The gaunt man in the skull mask turned his gaze toward Fujimaru Ritsuka, seeming to ponder something.
The leader of the refugees watched the two sides remain deadlocked, then cautiously stepped forward.
"King Hassan, please. Help us."
"We escaped from the Holy City. Among us are elderly people who have trouble moving, as well as pregnant women, so please, have mercy and let us enter the village. We have nowhere else to go."
He fell to his knees, pleading with King Hassan.
The refugees behind him also crowded forward.
". You are my fellow countrymen. Naturally, you may enter the village."
King Hassan helped the male refugee to his feet and sighed. "Though there are many of you, you are still my fellow countrymen. How could I refuse to aid you?"
"But."
King Hassan moved the male refugee behind himself. His gaze beneath the mask fixed upon several knights in the group, Mash included.
"These knights... absolutely cannot enter the village!"
"But they rescued us from the Holy City and escorted us all the way here," the male refugee pleaded with King Hassan. "They are the ones protecting us, King Hassan, please—"
"I know what these people have done." King Hassan cut the refugee off. The dagger in his hand remained raised, his guard unrelenting. "They clashed with the Lion King's Knights of the Round Table at the gates of the Holy City, then fled all the way here while being pursued. I sent out many scouts, so naturally I know every detail."
"Then why...?"
". This is our last hope." King Hassan fell silent for a moment before raising his head, seeming to have anger in his eyes. "This land has already been burned away. Only this place can still be hope!"
"So nothing can happen here. Absolutely nothing."