Her figure was graceful, stretching out in the cool moonlight.
A crimson long dress, like a flame burning in the night.
Her skirt fluttered with her movements, sometimes blooming, sometimes coiling.
Arashi's footsteps stopped.
He recognized this person.
Uchiha Ragyō.
Gazing at this radiant woman under the moon, Arashi couldn't help but think of another person.
Uchiha Fugaku's wife, Mikoto.
Rumor had it that she was one of the most beautiful women in the Shinobi World, gentle and virtuous.
He wondered what kind of charm she possessed compared to the woman before him.
Arashi's lips curved into a smile.
He knew this wasn't a coincidence.
Who in the Daimyo Manor wasn't shrewd?
As long as the price was right, there were always people willing to reveal harmless habits of their lord.
For example, that he occasionally came to the garden for a stroll after finishing his duties.
It was simply a way for those people to make a living.
As long as it didn't cross his red line, he couldn't be bothered to care.
The method wasn't brilliant, but it was effective.
Under the moonlight, Ragyō's dance was breathtakingly beautiful.
She was completely immersed in her own world, losing herself in the rhythm, putting all her effort into every movement.
Fragrant sweat quickly soaked her temples, sliding down her fair, slender neck, glistening under the moonlight.
The crimson dress, damp with sweat, clung tightly to her body, perfectly outlining her mature curves.
Arashi's gaze was calm, but deep in his eyes, a faint fire was ignited.
Finally, the dance ended.
Ragyō concluded with a perfect pose, drenched in sweat and slightly panting.
Maintaining her elegant posture, she placed her slender hand over her gently rising chest, glancing around the empty garden.
The garden was silent.
Only the sound of wind and insects could be heard.
The person she was waiting for didn't come.
A trace of disappointment appeared on her beautiful face.
Her eyes, which had sparkled earlier, gradually dimmed as her long lashes drooped, concealing the emotions within.
But she wasn't disheartened.
With her resilient mind, one failure couldn't break her.
If he didn't come this time, there would be a next.
As long as she remained in the Daimyo Manor for another day, there would come a day when he would see her.
She looked down at her sweat-soaked skirt, a hint of self-mockery on her face, soon replaced by determination.
Just as she composed herself and was about to leave, a voice came from the shadows of the trees behind her.
"It's so late. Why are you dancing alone here?"
Ragyō's body instantly tensed.
That voice… She turned around stiffly.
When she saw the figure under the moonlight, she was completely stunned.
It was him.
Daimyo-sama.
A wave of surprise and panic washed over her.
"Da… Daimyo-sama!"
She hurriedly curtsied, but her legs went weak, and she fell toward a nearby flowerbed.
A short gasp escaped her lips.
The smile in Arashi's eyes deepened.
What an interesting woman.
A nimble Uchiha kunoichi, whose balance was instinctive, how could she fall on flat ground?
This act was quite endearing.
Understanding in his heart, Arashi didn't stop.
He took a few quick steps, appearing beside Ragyō, extending his arm to pull her delicate body into his embrace.
Warm fragrance and soft jade, soft and warm to the touch.
An intoxicating scent, a mix of floral fragrance and a woman's natural scent, filled his senses.
Arashi's arm was wrapped around her slender waist.
Through the thin fabric, he could feel the warmth of her skin and the elasticity beneath her taut muscles.
Blood rushed to her face, turning her complexion crimson, all the way to her ears.
She was completely frozen.
Her mind went blank.
All her senses focused on the warmth of the man's arm around her waist.
"Be careful."
Arashi's voice, gentle and magnetic, sounded in her ear, making her heart tremble.
He helped her stand but didn't immediately release his hand, still supporting her waist.
"Are you troubled by something?" He looked down at the blushing woman in his arms, asking knowingly.
Ragyō's heart pounded violently.
She felt as if she was melting in his embrace.
Biting her lower lip, she gathered her courage and raised her misty eyes to look at him.
"I... I… am just unwilling..."
"I want Daimyo-sama to look at me…"
As her words fell, she shyly lowered her head, her pitiful expression stirring sympathy.
Arashi's smile deepened.
Unwilling?
A proud Uchiha, her unwillingness couldn't be that simple.
But he appreciated her candid ambition.
As expected of an Uchiha.
Even with calculations in her heart, she didn't bother hiding them.
Arashi finally released her, stepping back slightly to give her space to breathe.
"Your dance was very good."
"I saw it."
He didn't expose her thoughts but affirmed her with a calm tone.
Ragyō suddenly looked up, eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.
She saw Arashi raise his hand, motioning to the maid standing by the garden entrance.
The maid hurried over with a lantern, bowing respectfully.
Arashi glanced at Ragyō, who was still frozen in place, and instructed, "Take Lady Ragyō to see Gen."
"Tell him to arrange a quiet courtyard."
"From tonight onwards, you will move there." Arashi turned to her and added, "I will come to find you tomorrow night."
After speaking, he turned and walked away.
Leaving Ragyō standing blankly in place.
Lady Ragyō… a private courtyard… It was the first title of 'Lady' bestowed by the Daimyo.
The maid approached her with much more respect than before, bowing slightly. "Lady Ragyō, please follow me."
A wave of joy instantly overwhelmed Ragyō.
She looked up, staring at his retreating figure disappearing into the night, tears spilling down her cheeks.
This time, it wasn't an act.
It was the relief of gambling everything.
The joy of a long-cherished wish fulfilled.
This man was much gentler than she had imagined.
Arashi returned to his study, handed the reviewed scrolls to the Shadow Guard beside him, then opened the door and left.
He didn't go to find Ragyō.
He had said tomorrow, and it would be tomorrow. He wasn't one to change his word lightly.
Moreover, the palace rules were strict, and as their maker and beneficiary, he wouldn't break them casually.
Returning to his bedchamber alone, Arashi ordered that no one attend him tonight.
After the maid finished serving him in washing up, he fell into a deep sleep.
(To be continued.)
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