Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 362: The Crown Prince’s Joy

Chapter 362: The Crown Prince’s Joy

The towering spires of the Astellia Kingdom’s royal palace gleamed in the early morning sunlight, their shadows stretching long over the capital city below. The palace itself was a marvel of architecture, its white stone walls etched with intricate carvings that depicted the kingdom’s storied past—battles fought, alliances forged, and the enduring reign of the royal family. Guards in polished armor patrolled the ramparts, their watchful eyes scanning the horizon as the bustling city carried on with its morning routine.

Inside the palace, the atmosphere was markedly different. The grand hallways were lined with lavish tapestries and marble statues, but today, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Whispers echoed through the corridors as nobles and court officials spoke in hushed tones, discussing the latest rumors circulating within the kingdom. At the heart of it all was the Crown Prince, Erich Astellia, who had recently solidified his position as the most powerful figure in the royal court.

Erich sat in his private study, his sharp green eyes scanning the parchment in front of him with a predatory focus. His dark blonde hair fell loosely over his brow as his fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished wooden desk. The room was dimly lit by the morning light filtering in through the tall windows, casting shadows that danced across the richly decorated room. Erich was dressed in his royal garb, a deep crimson tunic embroidered with golden threads, his sword resting beside him, a silent reminder of his recent triumphs.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he read the contents of the letter in his hands. It was from none other than Lord Evocatore—no, Baron Evocatore now, as Erich had formally granted him the title after the latest turn of events. The victory against Lord Hektor and his son, Lucan, had reached the royal court, and the news of their downfall had spread like wildfire. Even now, no one knew the exact details of the battle between the wolf duke Ravindor and the Crown Prince, but everyone had heard about how Erich had crushed the noble faction that once posed a significant threat to his reign.

The letter, written in Lyan’s precise, measured hand, detailed the swift conquest of the three nobles’ lands, with Hektor’s territory now under his control. It was official confirmation that Lyan had not only fulfilled his duty but had also managed to do so without leaving any trace of his ’hidden tricks,’ as Erich liked to call them. The prince’s grin widened as he rose from his chair, holding the letter triumphantly.

"He did it!" Erich shouted, the thrill of victory clear in his voice. He paced the room with renewed energy, his boots thudding against the marble floor. "I’ve been waiting for this!"

As if summoned by his voice, the door to his study creaked open, revealing the tall, imposing figure of Vilgira Void, Erich’s personal guard. Void was a man of few words, his dark hair tied back and his face hardened from years of battle. He stepped inside, his sharp gaze immediately settling on Erich.

"Is that truly the best way, Your Highness?" Void asked, his voice low and calm. He folded his arms across his broad chest, his expression unreadable.

Before Erich could reply, the sound of armored boots echoed through the hallway, and soon after, Julius, the captain of the royal knights, entered the room with a confident stride. His armor clinked softly as he approached the prince, his eyes flicking between Erich and Void.

"Of course, it’s the best way," Julius said, his tone filled with conviction. "Lord Evocatore’s actions have provided us with the perfect opportunity. His victory not only cripples the noble faction but also gives him the strength and resources to secure the eastern border. It gives us more stability and peace in the kingdom."

Erich’s grin grew wider as he nodded. "Exactly. This is exactly what we needed."

Julius continued, "And the fact that Lyan managed to keep his most dangerous assets hidden—no rumors, no fleeing witnesses—means no one truly knows what he’s capable of. That keeps us in control. The nobles won’t dare rise against us with him in their midst."

Void, still leaning against the doorframe, tilted his head slightly. "You’re saying this was all part of the plan?" There was a hint of skepticism in his voice, but not enough to challenge the prince’s authority outright. He shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And you’re certain Lyan is the right man for this?"

Julius shot him a look before responding. "Lord Evocatore has proven himself time and time again. His small army is more disciplined than any noble’s. He has the Small General, Alicia Alvis, leading his strategic efforts. And then there’s the leader of the Valkyries, Surena Ekaitza, along with the Blazing Lioness, Emilia. Not to mention the Madam herself, Josephine, and her White Shadow, Abraham."

