Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 204: The Summoner’s Careful Step

Chapter 204: The Summoner’s Careful Step

The city of Redania once again unfurled before Lyan in a breathtaking symphony of life. It’s the second city they’ve arrived as they continued their journey to further explore the empire. Imposing structures adorned with banners bearing the emblem of the empire loomed, invoking both grandeur and curiosity. As he traversed the bustling streets, the city’s pulse throbbed with a vibrancy that was distinctly Redanian.

An alluring fragrance danced through the air—a blend of exotic spices, wafts of seasoned meat sizzling on open grills, and the tantalizing sweetness of baked pastries. The market square teemed with merchants peddling their wares, each stall boasting a colorful array of goods, from shimmering fabrics and intricate jewelry to exotic fruits and potent potions.

"Ah, the bustling heart of Redania. Looks like it gets livelier deeper we get to the center of the empire," Lyan murmured to himself, his eyes taking in the lively scene. He was a keen observer, noting not only the vivacious ambiance but also the whispers in the air, the gestures of the locals, and the subtleties that painted a vivid portrait of daily life in the empire.

Upon their arrival in the new city, Lyan swiftly delegated their luggage to Wilhelmina and the others, emphasizing the urgency of gathering crucial information. While it was true that understanding the empire was a pivotal task, a primary objective lay in ensuring they weren’t under the prying surveillance of the Duke and other unwanted factions. It wasn’t merely an exploratory mission; it was a tactical maneuver to evade the watchful eyes that could pose a threat to their safety.

Amid the medley of vibrant sights and sounds, he sought conversations with the locals. A cobbler mending shoes, an old merchant selling herbs, a jovial innkeeper welcoming guests—each presented an opportunity to glean insight into the spirit of the city.

"My good sir, greetings! A stranger in Redania, are you?" The cobbler, a weathered man with a twinkle in his eye, looked up from his work.

"Aye, quite true. I’m new to these bustling streets," Lyan replied, returning the man’s warm smile. "Would you mind sharing a tale or two about this fine city?"

The cobbler’s eyes crinkled in amusement. "Oh, but of course! Redania is a city where history intertwines with the current day. You’ll find traditions upheld, festivals celebrated, and a fair share of gossip too!" He chuckled, his laughter harmonizing with the city’s symphony.

Lyan’s ears perked at the mention of festivals. "Festivals, you say? Are there any grand celebrations on the horizon?"

"Ah, indeed! The Festival of Ember’s Eve approaches. It’s a celebration of our harvest and the crimson-hued flames that light up the night sky. The city’s aflame with festivities—dancers, musicians, feasts, and, of course, the ceremonial lighting of the great bonfire. It’s quite the spectacle!" The cobbler’s words sparked a glint of anticipation in Lyan’s eyes.

The next stall, adorned with intricate fabrics of Redanian design, caught his attention. A middle-aged weaver, her hands deftly working on a vibrant tapestry, was engrossed in her craft.

"Beautiful handiwork, ma’am," Lyan complimented, admiring the elaborate tapestries. "Do these designs signify anything unique to Redania?"

"Aye, traveler, they do indeed," the weaver replied, flashing a kind smile. "Each pattern tells a story, steeped in the history and folklore of our land. Take this one, see the intertwining symbols? It’s a tale of unity among the Redanian clans, a tribute to our heritage."

Lyan observed the interplay of vibrant colors, the intricate threads weaving together tales that painted a vivid mosaic. The cultural pride embedded within the tapestries resonated deeply, offering him glimpses into the soul of the empire.

As the sun’s amber glow began to wane, Lyan made his way to a charming local inn nestled in a quaint corner of the city. The sounds of merry laughter and clinking tankards filled the air. The innkeeper, a stout man with a warm countenance, welcomed him graciously.

"Welcome to The Crimson Hearth! Sit, relax, and let the warmth of Redania embrace you," the innkeeper exclaimed cheerily, his voice carrying an air of genuine hospitality.

