Part 1

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The capital city of Lugunica was a place of contrasts. The bustling markets and grand buildings were filled with life and excitement, but there were also quieter, shadowy corners where different kinds of business thrived. Rem, the blue-haired oni maid, walked through the city streets, her heart heavy with a mixture of determination and anxiety. She wanted to buy a special gift for Subaru, something that would show how much he meant to her. But without any money of her own, she was left with few options.

As she wandered, her eyes fell upon a weathered notice pinned to a wooden post. The large, bold letters caught her attention: "Help Wanted: Cleaning Staff for Night Work. Good Pay." Reading the fine print, Rem realized the job was at a brothel. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. She reasoned with herself—it was just cleaning, nothing more. Besides, the pay was good, and it would allow her to buy something meaningful for Subaru.

With her decision made, Rem followed the directions to the brothel. The building was tucked away in a quieter district of the city, far from the bustling crowds. It was elegant yet discreet, with an air of secrecy that hung around it like a shroud. Rem hesitated for a moment at the entrance, then took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The interior was dimly lit, with rich fabrics and soft lighting creating an intimate atmosphere. The scent of perfume and incense lingered in the air, mixed with something else that Rem couldn't quite place—a heady, cloying smell that clung to everything. It was almost suffocating. As she looked around, her sensitive oni senses picked up the faintest traces of sweat, wine, and something more primal that made her nose wrinkle. This was a world she had never been a part of, one she had only ever heard of in whispers.

A tall woman with sharp eyes and a commanding presence approached her. The woman, clearly the madam of the establishment, looked Rem up and down, her expression unreadable. "Looking for work, dear?" she asked, her voice smooth and laced with a knowing undertone.

Rem nodded, her voice steady despite the slight flutter in her chest. "Yes, I saw your notice. I'm here for the cleaning job."

The madam arched an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "A pretty thing like you, looking to clean here? You sure you don't want something more...profitable?"

Rem's cheeks flushed, but she stood firm. "I'm only interested in the cleaning position."

The madam chuckled softly, clearly amused by Rem's resolve. "Suit yourself. The pay is good, but the work is tough. The rooms need to be spotless before morning. Can you handle that?"

Rem nodded again, determination shining in her eyes. "I can handle it."

The madam handed her a set of keys and pointed to the stairs. "Third floor, start with the first room on the right. I'll check on your work later."

As Rem ascended the stairs, she steeled herself for the task ahead. The brothel was much larger than she had anticipated, with each room uniquely decorated to suit different tastes. But it wasn't the lavish décor that caught her attention—it was the smell. Each room had its own scent, a mixture of sweat, perfume, and other lingering odors that clung to the furniture and walls. Rem's sensitive nose picked up on every detail, making her task even more daunting.

She decided to tackle the worst of the smells first, picking up a cloth and a bucket of soapy water. She worked methodically, scrubbing away at the sheets, curtains, and floors, doing her best to erase every trace of the previous night. The work was exhausting, and as the hours wore on, Rem found herself becoming more and more aware of the environment around her.

As she moved from room to room, men would occasionally pass by, their eyes lingering on her as they did. Some of them would approach her, their voices low and suggestive.

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