House of Fragrance 2

{Music Recommendation- Wild Boar's Inn}

A waiter approaches, breaking their trance. "Good afternoon, ladies. Where would you like to sit?" he asks.

Yetsune looks around, trying to find the perfect spot to enjoy the atmosphere. "Up there," she points to the top floor. The structure of the building allows those on the top floor to have a parabolic view of the entire place.

The waiter's eyes follow the direction of her finger, his expression faltering. "I apologize, but that floor is reserved for VIPs. Perhaps a room on the second floor would be suitable for noble ladies like yourselves," he suggests politely, gesturing towards the lower level.

Yetsune frowns, feeling belittled once again. "VIPs? Do you even know who I am?" Her voice rises, capturing the attention of a few nearby patrons.

The waiter nods at the patrons with a smile to dismiss the attention before saying to Yetsune, "I didn't mean to offend you. If you could kindly inform me of your family name, I could register you as a VIP customer." He fears that he may have offended the daughter of a high-ranking noble or a member of the imperial court.

Erya intervenes, pulling Yetsune aside. "Let's stay on the second floor, Your Highness. It's best to maintain a low profile," she advises.

"Very well," Yetsune concedes, realizing it would be improper to throw her weight around using the Noble Consort's name.

Relieved, the waiter guides them to a second-floor room overlooking the dance performance below. They stow their shopping bags in a corner.

"What would you like to order?" The waiter asks, producing his notepad.

"Bring us your finest cuisine and most exquisite wine," Erya instructs.

"Certainly. I'll return shortly," the waiter replies, leaving the sliding doors open as he departs.

He soon returns with a platter of delicacies and two wine bottles, departing without offering courtesans, given their status as ladies.

Yetsune uncorks a bottle, inhaling its fragrant bouquet. "Not bad," she remarks, pouring for herself and Erya.

They down the small cup of wine in one go but soon break into a cough. Yetsune curls her fingers around her throat as the spirit gives a tingling sensation.

Erya's eyes widen. "Wow, it's even stronger than Lord Azryn's!"

Yetsune pours another cup. "But not as flavorful." She drinks it again, the sensation less intense this time.

"Be careful, you mustn't get drunk," Erya cautions. Yetsune scoffs in response.

Her high alcohol tolerance stems from years of pilfering Lord Azryn's wine. Eventually, he had no choice but to willingly provide it, albeit secretly to avoid the King and Queen's knowledge. Erya shakes her head resignedly as Yetsune downs another cup. They dine while watching the performance below.

The music shifts to a fast-paced tempo, musicians plucking their instruments ferociously. The dancers form a six-petaled flower formation, their vibrant dresses fluttering as they move swiftly to the rhythm.

Yetsune leaves her seat, moving to the second-floor handrail for a better view. Erya follows, joining other spectators gathered there. The dancers' long hair whips around them, enhancing their performance. Their movements are fluid and elegant, emphasizing delicate hand gestures and intricate footwork.

"Beautiful!" Yetsune cheers with applause, her voice rising above the men's. 

Eyes turn to her from all floors, and whispers begin. While female customers aren't uncommon in the courtesan house, they're usually older, noble women. Yetsune, appearing unmarried and cheering loudly, draws attention.

"Your Highness…" Erya whispers, nudging her to notice the stares and murmurs.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Yetsune whispers, embarrassed.

"I just noticed too," Erya responds quietly. Yetsune stops clapping and composes herself.

On the top floor, a young man watches her with an amused smirk. "Who is that lady?" he asks the waiter who had served Yetsune and Erya.

"I'm afraid I don't know, Your Highness. Judging by her appearance, she seems to be a young noblewoman," the waiter replies, head bowed respectfully.

The young man rises, moving to the handrail to eye Yetsune. He trails his finger along his wine cup's rim, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Bring her up. She seems an interesting companion for a drink," he orders, returning to his seat.

The waiter gapes helplessly, aware that inviting noble ladies to serve the Prince would be insulting and potentially ruinous to their reputation.

"If Your Highness wishes, I can arrange for our finest courtesans to entertain you," he proposes, voice trembling.

The First Prince narrows his eyes, his gaze darkening. "Did I ask for your opinion? Bring the lady to me," he drawls threateningly, causing the waiter to break into a sweat.

"Let it be. They are noble ladies," Hakian interjects from across the table.

"It is their honor to serve a member of the Imperial Family," Hagian retorts, suddenly standing and grabbing a bottle of liquor. "I will fetch them myself," he declares, striding out.

"Hagian!" Hakian calls after him, ignored. Left with no choice, he follows to prevent a scene.

"Your Highness!" The waiter exclaims, trailing behind.

Meanwhile, Yetsune and Erya return to their room, closing the doors to escape the stares. They continue dining and drinking while observing the performance. Yetsune begins dancing, imitating the dancers' elegant moves. Erya laughs and joins in, both giggling mindlessly.

Suddenly, the doors burst open. Startled, they recoil, Erya pushing Yetsune behind her. Three young men stand before them, one armed with a sword, the fretting waiter behind them. One has his robe open, exposing his chest and abdomen, his hair partially held by a silver ring with the rest sprawled over his shoulder.

"What do you want?" Yetsune asks, gripping Erya's shoulders.

Hagian's lips curl into a lewd smile as he appraises Yetsune. "You're even more beautiful than I thought," he says, ignoring her question.

"Who are you, and why have you barged in uninvited?" Erya demands, irked by his gaze.

Hagian scoffs silently, gesturing to his bodyguard. The man lunges towards Erya at his silent command.