Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 200: The Redania Empire (8) Offer Rejected

Chapter 200: The Redania Empire (8) Offer Rejected

As Lyan’s grip tightened around his sword and the flames of his rage threatened to consume him, a faint sensation of a gentle hand holding him back caressed his consciousness. Simultaneously, ethereal voices echoed within the depths of his mind, a chorus of wisdom and caution.

"You might be capable, or even more than capable, of defeating them and the Duke, but I believe it won’t be a wise course of action, Lyan," whispered the soothing voice of Hestia, her words contained calculation and value of a great spirit.

Arturia’s regal tone resonated with unwavering authority, "It is unwise to do so, indeed. Consider the consequences carefully, master."

Lilith’s voice interjected, a gentle lilt smoothing the tumult within Lyan’s thoughts, "Calm down, master. Rash actions will not lead to the outcome you desire the most."

The high spirits’ voices, a symphony of reason, quelled Lyan’s fury in an instant, as if he had regained his senses in the blink of an eye. In that fleeting moment, his mind reevaluated the situation, predicting the dire consequences that could follow his impulsive outburst.

"Hmm... After giving it some thought, engaging in a head-on war would prove too troublesome and inefficient, I suppose. I must rein in my emotions," Lyan mused to himself, the sound of his inner voice clear and resolute.

As Lyan closed his eyes, a hush fell upon the room, Darian, his men, and even Wilhelmina and the others watched with wary anticipation. Every subtle movement and action Lyan made was scrutinized, their senses attuned to the shifting tides within the warrior’s soul.

Lyan’s calm words floated through the air, each syllable carrying the weight of wisdom and self-reflection. His voice, as serene as a still lake, resonated with an undeniable aura of intelligence, control, and charisma. It was the voice of a leader, a voice that inspired trust and respect.

"I must ask for forgiveness," Lyan spoke with graceful humility, his gaze fixed upon Darian. "My emotions have been running high lately, perhaps due to the unfamiliarity of this cold land." His tone remained composed, his words measured.

With the same effortless ease with which he had cast aside his earlier rage, Lyan exhaled deeply, revealing once more the peaceful countenance that had captivated so many. "I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your caution. But rest assured, I have weighed the consequences and I am confident in my ability to handle the situation."

Darian, his expression a blend of relief and admiration, nodded solemnly. "I-I see... If that is the path you have chosen, then I have no other options to consider. It is a great honor to be in the presence of the hero who led the uprising against the goblin king," he said, his fist crossing his chest in a show of respect.

A flicker of gratitude danced in Lyan’s eyes as he acknowledged Darian’s gesture. "Your words honor me, Darian," he replied as he turned his back, his comrades following suit. His voice carried a touch of warmth. "But remember, true heroism lies not in the battles fought, but in the choices we make and the paths we forge. I am unworthy of the title ’hero’."

Darian’s small voice of warning entered Lyan’s ears, delivered with sincere intentions. "Another friendly warning, humble warrior. The empire is instigating and scheming in countless ways, and danger lurks in every corner. Proceed on your journey with caution, for chaos looms not only from the north, but from the south as well."

Lyan’s eyes narrowed, his mind absorbing Darian’s words. A sense of foreboding settled within him, an unspoken warning that urged him to remain vigilant in the face of unseen dangers. He nodded, silently acknowledging the wisdom behind Darian’s words.

"Thank you, Darian. Your counsel is duly noted," Lyan responded, his voice carrying a newfound determination. "I shall tread carefully and remain prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead,"

Without looking back, Lyan left together with the group and walked back to their inn as their destination.

(That was unexpected, I believe that I didn’t trigger any command to let the connection regain, though. How did you guys connect the grimoire’s space with my thoughts again?) (Lyan)

With his eyes showing no difference, Lyan started a conversation with the great spirits inside his mind.

(Hm... Well. Arturia?) (Hestia)

Lyan sensed Hestia’s voice filled with hesitation and laziness to answer.

