Chapter 58 [Baron Elgin's Territory - Part 3: Baron Elgin (1)]
It had been five days since the son of my deceased friend, Duke Cleaver, named Marl, arrived at my residence after escaping from the Kingdom of Manastella. Despite thinking it was all over when I heard Vazari had been attacked by beastmen, peculiar things had unfolded.
Lord Holbeck sat in his study, savoring his morning tea, reflecting on the whirlwind of the past five days.
According to Marl, he got caught up with the elves who were liberating slaves and ended up following them out of fear. His feeble legs gave out quickly, but the beastmen carried him. After leaving Count Vazari's territory and resting at a nearby location, there was some dispute about whether to take him along or leave him behind. Eventually, he ended up in a forest cave with an elf for a while.
After that, the memories became fuzzy, as if he had been talking to someone in a dream. He woke up in a bed one day, not quite sure how he got there.
Discovering Marl caused quite a commotion. After all, a strange child was found sleeping in the garden. Since his deep slumber was abnormal, they informed Lord Holbeck immediately. When they saw his face, they were genuinely surprised. They called a physician, who concluded that Marl seemed to have only taken a sleeping potion. They carried him to bed, ensuring the matter remained discreet within the mansion. No one outside knew about it, thanks to the confidentiality measures. An inquiry among the staff revealed that no one had witnessed the child being brought in. It would be a serious matter if the royal family found out. From then on, things had to be handled with utmost secrecy.
Refilling his tea, Lord Holbeck pondered the boy's future.
Staying in the capital might attract too much attention. It would be wise to hide him in a less-populated rural area. There was a village called Edge, meaning "the outskirts of the country," if he remembered correctly. Perhaps that would be a suitable place to conceal the boy.