Gabriel turned to his son, Sebastian, and introduced Dan. "He's a new guard I've hired. His name is Dan."
Sebastian glanced at Dan from top to bottom, his expression skeptical. He then turned to his father, expecting to hear that it was all a joke. However, Gabriel's expression remained serious, indicating that he was not joking.
Sebastian shook his head, his doubt evident in his voice. "Look at him, Father. He's dressed like a beggar, and he's so skinny. How could he possibly be of any use?"
Gabriel raised a hand to halt Sebastian before he could say more. "I know you may doubt it, but he managed to take down 31 of my best soldiers with ease. He could have subdued even more if Alen hadn't intervened and ordered the rest to stand down."
Sebastian glanced at Dan once more before turning back to his father. "I don't believe it, but if you insist on bringing this beggar into the house, please at least provide him with some decent clothes and perhaps a bath," he said firmly. "I wouldn't want other city lords or nobles to think poorly of our family, Father."
Dan discreetly sniffed himself, confirming that he was indeed starting to smell.
Gabriel glanced at Dan and nodded. "Very well, I'll have the head butler and maid attend to it. Inform the rest of the staff that we have a new resident here," he instructed.
As they entered the manor, Dan, Gabriel, and Sebastian stepped into the grand hall, where maids lined up, bowing respectfully to the city lord and Sebastian as they passed.
Dan was led by one of the maids to the washroom, where he was instructed to clean himself and given new clothes. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but be amazed by the transformation. With his round face, brown hair, and the noble clothing adorning him, he appeared as though he belonged to a wealthy family.