Champion of an Empire, and Guardian of an Empress

[Earthling]

"Ah hi!" The young girl smiled brightly at the knight before him "I'm Frina! And yeah, I hear you, knights like you are some of moms most regular customers, so we are happy you like us!"
She bounced happily on her toes, when suddenly she rushed to the billows and began to pump them, using her own bodyweight as she basically stood on them and pushed down. seemed like the fire had begun to go out "Well, welcome back later I guess~!"

[Reaperbones]

Alex followed the girl over to the billows and helped her push them down until the fire was nice roaring before speaking. "Till next time. Remember practice hard and listen to your mother."
Alex headed off to go buy a lovely necklace for Lagherta and the Empress, and a new crossbow for her new maid.

[Earthling]

Not sooner had he managed to do his shopping rounds than he heard a voice call out to him "Oy! Alex!"
If he turned around he sees two fellow Guardsmen, although not Companions, approach him. Kiren and Ayan were their names, and they were out of uniform, though still carrying their blades "You finally free?!" they grinned "Didn't think you Companions ever had a free moment~"

[Reaperbones]

Alex heard the two guardsmen and turned to face them. He gave them a wave as he approached and answered. "Well I'm not assigned to a duty today, but I'm never free. I'm always ready to be by our Honored Empress' side and no evil will be left walking in my sight. What are you two ruffians up to?"

[Earthling]

"Ah, we were planning on heading towards the red-light district. Heard there was a new gambling house there!" They grinned as they wrapped their arms around each other. They had been best friends ever since they were children, and in training. "Supposedly handing out wins and staffed with real pretty girls! Heck, heard they even got a theatre show being put on tonight!"

[Reaperbones]

Alex shook his head when they spoke of a gambling hall. He spoke with a sigh. "You make one of the highest paychecks in the kingdom, why gamble it away?"
Alex nodded when they spoke of a theatre show. "I always enjoy a good adventure story, but I get the feeling this ain't one of those?"

[Earthling]

"Well, supposedly it is a retelling of the youth of Empress Sylveria IV." They grinned "As for the gambling, hey, it's for the excitement! So, you coming with us? We'll cover the first round of drinks!"

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Empress Sylveria IV was the great grandmother of the current Empress, and was famous in her youth for her beauty... and promiscuity. Actually having served as a courtesan and later a concubine to several high nobles before she was offered the Imperial throne as a result of a coup, despite originally not having many prospects on the throne as she was the daughter of one of the previous Emperors least favoured concubines.

[Reaperbones]

Alex contemplated it for a few seconds. He had many reason not to go, but a really big reason to go. These guys needed a chaperone. He also didn't mind the prospect of a good show. He spoke as tucked his purchases into his pocket and strapped the new sword onto his belt next to his sword. "Alright but I'm not drinking and you ass holes are gonna listen to me. I'm gonna be a chaperone since I know you're gonna do something incredibly stupid if you get too drunk."

[Earthling]

"Ugh... You sure?" Kiren groaned "Since when have we ever done anything THAT stupid when drunk~?"

[Reaperbones]

Alex gave the two a serious stare and spoke with a dead tone. "Last time you guys got too drunk, we had to come find you in an alley. Both of you were wearing skimpy dresses, which really didn't look good on you, and claiming that you spent the night with a girl named Malori. When we tried to find said Malori to confirm your story and make sure you didn't break any rules, nobody had hear of such a woman. Half the guard believe that you two just ended up spending the night as butt buddies. So do you want a chaperone or not?"

[Earthling]

The two guards chuckled nervously and scratched the backs of their heads "Eh... Yeah. Might be a good idea. So, we were planning on heading there now, you got anything more on your shopping list?"

[Reaperbones]

Alex shook his head and spoke. "No but when is this show supposed to be? I wanna get back to the palace at a reasonable time to deliver these gifts. Gotta show the blacksmith this sword too."

[Earthling]

"Hmm, I think it's supposed to be in an hour or so. Gotta take place before the curfew you know." Ayan scratched his chin as he tried to remember "And hey, if nothing else, we'll just spend the night at the place."

[Reaperbones]

Alex gave them a dead serious look again. He spoke as he pointed to their swords. "As long as you carry those, you represent all of us, and Dragon Guard do not sleep in gambling halls. They sleep in fancy ass inns or in lovely women's beds."
Alex gave them a wicked grin and a chuckle. He spoke as he indicated to the road. "Well lead the way you two."

[Earthling]

"Hey, it's the red light district you know, the lovely women's beds are just upstairs!" Kiren snickered as he wrapped his arm around Alex's shoulder in a friendly gesture "This way brave o knight!"

Soon enough they reached the Red Light District, where the city's debauchery was to be officially kept from dirtying down the rest of the capital. And at this time of day, it was one of the most crowded districts. Men and women both wandered up and down the streets in search of their vices. Strumpets and barkers tried to attract people to their establishments. Brothels, bathhouses, gambling dens, taverns and lewd theatres lined the streets, all offering comfort, company, entertainment and drink to those with sufficient coin.
As they walked, they also passed the local temples dedicated to the twin gods of sexuality and love; Talleionia and her brother Orimai, and the priests and priestesses that tended to them.
"Gods... What I wouldn't give for a night with one of Talleionias handmaidens; or Orimais concubines." Ayan sighed as he could not help but steal a glance at the beautiful young women tending to the temple gardens and structure

[Reaperbones]

Alex gave the girls of the churches a quick appreciative examination, but otherwise avoided staring. He was more alert for pick pockets and thieves that beautiful women. He spoke after he heard Ayan's. "What you two need are some lovely wives or at least some sort of lasting relationship. A one night stand with a lady is nice, but the follow up nights with a lady you love are the most passionate and enjoyable."

[Earthling]

"Eh, unlike you we still live in the barracks, and it'd be quite cramped for a wife and child you know." Kiren shrugged "I mean, I guess we could get an apartment for them outside the palace, but..."

[Reaperbones]

Alex looked at Kiren and spoke with a smile. "It's not uncommon and I think it'd be worth it. A warm meal to come home to after a hard day, lovely company in bed every night, and then when you have kids, you get to hear the soft pitter patter of their feet as they run about your home. How's that sound to you two?"

[Earthling]

"Heh, someday maybe! Until then, the kitchen maids will cook for us!" the two guardsmen laughed as they walked.

Soon enough they stood before a rather large building, red lanterns hanging over the doorway, and laughter and music could be heard from the slightly ajar door.
A young lady, dressed in a short dress, just barely hanging off her shoulders, putting her modest cleavage, and luscious thighs on display, approached the trio with a bright smile "Hello~! Are you three looking for some fun~?"
Kiren smirked at Alex and Ayan "Yeah! We are looking for the new gambling house, hmm... Ah yeah, the Red Fox's Den!"
And those words made the girls smile even brighter "Right this way then brave sir knights~!" and she gestured towards the building with a sweeping arm

[Reaperbones]

Alex looked at the two guardsmen and chuckled. He spoke as he followed behind them. "Hmm...I should find a good lady to send you home with tonight."
Alex spotted the building and the lady, and began noting all possible exits. It'd be helpful if something goes wrong and they have to escape. Alex smiled when the lady asked if they we're looking for some fun. Kiren answered and after they began walking Alex spoke with a cheerful tone. "Hey do you know where some sweet, more homely lasses might be found around here? I was contemplating sending these two home with some ladies that they'd want to keep."