Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

A few minutes later, he heard the door of the room across his creak open.

"Wow, that was a great night. You were a good partner, lady. I want to continue, but my friend has been waiting. He's such a headstrong person and refuses to take one of the beautiful girls in this teahouse."

Emperor Sheng's voice was loud, and the courtesan giggled and fluttered her fan.

"Fufufu, please come back anytime. Your friend is missing a lot. He's too handsome for my girls to ignore. Maybe he's in one of these rooms already."

"He's a picky man. Well, have a good day, and I will be back."

"Take care, guest."

Finally, Emperor Sheng's footsteps approached the door, and Leo quickly opened the door. He was greeted by a smiling and satisfied Sheng who looked past him, at Yue Yue who was sleeping peacefully.

"What a peculiar taste. A kid?" Sheng shook his head and sighed. "I won't judge, but you know that I implemented a law about not marrying girls under 17-years-old, no? I am not sure about other places, but the Central Plains follow this rule."

"What are you talking about?" Leo snapped back at the accusation and shook his head. "I did not sleep with her. She wanted to repay me with everything she had, so I just followed and put her unconscious here. When she wakes up, I will just say I had a great time and make her happy. Also, she's 20-year-old, only a bit younger than me."

"Hahaha, I was just joking."

Sheng laughed and slapped Leo's shoulder, earning him a glare.

"Anyway, let's get out of here. I will buy that girl for you. The owner has taken a liking to me, so it will be easy. I'll buy her debt, and we can bring her with us. I don't know what you see in her, but is this truly okay?"

"Yes. If you buy her for me, I will think that you have paid the bonus you promised me."

"Perfect."

After agreeing, the two went downstairs to talk with the owner. Leo cradled Yue Yue in his arms, holding her gently.

She was a bit light and thin, and her gray hair was covering her face. However, her expression was calm, and she had a faint smile on her lips.

Maybe, for the first time, she had a peaceful dream.

A peaceful and happy dream.

The conversation with the owner was quick and smooth. Leo and Sheng sat there and listened, and soon, a price was agreed upon.

"Thank you for your business. I will prepare the document and hand her over to you." The attractive woman shut her fan, her boobs jiggled slightly. "This girl is the youngest and most unpopular, so her debt is not much. Just 250 Gold, and you can have her."

"Good." Sheng nodded and pulled out the gold. "Here. Count it carefully."

"No need. I trust you, handsome."

The woman winked at him and took the money. Her face was full of seduction and temptation, but Sheng didn't even bat an eye.

Then, she glanced at Leo, her eyes filled with interest and a bit of confusion.

"Your friend is indeed interesting. Out of anyone here, he chose Yue Yue? And to buy her immediately after sleeping with her once." She said, giggling. "But well, you have the money. Enjoy."

After the transaction was done, Leo and Sheng left the teahouse with Yue Yue still in the former's hands. No ceremony or celebration that usually followed when a courtesan bought was held.

No wonder. Yue Yue was at the bottom of the pecking order, and she had no name or reputation. No one would miss her, not even her boss.

"I will escort you back to the castle. And I will have to return to Chengdu for a while. My other companion, a student from Wudang Sect, has to report back. If the preparation from your end has finished, contact me using the communication device."

"Wow, you're the first person to ever give instruction to an Emperor. How bold."

"Huh? You're not my Emperor but my client. I will maintain a respectful language, but I can also give instruction to make our work smooth and effective."

"You're not the same as others. I like you, Leo. Maybe this is what it feels like to have friends? What do you think?"

"... I don't know."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

As someone who didn't know the term 'friends' in his whole life, Leo didn't understand. He knew about friendship and the concept of being close with someone, but the idea of having a relationship that was deeper than just business or mutual interest was new to him.

He had never cared about his relationship in his last world. That was why he cared so much about his subordinates, the members of Hallowed Insects. They were what he could call his friends, his family, and he would do anything for them.

But, this was the first time someone else had referred to him as a friend. And it was Emperor Sheng.

"Don't worry. You're not obligated to be friends with me. But do know that I think of you as a friend now." Sheng smiled and patted his shoulder. "Let's get back and prepare for our next plan."

"Yes."

With a nod, Leo carried Yue Yue and followed him, a thought in his mind.

'Friend? Me?'

He couldn't help but chuckle.

This was the first time someone called him that.

'What a strange feeling.'

He had never experienced anything like this before, and he didn't know how to respond.

Still, it wouldn't be bad to have an Emperor as a friend. After meeting many people, he knew Sheng was sly and cunning. However, there was this hidden naivety and honesty belonged to a child.

Maybe this was a side effect of being an Emperor, where he could only trust a few people and was always surrounded by darkness and danger.

Leo couldn't relate to him, but he felt a strange connection between them.

'Well, it's not bad.'