Chapter 32: CHAPTER 31
Not having been able to think of any solution, I left the matter pending. Even though doing obscenities with courtesans didn't bring me many points, for now I would have to settle for the small gain, I didn't have to rush.
Leaving that problem for another opportunity, I continued with my work. The business was going great, and it was generating good profits, however, I could not be conformist, if I wanted to continue progressing, I had to improve conditions.
Certainly we had some recognition from several small merchants in the city, it was far from filling the great name that I hung on the store's sign, that's why so many things had to be done.
Among the things that needed to be improved were: the adequacy of the establishment, although the building was structurally good, it lacked aesthetics and elegance, the quality of the food and liquor, if I am intending to serve high-profile clients should also be improved, although they have improved enormously, the courtesans were not yet on the level of the best pleasure establishments.
The problem was money, all these things could be achieved with large amounts of money, something I lack at the moment, but I can't do anything better than what I have for now, I must advance step by step.
The days kept advancing, and the business remained stable, you could see regular customers, that is good news. The staff was up and running, especially Carolina in management, Victor at the front desk, and Oliver in security.
Everything moved normally, until one day we had a visit from a very particular character.
One morning an elegant carriage arrived, in fact, not as luxurious as those used by the nobles, but definitely much higher profile compared to those used by the merchants who attended the Heavenly Palace as regular customers.
An old man in his 60s came down from the coachman's position dressed as a butler, very neat and elegant. He quickly opened the door of the carriage, from where a plump man in his 40s in elegant clothes wearing various jewels got out.
Victor, as a good receptionist, came over to welcome him, obviously he was a high-profile character, so he greeted him politely. The plump man only nodded, and the butler who accompanied him spoke up, "Mr. Johan wishes to speak to the owner".
Victor did not dare to be negligent, so politely invited him inside with a slight bow. As the guests entered the venue, Victor instructed Oliver to notify me of the visitor's arrival.
By the time the guests arrived at the office, Carolina and I had already been notified. Mr. Johan and his butler arrived at the office in no time. Without delay, I greeted him, "Welcome sir, please have a seat".
Johan, again, only nodded his head and unceremoniously took a seat, the butler who accompanied him took the initiative to speak, "We appreciate that you receive us so early, Mr. Johan has a request to make to you".
"Please tell me how we can help you, if it is within my capabilities it will be a pleasure to help", I replied ceremoniously. Honestly, Mr.
Johan's attitude bothered me a bit, because he had an air of arrogance, however, I knew that all wealthy characters were a bit proud, so I didn't pursue the matter.
"I thank you in advance, but the request is a bit private, so I would appreciate some privacy", the butler politely expressed again while looking at Carolina.
His comment made me wrinkle my eyebrows, but Carolina, taking the hint, bowed slightly and with a professional smile nodded her head while leaving the room, closing the door on her way out.
"Was it really necessary? Carolina is the manager of the Heavenly Palace, and she is entirely trustworthy", I expressed a little disgusted.
The butler was going to speak, however, Johan interrupted him, "I apologize for the rudeness, however, I really don't want a lady to be present when I make today's request".
Johan's apology took me by surprise; suddenly, he no longer had the aura of arrogance with which he entered the office, so I had to take a step back and gestured for him to continue.
"I'm sorry to arrive unexpectedly and with such a bad attitude, it's just a matter that bothers me a bit and I reflected it on you, I apologize", Johan said with a bad expression. "Don't worry, once the situation has been clarified, it's a thing of the past, tell me Mr.
Johan, how can I help you?", I asked cordially, seeing that Johan apologized again.
The butler was about to explain the situation again, but Johan stopped him with a wave of his hand and then spoke, "Excuse me for the rudeness, I still don't know the gentleman's name".
"Oh my manners, my name is Andrew, nice to meet you", I replied hastily to correct my mistake, but Johan didn't seem upset he just kept talking, "Mr Andrew, I am Johan a herbal and medicine dealer".
I nodded, indicating that I was welcome and Mr. Johan continued speaking, "The reason for my visit is to request your help, or it would be better to say the services of your Heavenly Palace".
I honestly did not understand what Mr. Johan was asking for and he, realizing my confusion, so he explained the situation, and the request he had. Mr. Johan is a reputable medicinal item merchant, he was not at the level of Mrs.
Candice, but he was not far behind either, simply put, he was a mid-level merchant in Catnar.
His wealth is not small, therefore he is a big shot for the Heavenly Palace. The problem he had was his son, apparently he was well versed in the field of medicine, which was very beneficial for the family business, however, his son was no longer young, he was almost 30 years old.
Normally this was not relevant, the problem lay in the fact that by focusing on his medical career he neglected other aspects, more specifically the continuation of the family.
Alfi, as Johan's son is called, dedicated his youth to study and achieved great goals, but his relationships with the opposite sex were neglected, now at his age, he suffers from a manhood complex as he is a virgin at almost 30 years of age, for that, he asked his father for help, and that is the reason why Mr.
Johan was in a bad mood, because he did not understand how his son, an academic from a wealthy family like his, could be suffering for being a virgin.
When I heard the explanation, it seemed strange to me too, since with an academic degree in medicine and with his family's wealth, it would not be difficult to find a woman to warm his bed, in fact, there should be a line waiting for him, but Mr. Johan elaborated.
"Alfi, he is not afraid of a relationship, his complex is not working properly in bed, because he has no experience", upon hearing this, I understood the situation, so I asked to verify that, I did not have the wrong idea of the situation, " In other words, Mr.
Alfi is afraid of making a fool of himself on his first night, therefore needs the services of the Heavenly Palace, is my presumption correct?"
"Mr. Andrew is correct", Mr. Johan confirmed, adding, "However, you will understand that discretion is needed, that is why I am coming to you". Mr.
Johan's expression was serious, now I could understand the reason why he requested Carolina's withdrawal.
"However, Mr. Johan will understand, there is no way this would not be known by my staff", I expressed seriously, but Mr. Johan was undeterred and spoke again, "Certainly, so I need your cooperation".
Then, there was silence in the office, what Mr.
Johan was asking me for was not a request, but a guarantee that this matter would remain private, but this was even stranger, since with the financial capacity he had, he could request this service in any other higher level pleasure house, I don't want to demean my own business, but I am aware that we are still in the lower echelons of the industry.
Therefore, I expressed my concern, to which Mr. Johan replied, "It is true that you are not as well known or comparable to other pleasure houses, but it must be understood, the bigger the business, the easier it is for rumors to be generated, especially in this industry".
Certainly Mr. Johan was right, the Heavenly Palace is small and little known, so it is suitable for a private topic like this. I remained silent for a few minutes contemplating the situation, the two guests remained silent also, like allowing me to evaluate the request.
Weighing the pros and cons I replied, "Setting up a scribe's contract for this matter is practically shouting to the rooftops, therefore I can accept your request with my word as a guarantee, however arrangements must be made".
Upon hearing my response, Mr. Johan and the butler smiled, offering me their thanks, so we began to plan how we could carry out this service without anyone finding out that Mr. Johan's 30-year-old son had come to lose his virginity.