The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 53: Chapter 53: A Schemer's Plight

Read chapter 53 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 53: A Schemer's Plight As the players returned to their rooms, they noticed something odd. The atmosphere in the castle was different - more heavy. The servants looked at them with blatant distaste whereas before their prejudices were more carefully concealed; and they hurried by, as if to avoid being amongst them any more than they needed to. “Wow, they’re not even trying to hide it anymore,” Mili said, leering at them. “I don’t get it. We were all getting along fine and dandy, so why all the glares now?” “This can’t be recent either,” Harper replied. “You don’t get to that level of spite in only a few days—it usually builds up, accumulates. I’ve seen enough workplace dramas to know what it looks like when rumors spread, but this ain’t natural. Didn’t Ruggiero only send the letter a few days ago? There’s no way that kinda information could spread this quickly.” Marco grumbled and rubbed his chin in thought. “Would’ve thought all that reputation or whatchacallit would make them friendlier by now. Sure doesn’t seem like it. If this is what friendly looks like, I’d hate to see how’d they treat us without them points.” The old mobster was right. Not a single mission has been failed since the players’ arrival, and yet despite their gathered reputation, the people here were not all too happy with their presence - how odd. It was as if someone had been influencing the Frankishmen from the beginning: before the players even left for the fortress. “Let us not be disheartened by their treatment,” Lucius said, cheering his fellows up. “We may discuss more after a well-needed day of rest.” The others agreed and, upon their arrival into the familiar ward of the castle, soon rushed into their rooms for a little alone time. Fortunately, the baths and other services were still available to them, and so the players drowned the prior month’s woes in luxury. Lucius himself spent a long period freshening himself up: a spritz of cologne, a comb of the hair, and of course a dab of cleanser and cream for his face. He had no shortage of coins, so it was quite easy obtaining all his desired products. When he was done, the gentleman’s skin shone like a newborn babe! It was important to take care of one’s appearance, especially when about to meet another. When the halls dwindled of people and the castle began to quiet down, Lucius left his room and leapt up toward the ceiling once again. He skulked about the halls with a greater deftness than before thanks to his increased stats, and soon, he arrived at his destination: Karolus’s meeting room. Just as he thought, the boy was already waiting for him. Karolus fiddled with his fingers and looked anxious, but he soon brightened up with a smile as Lucius landed before him. “You’re back!” he said, rushing in to give Lucius a hug. “But of course I am,” Lucius chuckled, patting his head. “A gentleman always keeps his word.” The two sat down and chatted for a moment about their experiences while apart. Lucius regaled onto the lad a tale of heroism, of tension and suspense. The boy's eyes went wide, and he quivered in fear as he was told in excruciating detail of the demons’ hideous appearances, of their lust for blood… but never to fear: the paladins of Francia had arrived! Stalwart in their march, arms locked in jolly cooperation alongside the brave otherworlders. Karolus cheered and pumped his fist; and his eyes sparkled whilst Lucius reenacted the battles with a dramatic flourish. Of course, there were some things he had to tone down a bit. Especially the—how should he say—more gruesome aspects. “And that is how we succeeded in slaying the dreaded Demon of Eyes,” Lucius said, finishing his story with a bow. Karolus laughed and gave him an enthusiastic round of applause. “That was amazing, Lucius. I wish I could go on an adventure someday.” “What’s stopping you, my young friend?” Karolus frowned and lowered his head. “Oh, um, nothing really. It’s just… the castle is all I’ve ever known. I can’t imagin