Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 236: Back To Astellia

Chapter 236: Back To Astellia

"Will you be fine?" Aisha asked, her tone filled with concern.

"It’s fine. I’ve already got used to it. And well," Lyan glanced over his shoulder, where several shadows appeared behind him. "I have them."

Grimclaw, along with the rest of the winter wolves and goblin champion skeletons riding them, emerged from the darkness. Grimclaw made a respectful bow toward Aisha, acknowledging one of his king’s queens.

Knowing that Lyan is a summoner, Aisha glanced at Ravena, the brown wolf Fenris, her monster child that appeared because of her love with Lyan. She smiled gently at the sight, then turned back to Grimclaw.

"Please protect Lyan well," Aisha uttered to Grimclaw.

Grimclaw’s eyes glowed brighter as he responded. "You have my word, Lady Aisha. I will ensure his safety."

Lyan looked at Aisha, feeling a mix of gratitude and resolve. "I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and take care of everyone here."

Aisha nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We will. And you make sure to come back to us in one piece." She then closed her eyes and tilted her head higher.

Of course, Lyan noticed what she wanted. Without any hesitation, Lyan devoured the lovely lips before him. Their tongues intertwined, giving off wet sounds, and the hot kiss went on for about five minutes.

"Puah! Please be safe, Lyan," Aisha uttered with hazy eyes. Her mind got rosy because of the hot kiss.

With a final nod and a kiss on her forehead, Lyan mounted Shadow and set off, Grimclaw and the others falling into formation around him. As they moved away from the village, the first light of dawn began to break, casting long shadows across the snowy landscape.

The night had been filled with dangers, but Lyan was prepared for whatever lay ahead. He and Shadow navigated the treacherous terrain with practiced ease, their journey made safer by the vigilant watch of the winter wolves and goblin champion skeletons. Each step brought them closer to Arkansas, and to the women he needed to protect.

The path was challenging, with the heavy rain turning the ground into a slippery mire, and landslides forcing detours. Lyan’s resolve remained unshaken, his focus on the mission at hand. He used his magic creatively, repairing the terrain and reinforcing structures like the rickety bridge that spanned a deep gorge.

"Nature’s touch," Lyan muttered, channeling nature mana to grow fresh wood and stabilize the bridge. The wind howled through the gorge, and the rain made the bridge even more slippery, but they crossed safely.

Despite the obstacles, they pressed on. The winter wolves and goblin champion skeletons kept a vigilant watch, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. Grimclaw, riding alongside Lyan, remained ever alert, his skeletal frame a stark contrast against the white landscape.

Hours passed, and the night slowly gave way to the first light of dawn. The sky began to lighten, casting a soft glow over the snow-covered ground. Lyan felt a renewed sense of purpose as they neared their destination. He knew that each step brought him closer to protecting his loved ones.

As the rain began to let up, Lyan found a moment to rest. They stopped in a small clearing, and Lyan took the opportunity to check on his companions. Grimclaw was unfazed by the weather, his undead form impervious to the cold and wet. The winter wolves shook the rain from their fur, and the goblin champion skeletons stood silent and still, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

"It’s near," Lyan uttered as he saw the familiar terrain. "We’re already near the Astellia Kingdom," he added with a sense of relief mingled with anticipation. The borders of Astellia marked the final leg of his journey to Arkansas, and the proximity gave him a renewed sense of urgency and hope.

The journey to Astellia was grueling, but Lyan remained steadfast. As they neared the border, he knew it was time to be more cautious. The winter wolves were conspicuous, and the goblin champion skeletons and Grimclaw even more so. He had to blend in and avoid unnecessary attention.

With a wave of his hand, he summoned a cloak of illusion over the winter wolves, transforming their appearance into that of large Siberian dogs. Their fierce eyes and formidable presence softened, making them seem like loyal pets. Satisfied with the result, Lyan unsummoned Grimclaw and the goblin champion skeletons, feeling a twinge of sadness as his stalwart companions vanished into the ether.

"Stay close," he murmured to the wolves-now-dogs. "We must move quietly from here."

Crossing into Astellia, Lyan kept to the shadows, avoiding the main roads. He navigated through dense forests and along hidden trails, always alert for patrols or other travelers. The landscape was less harsh than Redania, with rolling hills and dense woodlands giving way to cultivated fields and bustling villages. The temperature and the climate totally differ to the Redania Empire.

"I guess that’s why it’s called the empire of absolute winter,"

Finally, as the sun began to set on the third day of their cautious journey, Lyan saw the walls of the capital city of Astellia rise in the distance. The city’s gates were open, welcoming travelers and merchants. Lyan pulled his hood lower over his face and led his disguised companions towards the entrance, blending in with the flow of people entering the city.

The capital, Astellia, was a vibrant hub of activity. Markets were filled with merchants hawking their wares, and the streets buzzed with the sounds of life. Lyan moved with purpose, his eyes scanning for a suitable place to rest. He found an inn near the center of the city, a modest establishment called The Golden Hearth. It was busy but not overly crowded, a perfect place to blend in.

"Stay here," he instructed the dogs as he tied their leads to a post outside. He gave them a reassuring pat before heading inside. The inn’s common room was warm and inviting, with a crackling fire and the hum of conversation. Lyan approached the innkeeper, a portly man with a jovial expression.

"A room for the night, please," Lyan requested, placing a few coins on the counter.

The innkeeper nodded and handed him a key. "Second floor, third door on the left. We serve supper until late, so feel free to join us."

Lyan thanked him and made his way upstairs. The room was simple but clean, with a comfortable bed and a window overlooking the bustling street below. He set his belongings down and took a moment to relax, feeling the weariness of the journey catching up with him.

After a brief rest, Lyan returned to the common room for supper. He chose a table in a quiet corner, his back to the wall, and ate in silence, listening to the conversations around him. Most were mundane, local gossip and news, but he caught snippets of concern about increased bandit activity and rumors of political unrest.

As the evening wore on, Lyan returned to his room, eager for a good night’s sleep. He checked on the dogs one last time, ensuring they were comfortable and safe. Satisfied, he locked the door and prepared for bed.

He had just settled down when a soft knock echoed through the room. Instantly alert, Lyan reached for his sword, keeping it within easy reach as he approached the door. He opened it a crack, his eyes narrowing as he saw a figure cloaked in shadows standing in the hallway.

"Who is it?" Lyan demanded, his voice low and wary.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a handsome young man with a regal bearing. His clothing, though simple, was of fine quality, and his eyes held a sharp intelligence. Lyan recognized him immediately—the crown prince of Astellia.

"May I come in?" the prince asked, his tone polite but firm.

Lyan hesitated, then nodded, stepping aside to let the prince enter. The prince moved with a quiet grace, taking a seat in the room’s only chair. Lyan closed the door and stood opposite him, his expression guarded.

"Why are you here, Your Highness?" Lyan asked, his voice carefully neutral.

The prince smiled slightly. "I could ask you the same, but I suspect our interests align. My sources tell me you’re heading to Arkansas, and that you’re not just any traveler. Your presence here has not gone unnoticed."

Lyan’s eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

_____________________________

<-1 big copper (Room)>

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,775,710,940 Elnes / 3775 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 4 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. 74), 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)