(Um... Lilith?) (Arturia)

(What? Me? Well... Fine... Um. So master. The truth is, it turns out that all of us are capable of turning on and controlling the television inside this house that connects directly to your body in the real world.) (Lilith)

(I see... So you’re actually capable of turning it on and off without needing my consent...) (Lyan)

Lyan’s steps suddenly stopped as his mind finally swallowed and processed the sudden piece of information.

"Hm? Lyan?" (Wilhelmina)

(Huh!? You could!? So you’ve been peeking at me all this time!?) (Lyan)

(Ugh... Why should you tell him? We could have just lied and said that we don’t know how it happened!) (Griselda)

Griselda protested towards the other great spirits.

(I don’t know! Then you should have answered in the first place) (Lilith)

Lilith replied in defense.

(You’re a succubus! you’re supposed to be an expert in manipulation!?) (Griselda)

(I’m an expert in flirty manipulation, not this kind of manipulation!) (Lilith)

(Hmph! What a useless succubus) (Griselda)

Suddenly, another great spirit chimes in.

(Oh shut up, grumpy kitty. Not like you do anything either. It’s not a piece of harmful information anyway) (Eira)

(Huh!? You’re looking for a fight, ice bitch? It’s obvious that it’s an information that could be handy for us. Are you dumb?) (Griselda)

(*Sigh* It’s difficult how dumb people don’t realize how stupid they are) (Eira)

Lyan could imagine Eira’s exasperated sigh and the veins appearing on Griselda’s temples in response.

(You icy bitch...) (Griselda)

(D-d-don’t fight please...) (Sylphia)

(Hahahaha! Griselda and Eira are glowing~) (Azelia)

(A little fight is always good for a better bond) (Cynthia)

(I don’t believe this could be considered as a small fight, though... Hey, someone stop them, they’ll blow this house up if they start) (Hestia)

The chaos that had plagued Lyan’s mind resurfaced, creating a symphony of noise that threatened to overwhelm him. He felt a slight dizziness wash over him, a reminder of the battles fought within his own thoughts. Yet, in the midst of the turmoil, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

It had been some time since he had experienced such a commotion within, but he couldn’t help but find solace in the memory of his comrades. Their presence had always been a source of strength and support, and even in this new life, their impact lingered. Darian’s words, though unknowingly triggering, reminded him of the bond he shared with his former companions. A sense of protectiveness swelled within him, urging him to defend their honor. Yet, he knew it was an irrational response. Darian was unaware of the depth of his attachment, and it was unfair to hold him accountable for it. With a sigh, Lyan let go of the lingering frustration, choosing to focus on the present and the challenges that lay ahead.

"The Duke... and the empire," Lyan murmured, his words carried away in a whisper. His mind wove through the events of the day, piecing together the fragments of information that had come his way. The hostility in the library, the mysterious presence that had surrounded them, the encounter with the Duke’s men, and the warning of impending chaos in the south—all these elements formed a tapestry of intrigue and danger.

Lyan recognized the importance of the information he had received. It was a puzzle to be solved, a web of interconnected threads that demanded his attention. The safety and well-being of those he cared about rested on his shoulders, a burden he carried with utmost dedication.

His mind raced, searching for a plan, a strategy to navigate the treacherous path ahead. How could he gather information about the empire without attracting more trouble? How could he elude the Duke’s persistent pursuit? And how could he uncover the truth about the looming chaos in the South?

"I suppose there is much homework to be done," Lyan acknowledged the situation that unfolded before him.

___________________________________________________________________________

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,797,710,950 Elnes / 3797 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers

Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 2 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow

Equipment: Black leather cloak, Leather Armor, Breastplate, 2 Health Potions, 2 Poison Vials

Grimoire’s Companions: 8 High Spirits, 3 Valkyrie, Shadow Goblin Lord (Lv. 5), Papilio Slime (Lv. 45), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 45), Rock Golem (Lv. 50), Deadlight (Lv. 63), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 9), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12), Fenris (Lv. 1)

Grimoire’s Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army (24 Goblin Champion Skeletons, 226 Hobgoblin Skeletons, 550 Goblin Skeleton Army, 20 Acid Ants Workers, 10 Acid Ants Soldiers, 4 Female Winter Wolves)