The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 72: Chapter 71: The First Unraveling

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Chapter 71: The First Unraveling It was much later in the evening that Lucius’s party, one by one, began to stir awake and left their rooms whilst blurry-eyed and yawning, along with the rest of the otherworlders. They had slept for the entire day. Though, it was no surprise. The warm blankets, the soft bedding, and the ever-comforting assurance knowing they could rest peacefully behind guarded walls… it would all come to an end today. For henceforth, the expedition no longer planned to visit the other cities. Only the distant wilds awaited them now. Fortunately, the gentleman was no stranger to camping! He had ‘roughed it out’ or as the saying went many times in his youth. His most lively memory was of his jaunt through the Amazon Rainforest while accompanying an expedition of Spanish explorers in their search for the lost city of gold: El Dorado. As it turned out, the legend was real. The curses associated with it were, also, very much real as well. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road,” Mili said, jolting herself awake with a small zap from her finger. Her frizzy hair shot up like thin needles, before spreading out and falling back naturally into her typical, punk-rock style. Interesting trick. “How’re we all feeling?” Marco cracked his back and showed off his polished gauntlet. “Never better. Don’t think we need to worry all that much, anyways. That paladin fella, Renaud, seems like he knows what he’s doin’.” Harper carefully checked her utility belt, making sure she was fully stocked with potions, tools, and anything else the group might need for their journey, and then strapped her gear to her bulky firefighter outfit. The good miss never left anywhere without it on. In fact, Lucius could count all the times he saw her face with his fingers: a grand total of three in these past few months they’d known each other. “Still, we should be careful,” she said, holstering her axe. “The last time we were confident, that thing showed up and almost massacred us all. I’m not letting my guard down ever again, no matter how capable Sir Renaud or that other priestly guy might be.” The three of them suddenly hardened their expressions, and they nodded to each other, bonded in a silent pledge. Compared to them, Lucius was all smiles. He skipped toward the exit of their inn and gestured his companions to follow after. “Now, now, let us not be overcome with so grim a mood already, hm? I trust in our Frankish allies. Besides, if such a fiend were to ever approach again, I shall be among the first to know.” He encouraged them to relax their nerves, and thus they emerged together out onto the streets. Other members of the expedition were already waiting; and they soon lined themselves up in formation as the carriages were brought back out. Interestingly enough, however, there was a strange contraption attached to the roofs that resembled giant steel umbrellas. They stretched out and shadowed a wide area large enough so that all of the expeditioners could snugly fit inside. At the very middle of the covering was a beam that rose high up toward the clouds, almost as if it were acting as a lightning rod. The Order’s visit to this city wasn’t just for relaxation, it seemed. They had these things installed for a reason. Just as Lucius began to ponder over their peculiar use, Sir Renaud and Sir Maugris walked out of the neighboring tavern along with the other important officers. The two Peers soon noticed Lucius, and they beckoned him with a wave. “Do forgive me, but it appears I am needed,” the gentleman said, bidding his companions farewell. “I shall return in a moment—hopefully with some insight into our future operations.” The three nodded and headed down where the other players were gathered. Lucius, meanwhile, leisurely made his way to the front. “Lucius, I see you are well rested,” Renaud said, greeting him with the Trinity’s sign. Sir Maugris did so as well, but there was a slight unrest in the man’s eyes. It appeared Lucius’s words th