The moon hung high over Aldenport, casting a silvery glow across the Darnell estate. The city's distant sounds of revelry and trade had begun to fade, leaving the night quiet yet charged.
Inside Liana's private chambers, a single candle flickered, its warm glow illuminating the fine silks and lavish furnishings of the merchant noble's bedroom. The air carried the scent of expensive perfume—soft, floral, yet enticing.
Yuuto stood near the edge of the room, his crimson-red eyes reflecting the dim light. Across from him, Liana Darnell, dressed in a loose nightgown, leaned against a velvet chaise lounge.
She studied him with measured curiosity, but there was no hesitation in her posture.
"So…" she mused, swirling the rich red wine in her goblet. "You accepted my invitation. That means you're serious about this alliance."
Yuuto chuckled. "I don't waste time with things I don't intend to take seriously."
Liana smirked, setting the goblet aside. She stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
"I'll be honest, Yuuto," she murmured. "I've had offers before. Sons of noblemen, powerful merchants… but none of them were interesting."
Yuuto raised an eyebrow. "And I am?"
Liana's emerald eyes gleamed. "You're ambitious. Ruthless when necessary. You don't hesitate to take what you want."
She reached out, tracing a single finger down his chest.
"I admire that."
Yuuto smirked. "And what is it you want?"
Liana tilted her head slightly, as if contemplating her next words. Then, instead of answering, she rose onto her toes, brushing her lips against his.
A test.
A challenge.
Yuuto responded without hesitation, gripping her waist and pulling her flush against him. The warmth of her body pressed against his as the kiss deepened, her scent intoxicating.
Liana let out a soft sigh against his lips, her fingers tightening around the fabric of his shirt.
For the first time that night, her composure wavered.
But Yuuto could feel it—the moment the Binding System activated.
A sudden warmth surged through his soul, a connection forming between them.
[ Liana Darnell has been Bound. ]
[ Creation Points Generated: +500 Weekly ]
A small gasp escaped Liana as her body shuddered slightly, her eyes widening as if sensing something had changed within her.
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"What… was that?"
Yuuto smirked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "A sign that you're now mine."
Liana's breath hitched slightly, but then a slow smile spread across her lips.
"I suppose there are worse fates," she murmured.
Yuuto chuckled, sweeping her up in his arms.
Tonight, he would ensure she understood exactly what it meant to belong to him.
---
The first light of dawn streamed through the silk curtains, casting golden hues across the room.
Liana stirred beneath the covers, stretching languidly before turning to face Yuuto. Her expression was a mix of satisfaction and curiosity.
"So," she said, propping herself up on one elbow, "are all your 'alliances' this… personal?"
Yuuto smirked. "Only when they're worth it."
Liana chuckled, running a finger across his bare chest. "I can see why Selene sticks by your side."
At the mention of Selene, Yuuto's thoughts briefly turned to the silver-haired knight. Would she be annoyed? Or would she simply accept it as another step in his rise?
Liana noticed his pause and arched an eyebrow. "Thinking about another woman already?"
Yuuto grinned. "You don't mind, do you?"
Liana laughed. "If I did, I wouldn't have accepted this arrangement."
She leaned closer, lips brushing against his ear. "But don't think for a second that I'll be content playing second to anyone."
Yuuto's eyes gleamed. He liked that fire.
But for now, there were other matters to attend to.
---
A few hours later, Yuuto and Liana stood in Lord Darnell's study—a grand room lined with shelves of business ledgers, maps, and ornate artifacts from distant lands.
The merchant lord sat behind his desk, his sharp gaze shifting between Yuuto and his daughter.
"I take it negotiations went well?" he said with an amused smirk.
Yuuto nodded. "Your daughter is an intelligent woman. I look forward to working with her."
Liana rolled her eyes. "You mean controlling me."
Lord Darnell chuckled. "That's what marriage is, my dear—a lifetime of negotiations."
Yuuto leaned forward, placing a sealed contract on the desk.
"This is my counteroffer," he said.
Lord Darnell raised an eyebrow before opening the document. His expression remained neutral as he read, though Yuuto could see the slight twitch of his lips.
After a long pause, the merchant lord let out a slow chuckle.
"You drive a hard bargain," he admitted. "But I can respect that."
He reached for a quill and signed the contract.
"Consider it done, then."
Yuuto smirked. Another step forward.
But as he looked at Liana, he knew this was only the beginning of their partnership.
And the beginning of her place in his harem.
