57

Chapter 57 [Baron Elgin's Territory 2: Aftermath]

After learning about the situation, we swiftly returned to the cave—flying magic, which is quite convenient—and resumed discussions with everyone.

"So, that's the situation."

"A surviving member of a duke's family, fleeing for their life from a family dispute?"

"Yeah, I never expected the story to get this complicated. After hearing it, I realized bringing them here was out of the question. So, for now, I've left them in Horn's care."

"And what do we do with the child, Master?"

"That's the problem. Rai's suggestion is rejected. Taking in a child who knows the Lord here is absolutely not an option. The risk is too great."

"Yes, that's true."

"Taking them to Baron Elgin's place seems... the most suitable."

"Yeah, there's no other choice."

"Shall I put them to sleep and take them, Master?"

"We don't know where we might be watched. It's dangerous to walk them there. How about using your flying magic to transport them quickly?"

After consulting with my companions, including the Elder Spirit Tree, we decided on the child's treatment. We would move the child during the night, avoiding public attention. Placing the sleeping child in front of the Baron's mansion should work.

"Do the gatekeepers... know the child's face?"

"Ah... there's a possibility of being turned away at the gate."

"Come to think of it, it's unlikely that the gatekeepers would be informed. The child being kidnapped by beastmen in Vazari and being left in front of Baron Elgin's mansion... that's not something they would anticipate."

"Well, Silvan Forest isn't too far away, and wouldn't they think the elves delivered the child? I heard Baron Elgin has a decent relationship with the elves, despite being an advocate for racial harmony."

According to Horn, Baron Holbeck Elgin is a proponent of racial harmony, allowing various races to enter his territory freely.

"While he advocates racial harmony, he doesn't have direct interactions with the elves."

"Sneakily leaving the child might cause a misunderstanding?"

"Stop dreaming. First of all, if it were Horn's doing, why hide in a cave in the forest? If he were responsible, he should have taken the child to the village right away. The most likely conclusion would be that the child met someone in the cave."

Well, it seems our record is going to get worse. We can't afford to stand out any more...

"Master... because it might become an international issue... it's unlikely that Baron Holbeck informed the royal family about the situation... if that's the case... even if we deliver the child... it may not be communicated to the kingdom."

"Yeah, that's a possibility."

At this point, we might as well bet on that possibility...

"Master, so, are we going to sneak in?"

Cutting through the confusion, Rai asked what to do. Considering that leaving the child at the gate is not an option, sneaking into the mansion might be the only way. With my current abilities, I could probably pull it off.