right now.
"I just don't know."
"Are you resolved?"
Luna asked bluntly. Isabel paused mid-spoonful, looking up.
"Pardon?"
"Resolve. Even if he's legit.... You'd sell your body to save family. Got that resolve?"
Isabel sank into thought again. Family or not, deciding to whore wasn't easy.
Especially for her—born noble, raised on the finest food, clothes, sights. A virgin, no less. Spreading her legs for a stranger she didn't love? Cruel fate.
"Resolve...."
Hesitation crept in. Then her siblings' voices echoed: steadfast big brother Aness, elegant big sister Irina, mischievous Brown.
The four siblings were always close. Fights ended in warm makeups. Much of her family joy stemmed from that bond.
Isabel slowly parted her firm lips.
"Luna."
"Yes, miss."
"Do you know how to cut hair?"
Sudden, but Luna got it. She'd steeled herself.
"Need a trim. Makeup too.... Can't tarnish the Benellia name. Better if my face and vibe totally change."
Makeup was a woman's disguise. Luna nodded.
"Upstairs."
They went to the room. Soon, a transformed Benellia lady descended with Luna. Her look had changed so much, no hood needed.