Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 321: The Mountain Tribes (1) The Visit

Chapter 321: The Mountain Tribes (1) The Visit

Lyan made his way to the castle stables, the morning light casting long shadows across the courtyard. The recent victory over the mountain barbarians had bolstered their numbers with captured horses, and Lyan wanted to check on their new acquisitions. As he entered the stable, a loud, rhythmic noise caught his attention. He turned the corner to find an unexpected sight.

There, in one of the larger stalls, was Shadow, Lyan’s black stallion, engaging in intercourse with not one, but two mares. Shadow was a magnificent creature, strong and aggressive, with a coat as dark as midnight and eyes that seemed to gleam with intelligence. The mares, newly captured from the barbarians, were both robust and healthy, their coats glistening in the low light.

Lyan couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene. "Looks like someone’s enjoying the spoils of war more than anyone else," he remarked, shaking his head in amusement. Shadow snorted, seeming to acknowledge Lyan’s presence without breaking his rhythm.

Lara and Tara, who had been accompanying Lyan, stood nearby, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and curiosity. They had never seen such a powerful and majestic horse, let alone one so... vigorous.

"Shadow... very strong," Lara said, her voice tinged with admiration. She leaned closer to the stall, watching with fascination.

Tara nodded, her expression one of pure awe. "Big... very big," she whispered, her eyes fixed on Shadow’s impressive form. "He strong. Good for tribe."

Lyan smirked, glancing at the two women. "He’s certainly got a lot of energy," he said, crossing his arms. "But let’s leave him to it. We’ve got a journey to prepare for."

The preparations for the journey to the mountain tribes’ village were swift. Lyan and his companions gathered supplies, ensuring they had everything needed for the trip and the potential challenges ahead. Among the group was Tesha, the half-halfling child who had quickly become a cherished member of their strange family. Tesha was eager to see the mountains and meet the tribes, her eyes shining with excitement.

As they set out, they were escorted by fifty hobgoblin skeletons clad in armor, each riding a horse. The sight of the skeletal warriors, armor clinking and horses snorting, was both eerie and impressive. The group moved in a well-organized formation, the skeletons riding in pairs, flanking Lyan and his companions.

The journey was long, but the group kept their spirits high with lively conversation. Tesha, perched on a horse beside Belle, peppered the adults with questions about the mountains and the tribes they were about to meet.

"Do they have big houses like ours?" Tesha asked, her voice full of wonder.

Belle smiled, shaking her head. "Not quite, Tesha. The tribes live in more traditional homes, like big tents or huts. They’re very different from the castle."

Tesha’s eyes widened. "Can I see the tents? And the huts? And do they have fun games like we do?"

Lyan chuckled, looking back at Tesha. "I’m sure you’ll see plenty of new things, Tesha. Just remember to be respectful. We’re guests in their home."

As they continued, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Xena entertained the group with exaggerated tales of their previous battles, making everyone laugh. Even the usually stoic Surena cracked a smile at Xena’s antics.

"You should have seen it," Xena declared, mimicking a fierce pose. "I was surrounded by goblins, a hundred at least! But I didn’t flinch. I took them all down with just one knife!"

Josephine snorted, rolling her eyes. "A hundred, huh? And let me guess, you were also balancing on a tightrope and juggling fire?"

Xena grinned, unfazed. "Well, maybe not a hundred. But it sure felt like it!"

The group laughed, the sound carrying through the crisp mountain air. The journey, while long, was made easier by their camaraderie and the beauty of the landscape. The mountains loomed ever closer, their peaks dusted with snow and their slopes covered in dense forests. The air grew cooler as they ascended, and the vegetation changed, becoming more sparse and hardy.

As they approached the mountain tribes’ village, the atmosphere grew tense. The village was nestled in a sheltered valley, surrounded by steep cliffs and thick woods. The homes were indeed traditional, constructed from wood and animal hides, with smoke rising from the chimneys. The people of the tribe, dressed in furs and leather, eyed the newcomers warily.

Lara and Tara, who had been leading the group, stepped forward to speak with the tribespeople. The villagers recognized them immediately, and a murmur of surprise and curiosity rippled through the crowd.

"Lara, Tara, you come back!" a grizzled old warrior exclaimed, stepping forward. "You bring outsiders?"