Taking a seat by the roaring hearth, Lyan found himself amidst a group of locals. The evening air was flavored with tales of Redanian lore, the chatter a symphony of local anecdotes and snippets of history.

"Redania’s not just a city, friend," an elderly patron chimed in, his voice seasoned with wisdom. "It’s a sanctuary—a blend of tradition and progress. Our Emperor ensures stability, but it’s the people who paint the canvas of our life here."

The elderly patron’s words resonated with profound truth, but they were also a gentle reminder of the chasm that lay between the citizens of Redania. The festivity’s anticipation masked the city’s underlying unrest.

"Yet, in a sanctuary, not all are granted the same grace," Lyan mused in quiet reflection. His gaze shifted, observing the patrons around him, the tales and laughter casting a veil over the reality that lingered just beyond this congenial facade. The disparity between commoners and nobles had woven itself into the very fabric of the city’s existence, visible in the intricate narratives shared by its inhabitants.

He focused on his inner turmoil. Redania, like many other places he had visited, had its unsightly blemishes beneath the varnish of grandeur and pomp. The layers of discontent and prejudice rested upon a structure of history and authority that gave the nobles unfathomable power and control.

As his gaze trailed back to the patrons in the inn, Lyan noticed the unease that marred the cheerfulness, the subtle tension lurking in their mannerisms. The conversations themselves danced around the simmering issues, avoiding any direct confrontation.

A man with a threadbare coat, calloused hands, and a weathered face sat in a corner, his gaze shrouded in a veil of resignation. His murmured words, heard in passing, painted a poignant image of a life dictated by unseen forces of disparity.

Lyan turned back to the elderly patron who had spoken of Redania’s grace and harmony. "Sanctuary, indeed. But perhaps a selective one," he replied, trying to capture the subtlety of his thoughts.

The elderly man cast a curious look at Lyan, noting the undertones in his response. "Aye, the brushstrokes are different for each canvas," he agreed, his expression acknowledging the intricate nuances of the city’s social structure.

Lyan’s perceptive gaze missed no flicker of reaction, delving deep into the subtle responses of those around him. Yet, he was far from idle. His scrutiny extended beyond mere observation; Lyan’s ’other eyes’ were equally engaged in their watchful endeavors.

"Hm... Looks like we’re finally clear," Lyan murmured to himself, his tone carrying the weight of a strategist assessing the unfolding scenario.

A sigh of relief escaped his lips, accompanied by a faint, satisfied smile as he shut his eyes, triggering an unusual ability. Through the eyes of scattered acid ants strategically placed in various buildings, Lyan observed the surroundings. His eyes go from one person to another as the people of the city continue their activity with the liveliness and energy befitting the city. Lyan originally considered using the shadow goblins for surveillance, he opted for the more adaptable and inconspicuous acid ants, leveraging their natural camouflage. The potential uproar, if his shadowy hobgoblins were spotted by a citizen, deterred him from employing them.

(It will make the watchdogs of whatever factions get more alert as well. Better not take any unwanted risks) (Lyan)

Lyan’s purposeful movement from one location to another wasn’t

arbitrary; it was a meticulously calculated measure to ensure he remained untethered from any unwanted surveillance. While leaving some acid ants to trail Wilhelmina and the others, he also equipped them with the camouflaged skeletons for added security.

(They must be going around the market even now. The group consists of a large number of girls, after all) (Lyan)

Systematically navigating from place to place, Lyan detected no hint of pursuit or lingering watchfulness. His strategic placement of the acid ants, coupled with his cautious movements mirroring their mobility, was a testament to his thorough planning. He remained confident that unless they utilized something beyond his comprehension, nothing would escape his vigilance.

"Then I guess it’s safe for now. It seems that there will be a festival held soon as well. I suppose I’ll join the girls and ensure they don’t act hastily," Lyan mused, his thoughts echoing with a blend of precaution and concern for the group’s safety in the face of the impending festival.

___________________________________________________________________________

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)