The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 34: Chapter 34: The Hippogriff Express

Read chapter 34 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 34: The Hippogriff Express Finally, the fateful morning had arrived. Lucius made sure to pack the essentials: extra suits (in case he felt like changing his style), a toothbrush, bath towels, combs, handkerchiefs, shampoo, snacks, and of course a pleasant-smelling cologne. The holy empire surprisingly had a large variety of them - Lucius’s favorite was ‘Seductive Wiles of a Devout Daddy’. He received it from one of the paladins. By the time he finished, his bag was practically bursting at the seams. No matter. He picked it up with one hand and waltzed out of his room with a tip-tap here and a tip-tap there. Lucius was quite excited if that wasn’t already obvious; he very much loved a good road trip. Besides, this was a chance to finally explore outside the castle. Marco and Mili were already waiting for him, their luggage noticeably barren. “You really bringin’ all that?” Marco asked, eyeing Lucius’s belongings with a bewildered expression. “Why not, Mister Bernardi? A gentleman must always be well equipped.” Mili wrinkled her nose. “Don’t you think it’ll get in the way?” “Perhaps for those of lesser skill, but I am quite confident in my bag wrangling if I do say so myself.” The musician sighed and then held out her hand. “Give it to me.” “I wouldn’t want to impose—” “No worries, I got a little something special that’ll help us out.” Lucius did as she said and handed over his bag. Mili took it, swung it around, and then… swoosh! It vanished into thin air. “Oh my, whatever was that?” Mili bid him a smug grin and then moved her arm, reaching out toward a random direction before coming into contact with something : an invisible space, one that she could reach inside which caused her limb to disappear. “It’s a new skill I got. Dunno what exactly it is , but the system calls it ‘Backstage Storage’. Basically lets me put anythin’ I want inside, except living stuff—don’t ask how I know. I’ve been using it to keep Cassie stowed away. There should be enough room to fit all our bags inside, though. I already did it with Marco’s.” Such a peculiar, yet absurdly useful boon. There wasn’t any reason to refuse so the gentleman entrusted his belongings to her. Soon, the hall began to fill with a great swathe of players, bodies restless and tense. They had gotten a taste of paradise within these walls: treated like royalty after a hellish experience not so long ago. Now, they were forced to leave onto yet another ordeal. It was no wonder the people here seemed despondent. When everyone had left their rooms, they were led to the outside, where Ruggiero awaited them. Archbishop Turpin also made an appearance. The holy man greeted them all and made a sign of oath to signify his goodwill. “Welcome, heroes. It has been some time since last we met,” he said. “I have been given the honor to perform the Blessed Anointment for your departure. It is an age-old tradition among our people, a ritual in which we may bestow strength and good fortune to the faithful gone on pilgrimage… or holy war. The demons are a vile species - take advantage of every blessing you are availed, so that this land may be purified anew.” The Archbishop clasped his hands together and began to mutter a prayer. His garb rose, it swayed under a sudden gust of wind as golden light manifested from within his body, traveled down, and then spread across the ground until it had surrounded the entire courtyard in a divine glow. Lucius felt power swell up inside him. His muscles bursted with newfound vigor! >[You have been blessed with the Mark of Fortitude. For the next thirty days, your stats will be buffed by 5%]< The Archbishop wheezed and gasped from exertion, stumbling over and requiring the help of Ruggiero to keep himself steady. “Hoho, forgive me for the unsightly display. It has been quite some time since I last personally led a rite, but these old bones still remember the feeling well. Sadly, I must return to the clergy, but know that the spirit of I, and all else in th