The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 89: Chapter 88: Time Marches On

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Chapter 88: Time Marches On It took a long moment for Ganelon to grasp Renaud’s intent. Not a soul in the courtyard uttered a word; they merely stood still, stunned, and shuffled awkwardly whilst glancing amongst each other. The most baffled of them all however was Sir Roland. A myriad of emotions swept through his face: confusion, worry, and perhaps a bit hopeful. For the man he witnessed now carried not a hint of his prior envious self. “Say that again, my boy?” Ganelon slowly forced out. There was a twitch in his eye that only grew more fierce with time, and even his friendly smile had cracked in disbelief. The High Tribunal remained eerily in place. He towered over Renaud, casting him entirely in his shadow, yet the former Peer refused to back down. “I am a Peer no longer, uncle,” Renaud confidently declared. “You parade me as a hero, but the truth is I have done nothing but hold my people back. I gave orders in the comfort of my safe little circle of influence, yet such meagre actions mattered little in the face of true adversity, and it is because of so that many like Maugris died when they could have lived with a more capable leader. I realized then the folly of my stubbornness. I do not deserve the title of Peer, thus I now choose to relinquish it for another more deserving.” Ganelon opened his mouth to reply, only to then close it silently. Renaud had completely and utterly caught him by surprise. This was the first time Lucius had ever seen him so shocked, to the point that his true emotions threatened to bubble forth and break free before all in the audience. He was hurt. He was angry. But most apparent of them all was a visceral feeling of betrayal. “It would seem that a sudden bout of madness has overcome my nephew,” Ganelon said, turning to face the others with an awkward laugh. “Please do not mind him. The journey must’ve exhausted his—” Renaud shook his head and stepped ahead of Ganelon. “My mind is perfectly clear. Let everyone here be witness to my resolution. I care not whether the castle or my uncle disagrees; the choice is mine. Spread this news however you wish. Spread it until every last soul in this nation knows of Renaud Dordognes and his final day as Peer.” Ganelon suddenly reached out and violently seized Renaud by the shoulder. The frail man winced in pain, but nonetheless his eyes remained clear as his uncle breathed down his neck. “What is the matter with you?” he demanded. “What brought this nonsense out? Renaud, oh my foolish, reckless little Renaud—” “That is where you are mistaken.” Renaud grunted and broke free from his hold. “I am not the little boy who saw naught save for revenge anymore, nor am I yours to command. For once in my life I am certain in what I must do. It is time to end this, Uncle Ganelon. I am tired, as you are no doubt as well. I wish to be free from this grudge.” Renaud’s plea was the only one that managed to upset him. He was not like his other pawns, not like the corrupt priests or greedy officials that infested the castle. When Ganelon looked at Renaud, Lucius saw in him a fondness that truly regarded him as family. Yet that very person now looked at him with pity. “Ah, you may have this back as well.” Renaud reached into his clothes and pulled out the homeward jewel given to him, as well as the Fires of Sinai and the medal symbolizing his status. Everything that could be linked to House Dordognes or his former Peership, he gave to Ganelon now without any hesitation. The man silently accepted it, half dazed. “So, that’s it then?” Ganelon said with a dark laugh. “No, you’re not getting out of this that easily, my boy.” He extended his arm and gestured to all of his lackeys nearby. “Go inside, now.” They quickly obeyed and soon pushed themselves into the castle, until only the players and those of Sir Roland’s faction were left. The tension in the air was razor sharp. Ganelon straightened up and prepared to leave as well, but not before leaning into Renaud’s ear and whisp