The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 31: Chapter 31: A Closing Ceremony of Thunder

Read chapter 31 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 31: A Closing Ceremony of Thunder Marco raised his fist up high in celebration, before promptly falling onto his knees - very much drained from the lady’s ordeal. Sir Ruggiero ran over to lend him aid. To his surprise, though, the old mobster was in much better health than he seemed. The bruises and cuts on his skin had already begun to heal, courtesy of his supposed healing skill. “You have the vitality of a giant, Sir Marco,” Ruggiero said in awe. There wasn’t much he needed to do, but the man diligently invoked his spells nonetheless. Marco made a full recovery not long after and thanked him. “Us Brooklyn folk are a hardy people,” he said, letting out a deep laugh from the belly. “Just, uh, count me out if the miss ever wants to spar again. Gettin’ beat up once is plenty ‘nuff.” Bradamante walked over and shook her head. “Why not? In a month’s time, you may just become my equal. It’s not unlikely for a man of your persistence.” “I appreciate the thought, but save some of that bloodlust for the kids, eh? Smack them around - can’t have the lads fallin’ behind this old fella.” Bradamanate gave him a sly, knowing look. The paladin wasn’t stupid, and for a moment she appeared all too ready to call Marco out on his excuse, but fortunately he was spared of the embarrassment. “How admirable of you, Sir Marco. To care so much for your fellows… very well. I was going to delegate command over to Ruggiero, but after listening to your good-natured plea, I have decided to personally lead the training myself.” The color in Marco’s face paled. Perhaps he should’ve kept his mouth shut. Bradamante laughed and playfully patted his back. “But first, I am a knight of my word. You struck me, true and fair, so it’s only right I grant a fitting reward.” Soon, an attendant rushed forth with a tray covered in cloth. Bradamante unveiled it with a dramatic swoosh, and there, sparkling with a luster that would make even the sun(s) shiver, was an array of incredibly grandiose weapons. “This here’s my private collection - all the blades and steel that kept me alive during the crusades. I have no use for them now, but perhaps you’ll find one that suits your needs.” Marco stared at the pile for a moment, before eventually picking a large gauntlet with a ruby embedded in the middle. “I like the look of this one.” She nodded in approval. “The Rubicante, a fine choice. I prefer the lance myself so I scarcely wielded it. I’m sure the gauntlet would much prefer to be in the hands of a brawler. Why don’t you try it on? If it doesn’t fit, I can always call upon a blacksmith.” So she said, but the moment Marco put his hand in the gauntlet, it shrunk down in size. Lady Bradamante gawked at the sight. “... You otherworlders wield strange powers, indeed.” She didn’t try to make sense of it - likely for the best. The gauntlet gleamed a crimson red. When Marco clenched it, flames spouted from the side and wreathed his hand in a sweltering inferno - blazing with a force that could disfigure a man in an instant. He couldn’t use it continuously, however. After a minute his body began to shudder from the backlash. “It’s definitely… got a good kick to it,” he gasped, yanking it off. “Quite. It burns not only foes, but the master as well. I daresay you are of the few who can truly master it, Sir Marco. Your body has an uncanny resistance to pain.” He sighed. “Just my luck. Well, I’m thankful either way. Thanks for the gift, miss.” “Of course. My doors are always open if you wish to challenge me again.” “Eh… I wouldn’t count on it.” Marco thanked her again and then made his way back to his seat, where a very enthusiastic Mili awaited him with a big thumbs up. “See? I knew you could do it!” she said. Lucius joined her, complimenting the man for putting on a good show. “It truly was an impressive display, Mister Bernardi. I doubt there’s any among this audience who could clash equally with such a powerful knight.” Marco’s face flushed, and he shooed the two off with an