The Ace's Tantrum and the Gilded Cage
What the hell is this guy's problem?
I crossed my arms and smirked inwardly at Reni, who stood there with his chin haughtily raised.
Reni. The ace of aces here at the massive Monghwan-ui Jan, serving only the highest nobles. Word was, even the pickiest countesses overflowing with lust would specifically request him for his bedroom prowess. Naturally, the brothel's owner, Countess Lilith, treasured this money-making machine.
His status was so lofty that even the low-ranking female demons handling the grunt work stole nervous glances at him. The other male prostitutes sharing his floor scrambled daily to scrape up any scraps from him, flattering him left and right just to stay in his good graces.
But to me, he was just another pathetic male prostitute spreading his legs for a living.
A weakling who couldn't wield any magic power, prancing around like some coquettish bitch—it was laughable. Unlike the others, I never groveled or sucked up to him. Maybe that's why he'd always treated me like a bug, openly showing his disdain for the guy sweeping with a broom.
I buttoned up my worn-out shirt and spat out in a flat, dry voice, "What, slut? Got something to say?"
His pale face flushed tomato-red at the crude insult.
"Y-you! What did you just call me?! A mere cleaner daring to call me a slut...!"
He shrieked in his thin, shrill voice, trembling with rage. He looked ready to slap me, but I didn't even twitch an eyebrow.
I knew exactly why he was losing it. He was the top ace with his nose in the air, yet he'd been robbed of the ultra-VIP gig. Even without knowing it was the brutal Duke Rozena, the brothel's frenzy made it obvious this was at least a marquis-level heavyweight.
Realizing a lowly cleaner he'd treated like dirt had snatched that privilege? His fragile ego must've been crushed, fury boiling over.
I just tsked my tongue pityingly at his flushed, snarling face.
"Did you just tsk at me?! You, a cleaner?!"
Reni screeched in his bratty whine. His white shoulders peeked through the thin silk robe, quivering with anger. His face looked like it might burst—it was hilarious.
Would this dumb ace still be jumping around if he knew the VIP was the merciless Duke Rozena? One slip-up, and his head could roll. He'd probably piss himself and beg for mercy.
Sure, my life was on the line too, but a whopping 40 gold was the prize. Touching that much in one day? Worth the gamble. And as long as I didn't piss her off, she wouldn't slaughter everyone, right?
Plus, landing an employer like Lilith in this shit-hole Demon Capital was pure luck. Perverted as she was, she knew how to make a deal. In a worse brothel? No 40 gold—just a club to the head and tossed naked into the duke's bed. In this world, abusing a powerless male cleaner's rights was legal.
"Ugh, seriously annoying. Doesn't your mouth get tired?"
I waved him off like a fly. "Get lost."
"Wh-what?! You bastard, I'll go to the madam right now and have her kick your ass...!"
Reni flailed wildly, looking ready to summon the rough female demon guards, but he didn't cross the line. He instinctively knew Countess Lilith oddly favored me.
All he could do was stomp and wail like a toddler.
I flipped him off squarely at his pretty-boy face. "Eat this."
Ignoring his hysterical screams behind me, I slung the mop over my shoulder and headed to my section.
At the end of the damp, moldy corridor stood a demon in black glasses, her face emotionless, red eyes glinting. She adjusted her glasses with one hand and looked down at me.
"You've arrived, Demian."
Her red eyes flashed behind the lenses. The Maid Chief gazed down at me impassively. She managed all the brothel's chores and low-rank female demons—my direct superior.
Normally, she'd chew me out for a speck of dust, but now she was bowing to me? A chill ran down my spine.
Odd for a female demon to use polite speech even with male prostitutes, but her demeanor was that of a hyper-strict boss.
"Oh, hello, Maid Chief. I'll clock in and start cleaning right away."
I fumbled with the mop, bowing obsequiously, but she pushed up her glasses and shook her head firmly.
"No. Demian, you've been exempted from all duties until Friday."
"Pardon...?"
"By the countess's order. From now until Friday, rest in the top-suite on the third floor. If you want any dishes or special items, just tell me. I'll prepare everything."
Ah... that insane VIP thing Lilith mentioned. To keep the duke sweet, she was babying her "merchandise"—no scratches allowed.
"Wait. What about clocking out today? I need to grab my stuff..."
"You must stay here until Friday."
Her red eyes gleamed coldly. "To avoid risks crossing the rough slums, the countess strictly ordered you remain inside Monghwan-ui Jan until Friday night."
Her polite words felt like a blade at my throat. Terrifying.
I shuddered. No way to resist her overwhelming aura—like walking on thin ice.
Refuse here, and she'd drag me by the scruff to the room. Powerless against her magic, I'd be toast.
"O-okay... I'll do as told."
I nodded meekly, defeated. Setting the mop aside, I followed her lead to the lavish suite—a place a cleaner like me could never dream of.
To claim that 40 gold, I had no choice but to swallow this suffocating "hospitality."
......
Until Friday, I lived in pure luxury.
I gorged on gourmet dishes I'd never even glimpsed as a cleaner, napped all day on cloud-soft beds, swam leisurely in the brothel's vast private pool.
No smartphones or TV like my old world, but lounging on plush sofas with books, newspapers, and soft magic-tool music? Blissfully peaceful.
The Maid Chief occasionally offered shows—male prostitutes' stripteases or group masturbation spectacles. VIP treatment, she said. I shut it down flat.
I'm a straight guy who likes pretty women, not some gay dude getting off on naked dudes shaking ass.
Anyway, I melted into that honeyed rest, losing track of time. Days blurred like sweet dreams.
"Demian."
The door creaked open softly. The impassive Maid Chief entered, posture impeccable as she looked down at me.
"The countess summons you. Prepare yourself."
Her cool, dry voice snapped me back to reality—goosebumps everywhere, cold sweat trickling down my back.
Today was the day. D-day for the Demon Capital's tyrant, the utterly ruthless Duke Rozena, visiting Monghwan-ui Jan.
Lost in comfort, I'd forgotten why I was here.
I swallowed dryly, mumbling blankly, "Already Friday...?"
At first, no big deal. Just entertain her. Don't piss her off, won't die.
But now that it loomed, raw terror crept in—the very real chance of death.