Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 416: The Day of Declaration

Chapter 416: The Day of Declaration

The news spread like wildfire. It began as whispers in the dark corners of taverns and back alleys, barely audible over the clink of mugs and hum of idle conversation. Then it became the loud chatter of the markets, a swell of voices carrying the message from one end of the capital to the other. By noon, it was no longer a rumor. It was official—Astellia was at war with Varzadia. The proclamation of war had been made, and it echoed through the streets of Astellia, reaching every ear, from the bustling marketplaces to the quiet homes that lay in the city’s heart.

The atmosphere shifted as people processed the news. Some reacted with disbelief, shaking their heads and muttering prayers, unwilling to accept the inevitable storm approaching their peaceful city. Merchants at the market packed up their stalls early, their eyes filled with worry as they watched the crowds thicken. Others found themselves filled with anticipation, the kind that clenched their stomachs with excitement and anxiety. It was a rare feeling, one that arose when the quiet rhythm of daily life was broken by something grander—something that would decide the future.

The streets were busier than usual. Citizens rushed from stall to stall, stocking up on essentials. Mothers gathered their children, pulling them along as they bought extra food, candles, and whatever supplies they could get their hands on. The market was a frenzy of activity, with people jostling to buy goods, the shopkeepers calling out in hoarse voices, trying to sell what remained of their inventory.

"Did you hear? It’s finally happening," a blacksmith whispered to a customer, his voice low but tinged with a hint of awe.

"Aye," the customer nodded, his face set in a grim expression. "I suppose there’s no avoiding it now. Varzadia... those bastards won’t rest until they take what’s ours."

The blacksmith let out a slow breath, shaking his head. "Let’s just hope our soldiers are ready for them. The Central Army’s marching out soon, I heard."

A group of children ran by, their laughter echoing through the market, oblivious to the tension that gripped the adults around them. An older woman watched them, her expression softening for a moment before she turned back to her wares, her hands moving with a newfound urgency.

Near the edge of the market square, a young man stood on a crate, shouting out to the gathered crowd. His voice was filled with fervor, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "This is our chance! Astellia stands strong! We will not let Varzadia take our lands, our homes! Stand with the royal family! Support our soldiers!"

The people around him nodded, some raising their fists in support. Others kept their eyes downcast, their thoughts far away, already imagining the battles that would soon unfold. The tension in the air was palpable—a mix of fear and hope, dread and excitement. The kingdom was bracing itself for what was to come, and everyone knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

The Central Army was mobilizing. Under the command of Commander Arnold, preparations for deployment began early in the morning. The sound of armor clinking, the rhythmic stomp of boots against the cobblestone streets—it all signaled the approach of Astellia’s defenders. The soldiers marched through the city, their heads held high, their faces set in determined expressions. Their armor shone in the sunlight, the polished metal gleaming, a stark contrast to the heavy mood that hung over the city.

People lined the streets, watching the procession in silence. Some waved small flags, others simply stood and stared, their eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and fear. The soldiers, in their disciplined formations, made their way through the capital, heading towards the encampment that had been set up just outside the city walls.

Commander Arnold rode at the front, his presence commanding. He moved with a sense of purpose, his eyes scanning the rows of soldiers behind him, ensuring that every man and woman was in position. The encampment was bustling with activity—tents were being pitched, supply lines established, and defensive fortifications set up. It was an organized chaos, the kind that only those well-versed in the ways of war could navigate.

Arnold dismounted, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight before him. He moved through the camp, speaking with his officers, giving orders, making sure that everything was in place. He paused near a group of soldiers, his eyes meeting theirs as he addressed them.

"Men," he began, his voice carrying over the noise of the camp, "we stand on the brink of something great. Astellia needs us now more than ever. Remember why you fight—for your homes, for your families, for the kingdom that has given us everything. Stand strong, and know that you are not alone."

The soldiers straightened, their expressions hardening with determination. Arnold nodded, a sense of pride swelling within him. He moved on, continuing his rounds, making sure that every corner of the encampment was prepared. He knew that their success would depend not just on their strength, but on their unity, their discipline, their belief in the cause they fought for.

Back at the heart of the capital, the royal castle loomed, its high towers reaching towards the sky. The balcony overlooking the central square was adorned with the banners of Astellia, the royal crest proudly displayed. Below, a massive crowd had gathered—men, women, children, all standing together, their eyes fixed on the balcony above.

