The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Prove Your Might

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Chapter 29: Prove Your Might Lucius had been introduced to a great many individuals ever since his arrival here, but the two holy knights that stepped forth certainly left a lasting impression. The lady known as Bradamante had long, flowing, and vibrant ginger hair, like the color of a warm sunrise (at least one back at his home dimension), and her facial features carried a rugged grit hardened after many a battle. She looked similar to the other natives of Francia - save for her skin which was beset with countless little scars and faint wounds. Sir Ruggiero, on the other hand, was completely different. He looked nothing like the people here. His skin was much darker, comparable to one of Northern African ancestry, and rather than a sharp gaze, he looked more calm—more mellow. The man exuded a welcoming atmosphere: soft eyes, a wide smile, and a humble countenance that saw neither discrimination nor hierarchy. The two couldn’t be any more dissimilar to the other, appearance-wise at least, but there was a certain harmony in their joint partnership. They complimented for each’s lacking aspects, and they never strayed too far: keeping a close distance and covering for their blind spots as if they were maintaining a tight formation in the midst of war. Lucius wondered if they were doing it unconsciously - they didn’t seem to be aware of this subtle dynamic. Lady Bradamante walked forward and patted the Archbishop’s shoulder. “Thank you, Father Turpin. And greetings to you all. I am Bradamante, head instructor for the paladins of the Sacred Order. Our division is responsible for the defense and peacekeeping of the Empire’s capital. It is here by which all aspiring knights first learn to hold a weapon and master the art of combat. To my side is your vice instructor, but no less a warrior than me, Sir Ruggiero of the Moors.” The man nodded and bowed his head. “It is a great honor to be a member of the Twelve Peers.” The female knight beheld the audience for a moment, examining them with a careful eye. It didn’t take long before she breathed a sigh and spoke again with, noticeably less, caution. “Sir Roland has informed me of your… unfamiliarity with battle. Nonetheless, you have been brought here and granted the blessing of our Lord. I dare not question the reason why, but as such, it is my duty to ensure you leave here at least with enough training to not die a miserable death. I don’t expect you lot to become as proficient as full-fledged knights - there’s not enough time for that.” Her formal tone quickly changed as if flipping a switch. Lucius was taken aback for a second, but he supposed this felt more natural than the forced courtesy of before. “Just by looking at the state of your bodies, I can see that the knights’ formations will be too great a strain for you. We’ll have to start with basic drills, build up endurance, and mold your physique into one somewhat capable enough to hold a blade. Ruggiero and I will craft a detailed routine in the morrow, but first… I must evaluate your potential.” Lady Bradamante strode to the middle of the stadium, cracked her knuckles, and waved out to the audience. “I’ve heard that your ilk wield strange powers. If I am to accurately adjust your training, I need to know what I’m dealing with. So, we’re going to have a spar. Don’t worry, I won’t use a weapon, and Sir Ruggiero will heal any wounds that might arise. I don’t care if one or hundreds come down - prove your strength to me.” The moment her taunt boldly echoed through the stadium, the system window popped up in front of Lucius—and seemingly everyone else as well. >[GROUP SUB QUEST]< Lady Bradamante of the Sacred Order wishes to test your might in a ‘friendly’ spar. Prove to her and the Empire of Francia that you are worth training, and not just leeches draining their nation’s coffers. Only one needs to succeed to complete the group quest; however, the first to receive her acknowledgement will be granted additional spoils. Reward: 150 Co