Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love

Chapter 167 The Redania Empire (1) The Night At The Winter Cabin

As Lyan and his group reached the winter cabin, they were greeted by the warm fire in the fireplace and the smell of hot food coming from the kitchen. Lyan quickly settled in, making sure that Shadow and the winter wolves were taken care of before heading inside to rest.

As he sat down at a table near the fireplace, he couldn't help but observe the other travelers that shared the cabin with him. He noticed the way they carried themselves, the clothes they wore, and their manner of speech. He knew that by studying these small details, he could identify their profession and personality.

One group caught Lyan's attention. They were a group of merchants, their clothes were made of fine fabrics and adorned with gold thread. They carried themselves with an air of confidence and importance, and their manner of speech was refined and polished. Lyan could tell that they were successful in their trade and had likely been traveling for a while.

(They are people from different groups... That warning from the rough-looking guy before... Was it just a test...?) (Lyan)

As he was about to turn away, one of the merchants caught his eye and gave him a friendly smile. Lyan, feeling a little surprised but also curious, decided to approach them and strike up a conversation.

"Good evening, travelers. My name is Lyan. May I know your names?" Lyan said with a friendly tone.

The merchant who smiled at him earlier introduced himself as Aric, and the rest of the group followed suit. They were a friendly group, and Lyan found himself enjoying their company as they shared stories of their travels and their trade.

Aric, seeing that Lyan was interested in their trade, offered lots of tricks and tips for trading for Lyan. While in truth, Lyan is trying his best to not show the bitter smile he's itching to show because of the sharp comments resounding inside his mind every time the young merchant before him confidently talks about his trade secrets.

(Proud and foolish guy, it's the utmost rule for merchants to not give our secret of trades to anyone. It's not a matter of generosity or sincerity or anything, it's a kind of manner since it could greatly affect the amount of trust and our credibility. The more you spout such things the more it sounds like bullshit, after all. What an idiot) (Hestia)

Hestia's words are as sharp and hot as her flame mana. Lyan could only make a bitter smile on his heart so as to not offend the young merchant before him.

As the night went on, Lyan also observed other travelers in the cabin. He noticed a group of warriors, their armor and weapons were well-worn and well-maintained. They carried themselves with an air of confidence and strength, and their manner of speech was rough and direct. He could tell that they were skilled fighters and had likely been in many battles.

He also noticed a group of scholars, their clothes were made of simple fabrics and they carried themselves with an air of intelligence and curiosity. Their manner of speech was cultured and educated, and Lyan could tell that they were well-versed in many subjects.

(I guess it's time to gather the information about the empire as much as possible) (Lyan)

As Lyan sat listening to the merchants' stories, he couldn't help but think about the Redania Empire, the powerful country to the north that was known for its military might. He knew that if he wanted to learn more about it, he would have to talk to someone who had firsthand experience.

So, after saying goodbye to the merchants, Lyan made his way over to the group of warriors. As he approached, they looked up at him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

"Good evening, warriors. My name is Lyan. May I join you for a moment?" Lyan said, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

The leader of the group, a tall, broad-shouldered man named Garret, nodded and gestured for Lyan to sit down. Lyan got the information about his name from conversing with the merchants before. In just a short time, the merchants gathered the information about the group for quite a lot which made Lyan admire their communication and information-gathering skills.

"What brings you to our table, Lyan?" Garret asked, his voice rough and direct.

"I was just wondering if any of you have had any experience with the Redania Empire," Lyan said, trying to sound as casual as possible.

The warriors looked at each other, and Lyan could see the hesitation in their eyes. He knew that they were probably wary of revealing too much information, but he was determined to learn more about the empire.

"We've had some experience with the Redania Empire," Garret said finally. "We're traveling mercenaries, and we've been hired by their military on a few occasions."

Lyan's heart skipped a beat. This was exactly the kind of information he was looking for.

"Can you tell me more about the empire? I've heard that it's one of the biggest and most powerful countries in the world," Lyan said, trying to sound as interested as possible.

Garret looked at Lyan for a moment, then nodded. "The Redania Empire is definitely one of the biggest and most powerful countries in the world. They have a strong military, and they're known for their advanced tactics and weapons. They're also one of the wealthiest countries, with a strong economy and a high standard of living for their citizens."

Lyan listened intently, trying to absorb as much information as possible. He knew that he couldn't push too hard or the warriors would become suspicious, but he was determined to learn as much as he could.

"What's the political situation like in the empire? Are there any factions or groups that are causing problems?" Lyan asked, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Garret hesitated for a moment, then leaned in closer to Lyan. "The empire is currently facing some internal struggles. There are a few factions that are trying to overthrow the emperor, but so far, they haven't been successful. The empire is also facing some pressure from neighboring countries, but they're holding their own."

Lyan nodded, taking in this new information. He could see that the warriors were becoming more relaxed, and he knew that he needed to keep the conversation going.

"What about the military? What kind of tactics and weapons do they use?" Lyan asked, trying to sound as curious as possible.

Garret smiled, and Lyan could see a hint of pride in his eyes. "The Redania Empire has one of the most advanced militaries in the world. They use a combination of traditional weapons and modern technology to gain an advantage on the battlefield. They also have a highly trained and skilled officer corps that's able to adapt to any situation."

Lyan listened, amazed at the level of detail and knowledge that the warriors had about the empire. He knew that he couldn't push too hard, but he was determined to learn as much as he could.

"Can you tell me more about their secret tactics and weapons?" Lyan asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Garret's expression turned serious. "I'm afraid I can't reveal too much information about that. It's classified and could put us in danger if it got out. But I can tell you that they have some of the most advanced magic and technology in the world. They're always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead of their enemies."

Lyan nodded, understanding the warriors' reluctance to reveal too much information. He knew that he had to be careful not to push too hard or he could risk losing their trust.

"I understand. Thank you for sharing what you can with me. I truly appreciate it," Lyan said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.

Garret nodded, and Lyan could see the hint of a smile on his face. "It was our pleasure. We're always happy to share information with someone who's genuinely interested in the empire."

Garret seems to be proud enough for the empire, looking at his reaction affirms Lyan's doubt.

(These guys are not just traveling mercenaries... It's either they are actually Redania Empire's soldiers, or they are mercenaries that were born in the empire. Their affection for the empire is too much for mere mercenaries...) (Lyan)

Lyan then shifted his gaze, and the sight of the leader of the group that blocked his way when he first arrived at the winter cabin entered his sight. He indeed has the demeanor of a military man, Lyan could see how observant his eyes are and could feel his strength just by a glance.

(I guess I'll try talking to him) (Lyan)

___________________________________________________________________________

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,797,710,950 Elnes / 3797 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers

Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 2 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow

Equipment: Black leather cloak, Leather Armor, Breastplate, 2 Health Potions, 2 Poison Vials

Grimoire's Companions: 8 High Spirits, 3 Valkyrie, Shadow Goblin Lord (Lv. 5), Papilio Slime (Lv. 45), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 45), Rock Golem (Lv. 50), Deadlight (Lv. 63), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 9), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12)

Grimoire's Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army