The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Can't Lose If I Play Both Sides

Read chapter 52 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 52: Can't Lose If I Play Both Sides “What is the meaning of this, Ganelon?” an elder said, their face red with anger. Out of all currently present, they were the ones perhaps the most confused by the situation. Ganelon was by their side leading them but a short moment ago; yet here he was now, sticking close to Ruggiero and treating him as if the two were jolly good compatriots. Ruggiero, to say the least, was very conflicted by this. Roland and Bradamante were similarly cautious. “Oh, come now. What’s with those faces?” Ganelon said with a great big guffaw. “I just think that we might be treating our friend here a bit too harshly.” Ruggiero turned his head and stared at Ganelon with an incredulous expression. “Were you not the one who advocated for my jailing?” “Oh-hoh, still holding a grudge, hm?” Ganelon solemnly nodded his head and made a sad face like a child being scolded. “Forget about all that, Ruggiero. The past is the past. What matters now is what I can do for you . Surely you won’t deny my help, right? Yes?” Ruggiero didn’t have a chance to reply before Ganelon grabbed his shoulder and pulled him in for a dramatic pose as if the two were about to set off on a grand adventure. “I knew you’d listen to reason! Do forgive me for all of that ‘traitor’ and ‘imprisonment’ business from before—no hard feelings. It’s just politics. We are all children of the Lord; I’m simply doing what I think is best for the sake of the faith.” To that, Sir Roland gave Ganelon a doubtful look and tried to peel him away from Ruggiero. It didn’t work. “What is your objective here, uncle? Do not attempt to spit excuses. I know full well what kind of man you are.” Ganelon gasped in mock pain and placed his hand over heart. “Your words wound me, Roland. No schemes here—none! And must I remind you that I am technically your foster father; I expect to be treated as such.” “Respect must be earned. After all these years you’ve spent attempting to undermine my position, you should be thankful that I only deign to speak with a curt tone.” Ganelon clicked his tongue and wagged his finger. “Undermine? Nonsense, I’ve only ever provided my counsel. It is your choice whether you wish to listen or disregard it, my lovely stubborn nephew.” Ganelon had a very peculiar ability to both infuriate and sway those around him. Sometimes they didn’t even realize it. The paladins and priests were both dancing along to his cunning tune, unaware that he was leading them exactly where he wanted. >[Sinister Interdimensional Bureaucrat says that Ganelon reminds them of a certain someone]< >[Number 1 Rated Salesman 1997 suggests you should stick next to the man. It’s not everyday you find a competent swindler]< After a moment, the elders of the conservative faction finally lost their patience and cried out towards Ganelon with an irate indictment. “Do you truly dare to go against us, Ganelon? High Tribunal you may be, but the voices of us, the Lord’s most faithful, shall never be silenced. We motion for punishment! Even if you are to pardon Ruggiero now, we will hold as many retrials as needed to deliver the righteous verdict of God.” Ganelon’s jovial demeanor broke for just a split second—a flash unnoticed by all except for Lucius… and Roland. His smile disappeared, the light in his eyes dimmed, and he regarded the priests as if they were worth no more than dirt. But he quickly assumed his mask once more and waltzed out before them with open arms. “Now, now, my fellows, it was not my intention to dismiss the court. But know that God has also assigned me a duty, and that is to provide a fair and impartial judgement.” The priests stammered amongst themselves and did their best to come up with a rebuttal. “What else is there to decide? Ruggiero’s negligence led to the slaughter of our heroes.” “It was not negligence. An unfortunate tragedy, really, but he fought to aid Ogier. He rushed to a comrade in need and prevented further casualties of our people: such is a shi