The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 75: Chapter 74: Is It Any Wonder I Became So Twisted?

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Chapter 74: Is It Any Wonder I Became So Twisted? Although the expedition’s plan was to rest until midnight, Sir Renaud changed his mind and instead allowed them to rise at the first break of dawn. A capable leader was one who knew when to reassess and pivot depending on the circumstances, or so the man had once pompously told Lucius; and indeed his decision had wrought great morale from his weary troops. To delve into the Crag-Stone Cliffs so soon after their encounter with the thunderbirds would have been, well, less than ideal. However, this change meant that they would be forced into traversing the rocky canyon in broad daylight. There was no darkness or mist here to hide themselves in. Any beast within the area would have full sight of the expedition, as well as greater protection against the priests’ blinding spell. Fortunately though, Sir Renaud had already taken these matters into consideration. “The Crag-Stone Cliffs are unique even amongst the other regions in Francia,” the Peer said. Renaud had woken a little earlier than the others, but rather than wait around, he chose to personally keep watch at the outlook. It was there that Lucius came to him with a hot cup of tea, and so did the two pass the time whilst engaging in pleasant conversation. “The land is barren, no vegetation thrives, and even water is hard to come by. The only life you will find here are the deadliest and most resilient of the beast kingdom, but such harsh conditions inevitably beget a lesser population. Apex predators tend to hunt alone; we do not need to worry about being outnumbered.” Lucius raised his teacup and took a sip of the rich liquid. “How fascinating, but numbers matter little in the face of overwhelming strength. If these beasts are as dangerous as you say, then will the danger posed still not be the same? I doubt blinding them will yield the same instinct to flee, especially in the daytime.” Renaud nodded along, acknowledging Lucius’s concerns, only to then reply with a mischievous grin. “Perhaps so, but Francia is a nation of warriors. Our specialty lies in subjugation. Of course we are proficient in culling large swarms as well; however, there are simply less variables to worry about whilst hunting a singular foe. It will be simple, perhaps even relaxing.” “A bold claim,” Lucius chuckled, to which his fellow replied with a confident gesture. “You will not see a repeat of my shameful display at the wetlands. I admit, I was stuck in my ways then. I thought I knew precisely what to expect and how this journey would proceed, but no longer; for the one before you is a new, improved man. I have accounted for even more sudden scenarios, calculated plans for the most unlikely of encounters. Why, even if the Demon King were to make an appearance right this moment, I am certain in my commanding abilities to lead us all to… relative safety.” So he claimed, but whether or not his words were true only time would tell. Until then, Lucius took the chance to sleep until the blessed hour of six-o-clock had finally arrived. His companions had all awoken by then, along with the rest of the expedition, and they took a brief moment to freshen themselves up and fulfill their morning dues before cleaning up the camp and reassembling into an orderly line. It was in the midst of Sir Renaud’s final preparations that the gentleman locked eyes with a gaunt Sir Maugris. A dark shadow covered his features; the man seemed to have hardly slept a wink. “Good morning, my friend,” Lucius said, walking up to him and offering a big container of black tea. Some caffeine would do the wizardly priest wonders. “Is everything alright? You appear to have much on your mind.” “Hm? Oh, yes. I suppose you could say that,” Maugris replied, his voice low and hoarse, and he accepted the tea before greedily downing its contents. “To be honest, I am rather conflicted. I know you meant no ill intent, and I am grateful for your repeated warnings, but it is because you expressed such