Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 371: The Widow’s Adjustment (End) The Peace

Chapter 371: The Widow’s Adjustment (End) The Peace

"The Valkyries are just incredible, aren’t they? So strong, so graceful. I still can’t believe I get to see them train every day," Belle’s voice was filled with awe, her eyes almost sparkling as she spoke of them.

Clarisse couldn’t help but scoff, rolling her eyes. "Graceful? Strong? Please..." she muttered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She took another sip of her tea, her lips curving into a thin line. "If you ask me, they’re a bunch of arrogant show-offs."

Alina raised an eyebrow, sharing a glance with Belle. "You don’t think much of them, do you?" she said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.

Clarisse huffed, her fingers tapping against her teacup. "They’re not as great as everyone makes them out to be. I mean, sure, they’re skilled and powerful, but they act like they’re above everyone else." She narrowed her eyes. "And Wilhelmina? She’s the worst of them. So high and mighty, always looking down her nose at people."

Belle giggled softly, her eyes twinkling. "Wilhelmina can be a bit... stern. But she’s just doing her best, I think. She carries a lot on her shoulders, and I admire her for that."

Clarisse rolled her eyes again, this time with a little more emphasis. "Well, I don’t see anything admirable about looking at others like they’re beneath you. They think they’re so special because they fight well. But it takes more than swinging a sword or summoning some flashy magic to be a good person."

Alina leaned forward, a curious glint in her eyes. "It sounds like you have some unresolved issues with them," she said, her voice gentle, as though she were coaxing Clarisse to open up.

Clarisse sighed, setting her teacup down. "I just... I can’t stand their attitude. Ever since I got here, they’ve treated me like I’m some kind of nuisance. They look at me like I don’t belong here. Like I’m intruding on something that’s theirs." Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table, her knuckles turning white. "And I’m tired of it."

Belle reached out, placing her hand on top of Clarisse’s. Her touch was warm, her eyes filled with empathy. "I understand how you feel, Lady Clarisse. But maybe... maybe in time, things will get better between you and them."

Clarisse looked at Belle, her expression softening slightly. "Maybe. But right now, I just want to focus on my son and find some kind of peace here." She let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing a little. "I’m not here to compete with them. I just want to live my life, without all the judgments and looks."

Alina nodded, her smile kind. "And you deserve that, Clarisse. We’re all just trying to get by, to find our place in this strange situation. It’s not easy for any of us."

There was a moment of silence as the three women sat there, the warmth of the tea filling the air, the crackle of the fire in the hearth adding a cozy ambiance. For the first time since arriving, Clarisse felt a genuine sense of connection. Belle’s kindness, Alina’s understanding—these were things she hadn’t realized she needed. It wasn’t just the luxury of the castle that mattered. It was the people within it, and their willingness to include her, to accept her as she was.

Belle’s voice broke the comfortable silence. "You know, I really think you and the Valkyries could get along eventually," she said, a hopeful smile on her face. "It’ll just take a bit of time."

Clarisse gave her a look, shaking her head. "I doubt it. I mean, have you seen the way they act? They strut around like they own the place."

Alina chuckled, sipping her tea. "They kind of do own the place, in a way. They’ve been with Lyan through a lot. They’re protective, maybe too much sometimes. But once you get past that, they’re not so bad."

Clarisse raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I’ll believe it when I see it."

Belle laughed, the sound light and cheerful. "Well, in the meantime, you have us, Lady Clarisse. And I think that’s a pretty good start."

Clarisse couldn’t help but smile, the tension easing out of her shoulders. "Yeah, I guess you’re right." She looked between Belle and Alina, the warmth in their eyes giving her a sense of comfort she hadn’t felt in a long time. "Thank you. Both of you."

Alina waved a hand, brushing off the thanks. "No need to thank us. We’re all in this together now."

