Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 231: The Redania Empire (12) The Preparation To Return

Chapter 231: The Redania Empire (12) The Preparation To Return

Lyan sat in his room at the inn, surrounded by maps and documents, the soft flicker of candlelight casting shadows across the papers spread out before him. The night is still as dark as he left the room. His mind raced as he contemplated the journey to Arkansas and the best route to take. The stakes were higher than ever, and he couldn’t afford any missteps. He traced a finger along the routes, weighing the risks of each path. Efficiency is his primary goal.

Arkansas was not just any city; it was a bustling hub of mercenaries and merchants, a place where fortunes were made and lost. But now, it was a city under threat, and Lyan knew he had to get there as quickly as possible. The journey would be long and fraught with danger, but he was determined to protect Josephine, Belle, Alina, and Xena from Duke Ravindor’s insidious plans.

Standing up, he pushed his chair back and rolled up the maps with a decisive motion. It was time to secure the resources he needed for the journey. Lyan quickly made a mental checklist of the essentials.

First is Armory. Lyan knew he needed reliable weapons and armor to face the dangers ahead. A finely balanced sword for close combat, a dagger for silent kills, and a bow with a quiver of arrows for ranged attacks would be essential. He also needed a set of light yet durable armor that would allow for both protection and mobility, along with a sturdy pair of boots for long-distance travel and rough terrain. Additionally, a supply of throwing knives, a reliable shield, and potions for healing and stamina boosts would complete his arsenal. In case of circumstances where he’s forced to become a one-man army and fight a prolonged war, he would need enough spares for each item.

Taking the items and looting the opponents is one possible option to take, but in a world like this, there are several items that are possibly used by shady people, especially Duke Ravindor who seems to be very accustomed to the underworld. It’s possible that the armor or weapons turns out to be a piece of cursed equipment. But of course, Lyan has the ability to notice it with his magic eyes, and he bet the high spirits inside his head could notice them as well. But it’s better to prevent rather than sorry.

The second one is resources. Travel supplies were next on his list. He already has a fast and sturdy horse that would help him cover the distance to Arkansas swiftly, even though the horse is slightly ’annoying’, while provisions such as dried meats, bread, and water would sustain him on the journey. He also needed a set of camping gear, including a tent, and bedroll, to provide shelter and comfort during rest stops. But it’s fine since he has the grimoire’s space that he could use to store all of his items with ease. Carrying a pouch of gold coins would allow him to bribe or pay for additional resources and information along the way, while tools like lockpicking tools, a map of Arkansas with key locations marked, and a compass and spyglass for navigation and reconnaissance would be indispensable.

"Guess restocking the food and filling the rest up needed to be done as soon as possible. The next one is..." (Lyan)

Information. Lyan understood that knowledge was power, and he needed to gather as much information as possible before setting out. He required precise details of Duke Ravindor’s plans—when they would be executed and the key milestones. He also needed to know the locations of the Duke’s agents and spies within Arkansas, as well as the identity and capabilities of the rumored powerful mage working with him. Gathering local intel on the current political and social climate in Arkansas, the status of the merchant guilds and mercenary factions, and key figures who might be allies or enemies would be crucial for navigating the city’s intricate web of alliances and rivalries.

He already has a rough image of the Duke’s plan, but it seems that interrogating one of the Duke’s intel immediately would reassure him better.

With his checklist clear in his mind, Lyan knew he needed to start with the most crucial element—information. He left the inn, his steps swift and purposeful as he made his way through the darkened streets of Redania.

His first stop was a reputable armory in Redania, known for its quality weapons and gear.

The armory was a small, unassuming building, its exterior giving no hint of the valuable items hidden within. Lyan pushed open the heavy wooden door, and the familiar scent of oiled leather and polished steel greeted him. The armorer, a burly man with a thick beard and sharp eyes, looked up from his workbench.

"Can I help you?" the armorer asked, his tone wary.

"I’m preparing for a journey and need the best weapons and armor you have," Lyan replied, his tone serious.

The armorer’s eyes narrowed. "This isn’t a shop for casual buyers. Who are you?"

Lyan’s eyes do not waver even for a moment. "I need to protect people I care about. A certain powerful noble is plotting something dangerous at a place where my loved ones reside. I need to make sure that they are safe,"

The armorer studied him for a moment before nodding. "Follow me."

