Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 384: The Briarwood Girl (1)

Chapter 384: The Briarwood Girl (1)

I was born into a legacy of steel and honor, but my heart always yearned for something different. The Briarwood name carried weight throughout the kingdom, known for producing fierce female warriors who could outmatch any knight in combat. From the moment I could walk, I was thrust into training – swords, spears, and shields became my unwilling companions.

My mother, Lady Briarwood, was a formidable presence. Her piercing green eyes seemed to judge my every move, always finding me lacking. "Arielle," she’d bark, her voice as sharp as the blade she wielded, "put your back into it! A Briarwood doesn’t flinch at the clash of steel!"

But no matter how hard I tried, the weapons felt awkward in my hands. While my sisters reveled in the thrill of combat, their laughter ringing out as they sparred in the courtyard, I found myself drawn to quieter pursuits. Numbers fascinated me, the way they could reveal patterns and solve puzzles that brute force could never touch.

One particularly frustrating day, after hours of failing to master a complex sword technique, I retreated to my room. Tears of frustration stung my eyes as I pulled out my secret treasure – a book of mathematics I’d traded for with a traveling merchant. As I lost myself in the elegant solutions and logical progressions, my mother’s voice cut through my sanctuary.

"What in the name of the gods are you doing?" She snatched the book from my hands, her face a mask of disgust. "This is what you waste your time on? Numbers and scribbles? You’re a disgrace to the Briarwood name!"

I stood, my voice shaking but determined. "Mother, please. I’m not like Lyanna or Mira. I can’t be the warrior you want me to be. But I can be useful in other ways. Let me show you –"

The stinging slap across my face silenced me. "Enough!" she roared. "You will train harder, you will be worthy of our name, or you will be nothing at all."

That night, as I lay in bed, my cheek still burning, I made a decision that would change the course of my life. I couldn’t live this lie anymore. I had to find a place where my talents were valued, not scorned.

Before dawn broke, I packed a small bag with clothes, my precious mathematics book, and what little coin I had saved. With a heavy heart, I penned a letter to my family:

Dear Mother, Father, and my sisters,

I know I have been a disappointment to you all. I cannot be the warrior our family expects. But I refuse to be nothing. I’m leaving to find my own path, one where I can use the gifts I do possess to make a difference in this world. I hope one day you can understand and forgive me.

With love, despite everything,

Arielle

I slipped out of the keep as the first rays of sunlight painted the sky. The weight of generations of expectations fell from my shoulders with each step I took away from home. For the first time in my life, I felt free.

The world beyond our family’s lands was both terrifying and exhilarating. I took odd jobs where I could, using my quick mind and talent with numbers to assist merchants with their ledgers or help solve disputes in small villages. Word of my skills spread, and soon I found myself moving from temporary position to temporary position, always searching for a place where I truly belonged.

It was in the bustling port city of Norhallow that I finally caught my big break. The harbormaster, an overworked man named Giles, was drowning in a sea of manifests and cargo records. When I offered my services, he eyed me skeptically.

"You think you can make sense of this mess, girl?" he grumbled, gesturing to the chaotic piles of parchment strewn across his office.

I smiled confidently. "Give me three days, sir. If I haven’t organized your records and devised a system to keep them that way, I’ll work for free for a month."

Giles barked out a laugh. "Bold words. Alright then, you’re on."

Those three days were a whirlwind of activity. I pored over manifests, created ledgers, and developed a filing system that even the most inexperienced clerk could follow. When Giles returned, his jaw dropped at the transformation.

"By the gods," he whispered, running a hand over the neatly stacked and labeled documents. "How did you manage this?"

I explained my system, watching as understanding dawned in his eyes. "Well," he said gruffly, trying to hide how impressed he was, "looks like I won’t be getting that free month of labor after all. The job’s yours if you want it, Arielle."

For the next two years, I thrived in Norhallow. My systems streamlined trade, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Merchants sought me out for advice, and even the city council began to take notice of my work. It was during one of their meetings that I caught the eye of Lord Hektor, a prominent nobleman who governed a large portion of the surrounding countryside.

"Your reputation precedes you, Lady Arielle," he said smoothly, approaching me after the meeting. "I find myself in need of someone with your... unique talents. How would you like to make a real difference in the lives of our people?"

The offer was too tempting to resist. A chance to work directly under a high-ranking official, to implement changes that could benefit entire communities – it was everything I had dreamed of. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I accepted Lord Hektor’s offer to become his personal secretary and advisor.

The first few months in my new position were a whirlwind of activity. I threw myself into the work, revamping outdated systems and proposing new initiatives to improve the lives of the common folk. Lord Hektor seemed pleased with my efforts, often praising my efficiency in meetings with other nobles.

But as time wore on, I began to notice discrepancies. Funds allocated for public works mysteriously disappeared. Complaints from villagers about unfair taxation were conveniently "lost" before reaching the proper authorities. At first, I tried to rationalize it – surely there must be some explanation I wasn’t seeing.

One evening, as I was working late in my office, I overheard a conversation that shattered my illusions. Lord Hektor’s voice drifted through the partially open door of his study, along with that of another nobleman I didn’t recognize.

"The girl’s systems are working perfectly," Hektor chuckled. "We’ve never been able to skim so much without anyone noticing. Keep her focused on her little ’improvements’ and we’ll be richer than the king himself in no time."

My blood ran cold. All my work, all my dreams of making a difference – they had been nothing but a smokescreen for corruption and greed. I felt sick to my stomach, but I knew I couldn’t confront Hektor directly. Not yet. I needed proof.

For weeks, I meticulously documented every discrepancy I could find. Late at night, I pored over ledgers and official correspondence, building a case that would expose the depth of the corruption. I was so focused on my task that I didn’t notice the growing suspicion in Hektor’s eyes, the way his praise became more forced, his questions more probing.

Finally, when I felt I had gathered enough evidence, I steeled myself for the confrontation. I requested a private meeting with Lord Hektor, my heart pounding as I entered his study.

"Ah, Arielle," he said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "What can I do for you this fine evening?"

I took a deep breath. "My lord, I’ve discovered some... irregularities in our financial records. Funds meant for the people seem to be disappearing, and I fear–"

Hektor’s laugh cut me off, a harsh sound that sent chills down my spine. "Oh, my dear Arielle. I had such high hopes for you. I thought you understood how the world truly works."

"But... the people," I stammered, my resolve faltering in the face of his cold amusement. "We’re supposed to be helping them, not–"

"The people?" he sneered. "They’re sheep, girl. Meant to be shorn for the benefit of their betters. I had hoped you’d be smart enough to see that, to take your place among us. But it seems you’re just another naive fool."

I felt anger rising within me, pushing back my fear. "I won’t be a part of this," I declared, my voice stronger than I felt. "I’m going to expose everything you’ve done. The king will–"

The backhand came so suddenly I didn’t have time to react. I stumbled, tasting blood as my lip split from the force of the blow. Before I could recover, Hektor’s guards burst into the room, seizing me roughly by the arms.

"Take her to the dungeons," Hektor ordered, his voice cold and dismissive. "Make sure she’s never heard from again."

I struggled against the guards, my mind reeling. "You won’t get away with this!" I shouted as they dragged me away. "The truth will come out!"

Hektor’s mocking laughter followed me down the corridor. "Oh, you poor, stupid girl. I already have."