Oftentimes, the pursuit of influence led man down a harsh and unpredictable road. It was that ambition for power, the desire to exert control over others, that made them seek after higher, more distinguished, achievements — all whilst marching through a thorny path where success wasn't guaranteed and the starting points for each soul were unjustly different. One could toil all their life and fail to reach that ever-enticing greatness: whether it be out of poor luck or outwitted by one more cunning.

That wasn't the case for Lucius, however. He didn't really need to do much of anything before the good Sir Renaud appointed him the title of captain. What could the gentleman say? Prestige was ever so keen on chasing after his trail.

"Pardon?" Lucius asked with a tilt of his head. "Captain, you say?"

Renaud nodded and gestured to the shiny emblem in Lucius's hands. "Indeed, although your authority is limited only toward the otherworldly heroes—for now at least. You have my full permission to organize them as you see fit, and should someone attempt to rebel, simply display this emblem and invoke my name."

Lucius inspected the emblem, feeling the ridges, the smooth metal shaped into a decorated eagle. It was of decent quality, certainly better than the duller models. But what intrigued him was that Sir Maugris had the exact same type hanging by his waist. Apparently, that made them equals in status, albeit with separate responsibilities. Lucius subtly glanced over to the wizardly priest to gauge his reaction; and though somewhat surprised, Maugris didn't seem to be against it.

"Quite the honor you've entrusted to me," Lucius began. "But is this not, well, a bit sudden? I take it the other paladins will not be too enthusiastic about a foreigner surpassing them in rank."

To that, Renaud merely chuckled and waved out to the stoic procession. "Whether they agree or not, it does not matter. I am the word of law here. Besides, you don't appear to be the type of lout to allow another to undermine you so easily."

The gentleman shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Well said. I do not often serve in positions of leadership, but if you prefer to have me, then so be it. I shall utilize this new standing to my continuous benefit."

"As one with competent intelligence would abuse. So long as you fulfill your duties, I care not how you spend your time."

After he finished speaking, another paladin came up to give a report. They had sent an advance party to the city entrance and just received permission to enter. No doubt everyone was fatigued after their long voyage, most of all Sir Renaud who still insisted on maintaining his rigid image despite the dark circles under his eyes, so they were all eager to get a little rest.

"Mm, then let us proceed," Renaud told the messenger. "Relay my order. We will separate into different lodgings: one building for the priests, another for the paladins, and the final for the otherworlders. Maugris and I shall convene with the local bishop to give our blessings. Afterwards, you are all free to do as you wish. My only command is that you are alert and sober by the evening hour for our next departure."

The messenger saluted and then quickly parted. Renaud turned to Lucius again, and pointed toward the back. "You are my voice now, Sir Lucius. Whatever I say, you shall impart upon the otherworlders as well."

"Of course! You need not worry," Lucius replied. "But what will you do during this time, Sir Renaud? If I am to be your aide, I assume you will want me to accompany you."

"That is true, but not at this time. I have my own business to attend to in the city. Rest, explore, do whatever you wish; come midnight we will march again."

With that, the two exchanged a mutual farewell and then left. Lucius headed back toward his fellows, where they were waiting for him with nervous expressions. The gentleman reassured the party that he was okay with a wave; and they promptly rushed up to him.

"Gotta admit, I was gettin' worried for a second there," Marco said, rubbing his forehead. "Any second longer and we were all plannin' on brute forcin' our way through to the front."

Mili nodded and slowly put her guitar back in her storage. The way she held it, you would think the musician was preparing for war. "Seriously, what kinda talk goes on for hours like that? It's already bright out. We thought that Renaud guy jailed you or something."

"I know you told us to wait," Harper joined. "But… maybe we should go together next time? You're a capable guy, Lucius, but you never know. This isn't the kind of place to be taking risks."

Lucius appreciated the sentiment, but there were some things he had to do alone. Still, he reassured them for now and claimed that he would exercise greater caution in the future. It was a lie, of course.

"Oh yeah, how'd it go with him, anyway?" Mili asked.

