Ch 21
The morning after his encounter with Evelyne, Yuuto sat at his desk, analyzing a map of the Northern Silk Route. If he wanted full control of Aldenport's economy, he needed to dominate this trade artery.
Selene stood beside him, arms crossed. "The route is infested with bandits, rogue mercenaries, and smaller noble factions trying to carve out influence. It won't be easy."
Yuuto smirked. "Nothing worthwhile ever is."
Across the table, Liana, Evelyne, and Voss sat, each representing their stake in Aldenport's trade. The meeting had been called to finalize Yuuto's next move.
"To secure the route, we need two things," Yuuto began. "Manpower and legitimacy. We already have Duke Hargreaves' approval to act, but now we need enough forces to enforce control."
Voss, arms resting on the table, let out a deep breath. "Aldenport's existing mercenaries are either weak or tied to rival factions. You'd need your own force."
Evelyne sipped her tea. "That kind of force requires funding. And right now, your assets are limited."
Yuuto leaned back, smirking. "That's where you come in."
Evelyne narrowed her eyes. "You expect me to fund an army?"
Yuuto chuckled. "Not an army. A trade security force. We present it as a way to protect merchants traveling through the Northern Silk Route. That way, we gain legitimacy while also consolidating power."
Liana's gaze sharpened. "And how do we handle the bandits and rogue factions already occupying the route?"
Yuuto's smirk widened. "We offer them a choice: join us or be erased."
---
With the plan set, Yuuto and Selene departed for the city's military district, where mercenary groups and unemployed warriors gathered in hopes of work.
The district was a loud, chaotic place, filled with the scent of sweat, metal, and cheap ale. Groups of fighters tested their skills in open sparring rings, while merchants sold weapons and armor.
Yuuto's presence drew immediate attention. His reputation in Aldenport was growing, and now, warriors looked at him with a mix of curiosity and ambition.
Standing in the center of the district, Yuuto raised his voice.
"I am Yuuto, and I am forming a security force for the Northern Silk Route! Those who seek coin, opportunity, and a future—step forward!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Some scoffed. Others watched with interest.
Then, a man stepped forward.
He was a tall, muscular warrior with a massive battle-axe resting on his shoulder. His armor was worn, but his stance was solid.
"The name's Garlan," the man said, his voice rough. "I've led mercenaries before. What makes your offer better than the rest?"
Yuuto smirked. "Because I don't just offer coin—I offer power. Join me, and you'll be part of something greater."
Garlan studied him before chuckling. "Fine. But if you're weak, I'll walk away."
Yuuto's eyes glinted. "Then try me."
---
The crowd gathered around the sparring ring, eager to see the newcomer test Yuuto.
Garlan swung his battle-axe with raw power, the force of his attacks splitting the air. But Yuuto, faster and more refined, dodged each strike with precision.
He studied Garlan's movements, searching for weaknesses. The man was strong—but predictable.
Then, Yuuto struck. A swift movement, stepping inside Garlan's reach and slamming a powerful kick to his gut. The warrior stumbled back, eyes widening.
In a blur, Yuuto disarmed him, pressing a dagger to his throat.
The crowd went silent.
Garlan grinned. "Damn… you're fast." He raised his hands in surrender. "Alright. I'm in."
With Garlan as his first recruit, Yuuto's force had officially begun.
---
Later that night, Yuuto sat in his quarters, reviewing their next steps when the door creaked open.
Evelyne stepped in, her gown loose around her shoulders. "You're making fast progress."
Yuuto smirked. "And I assume you're here to discuss business?"
She chuckled, stepping closer. "Not exactly."
She leaned down, her lips brushing against his ear. "You still owe me for my investment."
Yuuto chuckled, pulling her onto his lap.
The night would be long.
---
The dawn air was crisp as Yuuto stood atop Aldenport's northern wall, watching the first units of his Trade Security Force assemble. The streets below were bustling—new recruits arriving, blacksmiths forging weapons, and merchants whispering about the coming shift in power.
Selene stood beside him, arms crossed. "The first wave of recruits is solid, but we'll need more than just raw numbers. The bandits occupying the Northern Silk Route won't be easily displaced."
Yuuto smirked. "Then we'll do what I do best. We turn enemies into allies—or corpses."
---
The Northern Silk Route was the lifeline of Aldenport, stretching through valleys and dense forests before leading into neighboring trade hubs. But one critical point was held by a rogue faction known as the Black Hounds.
Yuuto led a scouting party deep into the mountains, where the Black Hounds had established a fortified camp. Their control of the pass allowed them to demand tolls from traders—or kill those who refused.
Garlan, now serving as Yuuto's second-in-command, studied the enemy encampment from a ridge.
"Looks like they have around sixty men," Garlan muttered. "Decent fighters, well-equipped, but they're not expecting a coordinated assault."
Yuuto nodded. "Then we give them a choice. Surrender and serve—or be wiped out."
He turned to Selene, who had brought a handful of trusted fighters. "Take a few men and circle around. Cut off any escape routes."
She smirked. "Gladly."
Yuuto, Garlan, and the main force descended upon the camp under the cover of night.
The attack was swift and brutal.
Yuuto cut through the first line of defenders, his enhanced swordplay overwhelming their disorganized counterattack. Garlan wielded his battle-axe like a storm, cleaving through enemies in great sweeps.
The Black Hounds' leader, a scarred man named Derrik, tried to flee—only to find Selene waiting for him, blade to his throat.
"You have two choices," Yuuto said, wiping blood from his sword. "Join me and earn wealth beyond your wildest dreams. Or die here."
Derrik, breathing heavily, studied Yuuto. Then he knelt.
"We serve."
---
By morning, the Black Hounds had been fully integrated into Yuuto's security force. With control of the pass secured, Aldenport's merchants could travel safely.
Voss, who had overseen the logistics, met Yuuto at the now-cleared pass. "Merchants are already spreading word that you've cleared the route. More will start flowing in soon."
Evelyne arrived later that evening, dressed in travel gear. She studied the freshly reinforced camp with an approving nod.
"You've accomplished in days what others failed to do in years," she mused.
Yuuto smirked. "And this is just the beginning."
She stepped closer, eyes glinting with interest. "I like men who take control."
Yuuto chuckled, pulling her against him.
That night, under the moonlit sky, Evelyne made sure he knew just how much she approved.
---