Chapter 26
In my past life, I didn't think I was ugly either.
I'd been asked for my number by women on the street, and even confessed to by girls I only thought of as friends.
Yes, objectively, I was definitely handsome.
But the face I was born with in this Murim world...
Male courtesan, it's not easy to find a face like yours.
Ah, damn it... Munseok *Ajae*. What's with “male courtesan” when you're talking to someone trying to help?
Even though I said that, Munseok's words weren't entirely wrong.
My skin was fair, my features clearly defined, and my build slender.
I didn't particularly like the term “male courtesan,” but my new face would have been a huge success as an idol or actor if I had been born in the Modern era instead of the Murim era.
At first, I wondered what good being born with a handsome face would do in Murim...
“Could you please help me...?”
A handsome face was useful for a honey trap during banditry.
But now, they're telling me to openly act as a male host, even putting on makeup, something I never did in my past life.
Dumbfounded, I stared at Munseok, who was applying powder to my face, and asked.
No, Munseok *Ajae*. You don't look the type, so why are you so good at this?
If a man wants to make a living in a Courtesan House, he needs to be good at applying powder. And well, I... I also dabbled in this line of work in my younger days...
"Huh? Really?"
...What's with that reaction? What are you thinking right now?
What was I thinking? What indeed.
Naturally, I was thinking about how cruel time could be.
Munseok *Ajae*, who looked like the epitome of a Mister, did that kind of work when he was young? It seems people really do change as they get older.
Wow... I really don't want to get old.
...
Did I just say my inner thoughts out loud?
Haha... I've grown quite accustomed to your rudeness, so it's fine...
Even as he said that, Munseok's hands were trembling noticeably.
Oh dear. I think I accidentally hurt the Mister's feelings.
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but the Mister, who had finished my makeup remarkably quickly, turned his body and headed towards Maknae, who was next to me.
Munseok *Ajae*. Am I done? Why did you finish so fast? You're not sulking, are you?
Sulking? What are you talking about? Your skin is naturally fair, so there was no need to overdo it. Just a subtle basic makeup will highlight your best features.
Hmm... really?
As I nodded in agreement, Munseok picked up his tools and took Maknae's face in his hands.
Maknae, on the verge of having makeup applied, looked at me with a slightly reluctant expression and said.
B-Brother. Can't we just do what we usually do? Why do I have to wear makeup too...?
Hmm... I felt a bit like that at first too, but actually, 'hosting' is just drinking and having fun with girls, right? Wouldn't this be more interesting than boring Escort duty?
As I said that, Munseok also nodded and spoke to Maknae.
And you, too, though perhaps not quite on par with him, certainly don't have a face women would dislike. I, who have worked in a Courtesan House for decades, can guarantee that. If he's like a sly fox who can completely charm women, you're more the cute type who evokes maternal feelings in them.
Oh my, that's quite detailed.
And this time, I too completely agreed with Munseok's words.
Maknae had large, clear, deer-like eyes, and his face was so innocent that he definitely had a cute side.
Since women also like cute men, there would surely be a demand for Maknae.
Similarly, after giving Maknae only Basic makeup, Munseok handed us both clothes. They were quite flamboyant silk robes, flowing and shimmering.
As we took them and changed, Munseok continued urgently.
There's not much time right now. Listen while you change.
Is there anything else you need to tell us?
Don't you need some basic information about the guests you'll be hosting today?
Alright. I'll listen carefully, so tell me.
As I nodded while changing my clothes, Munseok began his explanation.
The guests who arrived today are young masters/ladies from prestigious families renowned in Sichuan. They are very young, just barely entering adulthood. They have no experience setting foot in a Courtesan House like this... It seems they've come to experience something like this now that they've become adults.
So, simply put, young rich young ladies came because they wanted to try a Giru experience?
Exactly. These guests have no experience with this sort of thing, and since they are Young Masters/Ladies from prestigious families, they probably won't make unreasonable demands of you. You just need to listen to their stories with a smile, drink with them, and then leave.
Well... it sounds simple enough. We've finished changing.
Indeed, wearing fine clothes gives you wings. I mean, you look good. Let's go quickly.
And so, Maknae and I, transformed into perfect Murim male hosts, followed behind Munseok.
Since the guests were on the Upper floor, we walked along an open path, attracting quite a few gazes.
Among them were other drinking guests and courtesans passing by.
*“This is a bit much.”*
It was certainly overwhelming, and I was definitely a little nervous.
While I had occasionally used a honey trap in my life, I had never openly acted as a male host at a drinking party like this.
As if anticipating my feelings, Munseok, who was walking ahead, spoke to me without turning around.
Don't be too nervous. You two are in peak condition right now.
It's usually the case that telling someone not to be nervous only makes them more so. I could feel my face stiffen slightly. It was quite rare for me.
