634
On a street in Empress Borough, a patrolling soldier raised his head and glanced into the distance.
"There seems to be something going on downtown."
His companion glanced over as well, then turned back dismissively. "Probably another march. These are troubled times."
"That's right."
The soldier tugged at his cap, straightened the gun in his hands, and sighed. "Bread prices are still rising. I'm planning to send my family to another county, but after thinking it over, Backlund still seems the safest."
His companion shrugged. "Where would you send them? East Chester and East Tuck County are both too close to the Amanda Mountains, and in the western counties, you'd have to worry about whether those small countries wanted to take advantage of the trouble. Just stay in Backlund. If anything happens, head for an air-raid shelter or underground straightaway."
"True."
They had only patrolled a short stretch when they saw their squad captain running toward them like the wind. He came to an abrupt halt before them, his expression so grave that it looked as though the Feysac Empire had already invaded.
The captain swept an imposing gaze over the two of them. "Have you noticed anything unusual?"
Both men stood at attention and answered in unison, "No!"
"If not, report to Second Avenue immediately to take part in the interception operation." The captain's expression put them under immense pressure. "Riots have broken out in East Borough and Cherwood Borough. The people are attempting to storm the wealthy neighborhoods and Government Borough. Assist in controlling the crowds. You may open fire in self-defense if necessary."
The two young soldiers exchanged startled looks, then answered one after the other, "Yes, sir!"
Milan Nois leaned against the window and listened attentively to the incitement delivered before death, which sounded