Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 237: The Agreement With The Crown Prince

Chapter 237: The Agreement With The Crown Prince

"What do you want, William?" Lyan asked, his tone cold and his expression guarded.

Prince Erich Wanevar Astellia, the man Lyan had known as William during their shared quest against the goblin king, smiled wryly. "Please, call me Erich- I guess forget it. Just call me William. And may I come in? I assure you, this conversation is better held in private."

Lyan hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping aside, allowing Erich to enter. The prince moved with a quiet grace, taking a seat in the room’s only chair. Lyan remained standing, his eyes never leaving Erich.

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

Erich leaned back, studying Lyan with a mixture of respect and urgency. "There’s a situation in Astellia that requires immediate attention. The duke’s faction, also known as the noble faction, has been causing significant unrest. They oppose the royal family and have been undermining the kingdom’s stability."

Lyan listened intently as Erich continued, "We’re facing several internal problems. For one, there’s an ongoing issue with bandits, likely funded by the nobles, causing chaos in the border towns. Then, there’s a faction within the military that’s showing signs of disloyalty. Additionally, our resources are being stretched thin due to a mysterious plague affecting the western provinces. All of these issues require my direct concern and focus."

"So what’s the catch?" Lyan’s expression remained stoic. "There must be others more suited to handle your internal politics. What is the problem with me"

Erich’s eyes gleamed with determination. "You’re not just anyone, Lyan. You’re capable, resourceful, and above all, you don’t bend to anyone’s will. Your independence and integrity are precisely what we need right now."

Lyan raised an eyebrow. Lyan knew the offer William made, but it’s the first time William, or the crown prince Erich of Astellia uttered those words to him directly.

Erich took a deep breath. "I’m offering you a unique position here. Just like what I’ve written in my letter before, become a noble of Astellia, Lyan. With your freedom intact. You can pursue your own goals, but you’ll have the obligation to protect the kingdom and the royal family. It’s a special treatment, and I believe it’s well-suited to someone like you."

Lyan’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "So, I get to be a noble, do what I want, and in return, I just have to protect you and your family? Are you sure about that?"

"Essentially, yes," Erich replied, his tone earnest. "But there’s more. I know you’re heading to Arkansas, and though I don’t know the specifics, it’s clear there are people there who are special to you. Your concern for them is evident in your movements. Arkansas is in peril, and that’s something I can help with. Accept my offer, and I’ll provide you with the information you need about Arkansas, along with men to assist you."

Lyan considered Erich’s words, weighing his options. The prince had once been a trusted ally, even if under a different name. The offer was tempting, not just for the immediate support, but for the long-term security it could provide for those he cared about.

"And what makes you think I’ll be of any use in your political mess?" Lyan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Erich’s smile turned knowing. "Because, Lyan, you have a way of cutting through the noise. You see things as they are, not as they appear. That’s a rare quality, and it’s exactly what we need right now. I need the sharpest sword,"

Lyan crossed his arms over his chest. "You’ve got a way with words, Will. But let’s say I agree. What guarantees do I have that I won’t just be another pawn in your game?"

Erich’s expression softened slightly. "I don’t see you as a pawn, Lyan. I see you as an ally. And allies protect each other. I’m not asking for blind loyalty; I’m asking for a partnership. One where we both benefit. And I believe it’s not a lie to say that we’ve reached a similar state before,"

Lyan remained silent, his mind working through the implications.

(I think you should consider his offer seriously, master) (Arturia)

(Indeed. Roaming aimlessly in this world would be too boring, and having a home for you to come back is easier. And becoming a noble, despite a being a newcomer is by any means profitable. As lon as you play it good, it will be nice for you. With your skills and by having great people as your retainers, you could still have your freedom just well) (Hestia)

(The domain or your home could be the place where you could protect your beauties and the one you love. But well, it would come back to the question, whether the opponent is a trustworthy one, though) Lilith)

Of course, after Lilith’s words, everyone inside the grimoire’s space shift their gaze towards the person who should know the best about the crown prince Erich.

(...He’ll be fine. You can trust my words. By my name, I swear that he is very trustworthy) (Griselda)

Hearing the positive opinions from the high spirits, Lyan nods.

(Indeed. There are still lots of place that I want to go and explore, but it’s worrying to leave the girls without a place I trust. I guess building a place they could be safe comes first, huh?) (Lyan)

After a long silence, he finally spoke. "I’ll accept your offer, but I need immediate information about Arkansas and a response to the current situation there."

"You will!?" Erich’s. tone went excited for a second before he coughed to return his composure.

