268 Frightening Cultivation Speed (1/2)

”It's not a brothel!”

When Manager Doug said these words, Leon flashed him a disdainful glance.

”Who are you trying to fool? Are you taking me for a 3-year-old? That name and these busty ladies with maid uniforms say it all.” Leon said.

'Not to mention, with some cash, she let me cop a feel.'

Leon cast a sidelong glance at the courtesan with odd boobs.

Manager Doug could not read Leon's thoughts, but he did not need to. He only needed to look at the courtesan with odd boobs to understand everything.

”Boss, it's really not like that.”

Manager Doug tried to explain before casting the courtesan a glare.

”Have you been charging customers to touch your breast again, Khloe?” He interrogated.

”No, Manager Doug.” Khloe denied with her neck shrunk like a turtle hiding its head inside its shell. However, the cash stuffed in the valley of her twin mountains were clearly seen. ”Yes…”

Khloe ultimately admitted as the evidence was in plain sight. Manager Doug harrumphed.

”Ahem, Boss. Khloe was a courtesan in the past. Actually, most of the female workers inside were all courtesans from a brothel in the past… but we really aren't operating brothel, Boss. There's a reason for this.” Manager Doug explained awkwardly.

”That's right. This is a legitimate restaurant and bar. There is nothing dirty going on here.” Khloe added.

”Nothing dirty going on, huh? Not very convincing. Why don't you go ahead and tell me what this reason is?”

Khloe wanted to explain but she was immediately shot down by a glare from Manager Doug, especially when the cash was still protruding from her chest.

”Actually… it wasn't our intention to recruit these ladies, but they all came flocking over when they learned that you, Boss, was our backer. Most of these ladies were pitiful and unwilling souls who were forced into the brothel business during the tyranny of the four gangs and great families.”

”I found it hard to reject their request since there were many regulars even amongst the commoners. They would be harassed constantly without our protection. After all, no one would dare to misbehave in the territory of our Golden Lion Gang back by the prince.”

”Ahem, the name was something we came up after. After all, these ladies are no longer working as courtesans, but waiters and they also have our protection. Men can see but they can't touch.”

After listening to Manager Doug's explanation, Leon's mood did not improve. In fact, it got worse as it basically reinforced his first impression.

Basically, all the courtesans were under his protection. However, this could be easily misunderstood as all the courtesans working as waiters in the 'The Lion's Paradise' as his women.

Leon almost fainted from anger.

A mountain of pressure similarly gushed out and weighed down on the Manager and two receptionist ladies, making the surrounding air feel suffocating. This was not Leon purposely pressuring them, but a result of his depressive mood.

His reputation was basically down the drain… not that he really cares about his reputation. But it would be a problem if his own family and ladies ask about it. He could feel an incoming headache.

”On the bright side… business has been really good. The ladies attract a lot of customers to come to dine in.” Manager Doug coughed and said drily with difficulty.

”I'll be the judge of that.”

”After you, Boss.” Manager Doug respectfully gestured for Leon to enter the premise and see for himself.

”Hmph!”

Leon strolled inside The Lion's Paradise and the boisterous and rowdy atmosphere of the interior blasted in his ears. There was nothing sketchy going on at first glance and Manager Doug really did not lie to him. The business was going really well.

The first floor was filled to the brim with people and activity. Members of the Golden Lion Gang intermixed with other customers as they cheered, bumped their wooden mug,s and downed their cold beverages.

As Leon observed the layout of the first floor, he nodded. The Golden Lion Gang did not make any changes to his arrangements.

The first floor was a public space for both members and non-members alike. It was, however, separated into three sections; a restaurant to serve the food, a bar to serve the drinks, and spare socializing spots with tables and seats provided.

There was also a receptionist counter and a large mission board in that section. However, there weren't much many mission available as the guild was still in its infancy of planning, but the ones that were available all had to do with odd jobs around the Capital.

There were traces of tasks being ripped off the mission board, a few of which could be seen in the hands of some core members.

Leon scrutinized his eyes to read the details from a distance. The task was not a difficult one. It was posted by the Cromwell family, looking to hire more earth-users for the construction projects.

Indeed, earth-users were more desirable for construction projects compared to ordinary works as they were more work efficient. However, this only applies if the earth-users were adept with their earth manipulation.

At this moment, all three sections were fully occupied as waiters busily brought out food and drinks from the kitchen to provide for the customers. They were all construction workers that came to relax during their breaks.

As the first restaurant and bar to open in the Lower District, the popularity of the place could be clearly seen.