Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 205: The Redania Empire (10) The Second City’s Trouble

Chapter 205: The Redania Empire (10) The Second City’s Trouble

The vibrant murmur of Redania’s second city resonated through its streets as Lyan discreetly observed from the rooftop. Hidden behind the shadows of the lively market, he watched the diverse array of citizens as they interacted within the festival preparations. Colorful flags were draped over the cobblestones, the tantalizing aromas of exotic cuisines lingering in the air, and laughter intermingled with the symphony of bustling activities.

However, beneath this façade of celebration, the deep-rooted inequality and growing tension between nobles and commoners painted a different picture. The disdain towards those without noble lineage was palpable, evident in the hesitant steps and subdued conversations of the common folk.

Lyan meticulously oversaw his strategically placed acid ants positioned at various vantage points. With their keen senses and innate camouflage, they blended seamlessly into the surroundings, granting him an insightful view of the city’s pulse. It was an intricate web of observation, a dance of subtlety woven within the tapestry of festival preparations.

As the sun’s golden rays waned into twilight hues, Lyan descended from the rooftop. Navigating through the bustling marketplace, he was mindful to avoid any undue attention, blending effortlessly into the varied throng. Amidst the colorful stalls and exuberant patrons, a group of guards clad in ornate uniforms and insignia caught his attention. They seemed more vigilant, their gaze fixed on certain quarters of the city.

Steering clear of the scrutinizing gazes, Lyan managed to merge into the crowd, eventually spotting Wilhelmina and the others by a vividly decorated stall displaying an array of intricate handmade jewelry.

"Wilhelmina," Lyan’s voice was but a gentle murmur as he approached, his glance indicating the need for caution.

"Ah, Lyan! You’re back," she greeted him warmly, though her discerning eyes caught the subtle signals of his discreet message. "How’s your exploration of the city?"

Lyan maintained a composed demeanor, offering a subtle nod. "The city’s festivities might be a cover for an underlying tension. We should be cautious, especially with the guards—they seem unusually watchful."

Wilhelmina’s expression shifted, her gaze shifting subtly to the group of guards. "They’re more on edge than one would expect during a festival."

As the day progressed, the city’s spirit swirled around them, but Lyan remained vigilant. The undercurrents of unease pulsed beneath the surface, amplified by the growing presence of the guards.

Lyan’s gaze fell upon Wilhelmina, noting the transformation within her eyes. Where uncertainty once lingered, now resided a resolute determination. Her aura had shifted, exuding a newfound charisma, a quality that seemed to naturally emanate from her, now even more pronounced.

(A change in her. A shift towards resolve. Impressive.) (Lyan)

"Master! Look what I found!" Tesha approached Lyan, her countenance lit with the delight of a child who had just acquired a new toy. With enthusiasm, she presented the item in her hand.

Observing the object she held, Lyan couldn’t help but muster a bittersweet smile.

"Well, that’s an excellent knife, indeed. You’ve got a keen eye, Tesha," Lyan acknowledged. Despite the irony of a child her age purchasing a knife for protection, the quality of the blade was unmistakable.

"She negotiated the price skillfully too. Got quite the discount," Wilhelmina remarked, a note of pride in her voice, while Tesha beamed with confidence.

"Great work there, little one." Lyan’s smile was warm as he gently patted Tesha’s head. The remaining members of their group had gathered, aware of the necessity to travel together for safety in this unfamiliar territory.

"It’s time to move," Lyan declared.

Following a winding path, the group meandered through the jubilant crowd, moving towards a square adorned with colored lanterns and festive décor. The heart of the celebration and the impending bonfire were at the epicenter of the square, a gathering place for the festival’s culminating event.

However, as twilight descended, whispers permeated the air, carrying an unsettling foreboding. The once-lively atmosphere began to shift; a subtle tension echoed through the city. Amid the dusk’s embrace, a hushed commotion rippled through the crowd, and the festival ground seemed to quiver with anxious murmurs.

Something was amiss.

