The story follows the adventures of Filena, the only survivor of the royal family in the ocean kingdom of Filosena which is destroyed by the ruling empire. She is brought up as a boy slave and gladiator, and enters the gladiatorial games designed by the Empire to keep the masses happy. Young slave boys are trained as gladiators and girls are forced into prostitution. Filena befriends Lila, a slave assigned to be Filena's bed-mate before her first gladiatorial bout, and sets off on a journey with Lila to free her homeland from tyranny and discover her true past. Source: Wikipedia *Note: Chapter count includes 12 prologue and epilogue chapters*

In feudal Japan, Tsunoyuki Tsutsumi is a runaway outlaw who finds refuge in an old abandoned building. There, he finally leads a quiet life until the day when he witnesses the assassination of a mother before the eyes of her son. He decides to take the child into his makeshift house, making him a "parent out of spite". From now on, he will dedicate his existence to a simple daily life, far from violence: taking care of the little one, feeding the stray cats and preparing good meals… (Source: Nautiljon, translated)

The reputation of the kimono selected by Isuke spread instantly among the Naritaya patrons, and soon, Garakutaya—the shop where he served as head clerk—was overflowing with customers. His devoted efforts finally bore fruit, and Ocho, who came to understand the essence of a “genuine business” that truly satisfies its customers, begins to feel something new stirring in her heart... A lyrical tale depicting the lives of people in Edo—a grand and moving conclusion!

A collection of short works by Shinichirou Takada. - ROUGH STONE - 九霄 - 天下無敵身勝手女神! - 姫と影

The story starts one morning with the discovery of a male corpse.

https://www.cmoa.jp/title/334709/