---
The ink on the contract had barely dried before Yuuto and Liana departed the Darnell estate. The air outside was crisp with the scent of the nearby docks—salt, fish, and the faint, lingering aroma of roasted spices from the early market stalls.
Selene waited by the carriage, arms crossed, her silver hair catching the morning light. Her gaze flickered between Yuuto and Liana before settling on him.
"Everything settled?" she asked.
Yuuto smirked. "For now."
Liana adjusted the embroidered shawl draped over her shoulders, her expression unreadable. "My father is pragmatic. Once he sees results, he won't interfere."
Selene's gaze sharpened slightly. "And you?"
Liana let out a soft chuckle. "I wouldn't be standing here if I had doubts."
Yuuto watched the brief exchange with amusement. Selene was always cautious when it came to new additions, but she'd never outright protested.
Not that it mattered—Liana was already his.
With a flick of his wrist, he signaled the driver. The carriage lurched forward, the wheels rolling over the stone-paved streets of Aldenport.
Inside, Yuuto reclined against the cushioned seat, his thoughts shifting to the next step. He had secured the Darnell family's support, but now came the real challenge—expanding his influence.
Aldenport was a thriving trade hub, but beneath its polished surface, tensions simmered. Several factions controlled different aspects of the city:
The Merchant Lords, powerful families like the Darnells who dictated trade.
The Dockmasters, unofficial rulers of the harbor with their own network of smugglers.
The Alden Guard, the city's law enforcement, corrupt but useful.
The Black Hounds, a notorious mercenary group operating in the shadows.
To dominate Aldenport, he had to manipulate or subdue each of them.
Liana must have sensed his thoughts because she tilted her head, watching him.
"You're already thinking about your next move, aren't you?"
Yuuto smirked. "Always."
Liana sighed, but there was amusement in her gaze. "If you're planning to shake up Aldenport, you'll need to be careful. The Merchant Lords don't take kindly to outsiders trying to seize control."
Yuuto leaned in slightly, his voice low. "That's why I have you, don't I?"
Liana's breath hitched slightly, but she held his gaze. "Flattery won't get you everything, you know."
Yuuto chuckled. "No, but it makes things more interesting."
Selene, seated across from them, cleared her throat. "We're arriving."
Yuuto glanced outside as the carriage pulled up before an opulent estate—a sprawling mansion overlooking the bay.
This was the residence of Lord Harland Voss, one of the most influential Merchant Lords in Aldenport.
And their next target.
---
The guards at the gate eyed them warily before stepping aside. Yuuto walked ahead, exuding confidence, with Selene and Liana at his side.
Inside the estate, a grand hall adorned with gold-trimmed banners and imported art greeted them. Servants moved swiftly, their eyes cast downward.
A butler led them to a large chamber where Lord Harland Voss awaited. He was a broad-shouldered man with graying hair, draped in silk robes embroidered with intricate patterns of sea serpents. His wealth was evident in the jeweled rings adorning his fingers and the fine wine poured into his goblet.
"Ah, the young noble making waves," Voss mused, swirling his drink. His sharp eyes flickered to Liana. "And you brought Darnell's daughter. Interesting."
Liana maintained her poise, offering a graceful nod.
Yuuto met the merchant's gaze. "I'm here to discuss opportunities, Lord Voss. I assume you're a man who appreciates ambition."
Voss chuckled, setting his goblet down. "Ambition is dangerous, boy. But it's also profitable."
He gestured to the seats before him. "Sit. Let's see if you're worth my time."
Yuuto smirked. This was going to be fun.
---
The meeting stretched into the evening, discussions shifting between business, politics, and controlled displays of power. Voss was no fool—he tested Yuuto, probing for weaknesses, gauging his intentions.
By the time they departed, an unspoken agreement had been reached.
Aldenport was beginning to stir.
That night, back at their estate, Yuuto sat in his chambers, contemplating the events of the day.
His plans were progressing, but there was still much to do.
The door creaked open.
A familiar presence slipped inside. Liana, dressed in a sheer robe, her emerald eyes glinting in the candlelight.
She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "You're not asleep yet?"
Yuuto smirked. "I don't sleep much."
Liana stepped closer, her fingers trailing along the edge of his desk. "Neither do I, it seems."
He raised an eyebrow. "Are you here to discuss business?"
She chuckled, shaking her head. "No. Tonight, I'd rather discuss something else."
Yuuto leaned back, watching her with amusement. "And what would that be?"
Liana closed the distance between them, settling onto his lap.
Her fingers traced his jawline before she whispered against his lips—
"Let me show you."
---