The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The False Martyr

Read chapter 58 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 58: The False Martyr Ruggiero hurriedly rushed the group inside and sat them in a quaint living room full of potted plants and dangling flowers, similar to the ones Lucius had seen outside. They were of fascinating appearance: red and green in color, but unlike ordinary flora, had ribbon-like petals that curved into a spiral. Lucius busied himself with studying the blooms while the good Ruggiero prepared a pot of tea. “I am thankful for your visit…” he began, steeping a bag of herbs and spices into the liquid. “But this is much too dangerous. Sir Ganelon has my home under constant watch: What if someone had seen you?” Bradamante stood up from her chair and gently approached the man, before wrapping her arms around his waist. “Do you really think I’d be that careless? Relax, love. I already inspected the surroundings; any rogues trailing you have already been dealt with. They’ll wake up from a nice little nap in about an hour.” Lucius did notice a few unsavory sorts skulking about, but when exactly the lady had the chance to ‘handle’ them, he knew not. Bradamante was with their company the whole time. “... May I remind you we are in the presence of others?” Ruggiero said, embarrassed by her clear display of affection. “What’s the point in keeping it a secret to them? The otherworlders don’t care, right you lot?” The others nodded and gestured for her to continue. Who were they to stop young love? Well, not exactly young. The Peers appeared to be in their early forties, but their courtship was as innocent as any budding couple. “Besides, we don’t get many chances to be honest like this together. At least among other people.” Ruggiero winced and turned his head away, distracting himself over preparing the tea. “You know what the public would do to us should they discover our fondness for each other. I do not wish to see them cast their eyes upon you with the same prejudice as they do me.” Bradamante let out a sigh and nestled her head on his shoulder. “You know I don’t care about such things. Let them judge me all they want.” “And that is why I must care in your stead.” Ruggiero finished with his arrangements and brought out a humble clay teapot to the party. Everything, from the cups to the cutlery, seemed to have been hand made, and Ruggiero dutifully set the table as Bradamante watched him with a frustrated concern. “I am not worth sullying the respect and admiration you’ve amassed over the years. The paladins look up to you; the people treasure you. What kind of scoundrel would I be if I were to let the one I love willingly forsake all her prestige for the sake of one insignificant man?” Bradamante scowled and grabbed his hand. “Please don’t talk about yourself like this, as if you’re a burden weighing me down.” “Sometimes I cannot help but think so. How much happier would you have been had I not attracted your affection? You would not need to risk your reputation, nor sneak around the city like some unsavory night-walker. The fault lies with me for lowering you to such a life.” Now, Lucius wasn’t opposed to watching a good drama unfold before him, but the mood was admittedly becoming rather uncomfortable. His companions squirmed in their seats and did their best to politely ignore the couple’s fight. Whether they did so inconspicuously… well, that was debatable. “Let us postpone this discussion for a later date,” Ruggiero said, motioning to the gentleman’s party. “Please?” Bradamante rubbed her face in annoyance, but eventually relented and sat herself with an irate ‘harrumph’ next to Lucius. “You’re not running away from this again. I hope you know that.” Ruggiero chuckled and poured drinks for everyone. Interestingly enough, the liquid was a soft blue despite the brown spices used in the tincture. Lucius took a sip and let warmth overtake him as a refreshing taste traveled down his throat: sweet, fruity, with a tartness similar to a well-picked raspberry. “Oh-hoh, would you be so kind as to enlighten me with the na