The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 55: Chapter 55: An Unbreakable Bond

Read chapter 55 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 55: An Unbreakable Bond By the time the parade ran its course, night had fallen over the still-vibrant city. Citizens wandered through the streets, talking, spreading tales, and spending the day’s last few hours whilst drinking inside the taverns. The festivity did not end, even with the floats returned and the gates shut once more. Everyone was thoroughly exhausted by all the attention, but they looked much brighter than the previous day. Ganelon and Roland’s plan had worked: the players experienced what it was like to be hailed as true heroes for the first time. And to those who were once common workers, laborers, and everyday people… the allure of fame was intoxicating. It was when the players trickled back out onto the castle courtyard that Ganelon strode out and beckoned them with an enticing proposition. “Now wasn’t that just fun?” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “The roar of the crowd, the shouts of admiration and respect… haha, it never gets old. But that, my dear heroes, is simply a taste of what’s to come.” Roland suddenly appeared right behind him and startled the man. “Must you always make these announcements with such shady expression?” “Shady?” Ganelon replied with mock offense. “My dear boy, this right here is genuine sincerity. I have no idea how you could ever misinterpret me to be anything else.” Roland shook his head, and delivered the next part of the speech in Ganelon’s stead. “Firstly, allow me to give you an apology,” he said, bowing his head. “We never should have forced you to depart for the fortress. Our people were blinded by your titles as heroes chosen by God, and as a result we forcefully conscripted you to our cause: bid you to fight regardless of your will. I do not wish to repeat such mistakes, thus I declare a new arrangement.” Roland gestured toward a gathering of servants. Soon, a large box was brought out filled with medallions melded into a fearsome eagle. “If you still wish to lend us your blade against the demons, then please take a medallion,” he said. “The castle will spare no expense in fortifying the new border front. However, we cannot be complacent. The recent tragedy has revealed an abnormal shift in the demons’ activity, and so we wish to create a new Order dedicated to investigating the source of this change. The token shall signify your admittance and will grant you the same authority as our paladins. Roland’s demeanor turned dark, and he spoke again with a clear, firm warning. “I must confess, the danger will be incomparable to what you’ve experienced thus far. Unlike the safety garnered behind solid walls, you shall need venture into distant, unknown lands. The castle’s finest, as well as Sir Renaud and Maugris of the Peers, will be joining you on your missions, but even then your safety cannot be guaranteed. I caution you to only join if you are willing to risk life and limb.” The gravity in the man’s words struck the players hard, until their skin began to perspire and their throats seized into a gulp. They understood it plainly; those who joined this new Order were unlikely to return. “That is but one choice,” he continued. “The other is to stay here. You will not need to contend with the demonic forces; however, we will find use for you in other ways, such as attending to the injured in the medical district or laboring as assistants within the smithies. The court will decide where best to utilize your skills, and you will also be allowed to mingle among the city after your daily duties are completed. I will fault no one should they choose to lay down their arms.” This option appealed to a majority of the players unlike the previous one. Who would willingly throw themselves into danger when peace and comfort was within their grasp? True, in two years’ time everyone would perish unless they slayed the Demon King, but the responsibility didn’t have to fall on one specific person. Let someone else take care of it—pass it on to another more brave, or foolish. Roland