After Arashi left, silence fell over the courtyard.
Thirty-six women, regardless of status, held their breath.
Their fates rested on the few words the Daimyo had just spoken.
The elderly woman in charge of training stepped forward, holding a scroll.
All eyes immediately fixed on it.
She said nothing extra, simply unrolled the parchment and read in a flat tone.
"Eri."
"Kiyo."
"..."
She read four names in total, all belonging to women from noble families.
The faces of the named women turned pale.
"You have been eliminated," the old woman said coldly.
"Leave the residence before dawn tomorrow."
Eliminated.
Just one word, but it shattered their dreams completely.
The four trembled, eyes brimming with tears, yet none dared to make a sound.
Even crying here was a breach of etiquette.
Among the others, a few showed sympathy—but most felt quiet relief.
The old woman ignored the defeated ones, turning her gaze toward Mei, who knelt in the front row.
Instantly, every heart tightened.
Ragyō's breath hitched, her entire body tensing.
The old woman looked at Mei for a long moment, and finally, a faint smile crept across her wrinkled face.
"Shizumi."
She called Mei by her alias used within the manor.
"Daimyo-sama was greatly pleased by your dance."
A radiant smile blossomed across Mei's lips. She bowed gracefully, her voice soft as silk.
"It is Shizumi's honor to dance for Daimyo-sama."
The old woman nodded approvingly. "Prepare yourself."
"Tonight, you will attend to him."
Boom.
The words struck like thunder.
Every mind went blank.
Dozens of eyes turned toward Mei Terumī.
It was her—the woman of unknown origin, yet drenched in charm.
Envy, jealousy, disbelief—all flickered through the faces around her.
Ragyō's pupils shrank. A rush of blood surged to her head.
Why?
Why her?
In what way had she lost to that woman who only knew how to flaunt her body?
She bit her lip until it nearly bled, forcing herself not to show her fury.
Jealousy burned like fire in her chest.
Meanwhile, Kurenai, who had been tense all this time, finally exhaled.
It wasn't her.
Thank goodness.
Relief washed over her—followed immediately by guilt.
Was she really feeling glad about this?
Ashamed, she lowered her head, her cheeks burning red.
At the center of attention, Mei maintained her captivating smile as she processed what the old woman had said.
To serve him tonight.
Her body stiffened slightly, an instinctive reaction of resistance.
But the hesitation lasted less than a second.
Excitement replaced it.
It worked.
Her plan was finally within reach.
Once she gained access to him, she would cast genjutsu when his guard was lowest.
Even if her technique wasn't powerful, it would be enough against an ordinary man.
As long as she got the Daimyo's seal of approval, she could escape with the wealth and resources she needed for the resistance army.
Thinking of this, her momentary shame was drowned by elation.
When she looked up again, her gaze shimmered like liquid honey.
"Yes. Shizumi obeys."
…
Inside the study, sandalwood incense filled the air.
Arashi had not gone to the harem immediately but returned here.
Outside the window, the music from the courtyard had long since faded.
Scrolls of official documents were stacked high on the desk.
Arashi leaned against the chair, tapping his fingers lightly as he recalled the earlier performances.
Ragyō's raw ambition, Kurenai's rebellious spirit…
But most intriguing of all was Mei.
Her change, from open resistance during training to her seductive compliance tonight—was far too abrupt, far too unnatural.
Arashi's lips curved.
Rather than being offended, he found it entertaining.
He wanted to see what tricks this woman from the Land of Water would dare to play in his bed.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door.
"Daimyo-sama, Asaba Toru requests an audience."
"Let him in."
The door opened, and Asaba Toru stepped inside, his face alight with excitement.
"Reporting to Daimyo-sama!" He dropped to one knee, his voice ringing. "The first merchant convoys sent to the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth have returned!"
"Oh?" Arashi straightened slightly. "How did it go?"
"Yes!" Asaba composed himself and reported.
"The silks, teas, and especially the white sugar you named 'Fire Crystal' caused an uproar in both nations."
"The Daimyo of the Land of Wind even decreed that only nobles could purchase it."
"In the Land of Wind, the price of a single bolt of Fire brocade has tripled."
"In the Land of Earth, the price of white sugar has increased fivefold and is still in short supply."
He paused before continuing. "According to your instructions, our caravans also made purchases on their return trip."
"We've exchanged a great deal of high-quality ore from the Land of Earth."
"From the Land of Wind, we acquired rare herbs and special metals."
"These goods are common in their countries, so the prices were extremely low. Our convoys returned fully loaded and still had surplus funds."
Arashi smiled.
A perfect trade cycle.
Using irresistible luxuries to drain others of their wealth while gaining resources cheaply.
Weakening their treasuries while enriching his own nation.
This was far more elegant than war.
"Excellent," Arashi said approvingly. "What about the trade hub? Has the location been chosen?"
"It has!" Asaba spread out a map. "Here. We've named it Golden Canyon."
"The terrain is steep and easy to defend, and it borders three nations."
"Our artisans and ninja have already begun construction. Both the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind sent workers this morning. It should be completed within two months."
Arashi's eyes lingered on the marked location, his finger tapping the parchment.
Trade was only the beginning.
Once the economic arteries were in his grasp, war itself would become unaffordable for his rivals.
When nobles could no longer live without their luxuries…
By next spring, he would have the leverage to deal with the Land of Lightning.
"Issue the order," Arashi said calmly.
"For the next round of trade, keep the total goods unchanged, but reduce white sugar output by thirty percent."
"Also, spread the word that these goods are being used by commoners."
"Yes!" Asaba bowed, admiration flickering in his eyes.
This lord's precision was as sharp as ever—his ruthlessness, unmatched.
After dismissing him, Arashi stood and stretched lightly.
The main course was finished.
Now it was time for dessert.
He turned to the night sky beyond the window, amusement glinting in his gaze.
Tonight, he would see what kind of surprise that woman from the Mist could offer.
"Notify them," Arashi said lazily.
"Tell Shizumi to prepare well."
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)