The sky was densely covered with dark clouds, so oppressive it seemed they might collapse at any moment.
On both sides of the street, shops were tightly shut; occasionally, pedestrians passed by hurriedly, reluctant to linger even a moment.
"Drive, drive, drive!"
The carriage sped along, kicking up billowing clouds of dust.
"Drive—"
A troop of soldiers galloped past.
Onlookers by the road, dodging to the side, watched the soldiers rush down the official road with panic, and soon breathed a sigh of relief, rushing toward their homes for fear that a slower pace might cost them their lives.
"Phew—"
A tall horse stopped at the roadside; a man dressed in a luxurious purple robe leapt from the horse, landing firmly on the ground.
"Master, the vicinity is mostly forests, what should we do now? We surely can't just wait here, can we?"
The guard looked at the impressive troop following them, unsure of the best course of action.
