Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 228: Trouble At Arkansas (1) Gildevart’s Concern

Chapter 228: Trouble At Arkansas (1) Gildevart’s Concern

The battles continued throughout the day, and all the girls won their second round. Lyan could see their happy faces as they celebrated their victories. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the group was palpable, strengthening their resolve for the challenges ahead.

Among the group, there were several girls who were still children. These young ones, though not participants in the tournament, were registered as attendants and followed the group closely. Their wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm provided a refreshing contrast to the intensity of the competition.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the tournament grounds, the group gathered together to share their experiences and strategize for the next day. The children, full of excitement, eagerly recounted their favorite moments from the matches, their eyes shining with admiration for their older companions.

"That was amazing!" one of the younger girls exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement. "You were so fast, Solia!"

Solia laughed, ruffling the girl’s hair affectionately. "Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed watching."

Another child looked up at Wilhelmina with wide eyes. "You were so strong! How do you do it?"

Wilhelmina smiled warmly, kneeling down to the girl’s level. "Lots of practice and a good team," she said, glancing around at her companions. "We support each other and work together."

Lyan watched the interaction with a soft smile, feeling a sense of contentment. Despite the trials and tribulations they had faced, they had formed a strong bond, and it was heartwarming to see the children so inspired and full of hope.

As they settled down for the evening, the group began discussing their strategies for the next round. The atmosphere was a mix of relaxation and focused determination, with everyone contributing their thoughts and insights.

"Tomorrow’s going to be tougher," Lyan said, addressing the group. "But I know we can handle it. Let’s make sure we rest well tonight and be ready for whatever comes our way."

The girls nodded in agreement, their expressions serious but confident. They knew the competition would only get fiercer, but their victories today had bolstered their spirits.

Before they parted for the night, Lyan took a moment to speak with Wilhelmina and Solia privately.

"You both did exceptionally well today," he said, his tone earnest. "Your performance was flawless, and you adapted perfectly to your opponents’ strategies."

"Thanks, Lyan," Wilhelmina replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "Your guidance has made a huge difference for us."

Solia nodded. "Yeah, we wouldn’t be here without you. We’re going to keep pushing forward and give it our all."

Lyan smiled, feeling a deep sense of pride in their progress. "I’m glad to hear that. Rest well, both of you. Tomorrow’s another day to prove ourselves."

The evening went to a night, and the time for rest goes on. There is a plan for them to have a snack and a stroll around to make the girls enjoy their victory for the day. But the exhaustion from the battle finally kicks in, and they went to their respective room to rest.

"Well, I have other things to do," Lyan left the inn with his cloak on. "The night is up, time for the shady guys to take step as well,"

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---At the city of mercenaries and merchants, Arkansas---

Step! Step!

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the dimly lit hall of the mercenary guild. Each footfall was steady and firm, resonating with an unmistakable sense of resolution and strength.

"The atmosphere sure has changed quite a lot here," remarked a deep voice, filled with a mix of nostalgia and contemplation. The figure paused by a large window, staring out at the night city below. Arkansas, known for its bustling activity and vibrant mix of mercenaries and merchants, was bathed in the soft glow of street lamps and the occasional flicker of lanterns from late-night vendors.

The silhouette of the man by the window was imposing, framed against the backdrop of the cityscape. Arkansas had always been a city of opportunities and dangers, a place where fortunes could be made or lost in a single night. But tonight, there was a palpable shift in the air, a sense of anticipation and change that even the most hardened of mercenaries could feel.

A soft knock on the door behind him broke his reverie. Turning slightly, he acknowledged the presence of a young mercenary standing in the doorway. "Guildmaster, the council is ready for you," the young man reported, his tone respectful and tinged with a hint of nervousness.

The guildmaster nodded, his expression unreadable. "Thank you," he replied, his voice steady. "I’ll be there shortly."

As the young mercenary left, the guildmaster took one last look at the city he had known for so long. Arkansas had always been a place of constant flux, but tonight felt different. The changes he sensed were not just within the city but within himself as well.

