The body from the roof

Since the ban on meat and alcohol, business at the House of Fragrance has declined. On nights that once buzzed with life, the courtesans sit idle, boredom heavy in the air.

Hagian storms past the courtesans lounging outside. The women rush to greet him, as they always do, their painted lips parting in welcoming smiles. But this time, their charm is met with violence. 

Hagian shoves them aside with such force that one of the girls stumbles and falls hard onto the wooden floor, her fan clattering from her hands. A few courtesans gasp, rushing to help her up, while others back away, sensing the storm brewing as he marches upstairs to the VIP area.

Madam Syren, the head courtesan, known for her signature hot crimson rouge, hears the commotion and steps out from behind a beaded curtain. She gestures quickly for the other courtesans to tend to the injured girl before she follows Hagian up the stairs with a few experienced girls.