Erich smirked, cutting in, "He’s blessed with capable people. It’s no wonder things went so smoothly."

Void chuckled, the sound low and dry. "People? Don’t you mean women?"

Julius’ face stiffened slightly, but he didn’t respond at first. It was no secret that Void enjoyed making jabs, especially when it came to the captain’s own tangled history with Surena, the Valkyrie leader. Void’s grin widened as he pushed further. "What’s the matter, Julius? Still sore about Surena? Or have you finally gotten over her?"

Julius clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening as the memory surfaced. He remained silent, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword as Void’s words hung in the air. Erich glanced between the two men, sensing the tension. He raised a hand, his voice cutting through the silence.

"Enough. What’s done is done." He turned his attention back to the letter on his desk, his tone lightening as he continued. "Lyan’s success isn’t just his. It’s a win for all of us. With his help, we’ll finally be able to crush the remnants of Duke Ravindor’s forces and restore peace to the kingdom."

Void’s smile faded as he straightened, giving a respectful nod. "As you command, Your Highness. I just hope you’re not placing too much faith in him."

Julius finally spoke up, his voice quieter than before. "He’s right about one thing. Lyan is surrounded by talented women. But that only makes him stronger. Surena, Alicia, Emilia, Josephine... they all respect him. And in a way, they’re loyal to him, not just because of his title, but because he’s earned their loyalty."

Void snorted softly, shaking his head. "Loyalty? Or something else?" He glanced at Julius, his expression unreadable before he added, "You’re not bitter, are you?"

Julius met his gaze, but there was no fire behind his eyes. His voice was quiet, almost resigned. "Bitter? Maybe. But it doesn’t matter. Surena made her choice long ago."

Erich watched the exchange between Julius and Void with a flicker of amusement dancing in his sharp green eyes. Though the tension between the two was palpable, he found it more entertaining than concerning. He had grown used to Void’s dry, biting remarks and Julius’ stoic resilience, and while the captain’s past with Surena still cast a shadow over their interactions, it was nothing that would disrupt the task at hand. Relationships like these, fraught with history and emotion, were part and parcel of court life. But today, Erich had no interest in entertaining old wounds. His mind was too focused on the larger picture.

"Enough of that, both of you," Erich said, his voice cutting through the growing tension like a blade. He leaned back in his chair, waving a dismissive hand as if brushing away the lingering unease in the room. "There are more pressing matters we need to attend to, and personal grudges will only slow us down."

Julius, ever the professional, nodded curtly, stepping back into position beside the prince’s desk. His posture stiffened as he crossed his arms, his expression returning to its usual calm, though there was a brief flicker of something in his eyes. Void, on the other hand, remained as nonchalant as ever. He merely shrugged, the ghost of a smirk still lingering on his lips. His demeanor was relaxed, though there was an edge to him, like a coiled spring waiting to snap.

Erich turned away from the two, choosing not to dwell on their unspoken rivalry. His gaze drifted toward the large window behind his desk, the sunlight casting long shadows across the room as it filtered in. He stood, moving closer to the window, the view of the sprawling kingdom beyond stretching out before him. The vast lands of Astellia, with their rolling hills, bustling cities, and distant mountains, lay under his watchful gaze. It was his kingdom to shape, to rule, and with Baron Evocatore’s recent actions, the pieces on the board had shifted in his favor.

With a slow, deliberate motion, Erich tapped the letter in his hand against the windowsill, his mind racing with possibilities. The victory over the noble faction had not just been a blow to his enemies but a clear message to all who might challenge his authority. "Baron Evocatore has set the stage," Erich said softly, his voice thoughtful, yet carrying an undeniable undertone of ambition. His eyes gleamed with determination as he turned to face Julius and Void once more. "Now it’s time for us to play our part."

There was a certain weight to those words—a sense of impending action that hung in the air. The game of power had only just begun, and Erich was ready to make his next move.

Soon, the war between kingdoms would be starting.