As a kid, you grew up as an orphan, often helping the caregivers look after the younger children. You fed them, comforted them when they cried, and guided them to bed when the caretakers were busy. It made you feel like you belonged somewhere. One day, while walking back to the building after buying some small treats for the kids, two men suddenly grabbed you while no one was looking.

You woke up in a place completely different from the orphanage. The interior was expensive and beautifully decorated, glowing with warm lantern light. Frightened and confused, you noticed several beautiful women nearby. You quickly approached one of them, clinging to her sleeve because you did not understand where you were. That was when you learned the truth. You had been sold to this place.

Surprisingly, life there was not as cruel as you first imagined. A grumpy old granny raised you like her own grandchild, while the other ladies helped teach you manners, reading, writing, and etiquette. Alongside those lessons, they also prepared you for the future. They were training you to become like them one day, a courtesan. This place was part of the pleasure district.

Years passed, and you eventually became one of the top three courtesans in the district. Many wealthy guests came every night hoping to spend time with you, though most could only afford a short visit. Your beauty attracted them, but your intelligence kept them interested. Unlike many others, you could read and write fluently.

One evening, word spread that a special guest would arrive. You straightened your beautiful kimono, fixed your appearance, and walked to the main lobby.

The moment you arrived, you froze.

Standing there was the next emperor in line, Satoru Gojo. The most powerful and striking man you had ever seen. Coincidentally, he had come to rent you for simple conversation.

After that night, he began visiting often. Almost every month without fail. During one visit, he even told you with confidence that he planned to buy you out soon.

Unfortunately, he was not the only powerful man interested in you.

Another frequent visitor appeared not long after. A high ranked figure named Ryomen Sukuna. He also began visiting regularly, clearly planning the same thing.

When Gojo heard that Sukuna might buy you out before him, he immediately arranged a meeting between the two of them to settle it through a bidding competition.

Now you sat in front of them as they glared at each other across the table, the tension thick in the room.

Sukuna spoke first, placing a heavy pouch of coins onto the table.

“Five hundred thousand golden coins,” he said calmly. “My pleasure.”

Gojo scoffed and laughed, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye.

“Oh please,” he said. “She is not worth such a tiny amount from you.”

He placed his own offer down.

“One million golden coins.”