A hush fell over the crowd as Prince Erich stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the sea of faces below. He took a deep breath, letting the silence stretch for a moment before he began to speak, his voice strong and unwavering.

"People of Astellia," he began, his voice carrying over the square, "today, we face a great challenge. Varzadia has declared war, seeking to take what is ours, to disrupt the peace we have worked so hard to maintain. They wish to bring chaos to our lands, to take our homes, our families, our freedom. But we will not let them."

The crowd listened in silence, their eyes fixed on the young prince. Erich’s gaze was intense, his expression filled with conviction as he continued.

"I know that many of you are afraid," he said, his voice softening for a moment. "I know that war is not something we wish for, that the thought of battle fills us with fear. But I also know this—we are strong. We are united. And together, we can face any challenge, overcome any obstacle. Astellia has faced hardships before, and we have always prevailed. This time will be no different."

He paused, his eyes sweeping across the crowd, meeting the gaze of those gathered. He could see the fear in their eyes, the uncertainty, but he could also see the spark of hope, the strength that lay beneath the surface.

"Our ancestors fought for this land," Erich continued, his voice growing stronger. "They bled for it, sacrificed everything so that we could live in peace. And now, it is our turn to defend what is ours. We will not cower in fear. We will not let Varzadia take what we have built. We will fight, and we will win, because we are Astellians—strong, proud, and unbreakable."

The crowd stirred, a murmur running through the gathered people. Erich could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the fear beginning to give way to determination. He pressed on, his voice filled with passion.

"I ask you all to stand with me," he said, his eyes blazing. "Support our soldiers. Support our kingdom. Together, we will face this threat, and we will emerge victorious. Astellia is our home, and we will protect it, no matter the cost."

His words hung in the air, the silence stretching for a moment before it was broken by a single cheer. Then another, and another, until the entire square was filled with the sound of voices rising in unison, their fear transformed into a sense of purpose. The people of Astellia cheered, their voices echoing through the streets, their loyalty and determination clear.

"For Astellia!" someone shouted, and the cry was taken up by the crowd, their voices filled with a fierce resolve. The royal banners fluttered in the breeze, and the spirit of Astellia was reignited, the people standing together, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Families embraced, tears of fear and hope mingling on their cheeks. Citizens waved banners, their voices joining in the chant that filled the square. The atmosphere was electric, the fear that had gripped the capital replaced by a sense of unity, a determination to defend their home. The spirit of Astellia was alive, burning brightly in the hearts of its people.

As the cheers filled the air, Lyan made his way towards the encampment outside the city walls. The Central Army’s camp was bustling with activity, the soldiers moving with purpose as they prepared for the upcoming battle. Lyan’s presence drew the attention of those around him, the soldiers turning to watch as he passed by. His reputation had spread, and many saw him as a symbol of strength, a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.

Commander Arnold stood near the center of the encampment, his eyes scanning the rows of tents and soldiers. He turned as Lyan approached, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Baron Evocatore," Arnold greeted, his voice filled with respect. "I’m glad you’re here. We’ve been making preparations for the upcoming battle. Let me show you what we have so far."

Lyan nodded, his eyes sharp as he followed Arnold through the camp. The commander led him to a large table, a map spread across its surface, marking the locations of Varzadia’s forces and the positions of Astellia’s defenses. Arnold gestured to the map, his expression serious.

"We’re positioning our forces along the main routes Varzadia might take," Arnold explained, his finger tracing the lines on the map. "We’ve set up defensive positions here and here, to slow their advance. Our goal is to draw them in, to make them think they have the upper hand, and then hit them with everything we have."

Lyan studied the map, his brow furrowing in thought. "It’s a solid plan," he said, his voice calm. "But we need to be ready for anything. Varzadia is cunning—they won’t follow our script."

Arnold nodded, his eyes meeting Lyan’s. "I know. But I believe in our soldiers. I believe in Prince Erich’s leadership. He’s brought us this far, and he won’t let us down now." He paused, his gaze steady. "Astellia stands united, and as long as we stand together, we can face whatever comes our way."

Lyan nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Of course, but I guess pleasantries should be skipped ofr now,"