With a final deep breath, he squared his shoulders and made his way to the council chamber. The heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing a room filled with seasoned mercenaries and influential merchants, all of whom turned to acknowledge his arrival.

In the dimly lit council chamber, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of greed and betrayal. The guildmaster, a lone beacon of integrity amidst a sea of corruption, entered the room with a heavy heart. He knew that the council members gathered around the table were not allies but puppets, strings pulled by the Duke Ravindor’s sinister machinations.

"Guildmaster," greeted one of the council members, a slick merchant with a calculating gleam in his eye. "We’ve convened to discuss the city’s future."

The guildmaster nodded, though his eyes betrayed his distrust. He took his seat at the head of the table, keenly aware of the eyes that watched his every move.

"Our esteemed Duke Ravindor has graciously provided us with a plan to revitalize our beloved city," announced another council member, his words dripping with false sincerity. "We must ensure that we play our part in this grand endeavor."

The guildmaster’s stomach churned at the mention of the Duke’s name. He knew all too well that Ravindor’s plans spelled disaster for Arkansas, yet he was powerless to sway the council’s allegiance.

"As always, our priority must be the prosperity of Arkansas," the guildmaster interjected, his

voice cutting through the sycophantic chatter like a knife. "But let us not forget that true prosperity cannot be bought with empty promises and backroom deals."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances, their façade of unity faltering for a moment before quickly regaining its composure.

"Of course, guildmaster," one of them replied, his smile tight and forced. "We all want what’s best for the city."

The guildmaster resisted the urge to scoff at the blatant hypocrisy. These merchants cared only for their own pockets, willing to sell out their city for a chance at personal gain.

"As long as we follow the Duke’s lead, we cannot fail," another council member chimed in, echoing the sentiments of the rest.

The guildmaster clenched his fists beneath the table, his frustration simmering beneath a mask of stoicism. He knew that he stood alone in his defiance against the Duke’s tyranny, but he refused to betray the city he loved.

"As guildmaster, it’s my solemn duty to safeguard the interests and welfare of Arkansas," Gildevart declared with unwavering conviction, his voice echoing through the grand hall where the council convened. "I refuse to stand idle while our guild, our home, is led down a path of destruction."

His words hung heavy in the air, met with exchanged glances among the council members, each harboring their own agendas and loyalties. Despite his impassioned plea, Gildevart sensed the weight of their allegiances, knowing that swaying their opinions would be an uphill battle.

As the meeting dragged on, Gildevart listened with a growing sense of dismay to the council members’ hollow assurances and superficial promises. Each word spoken seemed to solidify the rift between them, casting a shadow over the future of Arkansas.

Once the meeting concluded, Gildevart retreated to the quiet confines of his chamber within the guildhall, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. Rea’s concerned voice broke the silence, her presence offering a small measure of solace amidst the turmoil.

"Guildmaster, is the situation truly as dire as it seems?" Rea’s voice trembled with apprehension, reflecting the unease that gripped them all.

Gildevart sighed heavily, his brow furrowed with worry. "Yes, it’s worse than I anticipated. I never imagined that cursed wolf would go to such lengths. I played along with the crown prince because of this very thing, but it seems that wolf has already plotting another scheme to divert the crown prince’s attention. This is very bad..." The guildmaster’s expression darkened as he uttered those words.

Lichia, ever the voice of reason, interjected with calm assurance. "What do you propose we do next, guildmaster? How do we navigate these treacherous waters?"

Gildevart paused, his mind racing with the weight of the decisions that lay ahead. Memories of past battles and triumphs flashed before his eyes, a testament to the resilience of their guild.

"We must stay vigilant and united," he declared, his voice steady with resolve.

The guildmaster, Gildevart, took a moment to collect his thoughts, his mind racing with the troubles ahead. The faces of his old friends flashed through his mind, reminding him of the journey that lay ahead.

"I need to meet with Jose and Abraham," he finally declared, his tone firm and determined.