Lyan followed the armorer to the back of the shop, where he was shown a selection of finely crafted swords, light but sturdy armor, and a variety of supplies. He chose several finely balanced swords and a set of armor that would allow for both protection and mobility.

"Thank you," Lyan said, paying the man handsomely with a fling of a single gold coin. "I appreciate your help."

The armorer caught the gold coin swiftly. "Good luck," the armorer replied. "Godspeed."

With his supplies secured, Lyan knew he needed information about Duke Ravindor’s plans. He headed to a notorious part of Redania where he could find one of the Duke’s informants. It was a risky move, but he had no other choice.

Redania’s underbelly was a labyrinth of shadowy alleys and hidden taverns, where secrets were traded like currency. Lyan navigated the winding streets with practiced ease, his hood pulled low to obscure his face. He moved swiftly, his steps silent on the cobblestones as he made his way to a tavern known for its unsavory clientele.

The Black Lotus was a dimly lit, smoke-filled establishment, where the air was thick with the scent of cheap ale and stale sweat. Lyan entered, his eyes scanning the room for his target. He spotted Vex, a wiry man with a reputation for loose lips when properly motivated, hunched over a drink in a dark corner. He knew about his traits from the people in the tavern, but he knew that he was the Duke’s man from the surveillance of the gargoyle, Grinzam.

Lyan approached the bar and ordered a drink, using the opportunity to observe Vex without drawing attention to himself. Vex was alone, nursing his drink with a nervous energy that made him stand out even in a place like this. Lyan waited patiently, biding his time until the right moment to strike.

As the minutes ticked by, Vex finished his drink and stood, weaving unsteadily towards the back door. Lyan followed, his movements fluid and precise. He slipped out of the tavern after Vex, keeping to the shadows as he tailed the informant through the narrow, winding alleys.

Vex turned down a particularly dark alley, and Lyan knew this was his chance. He quickened his pace, closing the distance between them. In one swift motion, he lunged forward and grabbed Vex by the shoulder, spinning him around and slamming him against the wall.

"Who—what do you want?" Vex stammered, eyes wide with fear.

Lyan’s grip tightened. "Information about Duke Ravindor. Spill it, or you’ll regret it."

Vex swallowed hard, his eyes darting around for an escape. "Alright, alright! What do you want to know?"

"Everything. His plans, his movements," Lyan demanded.

Vex nodded quickly. "The Duke’s been moving men and resources toward Arkansas. He’s got agents embedded in the city, stirring up trouble among the merchant guilds and mercenaries. There’s talk of cutting off trade routes to weaken the city’s economy."

"Anything else?" Lyan pressed.

"There’s rumors of a powerful mage working with him. No one’s seen the mage, but everyone’s scared," Vex added, his voice trembling.

"When will the duke execute his plans? The time when he will attack and take over Arkansas. Is it still long?" Lyan pressed even more, making Vex let out an ugly squeal.

"I-In one month!! I’ve heard that it’s going to happen in one month!! I’ve already done my part and already got my share that’s why I’m already dismissed! Didn’t I give you the information you want already?" Vex protested uglily.

Lyan’s incubus magic was chanted right when he got in contact with Vex, making sure that he didn’t lie. If he did, he would directly use his magic to read his mind and execute him.

(He didn’t lie even once. And it doesn’t seem that he’s a designated plan under the duke to give me a piece of false information. Guess he’s a real coward) (Lyan)

"Good. Now disappear, don’t tell anyone that I asked you this question, and don’t think about double-crossing me. I’ll make sure to find you and kill you myself in case you go against my words. Do you understand?" Lyan warned.

"Y-Yes! Please, sir! Let me go!" Vex pleads in a polite tone.

"Go," Lyan instructed, releasing Vex.

As Vex scurried away, Lyan decided to employ his own magical surveillance. He summoned Grinzam, the gargoyle, and a few of his stone beasts, giving them instructions to gather information from afar, one of them was assigned to follow Vex and make sure that the information he got from his was not a hoax. The creatures dispersed into the night, their stony forms blending seamlessly with the shadows.

"But a powerful mage, huh... This is the first time I’ve heard it..." (Lyan)

________________________________

<-1 Gold coins>

<+3 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords>

<+2 leather cloak, leather armor, Breastplate>

<+2 Health Potions>

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,796,710,950 Elnes / 3796 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers

Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 5 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow, 1 Gryphon-Winged Sword

Equipment: 3 Black leather cloak, 2 Leather Armor, 2 Breastplate, 4 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), Gargoyle (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)