The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 57: Chapter 57: House Dordognes

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Chapter 57: House Dordognes “Good evening, Lady Bradamante,” Lucius said, waving at her as she approached the gate with a tired lurch. The good Peer’s usual bravado was all but spent, replaced by a heavy exhaustion no doubt from the previous day’s festivities. He imagined all the coordination and procedure needed to organize such an event was, well, arduous to put it lightly. It was no wonder why the lady stumbled like the living dead. “... Sir Lucius?” she said, glancing over to his other companions. The lady instinctively winced upon seeing Mili among them, but she brushed it off as merely a sudden chill. “Sir Marco and Lady Harper as well. I’m glad to see you all getting along, but what brings you here?” “We were just passing through, I assure you. No ulterior motives here,” Lucius lied through his teeth. “Our party was ever so eager to explore the wonderful sights of the city that, before we knew it, the hours slipped right on by! We were returning to the castle when we happened upon this curious gate and met you. What an interesting coincidence, right my friends?” The other three nodded enthusiastically and did their best to look innocent. “That so?” she replied, letting her guard down. “Can’t blame you one bit. I used to wander the city myself back when I was still a little brat. Francia was very… different at the time. Ah, but you probably have better things to be doing than listening to me ramble on. I’ll get going—” “About that,” Lucius interrupted her. “Would it be possible to request a favor?” Lady Bradamante raised her brow. “I suppose it depends. What do you want?” He leaned in to converse in more hushed tones and gestured toward the gate. “To be honest, the four of us are quite worried about Sir Ruggiero. We became close during the fortress’s invasion, and it pains our hearts to see him locked up—even if only unofficially. Perhaps there may be a way for us to help, but to do so would require us to get past that pesky gate.” “You want me to smuggle you in?” “Smuggle? Oh dear, nothing like that. We merely wish to accompany you. If, by chance, we happened to separate after our entry and go our respective ways… well, you never know what just might happen.” Bradamante laughed and shook her head. “Alright, alright. No need to play coy. Sure, I’ll help you, but I’m coming along as well if you’re visiting Ruggiero.” “The more the merrier!” With that, the group gathered for a short talk and then finalized their plan. They organized themself into a stiff row and donned a rigid demeanor, before making their way to the gate. “Velior, I see you’re on inspection duty tonight?” Bradamante said, chatting with one of the guards as Lucius’s companions attempted to be as inconspicuous as possible. “How’s your kid doing? Hard to believe you’re running around as a father.” The man broke into a warm smile at the sight of the lady and welcomed her as if the two were old friends. “She’s just about to enter her teething phase. A little terror, to be sure; but the greatest of blessings usually aren’t the quietest of ones.” “Oh? Words of wisdom, I see. Can’t believe that snot-nosed brat from all those years ago now has a family of his own.” “Haha, I thank our Lord every day for allowing me this peace. But when will you start a family of your own, Lady Bradamante? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you with a suitor before.” Bradamante hesitated, and held her breath. “I’ve just… never found the right person.” It seemed to pain her to say those words, but she maintained a polite expression nonetheless. “Anyways, I have to head in for the night—lots of work still left. You understand.” “Of course! Please, don’t let me keep you waiting. However…” The guard flashed a look at the others. “Are these otherworlders part of your retinue, my lady?” “Them? Oh, yeah. Nothing to worry about. They’re here to help me out with a few things. Is there a problem?” The guard pondered to himself for a bit, but eventually they shrugged and bid them forward with a wa