The Gigolo System in the Academy of Magic-Chapter 42: Red Light District?

James took the demon students around a few more shops as the sun dipped low behind the golden spires of Ainsworth. The city glowed, with lanterns casting a warm glow upon the cobbled streets.

When it was finally evening, he decided to head toward the noble district.

He didn't usually come here. The only times he ever passed these wide, marble-paved boulevards were when he visited the teacher's residences.

Although it was called the noble district it wasn't an official name, it was just that things were so expensive here only nobles could afford them.

Behind James, the demon students walked closely, whispering excitedly amongst themselves. James was a little helpless.

Well anyway, he had already informed Selena on his communicator, so if something did happen at least he could ensure his safety.

While the people on the street in other places would often look at the demons students and whisper to each other in low voices, at least they had some decorum, or maybe it was fear. But most of the people here didn't care, they talked loudly and disdainfully.

The noble district was different from the rest of Ainsworth. The people here were less restrained, less courteous. Where others whispered and cast furtive glances at the demon students, here people spoke out loud, without care.

"What are those demon scum parading around for?"

"I can't believe the academy allows this kind of filth here. It's an insult to our bloodlines."

James could see Gorran's expression change. The demon's wide smile had vanished, replaced by a steely glint in his eyes. His hands were twitching slightly at his sides. James quickly raised his voice, clapping a hand lightly on Gorran's massive forearm.

"Alright, everyone calm down. Don't pay attention to them."

James played the mediator, but in fact he was also hoping for things to go wrong. Unfortunately, he was only with Gorran, it would be best if the red skinned demon, Amon, was here.

If something does go wrong here, the worst thing that can happen is a fight, no lives will be lost with everyone watching. But if we let things fester in the dark, who knows what direction things will go.

Let everyone fight in the open, while he watches from behind.

Right now James had too little information. He didn't know what the Everhearts were planning and he could feel that the demons also had some sort of plan.

It's better to let a wild wind blow, and then those hidden arrows will all be revealed.

A moment later, they arrived at the building.

It looked modest from the outside—elegant, but not extravagant. A polished brass plaque sat mounted beside the large oak doors, engraved with delicate filigree: "The Velvet Veil".

One of the thirteen noble houses—House Hawthorn—was known to have a monopoly on this sort of business. Technically, nobles from the Thirteen Houses were banned from faculty positions at Ainsworth, but in the city it was more lenient. After all, the academy still had to keep a superficial relationship with the council.

James had never stepped inside 'The Velvet Veil', but he'd heard plenty about it.

The moment they walked through the heavy doors, a wave of perfume, heat, and soft music hit them. The building was far more expansive on the inside than it appeared on the outside.

A beautiful woman approached them. She wore a deep crimson dress that clung to her curves like silk to water. Her neckline plunged dramatically, and a sapphire pendant rested between her breasts.

She had a smile on her face and was about to greet James but when she saw the strange looking group of people behind him her expression faltered and she looked frightened.

"Uh good evening, sir...how many people will be coming." The beautiful woman spoke in a shaky voice.

James felt a little awkward. He wasn't sure if they would be allowed to enter looking at this attitude.

Sure enough before he could answer, a stern looking man arrived. James could feel that this was at least a mid level mage, so his face turned serious.

He thought the stern looking man would tell them to leave, but when he saw the demon students, a barely perceptible light flashed in his eyes.

He motioned the woman to leave as he spoke in a polite tone:

"Welcome to The Velvet Veil! Would you prefer the women's wing or the men's?"

James glanced at the excited demons behind him and almost said "men's". But he decided not to push things.

"The women's section."

The man nodded and said, "General admission for six guests is six gold coins."

James winced. That was nearly everything he had left but he finally paid.

The man's smile widened and he gestured for them to follow.

They were led down a grand hallway with marble columns and crimson carpets. Painted murals adorned the ceiling and there were nude statues on either side of the hall.

They entered a large lounge.

At its center was a stage ringed by low tables and plush velvet seating. A small all-female orchestra played soft, slow music. Of course all the women wore tight, revealing clothes.

At the tables, elegant women lounged with their clients. The clientele here were clearly elite—many of them wore Ainsworth robes and house emblems. Their laughter rang out like silver bells. Wine flowed freely.

The moment the demons walked in, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned and people began to whisper.

Gorran didn't seem to care. His eyes drank in the surroundings.

The stern man seated them at a reserved table not far from the stage. On the table were silver platters filled with delicacies—meat glazed with honey and spice, fruits soaked in brandy, dark chocolates that melted on the tongue. Crystal decanters shimmered with enchanted wine that sparkled faintly.

A glowing holographic tablet hovered over the center of the table, listing the rules: Touching allowed with consent. No violence. Private rooms available. Magic use is prohibited...

"So many rules," Gorran muttered. "But it says we can take them to a private room..."

He looked at James with a wide, toothy grin.

James just showed him his empty pouch. Gorran looked disappointed, but quickly perked up.

"I'm sure Amon has money. I'll call him and tell him to come here!"

James narrowed his eyes.