Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 232: The Redania Empire (End) The Temporary Farewell

Chapter 232: The Redania Empire (End) The Temporary Farewell

Lyan entered the inn’s common room, surprised to see that they were still up and talking so late into the night. His expression quickly turned grave as he made his way to the table where Wilhelmina, Solia, and Tesha were deep in conversation about the upcoming martial tournament. The two women and the young girl immediately sensed the seriousness in his demeanor.

"Lyan," Wilhelmina greeted him, her eyes narrowing with concern. "What’s wrong?"

Lyan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "I need to talk to you all. It’s quite sudden, but it’s important."

The three exchanged worried glances before nodding. Solia gestured for Lyan to sit, her usually playful eyes now serious. "What’s going on?" she asked.

Lyan seated himself and leaned forward, his voice low but urgent. "I’ve uncovered some disturbing information. Duke Ravindor is planning something big in Arkansas, and Josephine, Belle, Alina, and Xena—women who are very important to me—are directly in his crosshairs. I need to leave immediately to protect them and ensure their safety."

Tesha’s eyes widened in alarm. "You mean the Duke is targeting them specifically? Master’s women? Why?"

"It’s complicated," Lyan replied, his tone tense. "These women, though courtesans, are influential and hold significant power within Arkansas. The Duke seems to have realized that they also work as mercenaries and wield considerable influence in that realm as well. He aims to use them to further his own ambitions. If I don’t act now, they could be in grave danger."

Wilhelmina placed a comforting hand on his arm. "We understand the urgency, Lyan. But are you sure about this? It’s a long and dangerous journey."

Lyan nodded, his resolve clear. "I have to be sure. Their lives are at stake, and I can’t afford to take any chances. Duke Ravindor won’t hesitate to use them against me or to achieve his goals. I need to get to Arkansas and protect them before it’s too late."

Solia leaned in, her face serious. "What do you need from us, Lyan? How can we help?"

"For now, I need you all to stay vigilant and keep gathering information," Lyan said. "But more importantly, keep an eye on any movements or changes here. The Duke might have more plans in motion, and we can’t be caught off guard."

Wilhelmina nodded firmly. "We’ll do everything we can. But be careful,"

Wilhelmina and Solia exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a deep understanding of the gravity of the situation. They had heard Lyan’s stories about Duke Ravindor’s ambitions and had encountered the Duke’s men on several occasions. They were aware of the turbulent situation in the Astellia Kingdom and the Duke’s unrelenting pursuit of power. However, this was the first time they heard about the Duke targeting Arkansas, a city renowned as a hub of commerce and mercenaries, a critical heart of the region’s business network.

(But looking at his expression, it seems that the information is already absolute.) (Wilhelmina)

Wilhelmina thought, her mind racing.

"I have no choice," Lyan said firmly, breaking the silence. "Their safety is paramount. I need to get there before the Duke’s plans come to fruition."

Wilhelmina nodded, her resolve matching Lyan’s. "We understand, Lyan. Arkansas is too important to be left unprotected, especially with your women in danger. We’ve dealt with the Duke’s men before, but this... this is on another level."

Solia, usually the most carefree of the group, looked somber. "We’ll miss you, Lyan. But we know you’re doing what you must. Just promise us you’ll be careful."

Wilhelmina nodded in agreement. "And take all the time you need to ensure their safety. We’ll manage here. We’re stronger because of you."

Lyan smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude and affection for these women who had become so important to him. "Thank you. I promise I’ll return as soon as I can."

Wilhelmina’s eyes softened. "We believe in you, Lyan. And we’ll keep our room’s fires burning. Besides, we’ll do our best in the martial tournament. You’ve taught us well."

Lyan felt a surge of pride at their words. "I know you will. Take care of each other, and be cautious."

As Lyan prepared to leave, the room fell silent, a heavy sense of the unknown hanging in the air. The bonds between them, forged through shared struggles and victories, felt stronger than ever.

But before the farewell could be done—

"I’m going with you, master," Tesha suddenly cut in.

"Tesha..." Lyan began, surprised by her sudden outburst.

"Master! I’m going with you! You can toss me around, you can kick me and order me around, I will do even the dirty work, but please bring me with you!" she shouted, her eyes brimming with tears as she pleaded with him.

Seeing the halfling girl before him finally acting her age brought a smile to Lyan’s face. He gently patted her head. "Tesha, I need to move as soon as possible. I’m sorry, but you’ll be a burden on this journey."

Wilhelmina and Solia, understanding the urgency of the situation, remained silent. They wanted to help but knew that Lyan needed to travel quickly and without hindrance. Their presence would only slow him down, and they were aware that the Duke’s attack on Arkansas could happen at any moment.

"But surely I’m not abandoning you," Lyan continued, trying to reassure her. "I’m counting on you to guard Wilhelmina and the others with your knife skills, okay? Make sure not to lose even a single one of them. It’s a very important task."

"An important task?" Tesha’s tears began to dry as she listened to Lyan’s words.

"Yes. A very important one. I couldn’t help but halt my promise to them because of this. But with you, you can help me fulfill my promise. Can I entrust you with this, Tesha?" Lyan asked her gently.

Snort!

"Yes! I will!" Tesha replied strongly, her eyes still wet with tears but now filled with determination.

"Then Wilhelmina, Solia. Take this," Lyan said, placing a bag filled with 20 gold coins on the table. "I leave the rest to you. Until then, look out for each other. I’m leaving tonight."

"Yes, godspeed, Lyan," they replied in unison.

With their goodbyes said and their support firmly in his heart, Lyan rose from the table. He needed to make final preparations for his journey.

Back in his room, Lyan methodically packed his supplies. He ensured his weapons were in top condition, his armor properly fitted, and his provisions ample for the long journey. He stored everything neatly in his grimoire’s space. Double-checking his maps, he mentally traced the quickest route to Arkansas. His horse, sturdy and swift, was already saddled and ready for the journey ahead.

As he secured the last of his gear, he paused to look around the room one final time. It had been a place of planning and rest, but now it was time to move on.

With a final check, Lyan exited the inn and led his black horse, Shadow, into the night. He mounted, feeling the familiar comfort of the saddle beneath him. The cool night air whispered around him as he prepared to embark on his urgent mission.

Shadow snorted, sensing the urgency in his master’s movements. Lyan gave the horse a reassuring pat before nudging him forward.

"We’ve got a long ride ahead, boy," Lyan murmured to Shadow, who responded with a determined snort.

With a final glance back at the inn, Lyan set off into the darkness, the hooves of his horse echoing softly against the cobblestone streets. The road ahead was long and fraught with danger, but Lyan was resolute. He had people to protect, and nothing would deter him from his mission.

Lyan set off at a steady pace, his horse’s hooves striking a rhythmic beat against the rugged terrain. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the fire of determination burning within him. His thoughts were consumed with the task ahead and the loved ones in danger in Arkansas.

Shadow, his black horse, usually full of playful and arrogant energy whenever Lyan travels with him, seemed to sense the gravity of the situation. Lyan had spoken to him briefly, explaining how his women were in danger. Now, Shadow’s expression was as grim as Lyan’s own. The horse moved with an unusual focus and seriousness, matching Lyan’s urgency stride for stride.

The moonlight cast a silver glow over the landscape, illuminating their path as they ventured into the wilderness. Lyan kept a vigilant eye on the road, his senses attuned to any potential threats. The route to Arkansas was fraught with dangers, but his determination to protect Josephine, Belle, Alina, and Xena kept him moving forward without hesitation.

_____________________________________

<-20 Gold Coins>

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,776,710,950 Elnes / 3776 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)