Yeah, Yeah, Another World, Another World
“Of course, there are no ghosts, but as you might have guessed, it’s a property with just a little bit of baggage.”
Rio is explaining as we make our way to the property.
“But the rent is cheap, there are individual rooms for everyone, it’s reasonably close to the Adventurers Guild, and most importantly, there aren’t any other properties around here that come with a bath.”
The place Rio is about to show us seems to meet all the conditions I requested the other day. In this world, finding a rental property with a bath is practically unheard of. The owner must be incredibly wealthy. But if that’s true, why is the rent so low? Could it be some kind of decrepit mansion that leaks rain everywhere and would require massive repairs to even be livable?
“We can’t afford to rent a place that needs tons of money poured into repairs, right?”
“That’s fine. Although it’s been vacant for a while since the last tenants left, the building itself was originally very sturdy, and there’s hardly any wear or damage to it.”
If that’s the case, then what kind of defect could it possibly have?
“There’s a coffin in the basement where a demon is sealed.”
That’s how Okuda tried to intimidate me.
“That’s scary, isn’t it?!”
But basements and coffins sound like they’d actually be in demand for Luciti .
“There’s no basement, and no coffin either. Also, we’re almost there.”
After Rio said that, I looked around the alley we were walking through. The bustling atmosphere near the Adventurers Guild had already faded, and the entire street now gave off a somewhat decadent vibe.
Even though it was still early morning, there were quite a few people around, and I noticed that most of them were beautiful women.
“We’ve arrived. It’s here.”
The direction Rio pointed to revealed a two-story stone building.
The first floor had several windows, though they were currently boarded up. Below the second-floor windows, iron railings for flower pots were attached, showing slight signs of rust.
The entrance to the building was visible after climbing a couple of steps. Above the large double doors hung a thick stone awning supported by two stone pillars.
The pillars were carved with several sculptures—naked women draped over the columns in suggestive poses.
“Isn’t this a brothel ?!”
“Yes, it is.”
“Don’t just agree so casually!”
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The rental property Rio introduced to us used to operate as a brothel.
Certainly, if it was a brothel, it makes sense that it would have baths and private rooms…
“But we have children in our group!”
“Well, let’s go inside and take a look first.”
Rio completely ignored my protests, took out a key from a small pouch hanging around her neck, and unlocked the front door.
Upon entering, the first area appeared to serve as both a bar and a waiting room. At the back of the room, there was an elevated stage.
“This room can be used for dining,” Rio explained.
Yeah, sure. It’s a bar, after all.
Rio then moved to the corridor extending from the bar/waiting room and began explaining the next room.
“Once you find a girl you like in the previous room, you’ll come here to the bathroom and wash yourselves together.”
She opened the door to the bathroom as she spoke.
“Was that explanation really necessary? ‘This is the bathroom’ would’ve sufficed, right?”
“Did you find a girl you liked?” Okuda interjected.
Ignoring Okuda ’s cryptic question, I looked inside the bathroom and saw a large tub that could comfortably fit two or three people.
“Next is this way.”
Since Rio headed upstairs, I followed.
“After washing up, you move to one of these private rooms along the hall and… proceed.”
Rio opened the nearest door and ushered us inside.
“And… proceed.”
Not happening. Stop looking at me, Okuda .
Inside the private room, some furniture like a bed remained, but linens had been removed.
“That’s roughly the overall flow of things.”
“Who asked you to explain how a brothel works?”
“The rooms are soundproofed, so unless you make extremely loud noises, there shouldn’t be any issues.”
“That’s not the point.”
“I tend to make extremely loud noises, so is this really okay!?”
Enough of that.
“Well, jokes aside, let me properly explain. This property has over ten private rooms, comes with a bath, and has all the necessary sanitary facilities like a kitchen and toilets. So why is it available to rent at such a low price?”
“It’s definitely intriguing.”
“It’s because the building is located slightly outside the red-light district.”
“In other words?”
“It’s in a spot where brothel customers rarely venture, making it a loss-making property that no sane business owner would touch. While it does have many rooms and excellent amenities, its past as a brothel gives it a decadent image that discourages others from renting it.”
“I see.”
Indeed, it’s a property inconvenient for everyone—except us, perhaps.
“One more thing I’m curious about: being close to the red-light district, does that mean there are Yakuza-like people roaming around demanding protection money?”
“No need to worry about that. In this city, anyone operating in the sex industry requires permission from the lord, and only those who pass strict background checks are granted licenses. Therefore, the Yakuza aren’t involved in this area.”
“So what do the Yakuza in this city do? Those kinds of people always seem to pop up no matter how much you crack down on them.”
“They focus on transporting questionable goods via ships in the city’s expansive harbor.”
“Ah, I see.”
“They’re focused.”
Shut up, Okuda .
“Hmm, it’s hard to believe, but are you telling me that we can rent such a grand facility under these conditions at that price?”
“The administrative office that owns the building assured me so.”
“Wait, this is a government-owned property!?”
So it was a public brothel? That’s unthinkable in Japan.
“I understand. But can I take some time to discuss this with everyone before giving an answer?”
“Yes, that’s perfectly fine.”
At that point, Rio hesitated before continuing.
“Also… this isn’t a condition from the building’s owner, but… if you decide to rent this place, could I possibly live here with you?”
“Huh? Why are you suddenly asking that?”
“To be honest, I want to leave the girls’ dormitory I’m currently living in as soon as possible…”
“Is it being renovated or demolished?”
“No, nothing like that… Though it’s not something I should talk about openly, the girls’ dormitory is a rather unusual space. There’s constant infighting and backstabbing among the residents… To put it bluntly, I’m sick of dealing with those trashy creeps and want out.”
“Ohh, so that kind of world exists…”
I’d sensed from the length of lines at the reception counter that Rio was quite popular. Apparently, jealousy from other receptionists led to harassment in the dormitory.
“It’ll also be convenient when you all go on expeditions since the house won’t be completely empty!”
“I understand. I’ll discuss this matter, including your request, with everyone.”
“Please, I’d greatly appreciate it.”
With that, Rio bowed deeply.
After leaving the brothel, Okuda and I returned to the inn to relay everything to the others.
“It’s soundproof, huh?”
“This will make modifying magical tools or doing noisy work much easier!”
“No! No! That’s not the point!!!”
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