Chapter 59 [Baron Elgin's Territory - Part 4: Baron Elgin (2)]
Feeling the need for more than just tea, Baron Holbeck added a bit of alcohol to his cup. The combination of tea and the aroma of alcohol created a unique and satisfying flavor.
Edge Village, huh? If he remembered correctly, the mountains beyond that village were inhabited by elves. Considering the boy's father, getting involved with elves might not be wise. Although it was unlikely that anyone knew him, one couldn't rule out elves from the neighboring country visiting.
It wouldn't be good for the boy's state of mind to see elves. He might associate them with the cause of his family's demise. Considering Vazari had also been attacked by beastmen, it would be better not to provide unnecessary stimuli. On the other hand, there were many beastmen walking around the capital. Thinking about the boy's feelings and the potential reactions of beastmen when his identity was revealed, leaving him here might not be the best choice.
But then, where should he hide the boy? If there were no beastmen there, it might be under the influence of the Yalta Faith. However, the whole issue wouldn't have arisen if the Yalta Faith hadn't incited the beastmen. He would never go anywhere near a place with those damn Yalta priests.
However, who could the elves that hid the boy be? He would like to meet them and express his gratitude, but it seemed impossible at the moment. Speaking of elves, was it a coincidence that they didn't take the boy to the village? Even if the boy's background was unknown to them...
Still, who brought the boy all the way here? When questioned about the days since he was abducted, it became apparent that from leaving Vazari's territory to arriving in Elgin, it couldn't have taken more than a day or two. Considering the physician's assessment that he hadn't been sleeping for more than a day, it meant he was brought here overnight. Even with the use of wyverns, it would take two or three days to fly here, considering the need to detour around the mountains. Crossing the mountains directly was reckless, and even if they did, it would take more than a night to get here. Crossing the mountains would strain the wyverns, taking more than a day.
In reality, they had transformed a part of Horn's cave a little further into a dungeon and opened a dungeon gate to the nearest city, Cravasse. From there, they flew to the outskirts of Elgin using flight magic, taking very little time.
Hmm, what if he spilled everything to the royal family and begged for the boy's protection? No, that's a bad idea. He couldn't predict the consequences of the boy's existence on beastmen, Yalta Faith, or how the kingdom would react. Revealing such a dangerous secret was unthinkable.
Seeking asylum in another country would only postpone the problem. It was irresponsible, and he couldn't face Hans's heir that way. He would responsibly take care of Hans's legacy. Now, how should he handle this situation?
The baron's dilemma was profound, and a solution seemed elusive.