To that, Lucius responded by showing off his new emblem and fancy title. "Apparently, I am to be the leader of the otherworldly forces."

The group all dropped their jaws in surprise. "Huh?" they said.

"Indeed. Quite the fortuitous result, would you not agree?"

Harper leaned in and ogled the emblem. "That's a bit of an understatement. You talked to him once, and immediately got a promotion? Dang."

Marco laughed and lightly tapped Lucius's shoulder. "Not surprised. You're an affable fellow, Lucius: probably could make even the devil smile for a change."

Perhaps, unfortunately Lucius hadn't the pleasure of encountering one such being yet. Maybe someday.

Until then, he decided to put his newfound authority to good use and gathered the fifty-some players together onto a large carriage as the expedition approached the city. They were confused at first, but with the help of his companions, Lucius drew their attention and stood before them all whilst donning a gentle demeanor.

"Good tidings, my fellows," he said. "My name is Lucius Rose. I have been given the honor of addressing you all as the captain of our quaint little division here." Lucius showed off his emblem and let it glint in the light. "The Franks have been, admittedly, a bit sparse in the instruction of our duties, so I have conversed with the expedition leader, Sir Renaud, in the hopes that we may work together as a more unified front. Fortunately, it went well; and thus I now serve as the bridge of communication between our two peoples. Any questions?"

The group stared at him, baffled, and even a bit cautious, but eventually an eager soul raised their hand.

"Yes, the man in the chef's garb?"

Lucius called out a stocky sort dressed in white pants, a thick button-up jacket, and a whimsical tall hat that he had seen many a chef in michelin-starred restaurants wear during service. This man in particular was quite young, however—perhaps a year or two earlier in age than the late Mister Thames.

"Uh, so you're our leader now?" he said in a faint midwestern accent.

"Not quite as grand as that. I suppose you could call me… an advisor! Yes, I believe that is a much better fit. You may refer to me should you have any concerns, as well as suggestions you may have for Sir Renaud. I will plead for any changes in your place."

A gruff voice disrupted them from the corner, where another man armored in strange makeshift metal plates scowled with an untrusting eye. Lucius recognized this one; he was the peculiar soul, with a handlebar mustache and slicked back hair, that threw custom bombs at the demons during their stay at Roncevaux Fortress.

"I don't mind following the orders of the Franks," he said with a slight transatlantic twinge. "They're impartial and don't care for us other than what we can contribute. Is that good? Debatable—but the important part is that they're natives of this world. They don't have ulterior motives. I can't say the same for my fellow man, especially one who just showed up out of nowhere thinking himself my superior."

Lucius rubbed his chin, amused, and gestured to the man with a wave. "When did I ever say I was your superior, mister…?"

"Nick Crowley. And didn't you just go on about being our advisor or whatsit?"

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Mister Crowley, does an advisor order people around?"

The man hesitated. "Well… no."

"Precisely. An advisor, well, gives advice. They are a person you may come to for aid, but that doesn't mean you're forced into obeying. Whatever I say is but my suggestion. I am simply here to relay Sir Renaud's intentions; what you decide to do in response is entirely your choice."

Mister Crowley scratched his head and attempted to come up with a rebuttal, but he had none to give. Such was the fate of those who dared to clash in verbal exchanges with the gentleman: no matter the time, no matter the place, he always emerged the victor.

"If that's all, then I guess there's no problems from me."

Lucius was, technically, promoted to be their leader. But proclaiming himself as such to a gathering of strangers still on edge after all they've experienced would have resulted rather poorly, or so he thought. It would be better to slowly ease them into his grasp before exerting any control.

After that, a couple of other questions were thrown around, but Lucius answered them effortlessly without so much as a ruffled strand of hair. The young chef, who later introduced himself as Anthony Pierre, suggested for the players to form units: one centered on applying support, another for healing, and the last for defense—similarly to how they grouped during the demonic attacks.

These discussions should have happened long ago, but without a central figure to organize them, the players mainly kept to themselves along with others in their clique. Lucius's introduction allowed them to share freely, without the worry that their ideas would be dismissed by the paladins.