But my nervousness didn't last long.
Finally, we reached the Luxury room on the Upper floor where the guests were staying, and Munseok opened the door...
...Ah, I see.
Two women, looking two million times more nervous than I, were awkwardly waiting inside.
At this, I couldn't help but feel a little bewildered.
*“Why are *you* guys nervous...?”*
Indeed, all the information Munseok had given earlier seemed true; both women were dressed in luxurious clothes, were young, and had that unique innocence of the wealthy etched on their faces.
Their faces were quite pretty, reminding me of someone I knew.
I'm rich.
I'm innocent.
Who am I?
The answer is Yoo Somyung.
Pfft-!
Right. It's Somyung.
The two girls in front of me strongly reminded me of Somyung, with faces like innocent Young Ladies who had never been to a place like this before.
As I thought that, a malicious feeling suddenly surged within me, making me want to take these innocent Young Ladies and manipulate them as I pleased.
*“Do I actually like this kind of thing?”*
I realized that not a single trace of nervousness remained in my heart, and I stepped inside.
**
Sohyang and Heeya were sisters, aged 20 and 19 respectively, a year apart. And they were currently...
Eonni... if Father finds out about this...
...Shh! That's why we need to be careful!
They had come to Cheongwolru, the most famous Courtesan House in Sichuan, while their Father, a local dignitary, was briefly out.
They weren't particularly fond of alcohol or sensual pleasures. However,...
We're adults now...! We can sometimes have a little rebellion like this!
Curiosity about the Courtesan House they'd only heard about, the transgressive thrill of visiting a Courtesan House as young master/lady of a prestigious family, the excitement of doing something behind their father's back—various emotions had drawn them to the Courtesan House.
Naturally, everything was awkward as it was their first time, but the people of Cheongwolru prepared everything seamlessly, as if they had been expecting them.
Since they weren't short on money, they had a lavish table of drinks and people to host.
But as the moment approached, and before their hosts arrived...
Eonni... I'm nervous...
N-Nervous about what? We're the guests here!
They found it hard to control their own feelings.
Though she spoke boldly, Eonni Sohyang was just as nervous.
What if the people who came to host them weren't to their liking? What if they made a mistake?
Sohyang couldn't help but be even more nervous, especially since she had heard stories of Courtesan Houses that sometimes charmed guests and then overcharged them.
‘Still, as the Eonni, I'll set an example.’
As Sohyang made up her mind, the door opened, and Cheongwolru's Chief Manager, who had first guided them, entered.
Guests, I apologize for the delay. I've brought the boys who will be hosting you. These boys will serve you with utmost care.
...Ah, I see.
And the moment those behind him revealed themselves...
Wow...
Sohyang and Heeya were utterly captivated by their appearance.
All their previous worries and resolutions had long since vanished.
**
Sohyang *Young Lady*, your hands are truly beautiful. I happen to know a bit about palmistry; may I take a look?
Ah... yes, yes...!
She was a young master/lady from a prestigious family, raised in luxury. Naturally, physical contact with an outside man would normally be something she'd shy away from, but now, there was no reluctance in her heart.
As she extended her hand quite naturally, Muyeon bowed his head and closed the distance.
*“Hmph...”*
Due to the close proximity, his scent wafted strongly towards her. Moreover, the soft touch on her hand made it difficult for Sohyang to collect herself.
Ohh... this is...
H-How is it...?
In truth, she had no interest in palmistry; all she could see was his face, but Sohyang asked out of politeness. Then...
Young Lady, you have a lot of luck in love.
Luck in love...?
Yes, Young Lady, you are destined to meet a very good man.
Is that you...?
Hm? What did you say?
Oh, nothing...!
Muyeon's jade-like voice continued, and Sohyang almost made a slip of the tongue.
Young Lady, you are quite amusing. Shall we have a drink?
Despite Sohyang's slip, he smiled gently and generously, then naturally poured liquor into her cup.
“This is that incredibly strong liquor I just drank...”
At this, Sohyang's face subtly contorted as she recalled the taste of the liquor from moments ago...
"Ah."
Noticing this, Muyeon immediately poured a different liquor into another cup.
Young Master, why is it a different liquor...?
He, whose title had somehow become Young Master, simply replied.
That liquor wasn't tasty earlier, was it? This one is sweeter than that, so it'll be better to drink.
Ah...
This man possessed not only a handsome appearance but also a jade-like character, full of consideration in his actions.
That completely crushed her already conquered heart, capturing it entirely.
Perhaps that's why.
Young Lady, would you pour some liquor into my cup too?
Ah, yes...! I-I'll pour it for you.
Clearly, she had initially been the one receiving the hospitality... but she didn't notice that the roles were gradually reversing.