Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 296: The Former Noble and The Half-Halfling

Chapter 296: The Former Noble and The Half-Halfling

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the House of Roses, casting a warm glow over the bustling activity inside. Lyan was in the kitchen, expertly slicing vegetables alongside Raine and Ravia. The aroma of cooking filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the women who called this place home.

"The House of Roses is going to Grafen!?" The exclamations rang out simultaneously from Ravia, Raine, Belle, Alina, and Xena as they burst into the kitchen, eyes wide with surprise.

Lyan looked up from his work, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Good morning to you too," he said, raising an eyebrow.

Josephine, the Madam of the House of Roses, followed the girls into the kitchen. Her serene demeanor contrasted with the excitement bubbling in the room. She placed a gentle hand on Lyan’s shoulder. "I’ve just told them the news," she explained.

Lyan nodded, setting down his knife. "It seems I missed the big reveal."

Josephine chuckled softly. "I told them about our decision to move to Grafen. With the war looming and the city of Arkansas becoming increasingly dangerous, it’s the best course of action."

Ravia’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Are we really going to open a new House of Roses in Grafen?"

Josephine nodded. "Yes, Lyan suggested it. A bigger and more vibrant courtesan house. A fresh start."

The girls’ faces lit up with excitement and anticipation. They began talking animatedly, voices overlapping as they discussed what to bring and how to set up their new home. The atmosphere was electric, full of hope and the thrill of new beginnings.

Lyan leaned against the counter, watching the lively scene unfold. The girls’ enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn’t help but chuckle at their eagerness. As they hurried off to their rooms to start packing, the kitchen quickly emptied, leaving Lyan alone with his thoughts.

Abraham, the butler, approached Lyan, his expression one of calm acceptance. "It seems it’s time for a new journey, Master Lyan."

Lyan nodded, meeting Abraham’s steady gaze. "Yes, it’s time for a new Chapter."

Abraham glanced toward his granddaughters, Ravia and Raine, who were excitedly discussing their plans. "Wherever you go, we will follow. The girls and I are with you."

Lyan smiled, appreciating the loyalty and dedication of his companions. He then turned his attention to the Valkyries, who were also buzzing with excitement. "What about you all?" he asked. "Aren’t you still searching for your master?"

The Valkyries exchanged knowing smiles. "We’ve already found her," one of them replied.

Lyan’s eyes widened in surprise. "You’ve met Wilhelmina in the Redania Empire?"

The Valkyries nodded. "Yes, and she’s given us her blessing to continue our journey with you."

Before Lyan could respond, Abraham gently interrupted. "It will be quite a mess here with everyone packing. Perhaps you should take a stroll around the city, Master Lyan."

Lyan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "O-okay..." He left the House of Roses, stepping out into the bustling streets of Arkansas.

As he walked, Lyan’s thoughts wandered back to the inn where he had first stayed upon arriving in the city. The Scholar’s Inn, a place filled with books and people from various walks of life, brimming with knowledge. It seemed like the perfect place to clear his mind and gather his thoughts.

The streets of Arkansas were busy, but there was an underlying tension, a sense of unease that had been growing as rumors of war spread. Lyan made his way through the city, the familiar sights and sounds bringing a sense of nostalgia. He arrived at the Scholar’s Inn, its weathered sign swinging gently in the breeze.

Inside, the inn was just as he remembered—shelves lined with books, patrons engrossed in their studies, and the soft murmur of intellectual conversation filling the air. Lyan found a quiet corner and settled into a comfortable chair, letting the ambiance wash over him.

His mind drifted back to the conversations he had had earlier. The excitement of the girls, the unwavering loyalty of Abraham, and the Valkyries’ surprising revelation. It was a lot to process, and Lyan found himself lost in thought.

As Lyan sat in the cozy corner of the Scholar’s Inn, the murmur of intellectual conversation surrounded him, providing a comforting backdrop. He had chosen this spot to gather his thoughts and plan for the future, but the lively atmosphere had a way of drawing his mind back to the present. As he absentmindedly traced patterns on the table, he heard a familiar voice—a voice filled with a hint of elegance, nobility, and vigor.

The voice was followed by another, youthful and energetic. They seemed to be discussing a certain product, and the younger voice insisted, "Let’s go to the House of Roses and look for Master."