With a productive meeting come and gone, it was finally time. The carriages and procession came to a gradual halt, and the players stepped out into the outside where they were met with a bustling city loud with the sounds of business. Unlike the smaller villages they had seen whilst inside the Hippogriff, this locale was much bigger, surrounded by a moat and fortified walls; and the buildings inside were more tightly packed, although not to the point of Earth's utilitarian zoning laws. There were both large structures and humble homes. The most extravagant by far, however, was a towering chapel of marble situated right in the very center of the city.

The expedition approached the guard post and checked themselves in, before rolling the carriages through and allowing the curious-eyed players to stroll along the streets. The decorum here was slightly more earthy than in the capital: They utilized wood rather than stone, and the roads were of flattened dirt rather than paved trails. Still, it was a cozy location. A large greeting was carved into the entrance with the words 'Welcome to Burgundy' in the Frankish language.

Farther in, they finally stopped next to a cluster of inns with red roofs. The book Lucius received before from his skill 'A Dummy's Guide to Understanding the Franks' stated that many buildings in the holy empire would cover their roofs in different colors so that travelers would have a simpler time of identifying various services. Red was for accommodations; blue for medicine and the healing arts; black for government offices; white for general businesses; and finally gold for churches.

The group entered an inn called the Braised Beak to the right and waited in line as each person was given a key and their subsequent lodging. It was now eight-o-clock. They would have sixteen hours to do as they pleased before Sir Renaud called upon them again. As a result, many of the players simply headed toward their beds, intending to relax in a clean sheet and a soft pillow for a change. Marco, Mili, and Harper were among the yawning masses and bid each other a hearty goodnight—or good day, they supposed.

Not Lucius, though. He couldn't go to sleep or else he would wake up at six-o-clock in the morning on the next day.

With time to kill and a wave of wanderlust permeating his body, Lucius decided to go on a little tour of the city: see the sights. Maybe even, possibly, naturally, entirely by accident, meet a certain someone he hadn't much chance to converse with yet. Lucius saw no reason to blend in with the Franks this time, so he abstained from breaking his jaw and then made his way out into the avenues of Burgundy.

Along the way, however, he just so happened to come across a familiar face.

"Oh? Why, what a coincidence! Fancy meeting you here, Sir Maugris."

Lucius called out to the wizardly fellow and greeted him as they walked along with the other locals.

"Sir Lucius?" he said. "How curious for our paths to intertwine. Have the otherworlders not settled in their accommodations yet?"

"Far from it, my friend. I expect a great many snores are pouring out of our inn right this moment. I simply wished to explore a bit, familiarize myself with the customs here."

Maugris nodded and smiled. "It brings me joy to see another take interest in our fair practices. Hm… oh, I have an idea! If you can spare the time, would you like to follow me to the central parish? The morning mass is about to begin. For us senior priests, especially those out on voyage, it is our duty to bless the local congregation along the way and assist with communion. It is admittedly a dull affair, but perhaps you might enjoy it."

Now that was an enticing proposal. Lucius had only read snippets of how the Franks conducted church services, so to witness its proceedings first hand would be quite the enlightening experience.

"I would love to!" Lucius exclaimed, to which the Peer responded with a child-like grin.

"Great! I promise to do the best I am able, but I must warn you beforehand that the service can be quite lengthy. Do feel free to leave at any point should you desire; I doubt a man so beloved by the Lord would need additional blessings, anyhow."

Lucius chuckled. "Do not worry, good sir. I find these events very interesting."

With that, the two carried on and gradually made their way to the marble chapel at the center. A bell rang, three 'dings' to signify the coming worship, and soon a great rush of people began to fill the streets. Lucius and Sir Maugris would have had quite the trouble going through the entrance, but fortunately the wizard had a solution.

They made their way to the back, where a smaller door was guarded by another priest. Supposedly this was a staff entrance for members of the liturgy; and only those donning the church's symbols were allowed through.

