Gold, Fire & Ash

Chapter III: Veneer

[Dedicated to ]

III

Veneer

"You can disguise any set with lights and shadows."

- Allan Dwan -

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Running errands to the Red Light District could only be done by a select few. Anyone below the age of seventeen was exempt from making these runs. As the name suggests, this is the taboo district in Satome and therefore it was improper for a child to be seen coming and going from the whorehouses and brothels that the district was known for.

However, that wasn't the only reason Quinn had banned all the kids from doing this kind of job, it wasn't even the most important reason. He didn't involve them because it was quite dangerous for kids to be spotted in this area. This area was known for human trafficking and Quinn was not about to let anything happen to one of his workers. Not only would something like that damage his business, it would also damage his reputation.

Quinn was a businessman. After realizing that little could be achieved without the use of money he had set out to acquire it. The Errand Express was his first creation and it had been the mother of his ideals, but the more his ambitions grew the more he realized he could do with the business. Only a few knew what actually went on behind the scenes of the Errand Express.

The Errand Express was built for helping the people in Satome with their deliveries and give jobs to the children, but that was just a guise created to conceal its main purpose. Quinn wasn't actually going to deliver something however, working for the Errand Express gave him the perfect cover to make it seem that way.

Quinn had been walking for about half an hour when he spotted the dark red buildings that signaled he was entering into the Red Light District. This part of town was also commonly known as Backroad since it was the business district that was furthest inland. Most of the buildings were at least two stories with the occasional three story buildings.

A lot of shady business dealings occurred in this area and most of the stalls on the street were packed with stolen or very questionable goods. Quartine users were especially drawn to this part of town, not for the women, but for the different magical items that were being sold. After all, the Red Light District was a veil for the Black Market.

Quartine was the name given to people who were able to use at least one of the elemental magic: fire, water, earth and air. This type of magic was common for both the high and low class people. Royals were an exception. They used a type of magic called Remian which doesn't fall under any category. Remian users were rare, even for the royals, and every once in a while a child born with Remian abilities was born in a high or low class family.

Quinn walked up to the front door of the Red Pavilion. He was greeted by a rush of beautiful young ladies who clung to his arms as they led him inside.

"Greetings ladies." He said high enough for all of them to hear. They giggled their various greetings at him and he gave them a gentle smile which caused each and every one of them to blush. With his smile widening he patted the hand of one of the beauties that held on to his arm and strode confidently into the room.