Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 297: Into Grafen! (1) The Journey

Chapter 297: Into Grafen! (1) The Journey

The journey to Grafen had been long and filled with excitement and anticipation. The group, consisting of Lyan, the women of the House of Roses, the Valkyries, Abraham, and several courtesans, had made considerable progress, traveling in five wagons—four for the people and one for their luggage. They had now reached an old, unused hut that Lyan had once used when traveling to the Astellia Kingdom with the prince’s men.

As they disembarked from the wagons, the group began unloading their belongings. The hut, though modest, was soon transformed into a comfortable resting place thanks to Abraham’s impressive skills. Lyan watched in awe as the butler used simple tools and his ingenuity to create a welcoming environment. Abraham’s ability to turn the humble structure into a cozy haven in such a short time left everyone impressed.

"Abraham, you’ve outdone yourself," Lyan said, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the older man finish setting up.

"It’s my pleasure, Master Lyan," Abraham replied with a bow. "We all deserve a comfortable place to rest, especially with such a long journey ahead."

The women of the House of Roses were buzzing with excitement as they settled into the hut. Ravia and Raine chattered animatedly about their plans for the new House of Roses in Grafen, while Belle and Alina discussed the potential for new alchemical experiments in a fresh environment. Xena, ever the scout, was already planning their route for the next leg of the journey.

"I can’t wait to see Grafen," Belle said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "A new city means new opportunities for us all."

"Indeed," Alina agreed. "And we’ll be living in a castle! Can you imagine?"

Josephine, ever the practical leader, added, "We’ll need to make sure everything is in order once we arrive. Setting up the new House of Roses will take some time, but it will be worth it."

Ravia clapped her hands together. "And think of all the new clients we’ll meet! It’s exciting to start fresh."

Raine nodded, a mischievous grin on her face. "And the experiments we can try with the new herbs and ingredients we’ll find there... I can’t wait."

Lyan couldn’t help but chuckle at their enthusiasm. "Just remember, we’re there to support the people of Grafen too. It’s been through a lot, and they’ll need our help to rebuild."

As the group continued their excited chatter, Lyan noticed Xena standing off to the side, her keen eyes scanning the surrounding forest. He approached her, curious. "What’s on your mind, Xena?"

Xena glanced at him, her expression serious. "Just keeping an eye out. We’ve traveled a long way, and it’s always good to stay vigilant. You never know what might be lurking in these woods."

Lyan nodded, appreciating her caution. "Good thinking. Keep an eye out, but don’t worry too much. We’ve got a strong group here."

Xena smiled, her usual energy returning. "I know, but old habits die hard."

The group settled into a rhythm, with everyone pitching in to make the hut feel like home, even if just for the night. Abraham moved about, adjusting furniture and setting up makeshift beds with the efficiency and grace of a seasoned butler. The women of the House of Roses spread out, chatting and laughing as they unpacked their belongings.

"I’m so glad we brought those extra blankets," Belle remarked as she fluffed a pillow. "It’s going to be chilly tonight."

Alina nodded, arranging a small pile of books she had brought along. "And these books will be perfect for a cozy evening read."

Ravia and Raine, meanwhile, were busy setting up a small alchemy station in one corner of the hut. "We might as well get started on some new potions," Raine said with a grin. "Who knows what we might need on the road."

Ravia agreed. "And it’s always good to be prepared."

Lyan watched them with a warm smile, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. These women had become his family, and seeing them work together so seamlessly filled him with pride.

As evening fell, the group gathered around a fire outside the hut, sharing stories and plans for the future. The firelight cast a warm glow on their faces, and the sound of laughter filled the air.

"Remember that time we faced off against the Goblin King?" Xena said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I thought we were done for, but then Lyan came in and turned the tide."

Josephine nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That was a tough battle, but we made it through together. And we’ll do the same in Grafen."

Emilia, always direct, added, "We’re a strong team. Whatever comes our way, we can handle it."

