The morning air in Redbrook carried the crisp scent of autumn leaves, mingling with the distant aroma of fresh bread and roasted meat from the town's bustling market. Yuuto stood on the balcony of the Reinhardt estate, gazing over his domain. His kingdom—no, his empire—had only just begun.
Below, traders shouted their wares, townspeople bartered, and guards patrolled the streets with a newfound sense of order. It was a stark contrast to the chaotic lawlessness Redbrook had suffered under the Iron Fang mercenaries. His rule had brought stability.
But stability alone wasn't enough. He needed prosperity.
And prosperity meant controlling trade.
His thoughts drifted to Elena Wyndell, the merchant's daughter who had entered his life like a finely wrapped gift. Smart, ambitious, and used to the world of commerce—a valuable asset, if properly bound to him.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Enter."
Selene stepped in, her silver hair shimmering in the morning light. She carried a sealed scroll. "A letter from Elena Wyndell," she said, her lips curling into a smirk. "She's requested another private meeting."
Yuuto's crimson eyes gleamed. She's making her move.
"Have a room prepared," he ordered. "And tell her I'm looking forward to our discussion."
---
Elena arrived at the Reinhardt estate just past midday. This time, she wore a deep violet dress, tailored to highlight her slender waist and ample curves. Her emerald-green eyes locked onto Yuuto's the moment she stepped into the meeting chamber, confidence radiating from her every move.
"Lord Yuuto," she greeted, offering a small curtsy.
"Elena," he replied, motioning for her to sit across from him. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
She set down a scroll—thick, official, marked with the wax seal of the Wyndell Merchant Company.
"My father is prepared to establish a permanent trade agreement with Redbrook," she began. "He acknowledges your growing influence and sees the potential in an alliance."
Yuuto leaned back, watching her carefully. "And the terms?"
She folded her hands neatly in her lap. "The Wyndell Company will make Redbrook its primary trade hub in this region. In exchange, we expect exclusive trade rights to import and export high-value goods—including metals, textiles, and rare herbs."
"A generous offer," Yuuto mused. "And what do you want?"
Elena's lips curved into a slow smile. "Control."
He raised an eyebrow.
"I want to oversee the Wyndell operations in Redbrook personally," she clarified. "I'll handle negotiations, logistics, and expansion. Give me full authority, and I'll ensure Redbrook becomes a center of trade unlike any other."
Yuuto chuckled. "A bold request. And if I refuse?"
She met his gaze without hesitation. "Then my father will look elsewhere."
The room fell silent.
Selene, standing by the side, watched with a faint smirk. Elena had guts.
Yuuto tapped a finger against the wooden table, considering. She was testing him, seeing how much power she could grasp.
But she had underestimated one thing.
He wasn't a man to be bargained with.
"You misunderstand, Elena," he said smoothly, standing from his chair. "This isn't a negotiation. It's an invitation."
Elena blinked. "Excuse me?"
Yuuto stepped closer, placing a hand on the table beside her, leaning in slightly. "I'm not giving you control. I'm offering you a place at my side."
Her breath hitched, but she quickly recovered. "And what does that entail?"
He smirked. "Loyalty. Absolute loyalty."
A subtle tension filled the room. Yuuto could see it in her eyes—hesitation, curiosity, and something else… desire.
"Do you truly believe you can earn my loyalty so easily?" she asked, voice laced with amusement.
Yuuto reached out, tracing a single finger along her jawline. "I don't believe," he whispered. "I know."
Elena shivered, her pupils dilating ever so slightly. She was a woman who played the game of power well—but Yuuto was rewriting the rules.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the halls of the Reinhardt estate glowed with lantern light.
Yuuto sat in his chambers, deep in thought. The deal with the Wyndell Merchant Company was almost sealed, but Elena was not yet his.
And he wanted her.
Not just as a merchant, but as a woman.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter."
The door creaked open, revealing Elena. This time, she was dressed not in her merchant finery, but in a simple, elegant nightgown—a bold choice for a woman claiming to still be in negotiations.
Yuuto smirked. "Couldn't sleep?"
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I had… things to consider."
He leaned back in his chair, watching her approach. "And?"
She exhaled, as if gathering her resolve. "You were right," she admitted softly. "This isn't a negotiation."
He said nothing, waiting.
She walked closer, stopping just before him. Her gaze was intense. "You want my loyalty, Lord Yuuto?" she whispered. "Then take it."
Yuuto rose, tilting her chin up with a single finger.
And then, he kissed her.
A soft gasp escaped her lips before she melted against him, her hands gripping the fabric of his tunic. The heat between them flared—not just lust, but something deeper.
When they finally parted, she was breathless.
Yuuto brushed a strand of auburn hair from her face. "From this moment on, you are mine."
She swallowed hard, but nodded. "Yes."
And in that moment, the Binding took effect.
---
When Yuuto woke, Elena lay beside him, her bare skin illuminated by the early morning light. She was bound to him now, in more ways than one.
She stirred, green eyes fluttering open. For the first time, there was no guardedness—only acceptance.
"Good morning," she murmured.
Yuuto smirked. "Good morning, my merchant princess."
She huffed softly. "So, what happens now?"
He traced a finger along her shoulder. "Now, you'll oversee Redbrook's trade… under my rule."
She rolled her eyes. "Of course."
He chuckled, pulling her close. She was his now.
And with her, Redbrook's wealth and influence would only grow.
---