The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 54: Chapter 54: A Parade to Remember

Read chapter 54 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 54: A Parade to Remember The next morning, Lucius and his fellow players were taken back out onto the courtyard, where Sir Roland stood begrudgingly near a carefree Ganelon. The dandy fellow was all smiles and waved toward the players with a hearty laugh and the occasional wink. If it weren’t for what Lucius saw the night before, one might’ve thought his actions to be genuine. “Welcome back, heroes! I trust your rest has been well?” Ganelon said, leaving them not a chance to reply before blatantly continuing on. “Good, good. Now, I understand that some of you may be feeling a bit… disturbed after your encounters with the demons. It pains my heart to see you all so downtrodden, but never to fear! Sir Roland and I have joined hands to come up with a fitting activity to lighten your spirits.” Ganelon clapped his hands, and soon, a large procession filled with all sorts of colorful and flamboyant decorations began to pour out of the castle. It looked like a circus parade: There were floats shaped into images of beasts and stars, marching bands that played joyful tunes, and even performers dressed in costumes of gold and white and black. Lucius had not a clue how Ganelon managed to set all of this up in the span of a single morning, but he couldn’t help but be impressed by the display. Say what you would about his character—the man knew how to put on a good show. “Francia is ever grateful for your selfless aid during these times,” he continued, gesturing to the parade with a satisfied smile. “And thus we thought to ourselves… how could we possibly ever thank you for all you’ve done? As much as I’d like to prostrate myself and sing your praises all day long, I am but one man. My voice can only carry so much power; but what of the voices of many?” He chuckled and threw his arms out toward the city beyond the castle gates. “That is why I’ve organized a grand spectacle for your enjoyment—a march through the city so that you may personally hear, and feel, the people’s support! Yes, you are heroes after all. You should be worshipped. You deserve to see all those you have dutifully protected: the families, the homes, and of course the children. Don’t you like children? You’ll see many of them, and they all will be cheering your names.” Roland grumbled and covered his face in embarrassment. It was impressive how easily Ganelon flattered the players, and though the Head Peer looked as if he wished he could be anywhere else, he stood in place and monitored the scene with a watchful eye. Despite their differences, the two factions appeared to have come to an agreement—at least in regards to this one matter. Roland pulled Ganelon back and stepped forth to deliver his own speech. “I apologize for the suddenness of this gathering. We originally planned to inform you of our preparations in advance, but Sir Ganelon insisted that this be a surprise.” “Right you are, my boy!” Ganelon interrupted. “Where would the fun in that be? The best gifts are those you never expect.” “... Regardless, it is true that we wish to hold celebrations for your people. It is no easy thing to fight for the sake of another land, even more so when the very people you’ve sworn to protect look at you with scorn. I am not unknowing of the hostility within the castle, and it shames me that such unfounded claims have been allowed to spread so readily. But know this: we of Francia are truly grateful for your presence here. Rather than empty words, we will show you in person.” Roland nodded and outstretched his arms before the players. “With this procession, we hope that the bond between us star-crossed people may deepen ever further. And you will not be alone.” A few familiar faces emerged from within the parade. Olivier the scholar, Archbishop Turpin, and even Lady Bradamante: they each rode their own personally-decorated float. It seemed that all the influential figures within the castle were joining them, except for Ruggiero of course, whether they wished to or not.