Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 196: The Redania Empire (4) Growing Feelings

Chapter 196: The Redania Empire (4) Growing Feelings

Under the capricious skies of the north, Lyan and his stalwart companions pressed onward, undaunted by the relentless cold and treacherous terrain. Weeks of travel saw them pitted against fierce winds and blinding snowstorms, their progress hindered at every turn. Yet, even in the face of adversity, their spirits remained unbroken, for Lyan’s unerring instincts and swift decisions kept them safe, time and again.

In Wilhelmina, Solia, and the others, a newfound respect for Lyan blossomed, as he led them to shelter ahead of the most severe storms and detected the lurking presence of monstrous threats. Their awe of him only deepened as the journey wore on.

As they ventured further into the icy wilderness, they were confronted with a landscape even more unforgiving. Jagged rocks and perilous cliffs demanded caution and precision in every step they took. The narrow mountain passes that lay before them posed life-threatening challenges – a moment’s hesitation, a horse’s startle, and they would find themselves tumbling to their doom.

In these treacherous moments, Lyan and his companions dismounted, leading their horses and wagons with steady hands and unwavering resolve. The arduous trek took its toll on their supplies, rendering hunting an ever more taxing endeavor. Yet, Lyan had foreseen such trials and prepared amply, having stocked double the rations they would need. Under his watchful eye, the group rationed their provisions wisely, their faith in him unwavering.

Despite the hardships, a spirit of camaraderie and adventure flourished among them, turning their journey into a thrilling odyssey. For Wilhelmina and her fellow former slaves, each day with Lyan was a taste of freedom they had long been denied.

Nights saw them huddled around a crackling campfire, trading tales of their past lives and lost worlds. Lyan, ever the raconteur, regaled them with stories of his exploits as a mercenary, recounting his valiant battles against goblin hordes and their fearsome king. As the conversation goes on, Lyan notices the slaves’ face that was once marred by despair, now shone with wonder and hope, as the bonds forged in their shared journey grew ever stronger.

The stars above glistened like a thousand gleaming diamonds, casting their ethereal glow upon the weary travelers as they rested around the campfire. Among them, Lyan, a seasoned veteran of countless battles, was the foundation of their newfound confidence. His experiences seemed to transcend time itself, and his wisdom was a beacon that guided them through the treacherous north.

One evening, as the flames of the campfire danced to the tune of the whistling wind, Wilhelmina found herself lost in a reverie. She couldn’t help but wonder about Lyan’s own past, the people he had loved and lost, and the source of his unwavering resolve. Solia, perceptive as ever, noticed her contemplation and approached her with a knowing smile.

"Wilhelmina, you seem quite taken with our leader," Solia teased, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Wilhelmina, caught off-guard, blushed and stammered, "Oh, no! It’s not like that... I’m just... curious."

Solia laughed gently, her warmth infectious. "I understand. Lyan is an enigma, isn’t he? Even after all this time, he remains a mystery to us all. I admit that I myself am interested, but that little girl..." Solia glanced at the little halfling, Tesha, and saw her sinister eyes staring back at her.

Amidst the lighthearted banter and camaraderie of their shared journey, subtle undercurrents of emotion began to emerge. Wilhelmina and Solia, in particular, found themselves drawn to Lyan’s strength and resourcefulness. Yet, Tesha’s keen eyes did not miss the growing affection between them, and she would often shoot the two women a warning glance, as if to remind them of their place.

"He got a small but strong protector, isn’t he?" Solia uttered with a wry smile.

"Well, you’re right..." Wilhelmina replied with a slightly cloudy reply.

Wilhelmina’s interest in Lyan was tempered by her memory of his dalliance with Aisha the village chief’s daughter in the previous village. She couldn’t help but wonder if Lyan was a man of wandering affections, which made her hold some doubts about him.

As their journey progressed, the group found themselves growing closer, their bonds strengthened by the shared hardships and laughter. Nights around the campfire were filled with tales of adventure and wonder, as they dreamed of the lives that awaited them in the future.