In the distance, the sky crackled with the promise of a spectacular display, but an unforeseen disruption stained the festivity’s joyful ambience. A high-pitched alarm, muffled yet palpable, heralded the beginning of the festival. A small but panicked group ran past the jewelry stall where Lyan and the others were standing, casting frightened glances back toward the square.

Anxiety etched across Wilhelmina’s features, her eyes scanning the square’s direction. "What’s happening? Why the commotion?"

Lyan’s hand instinctively moved to his cloak, ready to mask his identity. "I’m not sure, but we should move cautiously," he whispered, his voice laced with urgency.

With a composed yet brisk pace, the group weaved through the perplexed festival-goers, inching closer to the unfolding chaos at the square. As they approached, the glow of the bonfire became obscured by a billowing cloud of black smoke. The air was thick with tension as figures in turmoil darted around, trying to flee the mayhem.

Wilhelmina gasped, her eyes widened at the sight of a group of figures in ornate attire—the nobles, seemingly fleeing from the center of the square, their faces etched with distress.

"Something’s terribly wrong," Wilhelmina’s voice was barely audible amidst the growing chaos.

Lyan’s gaze darted, assessing the situation, keenly weighing the implications of getting involved in the unfolding turmoil. The blurred figures amidst the bedlam concealed a potential danger that threatened to consume the festive square.

"Stay close," Lyan instructed, his eyes vigilant as he edged the group away from the escalating chaos.

The disruption spread like wildfire, escalating beyond mere commotion into a potentially precarious scenario. Their swift exit from the heart of the turmoil was a bid for safety amidst the pandemonium.

As they retreated to the outskirts of the square, Lyan remained vigilant, considering his options amid the uproar. Should he step into the turmoil to understand the situation better? Or would their involvement only intensify the chaos?

The decision to intervene or maintain a safe distance to observe loomed in the air, requiring a careful choice that could significantly impact the course of their journey within the city of Redania.

As the group edged away from the tumultuous square, their hurried retreat led them to a secluded corner. Lyan’s sharp eyes scanned the chaos, identifying multiple factions caught in the throes of dispute. The tension thickened the air, the scene shrouded in uncertainty.

A magical mishap seemed to be at the center of the chaos. Bursts of light, energy crackles, and ethereal flashes interwove, casting a wild tapestry that was both captivating and alarming. A dispute between two factions became evident—a dispute centered around a mystical artifact, an iridescent orb aglow with celestial hues, suspended amidst the chaos.

"What’s that?" asked Wilhelmina, her voice laden with awe and concern as she stared at the luminous sphere.

Lyan observed the scene, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration. "An artifact, powerful and mysterious. It seems the magical mishap was caused by a dispute over that orb," he whispered, his keen eye noting the factions’ rival emblems.

With his hand firmly clasping Wilhelmina’s and Tesha’s, Lyan’s tone bore a hint of caution. "We need to stay out of this. It’s a dispute beyond our understanding, one that could lead to further chaos."

Their attempt to distance themselves from the commotion halted abruptly as a forceful surge of magical energy erupted from the artifact. The blast expanded rapidly, reaching out to envelop the festival square and the onlookers, threatening to draw in anyone in proximity.

"We need to get out of here, now!" Lyan’s voice held a sense of urgency, recognizing the imminent danger.

Fragments of light danced through the air, creating an intricate web of energy, enveloping the entire square within a barrier of mystical interwoven strands. With a deft movement, Lyan conjured a protective shield around Wilhelmina and the group, shielding them from the escalating chaos.

"The magical fluctuations are destabilizing," Lyan muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible amid the chaos. He was caught between two competing desires: intervening to diffuse the situation and maintaining the group’s safety.

Torn between the desire to help and the risks of further entanglement, Lyan gauged the situation. The factions involved were deeply entrenched in a dispute over the orb, each seeking to harness its arcane power for their own ends. The increasing potency of the magical mishap warned of the dire consequences that could result from further interference.

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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)