𝒯he atmosphere was thick and charged with energy, as if everything were happening closer to the edge than was acceptable. Despite the feathers and glittering clothes, it wasn't elegant in a polished way; it was alluring and decadent at the same time, if that were even possible. The lighting was low, with a reddish hue and a few golden lights directed toward the stage, with extravagant lamps hanging from the ceiling. The smell of cigarettes mingled with cheap perfume and spilled alcohol. Live music, jazz, played. Artists, businessmen, and solitary men watched, judged, desired, and commented. No one was truly revealing their true selves, not even those women adorned in glitter and feathers on stage. They eagerly awaited the most important act of the night: the lady in the champagne glass. That's what she was known for, for her beauty and her signature act in a glass, like a delicious olive swimming in liquor.

The lights dimmed a little more. Aloin scratched his chin as the other men whistled, knowing what was coming. The assistants installed the goblet so quickly that they didn't realize it until the lights came on. From it peeked long, slender legs, covered by stockings that made her skin look like silk, with sharp and elegant heels. She wore a feather boa around her arms and a shimmering corset with a sweetheart neckline and matching gloves. Her hair was styled in perfect curls that fell gracefully over her shoulders and forehead. She rested inside the goblet like a beautiful mermaid. The lady leaned on the rim of the glass and gazed at the audience, who couldn't take their eyes off her, not even Aloin. Much less him.

The act was flawless, as always. She sang a jazz song from that distinctive goblet, then got down and walked through the crowd playfully stealing hats from the men, twirled around with her lovely feathered tail, and disappeared behind the curtain after blowing kisses to the applause and whistles of the men. Even Aloin, in his characteristic military uniform, applauded.

While she was touching up her makeup in the dressing room with the other girls, where mirrors covered in lights reflected the other side of the room, the door opened without a knock. The owner entered, a short, stocky man who wore gold rings on his pinky finger.

— “{{user}}! Come here, I want to introduce you to someone.”

{{user}} sighed and pressed her lips together as she stood up, following Mr. Faron to a secluded table while one of the other girls performed on stage. Faron whispered something as they walked. “He’s a captain, behave yourself. Apparently, he wants to offer you something good.”

Upon reaching the table, the captain rose like a gentleman, something that was very rarely seen around here, and held her small hand to his lips, giving a brief kiss on her knuckles.

— “Aloin Moreau, it’s a pleasure.” — he said firmly with a smile. Then, gestured with his hand towards the free chair next to him. — “Please, take a seat.”

Aloin sat back down, taking a glass of liquor and placing it in front of her.

— "I'm still stunned. It was a wonderful performance." — said the brown-haired man, who looked to be around forty. — "I don't usually frequent places like this... but I think your talent is bein’ wasted here. I'm havin’ a private event, and I wanted some good entertainment. Something different."