Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 206: Trouble at The Second City (1) The Signs

Chapter 206: Trouble at The Second City (1) The Signs

"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.

Wilhelmina clutched Lyan’s arm, her eyes fixed on the ensnared square. "Shouldn’t we do something? They’re putting everyone in danger!"

Lyan weighed his options, realizing the impact of his actions on the festivity. "Intervening might provoke more havoc. But leaving might risk the festival spiraling into chaos," he muttered, torn between caution and concern.

Within the encased square, the swirl of magical energy heightened, manifesting in vivid arcs and tendrils that merged and diverged, threatening the festival’s attendees.

As the factions struggled to maintain control over the volatile energies, the barrier of light began to tremble, and signs of potential rupture started to manifest.

The factions involved in the dispute seemed oblivious to the imminent danger that the mystical energies posed. They were ensnared in the depths of their rivalry, each eager to possess the arcane power of the artifact.

Lyan’s grimace was a mixture of concern and contemplation. The implications of their intervention remained a complex quandary, particularly in a dispute fueled by magical power that seemed beyond their understanding.

"Get ready to move," Lyan instructed, his voice echoing with both alertness and a subtle air of assurance. "We need to find a safe distance; the instability could escalate further."

Amidst the impending turmoil, Lyan’s quick thinking and measured steps guided the group away from the encroaching chaos. Their escape from the center of the turmoil led them to a hidden alleyway where they sought refuge.

Wilhelmina’s eyes flickered with a mix of concern and frustration. "Shouldn’t we try to help? We can’t just leave everyone there in danger."

Lyan’s expression bore a weighty determination. "It’s a complex, volatile situation. Our interference might inadvertently escalate the conflict. It’s wiser to ensure our own safety and figure out an informed approach."

Their escape from the escalating chaos was a mixture of relief and concern. Tesha and the rest of the girls followed Lyan’s judgment, knowing that he knew the best. The lingering echoes of the festival’s disarray reverberated through the night, leaving them with a sense of disquiet and unresolved curiosity.

The city was immersed in uncertainty, the flickers of magical mishap casting shadows of doubt upon the festival’s fate. Lyan’s meticulous observation and calculated retreat were a testament to his concern for the group’s safety, yet the repercussions of the event’s turmoil remained a troubling enigma.

As the night pressed on, Lyan stood amidst the group, watching the city sink into an uneasy lull following the chaotic festival. Wilhelmina caught the sight of Tesha grabbing Lyan’s clothes in one hand while holding her brand-new knife in the other. Wilhelmina’s expression a mix of concern and curiosity, turned to Lyan seeking guidance.

"What now?" she asked, her voice a whisper laced with worry.

Lyan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he weighed their options. "We can’t simply leave this. The commotion might have subsided, but the city is in disarray. I need to gather more information," he replied, his voice laced with determination. Lyan’s priority is the safety of the group, but it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have any concern for the people. But one more important thing is the incident with the duke. It’s well-known that he is going to the north to explore the empire, and it’s not surprising for him to visit this city as the second city from the south within the empire’s territory.

(Is this one of his plans on getting me involved...?) (Lyan)

The bustling streets that once held the spirited revelry of the festival were now deserted, a stark contrast to the earlier jubilation. The residue of magical energy still lingered, casting an eerie hue upon the city’s nighttime canvas.

Lyan led the group cautiously through the streets, using his incognito guise to collect whispers and rumors that flitted through the deserted alleys. In the hushed exchanges, he discovered that the aftermath of the festival’s disruption was rife with murmurs and growing discontent.

The magical dispute had provoked unease and accusations among the factions, each blaming the other for the catastrophic turn of events. Fear and mistrust now clouded the night, a menacing shroud that veiled the city’s aura.

The disparity between the commoners and nobles, evident in the way the aftermath was being handled, cast a pall over the city. The nobles’ quarters remained guarded, shrouded in a protective veil while the commoner areas were left exposed and vulnerable.

"They protect themselves while leaving the rest in the dark," Lyan observed, the subtle growl of frustration evident in his voice.

He directed the group toward the city’s commoner districts, choosing to immerse themselves in the local narratives to discern the depths of the post-festival unrest.

"These people are suffering the most from this unrest," Wilhelmina remarked, the distress etched upon her face.

The group traversed the streets, their mission clear—to understand the layers of discord within the city and uncover the seeds of contention that brewed between the factions.

Conversations held in hushed tones revealed the widening chasm between the nobles and the commoners. The aftermath of the festival disaster had only deepened the disparity, with commoners being unjustly held accountable for the mishap. The narrative favored the nobles’ version of events, casting shadows upon the commoners as instigators of the incident.

Lyan’s lips curled into a scowl. "Unfair accusations against the commoners. The nobles control the narrative to suit their advantage," he murmured, his frustration at the injustice seeping through.

As they continued to navigate through the labyrinthine streets, they stumbled upon a gathering of concerned citizens.

"Why should we suffer for their squabbles?" a disgruntled man proclaimed, his voice edged with frustration.

"They only care for their own interests!" a woman chimed in, her frustration echoing the sentiments of the crowd.

Lyan noted the discontentment simmering within the crowd. A well-orchestrated narrative of blame had sown seeds of discord and unrest, feeding into the growing divide between the factions. The commoners felt the weight of discrimination and the consequences of the magical mishap that they were unfairly shouldering.

He caught whispers of planned protests and rising tensions within the city—rumors that hinted at a burgeoning revolt against the nobles’ perceived tyranny.

From the experience with Aisha at the first village he visited of the Redania empire, it’s bland to see that the disparity between the commoner and the nobles in the empire. But even with that in mind, it doesn’t make sense for the nobles to suddenly make trouble like this without any plot in mind. Is it some kind of enjoyment for them to play with the commoners? Or is there any other personal dispute between a certain faction with the nobles?

Amidst his contemplation, a menacing accusation cut through the night, as the gates of a noble domain creaked open.

"A spy from the Astellia kingdom! Sabotaging our festival!" The accusation thundered through the night, casting a menacing shadow over the city’s fragile peace.

The moment Lyan’s sharp eyes landed on the group marching through the gate, he swiftly recognized the nobility guards bearing the distinct insignia of the feudal lord’s men. A distinct air of suspicion clouded his gaze, familiar with the tense and vigilant posture these guards maintained. Yet, it wasn’t just their presence that triggered Lyan’s concern. Amidst their ranks emerged a figure he distinctly remembered, draped in the unmistakable cloak he had observed before — a person of grave significance.

Clad in a peculiar cloak and bearing a sheathed sword embellished with the insignia of the Ravindor crest, the man stood out among the noble guards. The crest’s emblem was etched vividly in Lyan’s memory, having scrutinized it meticulously on the Duke’s ring and sword.

"Seems the Duke’s men have come, just as anticipated," Lyan murmured with a tinge of bitterness tainting his words, watching the annoying turn of event.

___________________________________________________________________________

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)