Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love

Chapter 168 The Redania Empire (2) Obtaining Information

As Lyan made his way across the cabin, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and interest as he approached the leader of the group that had blocked his way when he first arrived. The man was sitting alone at a table, his eyes scanning the room as if he was searching for something.

Lyan approached the man, trying to keep his expression neutral. "Good evening. My name is Lyan. May I join you for a moment?"

The man looked up at Lyan, his expression unreadable. "What do you want?" he growled.

Lyan could feel the man's hostility, but it is not enough to intimidate the man that has lived in danger for hundreds of years. "I just wanted to talk to you. I noticed that you and your group blocked my way when I first arrived here, and I was curious about why."

The man's expression softened slightly. "We were just doing our job. We were hired to protect this cabin from any unwanted visitors."

Lyan nodded, understanding.

(So over-aggressive people that took his intimidation for granted would not be accepted inside, huh... I didn't think that the empire would station people in this winter cabin as well) (Lyan)

"I see. Well, I assure you that I am no threat to anyone here. I am just a traveler passing through." (Lyan)

The man looked at Lyan for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. You can sit. But be aware that I am watching you closely."

Lyan sat down across from the man, trying to keep his expression neutral. He knew that this man was a rather strong warrior, and it would be unwise to provoke him. Not because he would not be able to defeat him, but because it's better to befriend him and gather information about the empire rather than make enemies thoughtlessly.

As they sat in silence, Lyan couldn't help but study the man closely. He noticed the way he carried himself, the way he held his weapons, and the way he spoke. He could tell that this man was a highly skilled fighter and a powerful leader. The mana he's unconsciously emitting is faint, but firm. It describes his rough personality well. Firm and strong, compatible with the coldness of the north.

Finally, the man spoke. "What brings you to this cabin?"

Lyan took a deep breath, trying to think of the best way to answer the question. "I am on a journey to learn more about the world. I have heard that the Redania Empire to the north is one of the biggest and most powerful countries in the world, and I wanted to learn more about it."

The man's expression hardened. "The Redania Empire is not a place for a simple traveler like you. It's a dangerous place, full of politics and war."

Lyan nodded, understanding the man's warning. "I understand. But I am not a simple traveler. I have experience in battle and I have the skills to protect myself. I have also heard that the empire is facing internal struggles and pressure from neighboring countries. I want to know more about the situation and whether it's suitable to live there."

The man looked at Lyan for a moment, then nodded. "I can understand your curiosity. But I warn you, the empire is not a safe place. The factions are fighting for power, and the neighboring countries are looking for ways to weaken the empire."

Lyan nodded, understanding the man's warning. "I understand. But I have a strong sense of adventure and I am not afraid to take risks. I have also heard that the empire has advanced magic and technology that could be valuable for my journey."

The man looked at Lyan for a moment, then nodded. "I can see that you are determined. But I must warn you, the empire is not a place for the weak. You must be strong and clever to survive there."

Lyan nodded, understanding the man's warning. He then offered some information that could be useful for the man, "I have recently completed a goblin king subjugation with the subjugation group, and I have the knowledge and experience to fight against monstrous creatures. I've heard about how there are lots of monsters, often making trouble in the empire. It might be useful for the empire's army."

The northern region is filled with a dense amount of ice mana, and there are some places that have especially thick ice mana concentrated on a point. That concentrated mana made a certain magical phenomenon that could become the origin of a dungeon, a labyrinth, or make some passerby beasts to experience a magical transformation into a magic beast.

Those high mana concentration places are the points where magic beasts and monsters usually appear and attacked the empire. Lyan knew about them from the book he read on the Scholar's Inn, which he deemed as an important piece of information.

The man looked at Lyan with a new level of interest. "A goblin king subjugation, you say? That's impressive. I've heard the news about the goblin king's uprising in the south. But well... I can see that you are not just a simple traveler. You do seem to have real experience and skills."

Lyan nodded. "The army of the goblin king has thousands of goblins ranging from goblins to hobgoblins. We defeated them in a war that does not even reach a month with the minimum amount of casualties,"

The man leaned back in his chair, studying Lyan carefully. "I can see that you are a skilled warrior and a clever strategist. But I must warn you, the empire is not a place for the inexperienced. You must be prepared for anything."

Lyan nodded, understanding the man's warning. "I am ready for anything. I'm quite confident that I have the skills and knowledge to survive in any situation."

The man looked at Lyan for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I will give you some information about the empire. But be warned, it is not always accurate and it is not safe to rely on it."

Lyan listened carefully as the man began to tell him about the political situation in the empire, the military might, and the condition of the people. He also shared some of their secret tactics and weapons. Lyan noticed that he had to be careful not to reveal too much to anyone else, as it could put him in danger.

(I guess he's a man from the imperial army, huh? Mercenaries do not usually take secrets so faithfully as this. He might be a great soldier, but he's not a great actor, I guess) (Lyan)

As the conversation came to an end, Lyan couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had learned a lot about the Redania Empire, and he knew that this information would be valuable on his journey. There are various points where the information the man gave him is just vague, but it's because of his dedication to his duty. Lyan carefully filtered and connected the bits of information the man gave him and neatly organized them inside his head.

As Lyan is about to thank the man, a voice chimes in.

"Hey, Lyan! The food is ready! Let's eat! You too, tough guy! Come!" One of the merchant groups called toward them.

Lyan stared at the man before him once again, and saw him chuckle.

"The name is Haldor, Lyan. Looks like you've managed to befriend them in such a short moment. Come on, merchants values connections, especially in dangerous regions like this. It's best to comply," The man, Haldor, stands and went to the group of merchants that have started to distribute the food to everyone.

Following him, Lyan went to the group and ate together with them. Maybe because of the hot food, it feels like not just their stomach, but the atmosphere around them inside the winter cabin has also become warmer.

Lyan could hear the sound of some horses neighing outside, it might be, no, it must be the aggressive black horse, Shadow's work, but he disregard it.

(It must be colder at the stables, I guess I'll let him do whatever he wants today. But I hope that he won't make the merchants' mares too exhausted and die) (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