The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 107: Chapter 106: This Is For Your Own Good

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Chapter 106: This Is For Your Own Good Before Sir Ganelon and Lucius could partake in a lovely stroll deep underground, there was business the both of them had to settle. The High Tribunal, through gritted teeth, played the host for his new Saracen arrivals and spent the latter part of the evening discussing matters relating to trade and new transport routes. Lucius was by Mister Ibn-al-Arabi’s side during the whole process as their guarantor; and thus, the gentleman smoothly shut down any attempt by the High Tribunal to worm his way out of a cooperative alliance. Lucius could see a question burning in the man’s head all throughout their talks: Just what happened in Arabia? Why did a people so drenched in hate of the Franks now choose to willingly join hands and call each other friend? He could not even reveal the Emir's prior treachery without potentially exposing his own. With Sir Medoro in attendance as well to serve as representative of the Levantine warriors, plans to expand to other countries proceeded along quite nicely. Ganelon tried to spout lack of manpower as an excuse to avoid sending guards for the caravans run by the Saracens, but the good Medoro countered him swiftly and cited using their own people. Arabia wasn’t so weak that it needed to rely on foreign powers for protection, and soon, the meeting came to a delightful close with a promise and a signed contract denoting their new partnership. Ganelon was livid. “You are a tricky man, Sir Lucius,” the High Tribunal had said to him before the gathering fully dispersed. “Are you sure you don’t want to work for me? It’s not too late. Your methods and character align much more with mine than that of Roland’s naive retinue. Had we met under different circumstances, we would’ve gotten along like kindred brothers, hm?” Lucius smiled and pretended to consider the man’s proposal for a moment, before letting him down with a polite bow. “There isn't a reason we cannot treat each other like that right now, no? My doors are always open for a dandy fellow such as yourself, should you ever desire a cup of tea.” “Hah, perhaps I will one day. That is, if you’re still alive by then…” With that last ominous bit out of the way, Ganelon pushed his way out of the room and disappeared into the halls of the castle. It was late. With few left remaining to entertain the gentleman, Lucius set off toward the bathhouse for a quick soak, the mess hall for a midnight meal after, and finally back to the familiar comforts of his Frankish abode. What met him upon his arrival however was his three plucky companions. Marco, Mili, and Harper stood by the door, their faces cast in a worrisome glow. “About time,” Mili said, stretching her arms out as a yawn escaped her throat. “I was starting to think I’d pass out on my legs before that old fart finally let you free.” “Apologies, Miss Mili. My duties as Peer are vast, and also require the assembly of many lengthy exchanges,” Lucius replied. “But oh my, to what do I owe the pleasure of this late night rendezvous?” Harper glanced around to make sure no one was watching them, before pulling Lucius and the others into the room. It seemed this discussion was one she wished to keep private. “Something’s wrong around here,” the firefighter said. “Marco and I tried to talk with the other players while you were gone, get some information and all that, but… they were acting pretty shifty. It’s odd. Besides the folks who came with us to Arabia, everyone else is doing a poor job of pretending like we’re not here.” Lucius raised his brow. “Oh? That is quite peculiar.” Marco joined in with a big sigh, seating himself down on the bed. “The miss ain’t even started yet. I used to see it all the time back when I was a runt, you know—the eyes of a man who’s gettin’ ready to jump ship. The nerves makes them jittery. They try to spout nonsense about being all in this together, when they’re the ones ready to betray their family just for a quick buck. It’s the same thing h