The morning sun filtered through the silk curtains of Yuuto's chamber, casting a warm glow across the lavish furnishings. He sat at the edge of the bed, dressed in a loose tunic, watching as Liana stretched beneath the covers, her emerald eyes still heavy with sleep.
She turned to face him, a lazy smirk forming on her lips. "You don't waste time, do you?"
Yuuto chuckled. "Aldenport won't wait for us to enjoy leisure all day."
Liana sighed, pulling the blanket closer to her bare form. "Pity. I was starting to like the idea of staying in bed longer."
He leaned over, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "You'll have plenty of chances for that. But right now, we have a city to tame."
As he stood, the door opened slightly, and Selene stepped inside, her usual composed expression barely shifting as she took in the scene.
"You're awake," she said. "Good. We've received a message from Lord Voss."
Yuuto took the sealed letter from her hands, breaking the wax seal. His eyes scanned the contents quickly before a slow smirk formed.
"Voss is ready to meet again," he murmured. "It seems our talk last night left an impression."
Liana sat up, brushing her long hair over her shoulder. "And? What does he want?"
Yuuto folded the letter. "He's arranged a gathering with the other Merchant Lords. He wants to see how I handle myself in front of them."
Selene frowned slightly. "A test?"
"More like a trap," Yuuto said. "But one we can turn to our advantage."
---
By midday, Yuuto, Selene, and Liana arrived at Lord Voss's grand estate, where the gathering was held. The estate, located near the cliffs overlooking the bay, was a sprawling mansion of marble pillars and imported tapestries, showcasing Aldenport's wealth.
The gathering took place in a lavish courtyard filled with exotic plants and a cascading fountain at its center. Tables were set with silver platters of roasted meats, fruits, and fine wines, and several influential figures of Aldenport had already gathered.
Yuuto's gaze swept over the guests, quickly identifying the key figures in the city's power structure:
1. Lord Harland Voss – The wealthiest Merchant Lord, known for his vast shipping network.
2. Madam Evelyne Roswell – A cunning businesswoman controlling Aldenport's textile trade.
3. Duke Hargreaves – A noble overseeing the city's taxation, closely aligned with the kingdom.
4. Garrick Morn – The leader of the Dockmasters, controlling the port's operations and smuggling routes.
As Yuuto stepped forward, conversation quieted, and eyes turned toward him.
Voss, already seated at the head of the long table, gestured toward an empty seat. "Come, take your place, Lord Yuuto. Let's see if you truly belong in Aldenport's circles."
Yuuto smirked and sat without hesitation, Selene and Liana flanking him on either side. He was not here as a guest. He was here to claim his stake in the city.
---
The conversation began politely, with each lord discussing trade routes, taxation policies, and recent disruptions. But Yuuto could feel the tension beneath the surface.
Garrick Morn, the Dockmaster, leaned forward, his scarred face twisting into a smirk. "I hear you're making moves in Aldenport, Lord Yuuto. But tell me, what exactly are you offering?"
Yuuto met his gaze calmly. "Stability."
Duke Hargreaves scoffed. "Bold words for a man who's barely set foot in this city."
Yuuto picked up his goblet of wine, swirling it idly. "Aldenport thrives on wealth, but wealth only flows freely when there's order. Right now, there's too much infighting. Too many factions pulling the city in different directions."
Madam Evelyne raised a delicate brow. "And you think you can fix that?"
Yuuto took a slow sip of his wine before setting the goblet down. His crimson eyes gleamed as he spoke.
"I don't think—I know."
Silence followed his words, a charged stillness that signaled the true negotiation had begun.
Voss chuckled, breaking the tension. "And how do you propose to do that, Lord Yuuto?"
Yuuto leaned forward slightly. "By making sure everyone here profits more than they ever have before."
He gestured toward Garrick. "The Dockmasters struggle with rogue smugglers cutting into their business. Under my protection, that ends."
His gaze shifted to Evelyne. "The textile trade has suffered from counterfeits flooding the market. I can ensure exclusive rights to the highest quality materials."
Finally, he met Duke Hargreaves' gaze. "And as for the kingdom's taxation? With the right influence, we can reduce unnecessary levies on trade and increase overall revenue."
The Merchant Lords exchanged glances. For the first time, Yuuto saw uncertainty in their expressions—uncertainty mixed with intrigue.
Voss stroked his beard, smiling. "An interesting proposition. But tell me, what do you want in return?"
Yuuto smiled. "Control."
---
The meeting lasted hours, filled with veiled threats, subtle negotiations, and power struggles. But by the time it ended, Yuuto had secured a foothold.
Voss and Evelyne had tentatively allied with him, while Garrick remained wary. Duke Hargreaves would be the biggest obstacle, but Yuuto already had plans for him.
As he and his companions exited the estate, Liana exhaled softly. "That could have gone worse."
Selene nodded. "You gained more than you lost. But they're watching you now. Any misstep, and they'll turn against you."
Yuuto smirked. "Then I just won't misstep."
Liana rolled her eyes. "Cocky."
But she couldn't deny the results.
Aldenport was beginning to shift. And soon, it would be his.
---
Nightfall – A Private Celebration
That night, as Yuuto relaxed in his chambers, a soft knock sounded at his door.
