Chapter 18 – The Merchant's Daughter
The sun had barely risen over Aldenport, its golden light spilling across the merchant city's cobbled streets. Even at this early hour, the town was already alive with activity—vendors setting up stalls, sailors unloading cargo at the docks, and merchants preparing for a long day of bargaining.
Yuuto sat at a finely carved wooden table in the Darnell estate's guest chambers, sipping from a cup of steaming herbal tea. Across from him, Liana Darnell sat with a poised expression, hands neatly folded in her lap. Last night's proposal still lingered in the air between them.
"I assume you've had time to consider my father's offer," Liana said, breaking the silence.
Yuuto smirked. "I don't rush important decisions."
Liana tilted her head slightly, her emerald eyes studying him. "That's an admirable trait. But I have to wonder… do you truly see this as an alliance, or are you simply expanding your influence?"
Yuuto chuckled. She was sharp.
"The two aren't mutually exclusive," he replied. "An alliance benefits both parties, but only if both sides bring something valuable to the table."
Liana's lips curled slightly. "And what do you believe I bring?"
Yuuto set his cup down, leaning forward slightly. "You're the daughter of Aldenport's most influential noble. You understand trade, diplomacy, and the inner workings of merchant society. That alone makes you an asset."
She met his gaze evenly. "And in return, you offer me what? Protection? Power? A place in your growing domain?"
Yuuto smirked. "All of the above."
Liana let out a soft laugh. "You're confident."
"I have reason to be."
She regarded him for a moment before sighing. "To be honest, I'm not opposed to this arrangement. My father is insistent, and I know that refusing would only lead to complications. However…" She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. "I don't intend to be just a pawn in this game."
Yuuto's eyes gleamed with interest. "Good. I don't need pawns—I need partners who can stand on their own."
Liana held his gaze before finally nodding. "Then let's see if you're as worthy as my father claims."
Yuuto smirked. This would be interesting.
---
The morning passed swiftly as Yuuto and Liana walked through Aldenport's bustling markets, accompanied by Selene and a few guards.
Aldenport's trade district was massive, lined with rows of merchant stalls, permanent shops, and warehouses that stored everything from exotic spices to enchanted goods.
"Your town has a strong economy," Yuuto noted as they passed a jeweler's stall, where a craftsman carefully polished a sapphire ring.
Liana nodded. "Aldenport thrives because we control the flow of goods from the eastern and southern trade routes. My father ensures that every merchant pays their dues, but in return, we offer protection and fair regulations."
Yuuto smirked. "Fair by noble standards, I assume?"
Liana chuckled. "Of course."
Selene, who had been quiet for most of the trip, finally spoke up. "It's impressive, but this also means Aldenport has a lot of potential rivals. If another faction were to rise, your father's position wouldn't be so secure."
Liana glanced at her. "That's why he's seeking alliances."
Yuuto found it amusing how Selene and Liana seemed to be sizing each other up. There was no open hostility, but there was an unspoken tension between them.
Perhaps it was because Selene had been by his side from the beginning, while Liana was a potential new addition to his growing influence.
Or perhaps it was something else entirely.
---
As they moved further into the market, a disturbance erupted near a spice merchant's stall.
A group of rough-looking men stood in a circle, shouting at a terrified merchant. Their leader, a burly man with scarred arms and a jagged sword at his hip, sneered down at the cowering vendor.
"You owe us three gold pieces, old man," the thug growled. "And we don't like waiting."
The merchant trembled. "P-please, I just need more time—"
A heavy fist slammed into his stall, knocking over a basket of saffron.
Yuuto's eyes narrowed. Street thugs demanding payment? In broad daylight?
Liana sighed. "That's Kurt's gang. They operate under the radar, shaking down merchants who can't afford my father's official taxes. They know just how much they can get away with."
Yuuto smirked. "How unfortunate for them."
Without hesitation, he strode toward the scene.
The thug turned as Yuuto approached, frowning. "This ain't your business, noble."
Yuuto tilted his head, his crimson-red eyes gleaming. "That's where you're wrong. I make it my business."
The thug scoffed. "You got a death wish?"
Yuuto's smirk widened. He was getting tired of dealing with lowly scum.
Before the thug could react, Yuuto moved like lightning, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting it sharply. A sickening crack echoed through the air as the thug screamed in pain.
"Bastard—!" Another one of his men lunged forward, but Selene intercepted him, her dagger flashing as she pressed the blade to his throat.
The entire market fell silent.
Yuuto leaned down to the groaning thug. "Listen carefully. If I ever see you harassing merchants again, I won't just break your arm—I'll take it."
The thug paled, nodding frantically. His men quickly dragged him away, their confidence shattered.
Liana watched the scene with raised eyebrows. "That was… effective."
Yuuto dusted off his sleeves. "I prefer efficiency."
The old merchant bowed repeatedly in gratitude. "Thank you, my lord! You have my eternal gratitude!"
Selene sighed. "You really love making a scene."
Yuuto smirked. "Only when necessary."
Liana crossed her arms, staring at him with renewed interest. "Perhaps you're more useful than I thought."
Yuuto chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
---
That evening, after returning to the Darnell estate, Liana invited Yuuto to her private study.
A dimly lit room filled with books and trade records, it was a place where Liana spent much of her time managing her family's business.
She gestured to a seat. "Sit."
Yuuto complied, watching her as she poured two glasses of wine.
"I'll be honest," Liana said, handing him a glass. "I don't mind an arranged marriage for political reasons. But I won't accept a man who can't match my ambitions."
Yuuto raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Liana smirked. "You've proven yourself today. You're more than just a noble playing at power—you're someone who gets things done."
Yuuto took a sip of his wine, watching her carefully.
Liana set her glass down and stepped closer. "If we are to be allies… we should solidify our understanding."
Her fingers trailed lightly along his collar, a deliberate move.
Yuuto's smirk deepened.
He understood the implication.
And if she was to be his, the binding could only take effect after their first physical union.
---