Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 300: Arrived in Grafen!

Chapter 300: Arrived in Grafen!

The wagons creaked to a halt as the group arrived at Grafen. The sight before them was a mix of hope and despair—partially ruined buildings stood alongside patches of cultivated land, where diligent efforts had been made to restore some semblance of normalcy. In the distance, the castle loomed, a majestic yet battle-worn structure that spoke of both grandeur and the ravages of war.

Lyan stepped down from his wagon, his eyes scanning the town. The townsfolk had gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity, hope, and weariness. It was clear that they had endured much and were now placing their hopes on their new baron.

"Welcome, Baron Evocatore! We’ve been awaiting your arrival," a townsman greeted, bowing slightly. His clothes were simple, and his face bore the lines of a hard life, but his eyes were bright with hope.

Lyan nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Thank you. Let’s work together to restore Grafen to its former glory."

As the group began to unload their wagons, the townsfolk approached cautiously, eager to help but unsure of their new lord’s disposition. Josephine, always the motherly figure, immediately took charge, directing the unloading with a firm yet kind hand. The girls from the House of Roses, as well as Wilhelmina and her group of former slaves, quickly integrated into the process, their spirits lifted by the prospect of a new beginning.

The castle, which stood as a beacon of their new home, was both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Its towering walls and ornate gates were marked by the scars of battle, but it retained an air of majesty. The high, arching windows and intricate stonework spoke of a bygone era of prosperity and grandeur.

"I never imagined the castle would be this large," Alina said, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sight.

Josephine nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. "It’s going to take a lot of work to restore it, but just think of the possibilities."

The group approached the castle with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. As they stepped through the gates, they were greeted by a grand entrance hall, its high ceilings and vast expanse hinting at the castle’s former glory. The room was filled with dust and debris, but the potential was undeniable.

"This place is incredible! Look at the library!" Belle exclaimed, her voice echoing through the vast room lined with shelves of books. She immediately gravitated towards the shelves, her fingers tracing the spines of ancient tomes.

"And the training grounds! We could have our own drills here," Xena added, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she spotted the expansive courtyard through a nearby window.

"This castle must have been built by someone who focused heavily on his own wealth," Alina said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "The former lord must have dealt in a lot of illegal business to be capable of constructing such a place despite his title."

The House of Roses girls began to explore the castle, their excitement palpable. The grand halls were soon filled with their chatter and laughter as they decided on room arrangements and future plans. The atmosphere was electric, full of hope and the thrill of new beginnings.

"Let’s make this place even better than before. We have a fresh start here," Josephine said, her voice filled with determination. She was already envisioning how they could transform the castle into a vibrant home and place of business.

"I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together," Alina responded, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"This dining hall is perfect for grand feasts!" Ravia added, her mind already planning future celebrations. She could see the long tables filled with food and laughter, the room lit by the warm glow of chandeliers.

As the girls explored, they shared personal stories and dreams, forging deeper connections. They discussed their hopes for Grafen and how they could contribute to the community. Lyan observed, feeling a deep sense of contentment and pride in the unity and spirit of his companions.

"I’ve always dreamed of a place where we could all be safe and happy," Ravia said, her voice soft and filled with emotion.

"And now we have it, thanks to Lyan," Raine added, looking at Lyan with gratitude. Her mischievous smile had softened into something more sincere.

Lyan smiled, humbled by their words. "It’s not just me. We’ve all worked hard to get here, and we’ll continue to work hard to make this place our home."

Just as they were settling into their exploration, a figure appeared from one of the side corridors. It was Althea, the head maid of the castle. Her appearance was elegant, her posture dignified, and her eyes held a spark of intelligence.

"Welcome, Master Lyan," she greeted, her voice steady and respectful. "It is good to see you again."

The girls immediately turned their attention to her, their eyes widening in realization. "She must have been ’eaten’ by Lyan before!" Xena whispered with a giggle, causing the others to stifle their laughter.

Lyan cleared his throat. "Althea, thank you for your warm welcome. How have things been here?"

Althea nodded, her expression serious. "The castle is in need of significant repairs,"

As they followed Althea through the castle, Lyan took note of the state of the place. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, though many were frayed and faded. The floors were covered in a thick layer of dust, and the air was heavy with the scent of neglect. Yet, despite the disrepair, the castle retained an air of grandeur and potential.

"There are only ten maids left in the castle, including myself," Althea explained as they walked. "The guards and knights of Grafen were criminals according to the prince’s evaluation and have all been dismissed. We will need to hire a great number of new staff to restore the castle to its former glory."

Lyan nodded thoughtfully. "We will make it work, Althea. We have the support of the townsfolk and the determination to see this through."

As they descended into the depths of the castle, the air grew cooler and the light dimmer. Althea led them to a large, heavy door, its surface intricately carved with symbols and runes. With a firm push, the door creaked open, revealing a vast chamber filled with chests of gold, shelves lined with weapons, and racks of armor.

Before entering, she once again stared at Lyan. Asking for his permission.

"Yes. They are my family, Althea," Lyan uttered with a gentle smile. The ones that are accompanying him are Alina, Belle, Xena, Josephine, Alice, Emilia, Surena, Wilhelmina, and Solia. Those who he trust deeply. Other than Wilhelmina, the other girls have already gotten into a physical relationship with him, but despite so, he also held a considerable amount of trust towards Wilhelmina.

Wilhelmina slightly blushed as she heard the word "Family".

"This is incredible," Alina whispered, her eyes wide with awe. "With these resources, we can truly make a difference."

Lyan stepped into the chamber, his mind racing with possibilities. "We will use these treasures wisely. They will help us rebuild Grafen and ensure its future prosperity."

The group spent the next few hours exploring the secret chamber, cataloging the treasures and weapons they found. The enchanted weapons in particular drew their attention, each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship imbued with powerful magic. Belle examined them with a scholar’s eye, her excitement palpable.

"These weapons are extraordinary. They will give us a significant advantage in defending Grafen," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

As the day wore on, the group made their way back to the main hall, their spirits high. The townsfolk had continued their efforts outside, repairing buildings and fortifying the town’s defenses. The sight of their hard work and determination filled Lyan with pride.

That evening, the grand dining hall was filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food. The House of Roses girls had outdone themselves, transforming the dusty hall into a welcoming space adorned with simple yet elegant decorations. Long tables were set with an array of dishes, showcasing the culinary skills of the group.

The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and conversation. The townsfolk, initially hesitant, had been invited to join the feast, and they mingled with Lyan’s companions, sharing stories and dreams for the future.

"This is just the beginning," Josephine said, raising her glass in a toast. "To Grafen, and to all of us who will make it our home."

"To Grafen!" everyone echoed, their glasses clinking together.

As the night wore on, Lyan found himself standing at the edge of the hall, watching the scene unfold. The warmth and joy in the room were palpable, a stark contrast to the chaos and uncertainty they had faced in the past. He felt a sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that they were building something truly special.

Abraham approached, a knowing smile on his face. "It’s quite a sight, isn’t it, Master Lyan?"

Lyan nodded, his gaze still fixed on the celebration. "Yes, it is. We’ve come a long way, and we have a long way to go, but I have no doubt we’ll make this place something extraordinary."

Abraham inclined his head. "With your leadership and the dedication of everyone here, Grafen will thrive."

As the festivities continued, Lyan’s thoughts turned to the future. There would be challenges, no doubt, but with the strength and unity of his companions, he knew they could face anything. The journey to Grafen was just the beginning of a new Chapter, one filled with hope, determination, and the promise of a brighter future.