Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 248: The Valkyries and The North (1) Catching Up Lyan

Chapter 248: The Valkyries and The North (1) Catching Up Lyan

The cold wind swept through the snow-covered streets of the Redania Empire’s capital, carrying with it a biting chill that cut through even the thickest of cloaks. Surena, Emilia, and Alicia, the mythril-ranked Valkyries, trudged through the icy terrain, their breaths visible in the frigid air. The northern lands were known for their eternal winter, and the journey had been grueling, but their determination to find their master, Lyan, kept them going.

They had dealt with the bandits, a task that had taken longer than anticipated. The bandits had been more elusive and numerous than they had expected, leading them on a frustrating chase through the snowy wilderness.

"I can’t believe those bastards didn’t give us a single hint about Lady Wilhelmina," Surena grumbled, her annoyance clear in her voice as she adjusted her fur-lined cloak. "All that trouble, and we’re still no closer to finding her."

"Yeah, they were just a bunch of lowlifes," Emilia agreed, her voice carrying a tinge of disappointment. "I was hoping we’d get at least one clue. Wilhelmina’s trail has gone cold."

Alicia, the smallest and most perceptive of the group, nodded in agreement. "We can’t let it get to us. We promised Lyan we’d catch up to him after dealing with the bandits. We need to focus on that now."

As they continued through the capital’s bustling streets, their conversation shifted to their elusive master.

"Can you believe how fast he’s moving?" Emilia remarked, her tone a mix of admiration and exasperation. "We’ve been careful to avoid unnecessary battles and to wait for the weather to clear, but Lyan seems to be racing through without a care."

"That’s Lyan for you," Surena said with a wry smile. "He never was one to let anything slow him down. I bet he’s already far ahead, probably dealing with whatever trouble comes his way without even breaking a sweat."

"But this terrain is brutal," Alicia added. "We’ve been treading carefully to avoid powerful winter monsters and magical beasts. It’s amazing that he can keep such a pace."

"We just have to catch up," Surena said determinedly. "We’ll find him, no matter how far ahead he is."

They found a cozy inn not far from the main square and entered, grateful for the warmth that greeted them. The inn’s common room was filled with people, the air thick with the scent of hearty stews and the sound of laughter and conversation. The Valkyries approached the bar, where a burly bartender greeted them with a nod.

"Welcome, travelers," the bartender said, his voice gruff but friendly. "What can I get for you?"

"We’re looking for information," Alicia said, leaning against the bar. "Have you heard of a man named Lyan? He’s our master, and we’ve been trying to catch up to him."

The bartender scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Lyan, huh? Can’t say I know him personally, but there’s been talk of a man with that name. If it’s the same guy, he’s quite the traveler, always on the move."

"That sounds like him," Surena said, a wry smile touching her lips. "Any idea where he might be now?"

"Well, there’s a martial tournament happening in the capital right now," the bartender said. "Big event, lots of fighters from all over. Might be worth checking out. If he’s here, he could be participating."

The mention of the tournament piqued their interest. "A tournament, huh?" Emilia said, glancing at her companions. "Might be a good place to start."

They thanked the bartender and headed towards the area where the tournament was being held. The streets were lined with banners and signs advertising the event, and the closer they got, the louder the sounds of cheering and clashing weapons became.

At the tournament grounds, they approached a registration booth where a harried-looking official was dealing with a line of eager participants and spectators. The scene was bustling, with the chatter of excited fighters and the hum of anticipation in the air.

"Excuse me," Surena said, catching the official’s attention. "We’re interested in the tournament. Is it still possible to register?"

The official shook his head, looking apologetic. "I’m afraid the registration closed a few days ago. The tournament has already started. But you can still watch the matches if you’d like."

"That’s disappointing," Emilia said, her shoulders slumping. "We could have used the rewards."

Alicia, who had been scanning a list of registrants posted nearby, suddenly perked up. "Wait a minute," she said, her eyes widening. "I think I found something."

