Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 388: Wilhelmina’s Test (End)

Chapter 388: Wilhelmina’s Test (End)

Wilhelmina and Arielle had spent several long days working through the intricacies of their plans for Dunbridge, Norhallow, and Valmere. Though there had been friction between them, it gradually gave way to a grudging respect—Wilhelmina saw that Arielle had a keen mind for logistics and strategic thinking, while Arielle began to appreciate Wilhelmina’s more nuanced understanding of people and their emotions. The competitive spirit between them remained, but it was slowly turning into something more cooperative.

On the day of implementation, the two found themselves side by side in the bustling town square of Dunbridge. It was an early morning, the sky painted in hues of gold and pink as the first rays of sunlight bathed the town. There was a palpable energy in the air, an eagerness that had settled over the townspeople as they gathered to listen to the two women. Wilhelmina stood on an elevated platform, her voice clear and commanding as she addressed the crowd.

"People of Dunbridge! Today marks the beginning of our efforts to rebuild and reclaim our town from the chaos that has plagued us! We cannot do this alone—every one of you has a role to play. Together, we will create a future where our children can thrive without fear!"

The townspeople cheered, the hope evident in their eyes. Arielle stood off to the side, glancing around as she held her stack of documents tightly against her chest. She couldn’t help but be impressed by the way Wilhelmina could stir the crowd, rousing their spirits with every word. Arielle had always been more comfortable dealing with numbers and strategies—people were messy and unpredictable. But watching Wilhelmina, she realized there was something to be said for that connection.

Once Wilhelmina finished her speech, Arielle stepped forward, unrolling the map she had brought with her. She pointed to key locations on the large map that lay spread out on a table for everyone to see.

"Alright," she began, her tone more matter-of-fact, "we’ll start with organizing the distribution of supplies. Team leaders, I’ve assigned you sections of the town. Make sure everyone’s accounted for, and that no one goes without food or necessities. We’ve got a tight schedule, and efficiency is key."

Her voice lacked the warmth that Wilhelmina’s held, but there was a crispness to her instructions, a confidence that made people listen. The two women worked in tandem—Wilhelmina rallying the spirit of the people, and Arielle breaking down the logistical details, giving clear directions for the day’s work.

It was an odd partnership, but as the day went on, it started to click.

Wilhelmina moved among the townspeople, helping lift sacks of grain and sharing encouraging words. Meanwhile, Arielle oversaw the deployment of supplies, making sure that nothing was wasted, and everyone had a clear understanding of their tasks. The two exchanged glances from time to time—begrudging admiration flickering in their eyes.

By midday, they had made good progress. Wilhelmina wiped her brow, turning to Arielle with a nod. "Seems like things are going smoothly. I’ll say, you’re quite efficient at keeping all these moving parts in order."

Arielle glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "And you’re good at getting people to care about things that’d bore them to death if I said it," she admitted.

Wilhelmina chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "It’s called making a connection, Arielle."

Arielle rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you call it, it’s working."

Their brief moment of camaraderie was interrupted when a breathless messenger came running into the square, his face pale with urgency. "My ladies! There’s... there’s trouble. One of the supply caravans has been attacked on its way here—some of Hektor’s former loyalists are trying to sabotage us!"

The mood shifted immediately. Wilhelmina’s expression hardened, and she turned to Arielle, who already had her map out, her eyes scanning the paths leading to Dunbridge.

"We need to act fast," Arielle said, her tone clipped and focused. "If we lose those supplies, it’ll set us back significantly. I suggest we dispatch a small group of guards immediately to intercept."

Wilhelmina nodded, her eyes sharp. "I agree, but we’ll need the help of the townspeople too. We can’t leave Dunbridge undefended with just the guards. Let’s rally whoever we can."

Arielle hesitated, but seeing the determination in Wilhelmina’s eyes, she nodded. Together, they moved quickly. Wilhelmina called out to the townspeople, explaining the situation and asking for volunteers to help protect the town. Her words resonated with the people, and soon, a group of strong-willed townsfolk had stepped forward, armed with whatever they could find—pitchforks, tools, anything that could be used in defense.

