The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Finding Hope

Read chapter 44 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 44: Finding Hope The rites were completed quickly. The paladins and players who had fallen to the demons flew away into the sky, fluttering as beautiful petals of gold and white. The audience bowed their heads like before, but there was no longer a darkness in their eyes; no, rather than grieve over but another weekly sacrifice, the lives here today bespoke of another, brighter, future. The players would only grow from here - gain more experience both literal and metaphorical. The demons were no longer an intimidating, unstoppable menace. They were crudely drawn fodder by which to gain greater reward, and strength, and to release all the pain and anger the players had suffered after being brought into this game without choice. But none were so jolly as the good Ogier. The man’s demeanor had completely changed since the day they met. His glower and fierce eye now relaxed, softened, and it was then that one could truly see how the years had affected him: his sagging, drooping cheeks; his skin gouged into deep scars; and a tired slouch. He was old. The man looked to be in his sixties, and yet still he dutifully kept his position here as fortress commander. It was after the closing ceremonies that he announced a surprising order: to hold a feast. Apparently some of the players had gone down to the kitchens after being disappointed one too many times by the meagre, tasteless provisions supplied. It was simple things like dried stalk, bread, and more bread. For a modern soul, that was simply unacceptable. All ingredients were personally sourced from the Starlit Shop. There, they found quality meats such as prime-grade ribeyes, lamb chops, pork and chicken and seafood - in their raw forms of course; but that was no problem to those proficient in the art of cookery. Soon, delectable platters of food were brought out to the hungry masses out on the courtyard, and the fortress lit up in merry celebration: gorging, drinking, and mingling among their otherworldly compatriots. When the Franks were greeted with meat, however, they reacted with quite the surprise. Lucius and his party were fortunate enough to be seated next to Ogier and some of the high-ranking paladins among the Order, as thanks for contributing the most to the defense. Marco, Mili, and Harper quickly dug in, but the Peer wasn’t as eager. “How curious that your people can feast on beastkind,” he said. “I did happen to notice that your banquets in the capital were deprived of such foodstuff,” Lucius replied, diligently arranging his plate until everything was neatly organized for proper consumption. “Is it perhaps out of religious reason?” Ogier gave him a funny look. “Not quite. Beasts simply taste horrid - too much gristle and muscles are dense. We have tried tenderizing, simmering, and boiling. But none have succeeded in making them edible. That is why I am surprised. Do your people have jaws of steel?” Lucius laughed and encouraged the bearded man to take a bite. “I doubt our mouths are any different than yours, my friend. The livestock of my home world is likely much smaller than the creatures you have here.” “Quite.” Ogier picked up a chicken wing and cautiously inspected it. “This looks like the appendage of the man-eating Jabberwock, albeit more puny. Many a paladin have fallen before its bite. Before the demonic invasion, that is.” “We call them chickens on earth. I assure you they do not eat men or women there.” Ogier glanced at Lucius one last time before hesitantly taking a bite. “Hm… it is good.” The man took another, and another, until his plate was piled high in meat. The other paladins seemed assured by his enthusiasm and began to partake in the dishes themselves. “I will have another.” This time he carved himself a piece of steak. “Ah, this one resembles the Adler Flower.” “Adler?” Lucius questioned. “Does that not mean eagle in your language?” “Yes. The Adler Flowers are the sprouted remains of the Imperial Eagle. She fed the first emperor Her flesh