Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 269: The Greedy Mouse Lord (End) The New Lord

Chapter 269: The Greedy Mouse Lord (End) The New Lord

The sun was setting over Grafen, casting long shadows through the castle’s opulent halls. The echoes of battle were fading, replaced by a heavy silence. The walls that had once echoed with the Count’s hedonistic laughter and cries of despair now stood witness to his demise. The room where Count Havton lay dead was a stark contrast to the rest of the city, filled with luxury and excess.

Lyan, Arnold the Commander, Borton, and Crown Prince Erich stood over the Count’s lifeless body, a mixture of disgust and contempt on their faces. The opulence surrounding them—the rich tapestries, the gold ornaments, and the overflowing wine goblets—only served to deepen their revulsion. The Count’s bloated form lay sprawled on the floor, a dagger still clutched in his pudgy hand.

"Look at this," Arnold said, his voice heavy with disdain. He gestured to a side chamber where a group of women huddled together, their faces pale and eyes wide with fear. Some were mere girls, their youthful innocence stolen by the Count’s depravity. Lyan’s eyes hardened as he took in the scene. He clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger.

"These women," Lyan said, his voice tight with controlled rage. "Some are barely older than children." He turned away, unable to look any longer. His hands trembled as he tried to suppress the fury boiling inside him.

One of the women, a middle-aged woman with a gaunt face, stepped forward, her voice trembling. "My lord," she began, addressing Erich, "we have been imprisoned here for months. Our husbands, our children... he had them killed."

Erich’s face darkened. He turned to his companions, his expression resolute. "We will ensure justice for these women and their families. Havton’s reign of terror ends here, and we will rebuild Grafen as a place of safety and honor."

The women were led out of the chamber, their faces showing a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Erich watched them go, his mind already turning to the task ahead. "Vilgira, Julius," he said, his tone commanding, "We’re going to have some rest in this city anyway. In the meanwhile, we need to begin immediate efforts to restore order and rebuild this city. Gather our soldiers and set up aid stations for the citizens."

Erich stares at the interior of the castle that is an aboslute evident of how the Count center his treasures and wealth not for the prosperity of his land but for his personal life.

Julius added, "We should also secure the city’s defenses. The breach in the outer walls needs to be repaired, and we must establish a strong presence to deter any further attacks."

Erich agreed. "Absolutely. We must show the people of Grafen that we are here to protect them and restore their city. They have suffered enough under Havton’s rule."

The crown prince’s orders were swiftly carried out. Soldiers moved through the city, distributing food and water, setting up temporary shelters, and providing medical care to the wounded. The people of Grafen watched these efforts with a mixture of hope and skepticism. For many, the fall of Count Havton was a long-awaited liberation, but the scars of his tyranny were deep, and trust would not be easily restored.

As the Astellian soldiers worked tirelessly, Erich, Lyan, Arnold, and Borton walked through the streets, speaking with the citizens and listening to their stories. The reactions were varied. Some people expressed gratitude, tearfully thanking the soldiers for their help. Others remained wary, their eyes reflecting years of fear and mistrust.

An elderly man approached the group, leaning heavily on a cane. "Prince Erich," he said, his voice quavering with age and emotion, "we have endured so much. Count Havton was a monster. But how do we know that you and the next lord of this region will be any different?"

Erich looked the man in the eyes, his expression sincere. "I understand your doubts, sir. We are here to bring justice and rebuild Grafen. I will choose an appropriate and suitable person that will make this city a safe and prosperous place once again."

The man nodded slowly, his expression softening. "I hope you are true to your word, my lord. We have suffered enough."

As night fell, Erich gathered his advisors in the grand hall of the castle. The once luxurious space now felt cold and empty, a stark reminder of the excesses that had plagued Grafen. The crown prince took his seat at the head of the table, his gaze steady and determined.

"We have made progress today," he began, addressing the group. "But our work is far from over. We still have several battles in front of us, but would also need to establish a new leadership for Grafen,"

Julius stepped forward, his expression serious. "Your Highness, Grafen is a strategic location. Its proximity to the mountains makes it vulnerable to attacks from magic beasts and barbarians. We need a strong leader who can defend the territory and ensure the safety of its people."

Erich nodded. "I have been considering this carefully. Arnold, your leadership and valor have been invaluable, how about you? Do you want this fortress city and this castle as yours?" Erich asked Arnold.

Arnold bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. But I’m afraid that in the future, as I’ve heard your vision that moved me to join you, I won’t have that much time in my hand to govern a city that would serve as a stronghold at the eastern border. I believe that Evocatore is the best candidate to govern Grafen,"

"I see. Well, you would have plenty of choices of lands after we purged the nobles serving Ravindor," Erich shifted his gaze towards Lyan with a smirk. "What do you think, Lyan?"

Lyan looked up in surprise. "Me, Your Highness?"

Erich smiled. "Yes, Lyan. You have shown great courage and wisdom. I believe you are the right person to lead Grafen and protect its people. And I guess this is perfectly suits the deal we’ve made with each other,"

Lyan hesitated, glancing at Arnold and Julius. "I am honored, but I did not expect this. Or rather, it would be this fast. Are you sure I am the right choice?"

Erich glanced at Vilgira, his loyal personal guard, who nodded in agreement. "Lyan, you have my full confidence. You will be Baron Evocatore of Grafen and the guardian of the east. This territory needs a leader who can inspire and protect its people, and I believe you are that leader."

Lyan took a deep breath, his mind racing. It’s kind of exciting but there are lots of things needed to be considered as well. "If it is your wish, Your Highness, I will accept this responsibility. I will do everything in my power to rebuild Grafen and ensure its safety."

Erich stood and placed a hand on Lyan’s shoulder. "Thank you, Lyan. Your dedication and bravery will serve this city well. For now, this is an unofficial bestowment. Once we have dealt with the Duke, we will hold a proper ceremony to recognize your new title."

The group dispersed, leaving Lyan to contemplate his new role. He walked through the castle, the weight of his new responsibility settling on his shoulders. The city outside was quiet, the streets dark and empty. Lyan knew that the task ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to honor the trust that had been placed in him.

As dawn broke over Grafen, the city began to stir. The sounds of rebuilding filled the air—hammers striking nails, voices calling out instructions, and the hum of activity as the people of Grafen began to reclaim their city. Lyan stood on the battlements, looking out over the bustling streets. He felt a sense of hope and determination.

The siege was over, but the true work was just beginning. Grafen’s future was in his hands, and he was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. With the support of Prince Erich and the dedication of the Astellian soldiers, Lyan knew that Grafen would rise from the ashes, stronger and more united than ever before.

The echoes of Havton’s tyranny would fade, replaced by the promise of a new era of justice and prosperity. The people of Grafen, once oppressed and fearful, would find hope and strength in their new leadership.

_____________________________

<New Occupation: Unofficially Baron Evocatore of Grafen>

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary, Unofficially Baron Evocatore of Grafen

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