The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 15: Chapter 15: This Is the Part Where Lucius Dies(?)

Read chapter 15 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 15: This Is the Part Where Lucius Dies(?) After making sure Marco and Mili were out of sight, Lucius left the room and sauntered right back to Mister Thame’s hideaway. A measly stab wound did little to impede the gentleman’s lively step, but he couldn’t look too healthy. Lucius still had a role to play. Once he arrived, a foul stench quickly invaded his nostrils. There the young Jack laid, wheezing for air, while his arm bubbled and churned like a freakish stew from all the filth nesting inside. It was a wonder how the man managed to remain conscious; Lucius’s own injury looked quite paltry in comparison. “You’re… you’re back.” Jack’s eyes immediately lit up upon seeing Lucius’s face, but that joy soon turned into horror. “W-What happened? Were you attacked—” Yes, yes, by now Lucius already knew the drill. The young Jack’s reaction was practically identical to the others - nothing new. All he had to do now was repeat his prior performance, albeit this time laying the blame on the opposite side. Some changes had to be made since the whole ‘madness by poison“ excuse wouldn’t work. After a bit of brainstorming, Lucius decided to emphasize the duo’s lack of sleep as the main culprit for their supposed delirium. “They were erratic, dangerous!” he cried, pouring out his heart. “I tried to help, I really did, but alas I fear my words failed to reach them. Mister Bernardi and Miss Mili were not given the same luxury as we to rest their weary minds. It is no wonder they went mad, wandering the halls for hours on end, constantly fearing for their life… they must’ve believed me to be some sort of hallucination or a trap wrought by the maze. I’m lucky to have escaped with my life.” Jack replied in a predictable manner. He showed disbelief, then panic, and then a steeled resolve. “There must be something we can do!” he said, standing up with a vigorous cheer… only to stumble back upon his rear. His determination was all well and good, but unlike his other companions, Jack had not the stamina to go running off on a heroic quest. Fortunately, Lucius pulled him back from the brink of courage. The young man cursed at himself and curled up into a ball. Now, Jack was more powerless than ever. “Maybe… If I…” He mumbled something, what exactly Lucius couldn’t tell, but there was a drastic shift in his expression: hesitant, frightened, but most of all—deranged. As if whatever he planned to do was his absolute last resort. Jack quickly shook his head and appeared to abandon the thought. Instead, he turned to Lucius and sought his aid. “I’m sorry to ask you this when you’re already injured, Lucius, but—” Lucius raised his hand. “Say no more, Mister Thames. You need not apologize. I will be the one to seek out Marco and Mili. They are my precious cohorts just as much as they are yours, and this time, I will be prepared. Expect good news the next time you see me!” Lucius was just about to make his way out when he suddenly turned around and gestured for Jack’s spear. “Ah, if it is not too much trouble, would it be okay if I borrowed your spear once more? Having another weapon would greatly put me at ease.” Jack chuckled and handed it over without a second thought. “Take it. I’m in no shape to use it right now anyway.” With a deep bow, Lucius bid him farewell for the second time this day. It would not be the last. Firstly, Lucius headed towards the west where the duo should be stumbling about, and true to word he found them absolutely exasperated: knocking on the walls and maintaining a sharp eye for any possible tracks. They were far away from Jack’s hideout - so far in fact that the young man wouldn’t be able to hear a thing even if Lucius shouted right now. “Righty-ho, then. Time for another magnificent performance.” Lucius followed the pair until they entered a hall with one of those trap bricks. It was the perfect spot, right near a corner, so he could wait until Marco and Mili were far enough along that they wouldn’t be able to reach him. A