Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 288: The Summoner’s Homecoming

Chapter 288: The Summoner’s Homecoming

Lyan approached the gates of Arkansas, his horse’s steps steady and purposeful. The city stretched out before him, its stone walls and bustling streets evoking a strange sense of nostalgia despite his relatively recent arrival. The irony of feeling such attachment to a place he’d only known for a short time did not escape him. Arkansas had been a city on the brink, teetering under the pressure of corrupt nobles and internal strife. Now, thanks in part to his efforts, it stood revitalized and strong, a beacon of hope in a land that had seen too much darkness.

As he walked through the familiar streets, the townsfolk greeted him with a mix of awe and respect. Whispers of "That’s him, the new noble," and "He saved us, you know," followed in his wake. It felt surreal to be recognized and revered, a stark contrast to his days of anonymity and constant travel. The title of noble was still new to him, a mantle he wore with a mixture of pride and discomfort. Titles had never mattered much to him; actions did. And his actions had brought him here, back to Arkansas, with a duty to protect and serve.

The House of Roses loomed ahead, its elegant façade a testament to the strength and grace of the women within. Lyan quickened his pace, anticipation bubbling within him. The House of Roses was more than just a base of operations; it was home, and the women there were his family.

As he pushed open the heavy door, a chorus of exclamations greeted him. "Finally!" "He’s here!" "Lyan!" The room erupted in movement as the women rushed toward him, their faces alight with joy and relief.

Xena was the first to reach him, her strong arms wrapping around his neck in a fierce hug. "You took your sweet time getting back," she chided, her voice thick with emotion.

"Had to make a grand entrance," Lyan replied with a grin, his eyes scanning the room. Each familiar face brought a rush of warmth—Ravia, Raine, Belle, Josephine, and the others. And there, standing slightly apart, were the Valkyries: Serena, Emilia, and Alicia.

Belle joined the embrace, her eyes sparkling. "We missed you," she said simply, her words echoed by the nods and murmurs of agreement from the others.

Lyan laughed, a deep, hearty sound that seemed to fill the room. "Missed you all too. It’s good to be home."

The women competed for his attention, each wanting to share their stories, their excitement, their relief at his return. It was a chaotic, beautiful mess of laughter, tears, and jostling bodies. Eventually, they settled into a more orderly gathering, the Valkyries taking seats near the back, observing with quiet amusement.

"Alright, alright," Lyan said, holding up his hands to quiet the room. "One at a time. Tell me everything I’ve missed."

Ravia started, her voice strong and clear. "We’ve been busy holding things down here. The city’s safer, stronger. But it’s not just us—you’d be amazed at how the people have rallied."

Raine nodded. "Everyone’s been pitching in. It’s like a new spirit’s taken hold."

Josephine smiled, a touch of pride in her eyes. "And we’ve been training, improving. We’re not the same women you left behind."

Lyan’s heart swelled with pride. "I never doubted it for a second."

Then Emilia piped up, her voice carrying a note of frustration. "We’ve been chasing you all over! Do you have any idea how hard it was to track you down?"

Serena, always composed, added, "Every time we thought we were close, you’d vanish again. Especially when you crossed the Eternal Winter in the north. How did you manage that?"

Alicia’s doll-like face showed a hint of curiosity. "It’s not exactly the easiest terrain to navigate, even for experienced travelers."

Lyan chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "The Eternal Winter was... challenging. But I had my ways." He glanced at the Deadly Bouquet, their knowing smiles confirming they were well aware of his summoner abilities. "And as for the rest, well, let’s just say I like to keep moving."

Emilia rolled her eyes. "That’s an understatement."

Serena’s eyes softened as she looked at him. "We’re glad you’re back, Lyan."

The reunion continued with the sharing of stories, each tale filled with the trials and triumphs they’d faced. Lyan recounted his time assisting the crown prince, the battles against corrupt nobles, and the strategies that had led to their victories. The Valkyries listened intently, their admiration for him growing with each word.

"And you," Lyan said, turning to the Valkyries. "What have you been up to since you left Astellia?"

Serena sighed. "Tracking bandits, mostly. We ended up in the Redania Empire and found the master we’ve been searching for."

"Master?" Belle asked, her curiosity piqued.

Alicia nodded. "She’s someone we’ve been looking for a long time. You’ll meet her soon enough."

Emilia leaned forward, a grin on her face. "But we’ve been dying to catch up with you, Lyan. You’ve made quite the name for yourself."

Lyan shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just doing what I do best."

Xena laughed. "Always modest."

The conversations flowed easily, the room filled with the sounds of camaraderie and shared history. The Valkyries and the Deadly Bouquet exchanged tales of their adventures, their challenges, and their growth. There was a palpable sense of unity, a bond forged through trials and triumphs.

At one point, Emilia couldn’t help but voice her frustration again. "Seriously, Lyan. How do you manage to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time?"

Lyan smirked. "Magic, maybe."

Belle chuckled. "That wouldn’t surprise me."

As the night wore on, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to a deeper, more intimate exchange. Lyan found himself surrounded by the women he cared for, each one holding a special place in his heart. They had all been through so much together, and their bonds were unbreakable.

Josephine, always the diplomat, brought out a tray of drinks. "To Lyan," she said, raising her glass. "For always finding his way back to us."

The toast was echoed by everyone, their glasses clinking together in a harmonious chorus. Lyan felt a warmth spread through him, not just from the drink but from the love and loyalty that surrounded him.

Serena, her voice soft, said, "We’ve missed you, Lyan. It’s good to have you back."

"It’s good to be back," Lyan replied, his gaze sweeping over the room. "And I promise, no more disappearing acts. At least for a while."

The Valkyries and the Deadly Bouquet laughed, the tension easing into a comfortable camaraderie. They continued to share their stories, their hopes, and their plans for the future. The night grew late, but none of them were in a hurry to leave.

Lyan found himself sitting beside Belle, her head resting on his shoulder. "You really gave us a scare, you know," she murmured. "But I never doubted you’d come back."

Lyan placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I’ll always come back, Belle. You can count on that."

Across the room, Xena and Emilia were deep in conversation, their voices blending into the background hum. Serena and Josephine were discussing strategies, their minds already working on future plans. Ravia and Raine were laughing, reminiscing about old times.

Alicia, ever the observer, watched them all with a thoughtful expression. "This," she said softly, "is what we’ve been missing."

Lyan caught her eye and smiled. "And now you’re here. We’re all here."

The night continued, filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting presence of friends reunited. As the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, the House of Roses felt more alive than ever. The women had poured their hearts and souls into their preparations for Lyan’s return, and it showed.

Lyan stood, stretching. "Alright, ladies. It’s been a long night. Let’s get some rest."

There were murmurs of agreement as the women began to disperse, their exhaustion tempered by the satisfaction of a night well spent. Lyan watched them with a sense of contentment, knowing that they were more than comrades—they were family.

But of course.

For them, sleeping tonight would be a shame.

_____________________________

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