Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 272: The Head Maid (End) The New Monster

Chapter 272: The Head Maid (End) The New Monster

As Althea’s soft hands caressed Lyan’s shoulders, the tension in his body began to melt away. Her touch was soothing, her presence a balm to his soul. They had shared more intimate sessions, one that brought them closer together. Althea’s loyalty and affection had become fiercer. As they lay together in the afterglow, Lyan felt a strange, tingling sensation in his chest.

Suddenly, a low whisper echoed in his ears, unmistakably from the grimoire. It’s the usual prompt

<Summoner’s wife, Althea has been recorded. The ’Requirement’ had been fulfilled>

<Summoning the evidence of love: [Rune Wolf]>

Lyan’s eyes widened, and he sat up, looking at Althea. She was glowing faintly, a soft light emanating from her body. The air shimmered around them, and the summoning grimoire appeared in his hands.

A flash of blue light filled the room, and when it faded, a majestic creature stood before them. The Rune Wolf, a being of immense grace and power, materialized. The wolf stood about three feet tall at the shoulder, its lean, muscular build exuding both strength and agility. Its fur was a striking silver-blue, shimmering faintly with a mystical aura. Glowing runic symbols adorned its body, pulsing with light that shifted in intensity.

A blue screen appeared in front of Lyan, detailing the creature’s attributes:

[Rune Wolf

Description: The Rune Wolf is a majestic, magical creature renowned for its deep bond with its master and its ability to harness the power of ancient runes. These mystical symbols grant the Rune Wolf a variety of magical abilities, making it a formidable guardian and a loyal companion.

Skills:

-Rune Magic: The Rune Wolf can activate the runes on its body to cast various spells. These spells include protective barriers, healing auras, and elemental attacks such as fireballs or ice shards.

-Protective Aura: Can emit a protective shield around itself and its master, repelling physical and magical attacks.

-Rune Healing: Uses its runes to heal injuries and cure ailments for itself and its allies.]

Althea reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and the Rune Wolf approached her, nuzzling her hand gently. Lyan watched in awe as the wolf’s runes pulsed with a gentle, reassuring light. He felt a profound connection to the creature, a bond that seemed to transcend the physical world.

"Thank you, Althea," Lyan whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. "You’ve given me a wonderful comrade."

Althea smiled softly. "I’m glad I could help, Baron. This Rune Wolf will serve you well."

The next morning, as the first light of dawn crept through the castle windows, Lyan knew it was time to move to the next phase of the crown prince’s plan.

Before departing, Althea helped clean and wipe his body, which ended up in several plays with her tongue, and helped him dress.

The castle was beginning to stir with activity as preparations were made for the day. Prince Erich, along with his advisors Arnold, Vilgira, and Julius, had gathered in the grand meeting camp. Lyan entered, his mind focused and ready.

Erich greeted him with a smile. "Baron Lyan, your efforts to revitalize Grafen are commendable. It’s rare to see such swift and effective action from a newly appointed lord."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Lyan replied, bowing slightly. "But there is still much to be done."

Erich, the crown prince nodded with a smirk as he witnessed Lyan’s formal gratitude, but his expression quickly shifted to a serious one. "Indeed. But you can continue nurturing your territory after our war ends. Our next target is the Duke’s stronghold in the southern part of the kingdom. However, we have intelligence that he has hidden a significant force in the southeast. This force poses a threat to our plans and must be dealt with."

Lyan glanced at the assembled group, noting the determination in their eyes. Borton, a seasoned commander and Lyan’s close ally, stepped forward. "We need to strike hard and fast then. The Duke’s hidden army must be neutralized before they can regroup or fortify their position."

Vilgira, the prince’s personal guard, interjected. "We also need to consider the Duke’s strategy. He’s a cunning adversary and won’t be easy to defeat. We should expect traps and diversions."

Julius, the royal knight captain, added, "Our priority should be to disrupt their supply lines. An army needs food, weapons, and other supplies to maintain its strength. If we can cut off their supplies, we’ll weaken them significantly. But I guess we’ve done enough of it."

Lyan nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. We need to act quickly and decisively. I’m all in,"

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation. The Duke’s forces were a formidable obstacle, and they doubted he would just let them do what they wanted without preparing any surprise for them. The crown prince broke the silence with a resolute tone. "Lyan, you and Borton will lead the assault on the southeast. You have my full support and the resources you need. The sooner we neutralize this threat, the better."

Borton outlined the strategy that he understood from the map in front of them. "Then I guess we’ll be splitting our forces into three groups. The main force will engage the enemy head-on, drawing their attention. A second group will flank them from the east, targeting their supply lines. The third group, will strike from the west, aiming to encircle them."

"Yes. That is right, Brave Rings’s Leader. We’ll have only an elite group led by the royal knight captain to there, me at the main force with the crown prince, and you and Baron Evocatore going towards the hidden army in the southeast, taking a detour to attack the duke from the west," Arnold explained in detail.

Lyan considered the plan, then added, "I see... So I’ll be leading a force with Borton to get at the hidden army. We’ll use the element of surprise to our advantage. We’ll coordinate our movements carefully to ensure we don’t get separated or overrun."

The prince’s eyes gleamed with approval. "Excellent. Remember, timing is crucial. We can’t afford to let the Duke’s forces regroup or call for reinforcements."

Lyan and Borton nodded in unison. The strategy was set, and now it was time to execute it. They spent the next two hours refining their plan, discussing every detail, and ensuring that each commander knew their role.

As the meeting concluded, Prince Erich spoke once more. "Lyan, your leadership has been exemplary. I have no doubt that you’ll succeed. Strike swiftly and return victorious."

With a final nod, Lyan and his companions left the meeting room. The castle bustled with activity as preparations for the departure were finalized. Lyan felt a surge of determination. Failure was not an option.

Two hours later, Lyan stood at the head of his assembled forces. Borton and his mercenary group, composed of 20 elite fighters and 300 men, stood ready. Alongside them, the remaining 1000 soldiers of the prince’s army awaited his command. It was a sizable force, but Lyan knew the enemy would not be easily defeated.

As he prepared to give the order to march, Lyan considered the potential dangers. If things went south, he could always summon his skeletal warriors and use his magic to disguise them as mercenaries. It was a risky plan, but one that could turn the tide in their favor.

Just before they set out, Althea approached him, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and determination. She leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a fierce, passionate kiss. The Rune Wolf stood beside her, its runes glowing softly.

"Be safe," Althea whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you for leaving a part of you with me. Godspeed."

Lyan returned her kiss, feeling the weight of her words. "I’ll return, Althea. I promise."

With a final look at the castle that had become their home, Lyan turned to his troops. "Forward, to the southeast!"

The soldiers cheered, their voices echoing through the courtyard. Lyan mounted his horse, the Rune Wolf taking its place at his side.

_____________________________

<+1 Summonable Monster: Rune Wolf>

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), Rune Wolf (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