Chapter 28: Investigation
The investigation into Caleb had begun, with Duke Jason assigning his people to the task. They were already stationed within the Baron's domain, ready to uncover the truth.
Monica and Seth, both humans employed in the Duke's administration and members of the local law enforcement, led the investigation.
Accompanying them as their protector was Jacob, a seasoned knight renowned as one of the Duke's finest. His primary role was to safeguard the investigators and apprehend Caleb if they encountered him.
Their initial stop was at the Baron's estate, where Nora briefed them on the situation. Much like her butler, she recounted a carefully curated version of events to the investigators.
No one was entirely oblivious to the omissions, but they tacitly chose to overlook them. "It won't matter in the end. Everything will be revealed once we've completed our investigation," Monica thought, confident in their eventual success.
However, the sight that greeted them was far worse than anticipated. The Baron, wrapped in bandages and writhing in constant agony, resembled a living mummy. His pitiful state sent a chill through the investigators, forcing them to reconsider the potential threat Caleb posed.
"I can't imagine the torment he's enduring," Monica reflected, disheartened as her diagnostic spell yielded no results.
While she could perceive the bizarre changes occurring within the Baron, the cause of his condition remained a mystery, deepening the enigma surrounding the case.
The investigation led Monica and Seth to the local guild, where they met the guild master. There, they gathered confessions and a description of Caleb's appearance. Strangely, nothing about his looks suggested he was a dangerous or malicious individual.
"But looks can be deceiving," Monica reminded herself. It wasn't just a cliché—experience had taught her that people were rarely what they seemed.
Their next destination was Caleb's hometown, where his story had reportedly begun. The townsfolk's testimonies painted a picture of a man whose behaviour had shifted drastically.