One evening, as they rested near a serene riverbank, Wilhelmina and Solia found themselves alone with Lyan, the rest of the group had retired for the night. The moon cast a soft glow over the water, and the air was filled with the gentle sounds of nature.

Wilhelmina hesitated, then spoke, her voice barely audible above the river’s murmur. "Lyan, when you arrive at the empire’s capital, what do you plan to do next?" She glanced at him, her eyes searching his face for answers.

Lyan looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "I want to make sure whether the empire is the right place for me to settle in or not. I’m looking for a place that I could call home, you see. So I’m wandering around to find the most appropriate place,"

"How about after we visited the empire’s capital, after you escort us to the city of Arkansas. What are your plans ahead?" (Wilhelmina)

"Hm... I wonder. I guess I’ll know that after we’ve done visiting the Redania Empire’s capital," (Lyan)

Solia chimed in, her voice gentle yet firm. "And what about us, Lyan? Are we going to separate ways afterward?"

There was a moment of silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the trickle of the nearby stream.

Finally, Lyan broke the uncomfortable quiet. "My journey might not end at that city alone. There might be some other short or even long journey following afterward. And I believe that it would be quite lively," Lyan replied mysteriously.

Wilhelmina and Solia exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued by Lyan’s enigmatic response. Tesha, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation from the shadows, let out a soft snort of derision.

"Always the mysterious one, aren’t you, master?" Tesha muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Lyan, unperturbed, smiled enigmatically. "It keeps things interesting, don’t you think? Come here, little girl," Lyan gestured for her to come near him, and let her rest her head on his lap and let her sleep.

The conversation drifted off into silence once again, the companions lost in their own thoughts. For Wilhelmina, the uncertainty of what lay ahead was quite thrilling yet terrifying. This adventure might be fun, but her biggest goal is revenge. Revenge towards the people that made her family fall and her people suffer. As she closed her eyes, various plans and schemes in order to achieve her goal entered her mind.

Solia, meanwhile, felt a twinge of unease at the thought of the journey coming to an end. She had grown fond of Lyan and the rest of the group, and the prospect of saying goodbye filled her with a sense of sadness.

As they settled down for the night, Wilhelmina and Solia found themselves lost in thought, their minds wandering to the possibilities of what lay ahead. For Lyan, however, sleep came easily, his mind already working on the next leg of their journey.

As the night deepened, the howl of wolves echoed through the valley, piercing the stillness of the night. The group remained huddled together inside the wagon, their weapons at the ready, their senses sharp and alert even if Lyan’s summoned skeletons are protecting them outside the wagon. But Lyan, as a seasoned veteran, was quick to dismiss their fears. He explained that the wolves were most likely calling their members of the pack that are still out to warn about the upcoming weather. His words calmed the others, and they settled back down to rest, lulled by the soft murmur of the river.

Despite the assurance of safety, Wilhelmina remained restless, her thoughts consumed with her thirst for revenge. She had vowed to make those who had wronged her and her people pay for their crimes, and her heart burned with the intensity of her purpose. She was determined to see her mission through, no matter what the cost.

As she lay awake, her mind racing with thoughts of the future, Lyan’s voice broke through her reverie. "You’re thinking of your revenge again, aren’t you?" he said, his voice gentle and soothing.

Wilhelmina sat up, surprised by his insight. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Lyan chuckled. "It’s written all over your face. The fire in your eyes, the tension in your jaw. I’ve seen it all before."

Wilhelmina regarded him warily. "And what do you know of my struggles? What do you know of the pain I’ve endured?"

Lyan’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I may not know the specifics of your situation, but I do know the weight of regret and the pull of vengeance. I have fought in many battles, and I have seen the ugliness of war. It can consume you, if you let it. But revenge is a hollow victory, Wilhelmina. It will never bring you peace. Trust me, I speak from experience."