The Mad Priest of the Slums

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Ugh…”

Awoken by the sound of knocking, Olivia frowned, scrunching her flawless, smooth brow as she sat up.

[1:28]

It was just past 1 a.m.—an ungodly hour for anyone in her line of work.

Just six hours ago, she had kicked out a wealthy customer, still in his underwear, after draining him dry in every sense of the word following a successful haul from the dungeon. Considering the time spent cleaning up, showering, and finally falling asleep, Olivia had only managed about three hours of rest. Naturally, anyone would be irritated in such a situation.

“Olivia, sorry to bother you, but I’m coming in.”

It was the voice of the madam, gentle as always even before Olivia had become the establishment’s top courtesan. The sound of a key turning was followed by the door creaking open, and the madam—aging but still strikingly beautiful—entered the room.

“You’re awake. That’s a relief.”

“It’s not a relief at all. My skin’s going to pay for this.”

“You’ll recover quickly while you’re still young.”

The madam perched on the edge of Olivia’s bed and began to gently brush the younger woman’s hair, soothing her despite the brewing irritation.

“Sorry, but you need to get ready.”

“For whom?”

“Benjamin just called. He’s bringing a very important guest.”

“Oh, hell.”

Benjamin. A name synonymous with power. He wasn’t just a drug lord or street boss—he ruled this part of town with a fearsome grip, second only to the kingpin of the district, Mad Dog. Only a fool or a dead man crossed him.

“When’s he arriving?”

“If you start getting ready now, you won’t need to rush.”

“Damn. I should’ve known when that sucker came back yesterday for more.”

“Come downstairs when you’re ready.”

“Got it.”

The madam hugged Olivia before leaving the room.

Left alone, Olivia carefully climbed out of bed, making sure not to mess up her freshly combed hair. She sat down in front of the vanity.

“This isn’t about being taken as a concubine or something, right?”

Although Benjamin had never been known to force women into such arrangements, life was unpredictable. Rumors circulated that, despite his immense power, Benjamin had never summoned a courtesan before. Yet here he was, arriving with a supposedly “important guest.” And that alone was enough to stir unease.

“Whatever. Overthinking’s a waste of time.”

Olivia brushed the intrusive thoughts aside and applied a light touch of makeup—just enough to enhance her natural features without appearing garish. Then she walked to the wardrobe.

“An important guest, huh.”

She chose a crisp white blouse with minimal skin exposure and black fitted trousers that hugged her curves. As an elite courtesan, Olivia preferred understated elegance over outright exposure. It left more to the imagination—a deliberate tactic to heighten a man’s desire.

“Not bad, considering how little sleep I got.”

After tying her chestnut hair into a neat ponytail, she stood before the mirror, puckered her lips, and headed downstairs.

“Perfect timing.”

“Are they here?”

“They’ll be here soon.”

Standing beside the madam, Olivia fiddled with her blouse. “Should I unbutton a couple at the top?”

“If you’re going for a refined look, it’s better to stick with it.”

“Fair point. But next time, get me a size up.”

“Goodness, when will you stop growing?”

“It’s not like I’m trying!”

Their banter was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

“Get ready.”

“As if I don’t know how to entertain.”

Olivia straightened her posture, clasping her hands below her navel. When the door swung open, she and the madam bowed deeply, eyes lowered.

“Welcome to Moon’s Enchantment.”

The madam spoke first. Olivia followed suit, raising her gaze just in time to see a man step inside.

He had sharp features beneath neatly combed black hair.

“Let’s skip the formalities. Just do your job.”

Benjamin, a cigar dangling from his lips, seemed impatient.

“Would you like a drink?”

“I’m good. Thanks, madam.”

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate.”

As the madam stepped aside, Olivia approached the distinguished guest, who wore a rosary around his neck.

“I’m the top courtesan here.”

Her smile was a calculated blend of business and authenticity.

“I hear you were resting. Apologies for disturbing you.”

“Oh, please. It’s not every day I get to see such a handsome face.”

To her surprise, the compliment wasn’t insincere.

“Allow me to show you the way.”

Unlike the boorish men Olivia usually dealt with, this guest was tall, poised, and spoke in a deep, soothing voice. His mere presence lifted her spirits.

She led him to the top floor—a spacious suite reserved for VIPs.

“This is our finest room, although it’s nothing special.”

Normally, courtesans would help undress their guests. But before she could move, the man raised a hand.

“No need. I didn’t come for that.”

“…?”

What?

Courtesans don’t come cheap, especially the best. Yet this man claimed he wasn’t here for intimacy?

“Just a few questions. Let’s sit.”

Olivia sat across from him, puzzled.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Without explanation, the man pulled out a book and began to read.

‘Is this some kind of joke?’

While getting paid without lifting a finger was ideal, Olivia felt strangely insulted. Men who didn’t desire her? That was a rare blow to her pride.

Still, he wasn’t just any man. He was a cleric—a servant of the divine. Not someone she could toy with.

Minutes passed in silence. When the man finally closed his book, he made a curious gesture. Suddenly, bundles of cash appeared out of thin air.

“High-tier contract.”

With a flick of his wrist, the money vanished. Two parchment scrolls materialized.

“What’s your usual sleep schedule?”

“Huh? Um, from about 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.”

“So, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., then.”

“Yes, I’m usually asleep by then.”

He scribbled on one scroll with a pen he summoned from thin air.

“Name?”

“Olivia.”

“A lovely name.”

Olivia had heard that a thousand times before. But this time, her cheeks flushed.

“I’m offering you a job.”

“A job?”

“Yes.”

He handed her the scroll. It was a contract.

The terms were simple: whenever the cleric summoned her in his dreams, she would enter. No obligations except to appear. She could quit anytime. Payment: 10,000 mora per visit.

‘Earn money while sleeping?’

The offer was bizarre but tempting.

“I’ll do it.”

“Sign at the bottom.”

The moment Olivia signed, the contract dissolved into pink mist.

“See you tomorrow.”

With that, the cleric rose to leave.

“Wait!”

“…Yes?”

Olivia approached him.

“Forgive me, but… if a courtesan leaves untouched, it’s a wound to her pride.”

“Hmm.”

Baek Jin-hyuk paused as if he were thinking for a moment, then spread his arms to the sides.

“This is my first time at a place like this.”

At his response, Olivia gave a small smile as she helped him remove his coat.

“In that case, I must be even more dedicated to guiding you.”

**

Not long after Baek Jin-hyuk left, Madame came in through the door.

“Hey, are you all right?”

Olivia, lying alone on the bed, answered weakly in a hoarse voice.

“I can’t take any more customers today….”