Meanwhile, Arielle organized a group of guards, quickly giving them instructions on how to intercept the loyalists and secure the supplies. She handed each of them a detailed map, marking key points to ensure they stayed on track.

"Remember," Arielle said, her eyes locking onto each of the guards. "We need those supplies, but more importantly, we need everyone to come back safely. Don’t engage unless absolutely necessary—just get the supplies and return."

The guards nodded, and with that, they moved out. Wilhelmina and Arielle exchanged a glance—it was time to see if their combined efforts would pay off.

Hours passed, each one feeling longer than the last. The tension in the air was palpable as Wilhelmina and Arielle waited, their eyes scanning the horizon. The townspeople had gathered in the square, anxiously awaiting news of the caravan. Wilhelmina tried to keep their spirits high, offering words of reassurance, while Arielle stood by, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her eyes never leaving the road.

Finally, a cheer went up—in the distance, the caravan came into view, escorted by the guards and the townspeople who had gone to assist. The relief was immediate, a wave that swept over everyone in the square. Arielle let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her shoulders relaxing.

As the caravan rolled into the square, Wilhelmina rushed forward to help unload the supplies, her face beaming with relief. Arielle followed, her eyes scanning the goods to ensure everything was accounted for. The townspeople gathered around, their faces filled with gratitude and hope.

"You did it," Wilhelmina said, her voice filled with admiration as she turned to Arielle. "As expected, you are great. Lyan’s words are never wrong."

Arielle looked at her, the usual sharpness in her eyes softening. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. Then, slowly, she extended her hand. "Thanks. I think... I might have learned a thing or two from you."

Wilhelmina looked at the offered hand, then smiled warmly. Instead of shaking it, she pulled Arielle into a brief, friendly embrace. Arielle stiffened at first, caught off guard, but then relaxed, her lips curling into a smile.

The two women pulled back, laughter bubbling between them—a genuine moment of camaraderie that marked the beginning of a true partnership. The competitive edge between them hadn’t disappeared, but it had transformed into something healthier, a rivalry that pushed them both to be better.

Lyan watched from a distance, leaning against a post, a smile playing on his lips. He could see the change in both women, the way they had grown to respect one another, and he knew that Grafen was in good hands. Wilhelmina and Arielle—different in so many ways, but both strong, capable, and fiercely determined.

Inside his mind, the spirits chattered, their voices filled with amusement.

(Another headstrong woman, Lyan. You sure know how to pick them)

Griselda’s voice was filled with approval, though there was a teasing edge to her words.

(They make a good team, though. I’ll give them that)

Arturia added, her tone thoughtful.

(Well, I’d say Arielle is a fine addition. She’s sharp, and she’s got fire in her. I like her)

Hestia’s voice chimed in, her usual fiery enthusiasm evident.

(Just make sure she doesn’t figure out your... other tendencies, Lyan. She might be less forgiving than the others)

Lilith’s playful voice added, making Lyan wince slightly.

He shook his head, a small smile still on his lips.

"Thanks for the reminder, Lilith. But I guess she already know it,"

(But they both respect you, Lyan. That’s a good start)

Cynthia’s gentle voice echoed, bringing warmth to Lyan’s heart.

"Yeah," he muttered to himself, watching as Wilhelmina and Arielle laughed together, surrounded by the grateful townspeople.

"It’s more than I could’ve hoped for."

With both Wilhelmina and Arielle working together, he felt confident that the cities they had acquired—Norhallow, Valmere, and Dunbridge—would soon be thriving. It was just the beginning, but it was a promising one. They had faced their first true challenge, and they had succeeded—together.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the town, Lyan pushed away from the post and began to walk towards the group, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. They still had a long road ahead, but for now, they could celebrate their success.

And Lyan had no doubt that, with allies like Wilhelmina and Arielle by his side, they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.