Building A Carnal Empire In The Fantasy World-Chapter 13: The Secret Gala

The morning sun crept through the wooden shutters, painting golden stripes across Kael’s face. His eyes fluttered open, and he stretched his arms above his head. A smile tugged at his lips. Today was the day.

He sat up in bed, rolling his shoulders. The soreness from last night’s training had melted away. Two weeks of hard work had paid off. His body felt stronger, lighter somehow. The spirit stones had done their job well.

Kael flexed his fingers and watched small sparks of energy dance between them.

Mortal Rank Level 6.

He could hardly believe it.

A stark contrast to the aching wreck he’d been just two weeks ago when he first awakened in Eldoria, a measly Level 1 Mortal Rank nobody.

Now, thanks to relentless client sessions and the mana-packed spirit stones he’d converted from Lust Points, Kael had surged to Mortal Rank 6.

Five levels in two weeks! This was a feat that would take the average Joe three months of sweat and tears, or even a talented cultivator a full month of grinding.

The Porn Empire System’s extra mana from his steamy encounters had also played a part in supercharging his progress, and Kael felt it in every fiber of his being.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. Through the thin walls, he could hear the usual morning sounds of the Leisure Wand.

The hours crawled by like honey dripping from a spoon. Kael tried to keep busy during his spare time. He cleaned his room twice. He also practiced a Black Grade sword form he’d gotten from his predecessor’s memories, in the small space until sweat beaded on his forehead. He even helped Sara with the laundry, though she kept giving him strange looks.

"You’re like a cat before a storm," she said, wringing out a wet sheet. "All jumpy and twitchy."

Kael forced himself to sit still on a wooden crate. "I’m fine."

"Sure you are." Sara hung the sheet on a rope line. "Just don’t wear yourself out before tonight."

The sun seemed to move backwards across the sky. Every time Kael checked, it had barely shifted. He tried to read a book but couldn’t focus on the words. The letters might as well have been dancing ants.

Finally, the light outside began to fade. Orange and pink painted the clouds. Madam Vex appeared in the main hall, her usual flowing dress replaced by something darker and more elegant. The fabric caught the lamplight like water.

"Time to prepare," she announced.

Kael’s heart picked up its pace. Sara bounced on her toes beside him. Even Lila, who usually looked bored by everything, had a spark in her dark eyes.

They gathered their things. Kael checked his getup one more time. The outfit Madam Vex had given him was simple but well-made. Dark pants and shoes, a white shirt, and a deep blue vest. Nothing too fancy, but clean and proper.

As the sun touched the horizon, wheels rattled on cobblestones outside. Kael peered through a window and saw a carriage waiting in the street.

Two horses stamped their hooves, their breath visible in the cool evening air. The driver sat hunched on his seat, a cap pulled low over his eyes.

"Sara, Lila, Kael," Madam Vex called. "Come."

They filed out of the building. Kael caught sight of Mira sweeping near the entrance. She gave them a small wave. ’But where was Jace?’

He spotted the man standing in a doorway, half-hidden behind it. Jace’s arms were crossed tight over his chest. His jaw looked tense enough to crack teeth. When their eyes met, Jace’s expression twisted into something ugly.

Kael felt a chill that had nothing to do with the evening air. He’d seen that look before. On the faces of men who had ulterior motives.

"Kael," Madam Vex’s voice cut through his thoughts. "The carriage."

He climbed up after the others. The seats were cushioned with soft leather. Sara settled beside him, while Lila took the spot across from them. Madam Vex was the last to enter, and the carriage dipped slightly under their weight.

The driver clicked his tongue, and they lurched forward. Kael looked back through the small rear window, still bothered by Jace’s dark expression.

"Now," Madam Vex said, drawing their attention as she reached into a cloth bag at her feet. "Before we arrive, there are rules."

She pulled out four masks. Each one covered only half the face, from the nose up. They were made of smooth material that gleamed like polished stone.

Kael’s was deep blue, matching his vest. Sara’s was silver. Lila’s was black as midnight. Madam Vex’s own mask was gold with small gems that caught the carriage’s lamplight.

"These stay on all night," Madam Vex said, handing them out. "No removing them, no matter what happens."

Kael turned his mask over in his hands. It was heavier than it looked. "Why masks?"

"Privacy," Lila said, tying hers behind her head. "The nobles don’t like others knowing their business."

"Exactly." Madam Vex adjusted her own mask. "You’ll see people there who prefer to keep their... interests... quiet."

The carriage swayed as they turned a corner. Through the window, Kael could see they were leaving the familiar streets behind as they neared the main road. The buildings here were taller, made of better stone. Gardens peeked over high walls.

"Listen carefully," Madam Vex continued. "Tonight, you three are my assistants. Nothing more, nothing less. You smile, you serve drinks, you make pleasant conversation. You do not ask personal questions. You do not stare. You do not gossip about what you see."

Sara nodded eagerly. Lila looked like she’d heard this speech multiple times before. Kael tried to focus, but part of his mind kept drifting back to Jace’s angry face.

"Some of the guests will try to... test you," Madam Vex said. "They might offer you things. Money, gifts, special attention. You politely decline everything. Your job is to observe and offer pleasure when needed, nothing more."

"If something unexpected happens, you find me immediately." Her golden mask caught the lamplight as she turned to look at him. "Do not try to handle it yourselves. These people have power you can’t imagine."

The carriage wheels hit smoother road now.

"One more thing," Madam Vex said. "What you see tonight stays between us. Some secrets are worth killing for."

The temperature in the carriage seemed to drop. Sara’s smile faltered. Even Lila looked serious now.

Through the window, Kael saw light spilling from the windows of a massive building ahead, just as they exited a forest.

The sound of music could be heard now—stringed instruments and soft voices blending together. People in fine clothes walked up wide steps toward huge doors.

The carriage slowed, then stopped.

"Ready?" Madam Vex asked.

Kael touched his mask to make sure it was secure.

The driver opened their door, and the night air rushed in, carrying the scent of expensive perfume and the sound of laughter.