Surena and Emilia joined her, peering at the list. There, among the names of the participants, was a familiar name that made their hearts skip a beat: Lyan.

"He’s here," Surena said, a mix of relief and excitement in her voice. "He’s actually here."

"Looks like we were on the right track," Emilia said with a grin. "Now we just need to find him."

They decided to gather more information about Lyan’s whereabouts by visiting several taverns in the area. The first few taverns yielded little useful information, but at the fourth one, they struck gold.

A group of patrons at a corner table was discussing the tournament, and one of them mentioned seeing a man named Lyan. The Valkyries approached the table, their curiosity piqued.

"Excuse us," Surena said, addressing the group. "We couldn’t help but overhear. Did you say you’ve seen Lyan?"

One of the men, a burly fighter with a scar across his cheek, nodded. "Yeah, I’ve seen him. He’s quite the character. Travels with a bunch of women, if you can believe it."

"As expected of master..." the Valkyries muttered in unison, their expressions a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Do you know where he is now?" Alicia asked.

The man shrugged. "Last I saw, he was at the tournament grounds. Probably getting ready for his next match."

"Thank you," Emilia said, giving the man a grateful smile.

With a renewed sense of purpose, the Valkyries made their way back to the tournament grounds. They joined the crowd of spectators, eager to catch a glimpse of their master in action.

The arena was packed with people, the atmosphere electric with excitement. The Valkyries found seats near the front, giving them a clear view of the fighting ring. As they settled in, the announcer’s voice boomed through the arena, introducing the next match.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next bout features a newcomer to our tournament," the announcer declared. "Please welcome Lyan!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as a figure stepped into the ring. But as the Valkyries leaned forward, their excitement palpable, they realized it wasn’t Lyan. Their faces fell as they saw an unfamiliar man taking the stage.

"What’s going on?" Surena muttered, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Maybe we misunderstood," Emilia suggested, though she looked equally puzzled.

Determined to find answers, the Valkyries decided to approach the officials once more. They found the same harried official from before, now overseeing the matches.

"Excuse me," Alicia said, trying to get his attention again. "We saw Lyan’s name on the list, but we didn’t see him in the ring. Can you tell us where he might be?"

The official looked up, recognition flashing in his eyes. "Oh, Lyan. Yes, he was here, but he left a few days ago. Said he had urgent business to attend to and couldn’t stay for the tournament."

"Left?" Surena echoed, her disappointment evident. "Do you know where he went?"

The official shook his head. "I’m afraid not. He didn’t leave any details, just mentioned something about a mission up south"

The Valkyries exchanged worried glances. Lyan’s trail had gone cold once more, leaving them unsure of his current whereabouts.

"Thank you," Emilia said, her voice tinged with frustration as they stepped away from the booth.

Back on the bustling streets of the capital, the Valkyries tried to regroup and form a new plan.

"So he’s not here," Surena said, sighing. "Where could he have gone?"

"He mentioned something about the south," Alicia said thoughtfully. "But that could mean anywhere. Do you he headed back?"

Emilia nodded, her expression determined. "We need more information. Let’s visit the guild hall. Maybe they have records of recent missions or sightings." Just as they were about to get up, the announcer’s voice boomed through the arena, introducing the next match.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next bout features a beautiful newcomer that succeeded in breaking through all of the four rounds in a clean sheet!" the announcer declared. "Please welcome Wilhelmina!!"

Hearing the name, the three of them turned into a halt.

’Wilhelmina’

Shock filled their face as the three of them looked at each other.

"Lady Wilhelmina!?!?"

_____________________________

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,775,710,950 Elnes / 3775 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. 74), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 19), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12), Fenris (Lv. 1), Gargoyle (Lv. 1), Shadow Nymm (Lv. 1), Seltas Queen (Lv. 1)

Grimoire’s Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army (24 Goblin Champion Skeletons, 226 Hobgoblin Skeletons, 550 Goblin Skeleton Army, 80 Acid Ants Workers, 30 Acid Ants Soldiers, 4 Female Winter Wolves)