The journey to Aldenport was smooth, the well-worn trade road stretching before Yuuto and Selene as they traveled with a small escort of guards. The town was Redbrook's closest trading hub, a bustling center of commerce that had once supplied Baron Reinhardt's domain before Iron Fang's occupation severed those ties. Now, Yuuto sought to restore those trade routes, ensuring Redbrook's economic survival—and, in the long term, his own expanding ambitions.
Selene, riding beside him on a sleek black mare, glanced over with a knowing smirk. "So, tell me, Yuuto—what's your plan if Viscount Darnell refuses to trade with us?"
Yuuto chuckled, adjusting the reins of his horse. "Simple. We make him an offer he can't refuse."
Selene rolled her eyes but smiled. "You say that like it's easy. Darnell is known for being greedy and difficult. He controls Aldenport's trade like a king and has no reason to help a struggling town like Redbrook."
Yuuto smirked. "Then we give him a reason."
The real question wasn't whether Darnell would cooperate—it was how much pressure it would take to bring him to the negotiating table.
---
As they approached Aldenport's gates, Yuuto immediately noted the contrast between this town and Redbrook. The streets were lively with merchants, shops overflowed with goods, and the scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air. Unlike Redbrook, which was still recovering from Iron Fang's occupation, Aldenport was thriving.
Their group was stopped by city guards at the gate.
"Halt. State your business," one of them demanded, eyes narrowing at their armed escort.
Selene took the lead, pulling back her hood to reveal her striking features. "Selene Valtara, daughter of the Valtara Merchant Guild. We have an appointment with Viscount Gregory Darnell regarding trade negotiations."
The guards exchanged glances. While the Valtara name carried weight in the merchant world, Selene was still a relatively unknown figure compared to her father. However, her confidence and noble bearing left little room for argument.
One of the guards nodded. "Very well. You may enter, but weapons must remain sheathed at all times."
Yuuto gave a faint smirk as they passed through the gates. He had no intention of drawing his sword—unless absolutely necessary.
---
The viscount's estate was a lavish mansion overlooking Aldenport's central market. The guards at the entrance escorted them inside, leading them to a richly decorated chamber where Viscount Gregory Darnell awaited.
The man was in his late forties, with graying hair, sharp eyes, and a portly frame wrapped in expensive silks. Seated behind a grand desk, he looked up from a pile of documents as they entered.
"Ah, Lady Selene," he greeted smoothly. "A pleasure. And this must be Lord Yuuto of Redbrook."
Yuuto inclined his head slightly. "Viscount Darnell."
Darnell gestured for them to sit. "I must admit, I was surprised to receive word that Redbrook seeks trade relations again. The town has been in decline for some time, has it not?"
Yuuto's expression remained neutral. "That's why we're here—to restore what was lost."
Darnell steepled his fingers. "Indeed. But tell me, what exactly can Redbrook offer to Aldenport?"
Selene leaned forward, taking the lead. "The Iron Fang mercenaries have been wiped out, and Redbrook is under new leadership. We're rebuilding our economy and looking for stable trade routes. Aldenport can provide the supplies we need, and in return, Redbrook can offer raw materials, lumber, and access to key routes leading further inland."
Darnell stroked his chin, seemingly considering. "Hmm… a tempting offer. But why should I risk my resources on a town that has yet to prove itself?"
Yuuto smirked. "Because we are growing fast. And once Redbrook stabilizes, we will become an essential trade partner. It's better to establish relations now, rather than compete with others for our favor later."
Darnell chuckled. "A bold claim." He shifted his gaze to Selene. "Tell me, Lady Selene, does your father support this venture?"
Selene's smile didn't waver. "My father's opinions are his own. But I am confident in Redbrook's potential."
Darnell studied them for a moment before sighing. "Very well. I will consider a trade agreement, but I will require certain assurances."
Yuuto raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"
Darnell's lips curled into a smirk. "Aldanport's merchants are wary of Redbrook's instability. If I am to convince them to engage in trade, I need something valuable in return."
He leaned forward. "I have a daughter of marriageable age."
Yuuto immediately understood where this was going.
"If you were to take her as your bride," Darnell continued, "it would cement an alliance between our towns. A strong bond that guarantees trust and cooperation."
Selene's expression darkened slightly, though she said nothing.
Yuuto, on the other hand, remained composed. A political marriage was a common strategy in noble society. If the girl was worthy of binding, this could be a significant opportunity.
"What's her name?" Yuuto asked.
Darnell smirked. "Liana Darnell."
---
That evening, Yuuto and Selene were invited to dine at the Darnell estate, where they were introduced to Liana.
She was a young woman of nineteen, with long chestnut hair, emerald-green eyes, and a refined but reserved demeanor. She wore a modest yet elegant dress, and there was a certain grace in the way she moved.
Yuuto studied her carefully. If she was to be a potential binding target, he needed to assess her personality, intelligence, and potential usefulness.
"Lord Yuuto," Liana greeted politely, bowing slightly.
Yuuto nodded. "Lady Liana. Your father speaks highly of you."
She smiled, though there was a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. "I… admit I was surprised by his proposal."
Darnell chuckled. "Come now, my dear. This is a golden opportunity. A union between Redbrook and Aldenport will benefit both towns."
Liana glanced at Selene, then back at Yuuto. "And you, Lord Yuuto… do you agree with this arrangement?"
Yuuto took a sip of his wine, then set the glass down. "I do not make hasty decisions. I prefer to understand the person I'm dealing with first."
Liana's lips curled slightly. "A wise answer."
Yuuto smirked. Good. She had wit.
The rest of the dinner proceeded with pleasant conversation, though Yuuto couldn't ignore the way Selene's mood had shifted.
Later that night, as they returned to their guest quarters, Selene finally spoke.
"You're considering it, aren't you?"
Yuuto exhaled. "It's a logical move."
Selene crossed her arms. "So, if you marry her, what happens to me?"
Yuuto smirked, stepping closer. "You think a marriage alliance changes what we have?"
Selene held his gaze for a moment, then sighed. "I suppose not."
As night fell over Aldenport, Yuuto lay in his chambers, considering his next move.
Would he take Liana Darnell as part of his harem?
The answer would come soon enough.
---