He smirked. "Come in."
The door opened, revealing Selene and Liana, both dressed in light robes, their eyes glinting in the dim candlelight.
Selene crossed her arms, tilting her head. "You've been working hard. Perhaps it's time for a… reward."
Liana smirked. "I did say I was starting to enjoy this arrangement."
Yuuto leaned back, watching them with amusement. "Then I suppose it's only fair I indulge my most loyal supporters."
The door clicked shut behind them.
---
The morning air in Aldenport carried the scent of salt and spice, a reminder of the city's bustling trade. Yuuto stood on the balcony of his temporary residence, watching as ships unloaded crates of goods onto the docks below. Aldenport was still not his—but it was getting closer.
Last night's meeting had shifted the balance of power, giving him a foothold. Voss and Evelyne were willing to cooperate, Garrick was wary, and Duke Hargreaves was his biggest obstacle.
Beside him, Selene stood dressed in her usual dark attire, her silver hair gleaming under the morning sun. She had been quiet since last night, her thoughts focused on the challenges ahead.
"You're thinking about the Duke, aren't you?" Yuuto asked.
Selene nodded. "He won't accept your influence easily. He's loyal to the royal court, and if he sees you as a threat, he'll move against you first."
Yuuto smirked. "Then I'll have to make him see me as an opportunity instead."
---
At noon, Yuuto and Selene left their residence, heading toward Evelyne Roswell's textile estate. The estate was an elegant mansion surrounded by expansive fields of silk-producing plants, a sign of her vast wealth.
Liana had arranged this meeting, ensuring that Yuuto could solidify Evelyne's support before making a move on Duke Hargreaves.
As they entered the grand hall, Evelyne awaited them, seated on a couch, draped in a crimson gown that accentuated her beauty.
"You don't waste time, Lord Yuuto," she remarked, sipping her tea. "I admire that."
Yuuto smiled, taking a seat opposite her. "Time is money, and I intend to make plenty of both."
Evelyne chuckled, setting her cup down. "Then let's speak business. You offered me control over exclusive materials. I'm listening."
Yuuto leaned forward. "Aldenport's trade depends on external supply chains, but I plan to change that. With the right resources, we can create the finest textiles locally—cutting out foreign suppliers and increasing profit."
Evelyne's eyes narrowed with interest. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
Yuuto smiled. "By taking control of the Northern Silk Route."
The room fell silent.
The Northern Silk Route was a dangerous but lucrative trade path, plagued by bandits and contested by rival merchants. If Yuuto secured it, Evelyne would have no choice but to support him fully.
Evelyne exhaled slowly. "That's bold. Do you even have the manpower to pull it off?"
Yuuto smirked. "Not yet. But I will."
Evelyne studied him for a long moment before a slow smile curved her lips. "Very well. If you make progress, I'll invest in your plans. But fail, and I'll withdraw my support."
Yuuto nodded. "Fair enough."
The alliance with Evelyne was now stronger—but his real challenge was yet to come.
---
By evening, Yuuto and Selene made their way to Duke Hargreaves' estate, a towering fortress-like mansion that reflected his deep ties to the kingdom.
Unlike Voss or Evelyne, Hargreaves would not be swayed by profit alone. He represented the crown's authority in Aldenport, and any threat to that authority was a problem.
As they entered the grand hall, the Duke sat on a throne-like chair, his sharp gaze studying Yuuto.
"You've been busy," Hargreaves said, his voice even. "And reckless."
Yuuto met his gaze without hesitation. "Aldenport needs stability. I intend to provide it."
The Duke leaned forward. "And I assume you want my approval?"
Yuuto smirked. "Not approval. Cooperation."
The air grew tense. Selene's hand rested on her sword, prepared for any hostility.
Hargreaves exhaled slowly. "You don't seem like a fool, Yuuto. So tell me, what exactly do you want?"
Yuuto leaned forward. "The Northern Silk Route. And I want you to grant me the legal rights to secure it."
The Duke raised a brow. "That route is contested territory. What makes you think you can control it?"
Yuuto's smirk widened. "Because I don't plan to control it. I plan to own it."
---
Hargreaves studied Yuuto for a long moment. Then, he chuckled.
"You remind me of a younger version of myself," he admitted. "Ambitious. Arrogant. Dangerous."
Yuuto shrugged. "Flattering, but does that mean you'll support me?"
The Duke sighed. "If you can prove your ability to secure the route, I will grant you the authority to manage it. But if you fail…"
"I won't."
Hargreaves smirked. "Then we'll see."
As Yuuto and Selene left the estate, a cool breeze swept through the streets. Step by step, Aldenport was falling into place.
And soon, it would be his.
---
Back at the estate, Yuuto stood by the window, watching the moonlight glisten over the sea.
The door behind him creaked open, and a familiar voice murmured, "You're pushing yourself hard."
He turned to see Evelyne standing there, her silk robe loosely draped over her shoulders.
Yuuto smirked. "Making sure my plans succeed."
Evelyne walked closer, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "You have ambition. I admire that in a man."
She reached out, tracing a finger down his chest. "But even ambitious men need… relaxation."
Yuuto chuckled, pulling her into his arms as the candlelight flickered around them.
Tonight, he would claim more than just business alliances.