Leave Problems to the Experts

Before hearing the story, I went out front and changed the sign to "Closed."

This should prevent any customers from coming in.

We gathered chairs from the dining area into the center and took our seats.

Once drinks had been handed out to everyone, the elder gypsy sister began to speak, slowly and haltingly.

"We came to this city as part of a troupe, but there was a rule that groups couldn't stay together. So my sister and I split off. We'd only joined up for traveling purposes anyway, so that was fine, but…"

Forcibly disbanding groups is common in large cities.

When people from the same background gather in one place, trouble and crime tend to follow. And it tends to be on a large scale.

Of course, there are healthy groups too, but the city guard can only handle so much.

So such measures are probably in place.

"At first, we earned tips by singing and dancing in the market, and paid our space fees from that. But when other people also started performing, our living gradually became harder…"

Perhaps because Kassad is near the Empire's border, it's always had more traffic than its size would suggest.

Recently, thanks to Jacob's various initiatives, the economy has made a V-shaped recovery, causing a sudden surge in visitors.

Among them would be many traveling performers like these sisters.

The sisters were quite beautiful, and their singing and dancing were decent enough.

But there's always someone better. As entertainment became saturated, they were probably gradually forgotten.

"Since this place was so bustling, we figured there must be work to find, and decided to look. We needed some money to tide us over. The people who lent us that money were… those men."

"And you still owe them?"

"No, we properly repaid everything with interest. But they said it wasn't enough and wouldn't destroy the contract. They said to help them just once… and made us work as servers at a bar."

"We had to wear revealing clothes and pour drinks, and they kept touching us! I couldn't believe it!"

"Nothing more happened that time, but it was obvious what would happen if we continued. So we found an opportunity, took back the contract, and ran with my sister. I never thought they'd still come after us."

"I see."

Since Kazusa was their employer, I let her handle the questioning.

Behind her, I was thinking about various things.

These sisters had quite a bit of courage. They'd brought trouble with them, but Kazusa's eye for people was impressive.

They weren't stupid either. They understood well that having repaid the money, without the contract the other side had no grounds to act.

The magic cast on the contract made its authenticity obvious at a glance.

If that was the case, then those men weren't legitimate moneylenders.

Even the loan shark I'd crushed before, the one who'd been acting like the king of the slums, hadn't done anything so blatantly wrong.

Because the guard would notice. And then his license would be revoked immediately. He wouldn't be able to do business on a large scale anymore. Even if he continued as an illegal lender, his operations would become much smaller.

Secretly, always within the bounds of the law, squeezing people dry.

It was precisely because they put on a good face that they were able to maintain their credentials.

Those men were probably part of an organization that trafficked women.

Perhaps they thought targeting Kassad residents would get them caught, so they set their sights on traveling gypsies.

How bold. Or perhaps thoughtless.

The sex industry certainly generates money, but…

"We didn't mean to cause trouble. We can't keep working here, can we? We'll pack our things right away—"

"No, no. You two haven't done anything wrong. Right, Owner?"

"That's right. They're the ones who broke the rules. Besides, from what I've heard, this should be resolved quickly."

"Um…?"

"Secretly lending money to women and forcing them to do things against their will? The scariest people in the city won't stand for that."

"Oh, right. That makes sense."

The gypsy sisters didn't quite understand what we meant, but Kazusa and Finn seemed to catch on immediately.

"The sex industry is profitable, and it's easy for bad people to get involved. That's why there are proper rules. The brothels won't tolerate anyone who breaks them."

Light and shadow of the city. The brothels handle the shadow.

Those who monopolize the sex industry have pride, and an obligation to protect those who work in it.

And these men had the audacity to encroach on that.

They were far more frightening than the guard.

Fortunately, I had some connections. If I told them about this, they'd act immediately.

"Come with me as witnesses, you two. Elza and Finn as well. The rest of you stay here and keep working."

The red-light district would be a bit too stimulating for Azu and Kazusa.

Better not to show it to Orleans either.

"Um, take care."

"… Sigh, please come back quickly."

Seen off by Azu, who didn't quite understand, and Alexia, who seemed to have figured something out, we headed for the red-light district.

Kassad's brothels were clustered in the southeast, near the south side where the slums used to be.

If fate had been different, I might have sent Azu and the others here.

Just stepping inside, the difference in atmosphere was palpable.

A discomfort different from the feeling of poor safety.

Even though it was still daylight, there was a sensual atmosphere.

Later in the evening, women in their undergarments would likely come out front to attract customers.

The gypsy sisters were clearly intimidated by this atmosphere, but perhaps they trusted us somewhat, as they followed along properly.

Finn didn't seem to mind at all.

She must have come here many times for work.

Elza was unfazed as well.

"Hey mister, want to spend the night with your friends?"

"Sorry. I'm here to see the Madam."

"Hmm. Too bad."

The woman who called out to us looked us over appraisingly.

Her dress left her shoulders bare, and her skirt was short.

The kind of outfit men liked.

"I'll pay you to guide me."

"Oh my, how generous. This way."

The Madam was something like the representative who oversaw this red-light district.

She was the best person to talk to.

With a prostitute guiding us, we wouldn't be approached by others thinking we were customers, and a few silver coins was a small price to pay.