Erich nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. "Of course. I’ll arrange for my men to assist you right away and provide you with the latest intelligence on Arkansas. In the meantime, we need to address the internal threats here in Astellia. I heard that the plan in Arkansas would only start in about three weeks. In the first week, I would like to have you help me here in the capital first,"

Even as Lyan accepted the offer, his demeanor remained indifferent. "I won’t start bowing and scraping just because you’re a prince, you know."

Erich chuckled softly. "That’s exactly why I value you, Lyan. Your honesty and integrity are rare. But your raising as a noble will come after the Duke is defeated. Now, let’s discuss our plan of action."

The two men spent the next few hours strategizing. Erich provided Lyan with detailed information about the key figures in the noble faction and their suspected plans. They discussed how to gather more intelligence and take decisive action to neutralize the threats.

As they conversed, Erich couldn’t help but be impressed by Lyan’s sharp mind and strategic thinking. He had always known Lyan was capable, but seeing him in action reaffirmed his belief in his decision.

"You have a knack for this, Lyan," Erich remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Ever considered a career in politics?"

Lyan snorted. "I’ll leave the politics to you, Will. I prefer a more... direct approach."

Erich nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Fair enough. Just know that your direct approach is exactly what we need."

As the night grew late, Erich handed Lyan a sealed envelope. "This contains everything we have on Arkansas. Use it wisely."

Lyan took the envelope, feeling a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Will. I won’t let you down."

Erich smiled. "I know you won’t. Together, we’ll ensure the safety of both Astellia and those you care about in Arkansas."

With their plans set, Lyan escorted Erich out of the inn, ensuring the prince remained unnoticed. Once alone, Lyan opened the envelope, scanning the contents quickly. The information was detailed, providing insights into the current state of Arkansas and the threats facing it.

He read about increased bandit activity, similar to what Erich had described happening in Astellia, as well as rumors of a larger, more organized force moving towards Arkansas. The details were troubling, but Lyan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had allies now, and with Erich’s support, he could protect his loved ones.

"This should be enough. Time to take action," (Lyan)

The next morning, Lyan rose early and checked on his disguised winter wolves. They were well-rested and ready for the day. He spent the morning gathering additional supplies and preparing for the tasks ahead. The city of Astellia was already bustling with activity as he stepped outside, blending in with the crowds.

He visited various safe houses that Erich had arranged, meeting with discreet contacts who provided him with more information and resources. By midday, he had a clear plan of action. His first target was a nobleman named Lord Vincent, a key figure in the noble faction suspected of funding the bandits.

Lyan moved through the city with the silent grace of a shadow, his senses alert for any sign of danger. He reached Lord Vincent’s mansion as dusk fell, the imposing structure guarded by well-armed men. Using his magic, Lyan cloaked himself in an illusion, slipping past the sentries unnoticed.

Inside, the mansion was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing outside its walls. Lyan found Lord Vincent in his study, reviewing documents by candlelight.

"Who are you?" Vincent demanded, his eyes widening in fear as Lyan appeared before him.

"Your reckoning," Lyan replied coldly, his blade flashing in the dim light.

The confrontation was brief and silent. Lyan left the mansion as quietly as he had entered, Vincent’s lifeless body slumped over his desk. One down, many to go.

Over the next few days, Lyan moved methodically through the city, striking at the heart of the conspiracy. Each target fell swiftly, their plans unraveling before they could react. He used every skill at his disposal, from illusion and stealth to brute force when necessary. The winter wolves, still disguised as Siberian dogs, aided him in his endeavors, their keen senses alerting him to any danger.

Lyan’s actions sent ripples of fear through the noble faction. Erich kept him informed, their communication frequent and secure. The prince’s men provided invaluable support, helping Lyan track down and eliminate key figures within the conspiracy.

As the noble faction’s power waned, Lyan turned his attention to the military. The disloyal faction within the army was harder to root out, their members skilled in subterfuge. But with Erich’s intelligence and Lyan’s relentless determination, they made progress.

One night, Lyan infiltrated a military outpost suspected of harboring traitors. Using his magic, he created illusions to mislead the guards, slipping into the heart of the camp undetected. He identified the ringleaders, their plans laid bare in stolen documents.

With swift, decisive action, Lyan neutralized the threat, ensuring the loyal soldiers were in control. The message was clear: treachery would not be tolerated.

Throughout this time, Lyan kept an eye on the situation in Arkansas. The information Erich had provided proved invaluable, allowing him to coordinate efforts to protect the region. He sent word to trusted allies, ensuring they were prepared for any potential threats.

Finally, after weeks of relentless effort, the noble faction was dismantled, their leaders either captured or eliminated. The military was purged of disloyal elements, and the kingdom’s stability began to return.

"You’ve done too well, Lyan. Even I’m shocked how smoothly everything is," (Erich)