Lara nodded, gesturing to Lyan. "This Lyan. Strong warrior. He challenge for chief."

The reaction was immediate. The villagers began to murmur and shout, some in excitement, others in anger. The old warrior frowned, his brows knitting together.

"Outsider cannot be chief," he growled, his voice rough. "Only tribe blood can lead!"

Tara stepped forward, her voice steady. "Lyan strong. He beat many. We see him fight. He win many battles. He prove strong."

The old warrior shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "Prove, yes. But he not tribe. He not know our ways."

Lyan stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "I understand your concerns. I’m not here to take over without earning it. I respect your ways and your traditions. That’s why I’m here—to prove myself, to earn your respect."

The old warrior eyed him critically, then glanced at the other villagers. "He speak true," he admitted grudgingly. "But words not enough. He must show strength."

A younger man, muscular and tall, stepped forward, pointing at Lyan. "He talk big. But can he fight? I challenge him!"

The crowd buzzed with anticipation. The younger man was known as one of the strongest warriors in the tribe, and his challenge was a serious one.

Lara and Tara looked at Lyan, concern in their eyes. "He strong," Lara whispered. "Be careful."

Lyan nodded, his eyes steady. "I will."

The old warrior raised his hand, calling for silence. "This fight, not just for challenge. This fight for right to enter chief tournament. If he win, he can join. If he lose, he leave."

The terms were clear. Lyan nodded in agreement, stepping forward to face his challenger. The villagers formed a circle around them, eager to see the outcome.

The young warrior, bare-chested and bristling with confidence, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "I make this quick," he boasted. "Show you why tribe blood better."

Lyan smiled, his eyes sharp. "We’ll see."

The fight began with a flurry of movement. The young warrior lunged at Lyan, aiming a powerful punch at his head. Lyan dodged easily, his reflexes honed from years of combat experience. The young warrior was strong and fast, but his attacks were wild and uncoordinated.

Lyan countered with a swift kick to the warrior’s midsection, sending him stumbling back. The crowd gasped, watching as Lyan moved with precision and grace. He dodged another punch, grabbing the warrior’s arm and twisting it behind his back. The young man cried out in pain, struggling to free himself.

"Yield," Lyan said calmly, his grip firm.

The warrior growled, struggling harder. "Never!"

Lyan sighed, tightening his hold. "I don’t want to hurt you. Just yield."

The warrior tried to kick Lyan, but Lyan dodged and swept his legs out from under him, pinning him to the ground. The crowd watched in silence as Lyan held the warrior down, waiting for him to submit.

Finally, the young warrior stopped struggling, panting heavily. "I... yield," he muttered, his voice filled with frustration and humiliation.

Lyan released him, helping him to his feet. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, some still murmuring in surprise. The old warrior stepped forward, nodding in approval.

"You prove strength," he said gruffly. "You enter tournament."

Lyan nodded, accepting the terms. "Thank you. I look forward to proving myself further."

As the crowd began to disperse, preparations for the tournament were underway. The villagers bustled about, setting up the arena and preparing for the event. Lyan and his companions were given a place to rest and prepare, the atmosphere tense with anticipation.

Lara and Tara stayed close to Lyan, their expressions a mix of pride and worry. "You fight good," Lara said, her voice soft. "But many strong here. Be careful."

Tara nodded, her eyes serious. "They not like outsiders. Must show strength, but also respect. Prove you care for tribe."

Lyan smiled, nodding. "I understand. I’ll do my best."

_____________________________

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary, Baron Evocatore of Grafen, Chief of Mountain Tribes (Ongoing)

Money: 2,975,710,950 Elnes / 2975 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. 43), Papilio Slime (Lv. 75), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 75), Rock Golem (Lv. 80), Deadlight (Lv. 84), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 55), Ice Golem (Lv. 80), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 63), Magma Bear (Lv. 10), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 10), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 10), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 43), Fenris (Lv. 10), Gargoyle (Lv. 20), Shadow Nymm (Lv. 5), Seltas Queen (Lv. 5), Rune Wolf (Lv. 5), Gryphon (Lv. 5), Flame Lioness (Lv. 5), Primeval Hound (Lv. 5), and Castle Guardian Hound (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