They spent the rest of the morning in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter, the scent of fresh bread and herbs filling the room. Belle spoke about her love of alchemy, her passion for mixing potions, and her dream to someday perfect a formula that could heal any wound. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and even Clarisse found herself smiling as she listened.

Alina, on the other hand, talked about her life before coming to Lyan’s side—how she used to live in a small village, helping her family farm, and how she had learned to cook out of necessity but had grown to love it. She spoke of Lyan fondly, her eyes softening whenever his name was mentioned, and Clarisse couldn’t help but notice the deep affection there.

Clarisse shared a little about her life with Lucan—how they had met at the academy, how he used to make her laugh with his terrible jokes, how they had dreamed of a simple, happy life together. It was bittersweet, talking about him, but it felt good to share it with someone who understood, who didn’t judge her for her past or her grief.

Before she knew it, the morning had passed, and the three women were laughing together like old friends, the tension and the weight of the past few weeks slowly slipping away. Clarisse realized then that maybe, just maybe, there was a place for her here after all.

As they were finishing up their tea, the door to the kitchen creaked open, and Lyan stepped inside. He paused at the sight of the three of them, a surprised smile playing at his lips. "Well, it looks like you’re all getting along."

Belle grinned at him, her eyes twinkling. "We’re doing just fine, Lyan. Lady Clarisse was just telling us about her life before."

Lyan’s gaze shifted to Clarisse, his smile softening. "I’m glad to hear it." He walked over, his eyes glancing at her, lingering just a moment longer than necessary before he looked away, trying to play it off. Clarisse noticed the way his eyes moved, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"Is there something you need, Lyan?" Alina asked, her tone teasing.

Lyan cleared his throat, clearly caught off guard. "No, I just... wanted to check in. Make sure everything’s alright."

Clarisse rolled her eyes, unable to stop the small smile that tugged at her lips. "We’re fine. We don’t need you hovering around, you know."

Lyan smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hovering? I wouldn’t dream of it. Just making sure my guests are well taken care of."

Alina laughed, shaking her head. "You’re hopeless, Lyan. But we love you anyway."

Lyan chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "I suppose I can live with that." He turned back to Clarisse, his expression growing more serious. "But really, Clarisse, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. You and your son are safe here, and I want you to know that."

Clarisse looked up at him, her heart softening at the sincerity in his eyes. She nodded, her voice quieter now. "Thank you, Lyan. I appreciate that."

Lyan smiled, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer before he turned and left the kitchen, his footsteps echoing down the hall.

Belle watched him go, her smile widening. "He really does care, you know."

Clarisse sighed, shaking her head. "Yeah, I know. He just... has a strange way of showing it."

Alina smirked, leaning back in her chair. "You’ll get used to it. He’s a bit of a handful, but he means well."

Clarisse couldn’t help but laugh at that. "A handful is putting it mildly. I swear, sometimes I wonder if he knows how obvious he is when he thinks he’s being subtle. The way he keeps looking when he thinks no one notices..." She shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.

Belle giggled, nodding in agreement. "True, but he’s our handful. He may be hopeless at hiding his intentions, but there’s a charm in how genuine he is, even when he’s clueless."

Alina smiled warmly, her eyes softening. "He’s just Lyan, you know? Despite everything, he tries to be this strong, composed figure for all of us. But deep down, he’s as human as any of us, flaws and all."

Clarisse looked between them, her heart swelling with a warmth she hadn’t felt in so long. The camaraderie in the room made her feel lighter, as if some invisible weight had been lifted off her chest. The laughter that followed was freeing, as though with each chuckle, they were letting go of the burdens they carried.

For the first time since everything had fallen apart, Clarisse felt like she belonged somewhere again. She wasn’t just a widow struggling to survive; she was a woman finding her place among others who understood, who accepted her.

It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t easy, but it was a start. And for now, that was enough. The warmth of this newfound bond filled the void left by her grief, allowing her a glimpse of hope she never thought she’d feel again. This was something worth holding onto—friendship, laughter, and the beginnings of healing.