The next morning, a faint fragrance permeated the Daimyo Mansion's council hall.
Shizune and Kurenai stood below, feeling uneasy. They both wore newly made secretary uniforms, one blue and one red, which made their faces appear even more delicate.
Shun sat behind the desk, his moon-white everyday clothes accentuating his shoulders and back. His fingertips lightly tapped the table, his gaze sweeping over the two of them, his eyes somewhat alluring.
"From today on, you two are my secretaries."
Shizune subconsciously bit her lower lip, her earrings gently swaying with the slight movement.
Kurenai, on the other hand, quietly raised her eyes, only to meet the lazy smile in Shun's gaze. She immediately lowered her head again, her earlobes turning red.
Shun casually pointed at the mountain of documents piled on the desk, a lazy smile playing on his lips.
His confident, authoritative, yet casual tone stated, "You two should first familiarize yourselves with the government affairs. If you don't understand anything, you can ask me anytime."
The two quickly stepped forward, presenting the organized documents to the desk.
Shizune's expression was serious and respectful, her earrings gently swaying. "Yes, Your Excellency, we will follow your instructions."
Shun's eyes darted, his voice carrying a hint of casual laziness. "Kurenai, come here and help me look at this document."
Kurenai was startled for a moment, then quickly stepped forward.
Just as she was focused on the writing on the document, Shun suddenly reached out, his fingers gently brushing her cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertip deliberately lingered on her earlobe for a moment, feeling the warmth of her delicate skin.
Shizune watched from the side, dumbfounded, the teacup she had just picked up wobbling, almost spilling the warm water. She hadn't expected Shun to be so direct in his 'intimacy' with Kurenai.
"Your Excellency!" Kurenai exclaimed, her cheeks instantly turning as red as the evening clouds, even her neck flushed crimson.
Shun, however, smiled calmly, his fingers gently rubbing her earlobe.
Then, he leaned in close, exhaling softly by her ear. "What's wrong? As my secretary, can't you even handle this much intimacy? Or are you expecting more?"
Kurenai felt her heart about to pound out of her chest.
Shun's gaze felt like it carried warmth, roaming over her face and neck, that undisguised admiration making her feel hot all over.
She could only shake her head in a panic, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum. "No, Your Excellency."
Shun suddenly took on a commanding tone. "Kurenai, look up at me."
His fingers gently pinched her chin, forcing her to look up.
Kurenai subconsciously raised her eyes, meeting his deep gaze. Her reflection was in them, along with a hint of an allure she couldn't understand.
Shun's two fingers gently brushed her lower lip, his tone filled with admiration. "Such beautiful eyes, like the red clouds under the setting sun. No wonder you're called Kurenai. From now on, you'll work at my right side. I like to be a little closer to you."
His movements were gentle, yet carried an irresistible invasiveness.
Kurenai retreated with a flushed face, feeling her heart pound unusually fast.
Just then, Shun suddenly turned to Shizune. "Shizune, you come over too."
Shizune was startled, cautiously stepping forward. Her wrist, however, was suddenly covered by a warm palm.
Shun's large hand gently caressed the delicate skin of her wrist. "Shizune, your hands are so soft."
The sudden touch made Shizune stiffen all over, a corner of the paper in her hand sliding down with a rustle.
Shun, however, quickly reached out and caught it, his tone playful. "What, scared? Or am I too close to you?"
Shizune's face instantly burned, even her breathing became rapid.
She hurriedly pulled her hand back, lowering her head and muttering, "Your Excellency... no..."
Shun chuckled, then picked up the teacup on the desk, poured a cup of warm water, and offered it to her.
"Then drink some warm water, don't be nervous. After all, we'll be together every day from now on."
Shizune's cheeks flushed as she watched, gripping the teacup in her hand tighter, yet she couldn't help but secretly glance at him.
Shun reached out and grasped her wrist, pulling her closer. "I heard your Medical Ninjutsu is very powerful. Then please see why my heart is beating so fast."
"Your Excellency, you are very healthy." Shizune's voice trembled slightly.
Shun chuckled, then suddenly pulled her to sit on his lap. "Perfect, my shoulder has been a bit sore lately, help me massage it."
Shizune, blushing, her fingers trembling, pressed onto his shoulder.
Shun closed his eyes, letting out a comfortable sigh. "Shizune, your technique is good. Use a little more force."
Kurenai stood by, watching this scene, and for some reason, a hint of sourness arose in her heart.
Shun seemed to read her thoughts, suddenly opening his eyes and beckoning to her. "Kurenai, you come over too, why are you standing so far away?"
Kurenai hesitated as she approached, but Shun suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, making her sit on his other leg.
He chuckled softly. "This is good, with a beauty on each arm, that's the joy of life."
Both girls were too shy to speak, yet dared not struggle free.
Shun watched their flustered expressions, the smile in his eyes deepening.
"From now on, Shizune will work on my left, and Kurenai on my right. I like you two to be a little closer to me."
Kurenai and Shizune both retreated to their respective positions, blushing, their legs still trembling slightly as they sat down.
Kurenai secretly glanced at Shun, finding him looking at her with a half-smile. She immediately lowered her head again, her fingers tightly clutching her skirt.
Shizune, meanwhile, stared at the desktop, not even daring to glance at Shun with her peripheral vision. But she could clearly feel his gaze occasionally falling on her, making her heart pound incessantly.
Just then, a voice announced from outside. "Your Excellency, Elder Genji requests an audience."
Shun then released the two, his tone returning to normal. "Alright, you two go get busy. Tonight, come find me, to report on your work."
The two felt as if they had received a great pardon, hurriedly tidying their clothes and withdrawing.
As they brushed past Genji, they could both feel his meaningful gaze.
The news quickly spread: the Daimyo of the Land of Water had hired two beautiful female secretaries, not only having them work closely by his side but also often showing public affection, their intimate behavior being quite inappropriate, even to the point where the various princesses were neglected.
Deep within the Daimyo Mansion, Shun stood by the window, listening to the Anbu report on the reactions from various countries, a cold smile on his lips.
"Very good, let them continue to think that way."