Lerdri's southern gate had been congested since sunrise.
As time passed, the congestion showed no sign of easing. Instead, it grew worse as the refugees returned.
In the distance, patrols of cavalry maintained order. Two ranks of soldiers stood before the gate, while Bosco and five clerks recorded information at a broad desk.
They faithfully carried out the princess's orders.
The returning refugees showed no impatience either. The excitement and joy of coming home had long since swept their displeasure aside.
Besides, the patrolling cavalry kept handing out dry rations and water.
This, too, was the princess's order.
When the refugees learned that the order came from the princess who had turned the tide, they all voiced their gratitude.
Apart from a few inherently wicked people, most were kind.
They were happy to share their joy.
They did not mind helping others.
And they were even more willing to greet others with a smile.
Some people, however, were different.
They considered themselves superior and thought sharing anything with these commoners was disgraceful, even though they had once been commoners themselves.
"Move! Move!"
"All of you, get out of my way!"
The arrogant shouts were accompanied by the crack of a whip.
Then came several cries.
Clearly, someone had been struck.
But...
Aside from crying out, none of them dared resist, because the person whipping them sat on a carriage with a conspicuous family crest on its door.
The Saddin Family Crest!
The crest of Lerdri's former deputy minister of military affairs.
That position ensured that everyone in Lerdri knew him.
The orderly queue fell into disarray.
The carriage barged toward the gate, leading a whole convoy.
Bosco frowned.
He raised a hand, and the soldiers stationed there immediately blocked the approaching carriage.
Faced with their spears, the whip-wielding driver shrank