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The lively chatter quieted, replaced by an unspoken tension. Lyan, Josephine, Abraham, and the Valkyries felt it first, their senses honed from years of experience.

Lyan’s eyes narrowed, scanning the darkness beyond the firelight. "Something feels off," he murmured.

Josephine nodded, her hand moving to the hilt of her weapon. "I feel it too."

Abraham, ever composed, simply adjusted his stance, ready for whatever might come. "Stay alert," he advised quietly.

Surena, her instincts sharp, added, "We should prepare ourselves. Just in case."

Lyan raised a hand, signaling for calm. "It’s fine," he said, his voice steady. "We have wonderful bodyguards."

As if on cue, the summoned monsters that had been traveling with them moved closer, their presence a reassuring sight. Grimclaw, the Shadow Goblin Lord, took point, his eyes gleaming in the firelight. The Galewing Butterfly and the Gryphon positioned themselves strategically, ready to defend their companions.

The tension in the air remained, but the group felt a sense of reassurance knowing they were well-protected. They continued their preparations, each of them silently acknowledging the potential threat but not letting it overshadow their camaraderie.

The conversation gradually resumed, though more subdued. They spoke in hushed tones, keeping an ear out for any unusual sounds. Lyan and the others remained vigilant, their senses sharp as they prepared for whatever might come.

Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush caught their attention. The group tensed, eyes scanning the darkness. Lyan’s hand moved to his weapon, his body coiled like a spring.

Josephine’s voice was low and calm. "Ready yourselves."

Just as he spoke, the rustling grew louder, and the outline of figures emerged from the shadows. The tension peaked, and the group stood poised for action, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"It’s just some animals," Abraham said softly, his keen eyes assessing the situation.

Lyan nodded, his grip relaxing slightly. "Seems like it. But stay sharp."

The figures moved closer, revealing themselves to be a family of deer, their eyes wide and curious as they watched the group around the fire. The tension eased, and the group shared a collective sigh of relief.

Raine laughed softly, her voice a soothing balm to the frayed nerves. "Looks like we were worried over nothing."

Alina smiled, her hand moving away from her weapon. "Better safe than sorry."

Lyan couldn’t help but chuckle. "Indeed. Let’s get back to our evening."

The group settled back into their conversation, though their vigilance remained. The sense of unease had passed, but they knew better than to let their guard down completely.

As the night wore on, the fire crackled and popped, casting dancing shadows on the faces of the group. They spoke of their hopes and dreams for Grafen, the challenges they expected to face, and the excitement of starting anew.

Josephine’s voice was filled with determination. "We’ll make the House of Roses in Grafen even better than it was here. We’ll create a safe haven for those who need it."

Ravia nodded, her eyes shining with resolve. "And we’ll support Lyan in his new role as Baron. Together, we can achieve anything."

Lyan felt a deep sense of gratitude and pride as he listened to them. These women were his family, and he knew that with their support, they could overcome any obstacle.

and laughter, their voices a soothing balm to the earlier tension.

Just as Lyan was beginning to relax, a sudden, sharper noise cut through the night—more distinct and threatening than before. Josephine and Abraham stiffened, their senses immediately on high alert again. The Valkyries, always prepared for battle, quietly moved into defensive positions, their hands on their weapons.

Lyan stood, his eyes scanning the perimeter of their camp. "Everyone, be ready," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Something’s not right."

Abraham nodded, his eyes narrowing. "There are too many subtle movements in the shadows. We might have company."

Lyan’s lips curled into a faint smile. "Let’s not worry too much. We have excellent bodyguards, remember?" He gestured towards Grimclaw and the other summoned monsters who had already taken up protective stances around the camp.

Moments later, dark figures began to emerge from the forest, moving silently but with clear intent. The bandits, rugged and fierce, came into view. Lyan’s eyes narrowed as he assessed their numbers and their gear. They were not just common thieves; their appearance suggested they were from the mountain tribes known for their ruthless raids.

"Mountain tribesmen," Surena whispered, her grip tightening on her sword.