Maugris confidently walked up and flaunted his robes for examination. The guard's eyes widened in shock upon gazing at the Imperial Eagle's insignia near his shoulder, and they requested for the two to wait for a moment while they sought for another of higher rank to verify.

After a moment, an elderly woman appeared, and no sooner did she look at Maugris that her lips broke out into a wide smile.

"Young Maugris, long has it been since we last met," she said, welcoming him in with a hug. "Ah, to think you would visit me again. I remember when you were this big—" she laid out her hand near her knees "—and began your ordainment."

Sir Maugris kissed her wrist and made a sign of the trinity with his hands. "It warms my heart to reunite with you, Sister Maria. But I regret to tell you that I am not so young anymore."

She scoffed and waved him off. "Bah, forty years is but nothing. You are still that ever bright and mischievous child in my eyes. You and your friends were always quite the handful, but I didn't mind it. It brought life to the walls of the academy."

"I still remember your scoldings, then," he laughed. "But nevermind me. How goes your stay here? I heard from the staff that you retired to your birth city, but I didn't realize it was Burgundy of all locales. You should have sent me a letter—being so near, I would have visited much sooner."

"How could I take up the time of a busy man such as yourself?" Sister Maria raised her hand and ruffled Maugris's hair. The man had always been of imposing appearance, but now, he seemed no different to a boy before his maman. "You have long surpassed me in position, child. I am proud to see a student of mine become a noble Peer; but with such titles come responsibilities and change. You need not concern yourself with this old woman. I am merely content knowing you are fit and healthy."

Maugris closed his eyes, and let out a bittersweet sigh. "Responsibilities, indeed. But I am here now, and as such you are beholden to my dashingly handsome charms."

A swift knock to the forehead quickly put an end to his theatrics, and Sister Maria turned around with a 'Tsk tsk' before beckoning them inside. "I see all my lessons in humility have done little to shrink that gargantuan ego of yours. Very well, shall we put you to the test? I do hope you remember how to hold a service; wouldn't want to disappoint this elegant friend of yours."

She turned to face Lucius and smiled. "Ah, your eyes are truly kind. I expected nothing less from those summoned by our Lord. You, especially, have a bottomless love in your heart. God has chosen you as Their champion for a reason, I see."

>[Sinister Interdimensional Bureaucrat wonders if the old woman is blind]<

>[The Blue Haired Magi asks why the Bureaucrat thinks so. They cannot sense any darkness in Lucius's soul. His Dark Arts must be zero. The Magi is surprised to find one so pure this early into the game]<

>[Begrudging Lover of Milk Inside a Bag of Milk tilts their head in confusion and says that they cannot sense any Holiness in him as well. That should be impossible. Every living soul has both a good and dark side]<

>[Virtual Goddess of the Wired is feeling suffocated and complains that there are too many Stars in this server]<

It would appear the gentleman has attracted more of those so-called celestial onlookers from above. How intriguing to have a larger audience, but his focus was centered on another for now.

Sister Maria led the two into the parish and guided them through the ornate halls surrounded in colorful stained glass. Stories of the Eagle, Blade, and Star were told through murals, pictures and paintings slathered all about; and eventually the group stepped out onto a grand open space where rows of wooden benches lined up before a decorated altar. The scene was reminiscent of roman catholic churches, with its emphasis on elaborate design, bold visuals, and a lingering air of tradition. Unlike the ones on earth, however, there were no crosses or laurels. Instead, wax candles surrounded an imposing statue of a three-headed God: the left an eagle-like woman, the right a stern man holding blade, and in the middle a shining Star.

"Please, do take a seat at the front," Maugris said to Lucius, gesturing toward a private section where those of influential status appeared to occupy.

The gentleman obliged and squeezed himself through, until he found a spot of his liking and gave it a quick wipe, polish, and rub of his handkerchief before daintily seating himself with a smile.

Soon, the common folk outside were allowed entry, and they quickly filled the remaining seats as the bell above tolled its final time. Upon the last ring, the room hushed, and Sir Maugris took to the altar whilst standing alongside Sister Maria.

He took a deep breath, and then spoke.

"You may rise."

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