The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 105: Chapter 104: Don't You Just Love Bureaucracy?

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Chapter 104: Don't You Just Love Bureaucracy? Fortunately for Sir Roland, the young Emir had already ordered for the Saracen people of the capital to take up temporary accommodation in a nearby city right after Lucius’s fellows fell into the chasm, so there would be no need to worry about a disgruntled assassin visiting them in the midst of night. The players and the Peers were, needless to say, thoroughly drained by the day’s event. Angelica and Astolfo took Roland away to a cottage where he may rest, while the others returned to the—now empty—hotel, where they promptly collapsed and soon slumbered away after a very, very stressful day. On the other hand, Lucius was as chipper as one could be. A gentleman required an equally gentlemanly beauty sleep, of course, but first he had some business to settle. Someone needed to deal with the more drab aspects of diplomacy; and with Lucius’s fancy new title as a Peer, who better to represent his group than he? Thus, after everyone had fallen asleep, the gentleman organized a meeting with the Emir and a few of Arabia’s influential figures. Some members included the group’s prior guide, Mister Ibn-al-Arabi, as well as a surprising addition: Sir Medoro, Lady Angelica’s lover in the flesh, although the man didn’t seem particularly pleased to be included. He glared at his countrymen and remained silent, the only one spared from his wrath being the Emir himself. They all met near a lakeside restaurant with a fantastic view of the city’s center. No chefs were available within the vicinity, so Lucius took up the role himself and cooked a lovely traditional Saracen meal, including flatbreads, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, spiced stew, and kebabs made of a curious desert flower called the Goldsuckle. It tasted like a combination between cactus and ripe oranges. “Hoho, you’ve become a master in Arabian cuisine in such short time, Sir Lucius,” Mister Ibn-al-Arabi said in a jolly voice, although hidden underneath was a slight caution. “Forgive us for making you attend to us at this late hour.” Lucius smiled and dutifully arranged each person’s meal. “Think nothing of it, my good fellow. It is in moments like these that a hearty meal is most appreciated. I would hate for my group to depart this lovely city in awkward terms, you see. Allow this evening dinner to smooth any tensions that might still linger amongst us.” The young Emir nodded and addressed his retinue with a firm tone. “I give my warmest thanks to Lucius of the Peers for arranging this gathering, that we may discuss new alliances and our respective futures. It would do us no good to remain enemies. Sir Roland and I have already settled our differences, so whatever grievances you yet hold, let it fade after the suns’ rise.” The Saracen officers whispered amongst themselves, hesitant, but in the end they decided to trust in their leader’s decision and tentatively gave Lucius their full attention. “Splendid! I am glad we are all in agreement.” After setting the last of the dishes down, the gentleman extended his arms out in a welcoming gesture and began with his speech. “Now, rest assured that I say this with no ill intent, but we must address your role in this… uncomfortable situation, so to speak. Plotting the assassination of an influential Peer is an offense most grave. Should the Frankish populace hear of this, I’m afraid public perception of the Saracens will deteriorate even further.” Mister Arabi stroked his beard slowly and met Lucius’s eyes. “A blunt start, I see. We do not deny it, but I am rather curious about your intentions, Sir Lucius. Do you intend to threaten us?” “No, no! Of course not. I, myself, share the young Emir’s vision of a united partnership between Francia and Arabia. However, to do so shall require a plain telling of the facts. Right now, Arabia is in no state to engage in another war. Sir Ferragut of the Levantine is dead. Your combative forces have still yet to escape Francia’s shadow. Thus, we should take g