The madam shakes her head, blowing out a stream of smoke. "You'll just be pouring drinks and making friendly conversation. There's a strict hands-off policy for the front of house, and we don't accommodate customers who can't follow the rules. And we've got Ukyou and the boys over here at the ready to haul off any customer who gets a funny idea."

Ukyou, the head of the bouncers — a small security force, really — gives Natalia a friendly wave. Despite his easygoing manner, it was pretty clear at a glance that the man could physically haul most customers out of the teahouse single-handedly, if necessary.

"And you'd be compensated for the trouble," the madam adds. "So — what are your preferences? We won't make you entertain anyone you're not comfortable with."