Curiosity piqued, Lyan got up and moved closer to the source of the voices. Peeking around a shelf of books, he saw a familiar pink-haired woman and a dark-haired child talking animatedly with Jessica Lorion, the inn’s beautiful owner. Jessica, with her reddish-brown hair, noticed him and gave a knowing smile that made his heart skip a beat. He couldn’t help but admire her, the brilliant mind behind the Scholar’s Inn.

"Jessica," Lyan muttered to himself, captivated for a moment. "As expected of the beautiful merchant who created this haven."

Jessica subtly nodded towards him, her chin pointing in his direction. The pink-haired woman and the dark-haired child turned around, their eyes widening in surprise. The child, Tesha, was the first to react. She sprang forward, shouting, "Master!" and leapt into Lyan’s arms, tears streaming down her face.

"I missed you so much, Master!" Tesha cried, clinging to him tightly.

Lyan held her close, his heart swelling with warmth. "I’ve missed you too, Tesha."

Wilhelmina, the pink-haired woman, crossed her arms and gave Lyan a playful glare. "You move too fast, you know. Surena and the others had such a hard time because of you."

Lyan shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "What can I say? My presence is needed in various places in such a short duration."

Jessica chimed in, her voice carrying a note of amusement. "I never thought the unfamiliar mercenary I met before would suddenly become a hero at the Goblin King subjugation, and even save my old noble friend from such a disastrous incident."

"It’s nothing, just a stroke of luck," Lyan replied modestly. "Or maybe bad luck?"

Wilhelmina pouted playfully. "What do you mean by that?"

Tesha tugged at Lyan’s sleeve, her eyes wide with concern. "Is everything fine now, Master?"

Lyan nodded, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Yes, all is fine now. The war is already over. I won."

Jessica and Wilhelmina exchanged smiles, their expressions softening as they watched the tender interaction between Lyan and Tesha.

Lyan then turned to Wilhelmina, curiosity in his eyes. "So, why are you here?"

Wilhelmina sighed softly. "After meeting Surena, Alice, and Emilia, I decided to follow them to help you in the war. But the girls, including Tesha, insisted on coming along. Some of the girls settled with men in the Redania Empire, but the rest followed me here. When we arrived in Arkansas, everything was already over. We decided to stay at this inn since Jessica is an old friend. We didn’t want to impose on the House of Roses."

Lyan looked at her with appreciation. "Thank you for coming, Wilhelmina. Your support means a lot."

Jessica nodded. "It’s good to see you again, Lyan. You’ve made quite an impression since we last met."

Lyan chuckled, glancing around the inn. "This place is just as I remember. A sanctuary of knowledge and camaraderie."

As they settled into a comfortable conversation, Lyan felt a sense of peace he hadn’t experienced in a long time. He had found a moment of respite amidst the chaos of his life, surrounded by friends and allies who cared deeply for him.

The day passed with laughter and stories. Jessica shared tales of her adventures as a merchant, Wilhelmina recounted the journey from the Redania Empire, and Tesha eagerly narrated her own escapades. The warmth of their companionship filled the room, creating an atmosphere of joy and relief.

In the evening, as the sun began to set, Lyan found himself sitting by the inn’s fireplace with Wilhelmina and Tesha. The flickering flames cast a soft glow, adding to the cozy ambiance. Jessica joined them, bringing cups of warm tea for everyone.

"So, what’s next for you, Lyan?" Jessica asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Lyan took a sip of his tea, contemplating the question. "We’re moving the House of Roses to Grafen. It’s a new beginning for all of us."

Wilhelmina nodded thoughtfully. "Grafen is a good choice. It’s a prosperous city with plenty of opportunities."

Tesha’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Will we go with you, Master?"

Lyan smiled warmly at her. "Of course, Tesha. We’ll all go together."

Jessica leaned back in her chair, a contented smile on her lips. "It seems you’ve gathered quite a following, Lyan."

Lyan shrugged modestly. "I’m just fortunate to have such loyal friends."

As the evening grew darker, the conversation turned to plans for the future. They discussed the logistics of the move, the challenges they might face, and the dreams they hoped to achieve. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose filled Lyan with a renewed sense of determination.

"I guess it’s time. Wilhelmina, Tesha. Let’s go to the House of Roses,"