Tradition and Progress (Kaizen)

[Grace]

((OoC: this will take place during snowstorm - anyone is welcome if they want to join in))

Grace couldn’t believe she was here. She had left the states about two weeks ago. She was grateful to Eve for getting her out. Things were a lot more stable here. As a result, Grace felt a lot more grounded. It wasn’t long after her arrival in Moscow that Eve had contacted her about a job she thought Grace would be good at. 

Eve was very clear what the job entailed and wouldn’t force her into it, but thought given her natural nature to be empathetic and her preference for being tactile. Grace was game and thought she would enjoy, so she was now a host at Kaizen - a club located right next to the Radiance Hotel. 

As a hostess - she was selected by the clients for a variety of reasons. She was flexible and easily adapted to her clients. She had several repeat customers and was beginning to make money. She was finding the work both enjoyable and successful. 

The weather was expected to be bad and she wondered how many were going to show up. So far she didn’t have a customer seeking her attention. She was ready regardless. Not having to worry so much about housing, she had spent her money getting more attire. She wore a beautiful red evening gown that accentuated her body. She was hoping someone would come in. Grace would love to be social and show someone a good time.

[Carter de Volthström]

Guillaume de Volthström

One could not stay in the penthouse suite of the Radiance Hotel for long without the whispers drifting up. Compliments, rumors, and seductive speculations regarding the new club carved into the adjacent tower found its way over. At first, Guillaume had merely dismissed Kaizen as another themed restaurant capitalizing on exoticism. Even if its exterior design of reflective black glass and intricate Edo-period latticework possessed a certain severe appeal, it wouldn't have hooked him if not for the premise of its staff.

He was a Parisian by blood, with the pulsing rhythm of burlesque houses, footlights, and professional illusion stamped into his very marrow. To hear about Kaizen’s twist on the tease with an exquisite, transactional commodification of attention bound by strict rules was enough to pierce his chronic boredom.

It promised a dance of boundaries, and boundary play was an art form he appreciated.
He was lured across the threshold today purely out of a restless, stinging curiosity, though a sudden craving for sashimi didn't hurt. Carter would meet him here eventually, but Guillaume was more than content to slip into the lion's den alone first.

Stepping inside felt like crossing into a different world. The harsh pulse of the Moscow vanished and was replaced by the hushed, monolithic luxury of stone floors interspersed with warm panels of lacquered wood. Overhead and winding through the architecture were glass channels shimmering alive with the lazy, golden-scaled glides of living koi.

Guillaume’s low, penetrating gaze swept over the room with an aristocratic appraisal, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. It was disciplined and severe. And beneath its polished Edo-revival veneer, it thrummed with a low, predatory current that felt entirely like home. He liked it.

He was guided past the entrance's cascading water feature and seated near the heart of the ground floor: the striking basalt-hewn bar wrapped around the shimmering expanse of the central koi pond. Settling into the seating, the ambient glow of the water played across his sharp cheekbones and tailored jacket. A silver chain nestled beneath the open collar of a graphite shirt, sparking depth to his already deep eyes. His fingers traced the rim of the table as he waited for a server.

[Grace]

Grace noticed him come in - a man who looked like he was used to getting what he wanted. Rich for sure and she didn't need to see his well tailored suit and silver chain to realize it. It exuded from him. Of course, that's what Kaizen was for. A welcome mat to the rich and famous of the CCD. Grace had seen her share of them. She liked being around them. There was maybe some envy there too, but she kept it bottled. She'd earn her place, and even if she didn't become wealthy, well, this place gave her access to all of it anyways and she loved her job.

He was seated and had the look of someone waiting patiently for service (for now). She knew from experience that he would likely appreciate quick service as opposed to having to wait. Grace waited until the man was settled. She moved smoothly, her motions graceful. Her red dress hugged her curves. She approached the table, giving him a chance to notice her - a moment to examine her.

"Good evening, sir. Welcome to Kaizen," Grace said with a smile and a bow. Her dress was low cut and she did nothing to hide it. He was allowed to look. Hell, he was allowed to touch as long as he paid for it. She remained bowed for a moment. "My name is Grace and I'm a hostess here." She rose from her bow, and wondered if he knew what hostess meant in the language of the companion clubs. "We will get a server over here to take your order."

Grace signaled to a server. Serving wasn't her job, but by talking to the gentleman she could claim commission on the sale. That meant more money in her pocket. "If I may recommend the Hakushu 12 year single malt scotch. A smokey scotch with hints of green crisp apple, pine, and herbal mint layered over a smokey flavor. It's great neat, but also mixes well if a highball is more your thing. Of course I can make other recommendations should you desire." she paused and moved closer as the server arrived. "And may I have the honor of your name?"