Surprise! I've Transmigrated Again

Chapter 291 - 291 ⤞ The Entertainment District

Night.

Though this other world lacked modern conveniences like electricity, one would be mistaken to think its nights were dark and dull.

Under the crescent moon suspended in the velvet sky, Orario blazed with countless magic stone lamps, their radiance bathing the labyrinth city in light.

When darkness fell, the Entertainment District — run by the Ishtar Familia — became the city's most vibrant quarter.

In this bustling haven of prosperity, sounds of pleasure and entertainment drifted between the parallel buildings. Flickering lamplight painted shadowy silhouettes of entwined bodies upon the windows.

Adventurers, consumed by desire, lost themselves in this insatiable money-devouring beast.

But tonight, this realm of pleasure had some unusual visitors. They clearly weren't here for entertainment — where other patrons wore lustful smiles, these intruders bore grim expressions.

Grim? While perhaps not the most precise word, it captured their demeanor perfectly.

Determination mingled with fury in their eyes. They carried themselves like those who would not yield until their mission was complete — a rare sight in this district.

When other Adventurers spotted the man leading the group, realization struck.

Could it be? The recently risen Hero, here in the Entertainment District?

Everyone knew this Hero hadn't come seeking pleasure. But what brought him here?

Among Orario's Adventurers, the Hestia Familia was known for their principle: they neither bothered others nor sought expansion, and they never bullied the weak. They only fought when provoked.

Which meant... a Familia member had been wronged, and the Hero had come for revenge?!

Unlike the weaker Apollo or Soma Familia, the Ishtar Familia was a formidable power. Could the Hestia Familia truly challenge them?

This would be interesting.

Seeing Adam, Adventurers rushed back to their Familia to report this explosive news.

Meanwhile, Adam, his fierce expression unwavering, strode directly to the establishment where Haruhime was held captive.

"Yamato, is this the place?"

"Yes, Lord Adam." Looking at the brothel, Yamato's heart ached for her friend's suffering.

If Bell hadn't been holding her hand, she would have rushed in already.

"Don't worry, Yamato. I'll rescue her."

After these reassuring words, everyone followed Adam into the establishment.

The madam spotted the renowned Hero immediately upon his entrance.

"Well, if it isn't the Hero himself." Her voice carried both surprise and mockery, "Who would have thought you'd come to such a place for pleasure? Others would certainly be shocked to know."

She seemed quite proud, clearly looking down on him.

After all, wasn't he just another low-ranking Adventurer, despite being favored by the Gods?

Yet she failed to realize Adam hadn't come seeking pleasure — his conspicuous entrance to the Entertainment District proved as much.

Knowing the madam was merely a minor player and that Ishtar was the true decision-maker, Adam dispensed with pleasantries and stated his purpose directly.

"I want to see Haruhime. Please arrange it."

"You say... Haruhime?" His words set off alarm bells in her mind.

Due to Haruhime's special circumstances, the Ishtar Familia had kept her hidden, permitting meetings only with carefully selected, well-known clients.

Though they usually substituted other girls for her, Haruhime's special status meant outsiders shouldn't even know of her existence.

Yet the Hero had asked for her by name. He must have come prepared.

They couldn't let them meet!

With a forced laugh, the madam said, "What are you talking about? We don't have anyone called Haruhime here. Perhaps you're mistaken?"

"Stop lying!" Yamato burst out, "I've seen her before — bring her out now!"

Her outburst only agitated the madam further.

"I said we don't have her!" The madam shouted with feigned anger, "If you're not here for pleasure, leave immediately. Don't interfere with our business!"

Her voice carried across the room.

Adam saw through her ploy — she was trying to draw other customers' attention, hoping to use them to force his group out.

But when the onlookers recognized the Hero as the leader, they quietly slipped away with changed expressions.

Her scheme had failed.

"Well, never mind. You're just a low-ranking staff member with no real authority. No matter how much I press you, you're merely stalling." Not giving her time for more delays, Adam continued, "To avoid causing you trouble, why don't you send someone to find a person who can speak with Lady Ishtar? This matter need not involve you — how about that?"

His suggestion was the optimal solution. She was just an insignificant pawn, one of Ishtar's countless tentacles controlling the Entertainment District.

Given the Goddess's cruel and arrogant nature, even if the madam died, Ishtar wouldn't care — she'd likely just curse her as worthless trash for causing trouble.

Reporting up the chain and removing herself from the situation was the wisest choice. Even if Ishtar needed someone to blame later, it wouldn't be her.

"What do you think?"

"Alright, I'll go now." The madam wasn't stupid; she understood his intention.

Though grateful to the Hero in her heart, their different positions meant she couldn't show it openly. In that moment, she realized how foolish her earlier contempt had been.

The madam hurried to the back courtyard while everyone else waited in the hall.

After a while, she returned with a tall woman following behind. The newcomer's skin, attire, and Damascus dagger marked her as an Amazon warrior of the Ishtar Familia.

She approached the group and spoke without ceremony.

"I am Aisha. You wish to see Haruhime?"

"Yes."

"Why? Do you know her?"

"Haruhime is Yamato's childhood friend. If possible, we'd like to buy her freedom."

Adam's request was reasonable — buying freedom for a friend had happened countless times in the Entertainment District.

But Aisha knew Haruhime's special circumstances meant she wouldn't be released. Yet as the Renard's friend herself, she wanted to save this imprisoned girl.

So...

"Haruhime isn't an ordinary courtesan. Buying her freedom would be extremely difficult, regardless of money. Do you understand this?"

"I do." Adam understood her hidden meaning, "But no matter how difficult, a Hero won't let his companions suffer."

His tone was resolute, making it clear to Aisha that he would definitely save Haruhime.

This woman had cared for Haruhime since her imprisonment in the district. In daily life, with clients, and even during the Killing Stone incident, she had secretly helped the fox girl. She truly wanted to save her.

So Adam had a good impression of her.

"Is that so?" Hearing his determination, Aisha smiled with satisfaction, "However, this matter still requires discussing with Lady Ishtar. I can take you to see the deity, but success depends on you."

She decided to place her bet on him. Despite risking Ishtar's punishment, she would let the Hero meet the deity.

"Yes, thank you." Adam nodded in gratitude.

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