Volume 13 Chapter 6 The John Sanford Murder Case
While Al and the others talked, the mansion got a bit noisy. It sounded like Lord Radyard and the others had returned. Soon, a servant came in to announce their arrival, and Lord Radyard entered the room with his sons, Sigmund and Desmond.
"Sir Naresh, we have just returned."
Lord Radyard's voice sounded a bit gloomy.
"Welcome back, Sir (Lord Radyard). How was it?"
In response to Naresh's question, Lord Radyard shook his head.
"Well, we were close to where the incident happened, so I had high hopes. Unfortunately, we couldn't find anyone outside at the time, and it seems no one heard any fighting. There was one suspicious person who ran away when they saw us, but when we caught him, he just looked scared and didn't know anything. I handed him over to the guards just in case."
The incident probably refers to the murder of John Sanford, Baron Sanford's father, but what exactly happened?
"I see. This is quite difficult. Maybe it would have been better if Al had gone with you. You 3 should be happy. We were just talking about that, and it looks like we can get some help. Sir, could you explain the incident to him?"
As Al tilted his head in confusion, Naresh said this. Lord Radyard and the others looked pleased to hear that Al, who was only 15, would be joining them. Maybe they had a good impression of him from previous expeditions, or perhaps they just needed more magicians.
"I understand. Let me explain simply. This happened exactly one week ago. His Excellency The former Baron Sanford, who had escaped to this city, was invited by Donald, a council member of the commerce guild, to go out at night. Normally, even a retired Baron wouldn�t go out without attendants, but since he was a refugee with few followers, he went alone."
If Donald is a powerful person in the city helping him, it makes sense that he would accept the invitation. It is rare for a Baron to go out alone, but fleeing from enemies can lead to that.
"They enjoyed a meal at a famous restaurant known for its delicious food, which has been confirmed by the staff and other customers. The problem came afterward. On their way back, they and their attendants were attacked on Poplar Street. Unfortunately, it was a new moon that night, so there were hardly any people around, and no witnesses have been found. A resident reported hearing a struggle, and the guards rushed to the scene. They found signs of a fight and the bodies of the former Baron Sanford and Donald's servant. Strangely, Donald's body was not found, and he is still missing."
Did he manage to escape from the scene? Or is he somehow involved in this incident and ran away?"
"Was Mr. Donald really that close to His Excellency the former Baron Sanford?"
When Lord Radyard joined the conversation, Al changed his tone. In response to the question, Lord Radyard and the others shook their heads together.
"Donald was a council member of the Commerce Guild, but he wasn't very noticeable. He was a skilled craftsman, though. He hardly ever spoke with His Excellency the former Baron Sanford. Yet, on that day, he suddenly visited His Excellency the former Baron Sanford's residence and invited him to dinner. Those who know Donald said that this behavior was unusual for him."
I see, maybe he was threatened or had some other reason to lure out the previous Baron. But even the servants ended up dead. What does that mean?
"By the way, unfortunately, there were no magic tools like 'Detect Magic' at the Baron Sanford's residence or the restaurant where they had dinner. Normally, a Baron's place should have at least that. But I guess they were in hiding,"
Sigmund added while Al was deep in thought. The Tempest Kingdom had a strong magic culture, with an organization called the magician corps. It's possible that someone who could use magic killed the father of Baron Sanford, who supported the Sylvester Kingdom. What kind of magic could do this?
'Conceal' might have been used to threaten Donald, and they could have taken his family as hostages. There could also be other magic that Al doesn�t know about, like the Piercing Spear spell. Naresh likely gave Al the spellbook for discovery magic because of this. But learning spells takes time; just getting the book doesn�t mean he can use it right away.
"I understand. For now, I'll try to use 'Magic Sense' to check Poplar Street and Alder Tree Street. If there's anything else I can help with, I'll let you know later..."
"Yes, that would help. I brought 2 magicians, but they are busy with Sir Naresh and the other nobles' security."
Weren't there any magicians among the nobles who took refuge? When Al asked this, Lord Radyard made a serious face.
"There is Baron Zora, the captain of a magician group serving Count Senet. At first, he helped with security, but after the former Baron Sanford was killed, he has been hiding in a small house we borrowed and hasn't shown himself. He was a good friend of the late Baron Sanford..."
Is he scared of something? Or could Baron Zora be involved in the incident? He needs to find out...
"I see. It might be a good idea to visit the small house that Zora Baron is hiding in."
He's not sure if they will tell him right away, but it's worth a try.
As the captain of the magician corps, they should know a lot about magic. I might hear something different from what Eric told me.
While they were talking, a servant came in to say that dinner was ready.
"Let's continue our conversation while we eat," Naresh said.
Everyone nodded and decided to head to the dining hall.
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