Noon on February 8th.
The signalmen who had been withdrawn from the front lines were rushing anxiously toward Salivia. The events of the past few days had brought them to the brink of collapse, and now, returning to the capital city with the Wall of Saint Marin had unknowingly become their last hope. However, it would still be several days' journey to reach Salivia.
In the cities behind them, the people who fled due to the war have formed a massive refugee crisis, which has become a thorny problem that can no longer be solved.
Not to mention the massive enemy army, so powerful it sends shivers down your spine, which is spreading rapidly across this land like a plague.
It may not be long before it spreads to Salibia.
——
On the same day, Salibia, which had been under complete lockdown, once again showed signs of its former vibrant vitality.
As the winter sun rose at dawn, the West Bright Bell Tower rang its bells. The residents, who were strictly forbidden from leaving their homes, thought it was going to be another eerily quiet day. However, they soon heard shouts coming from the streets.
Martial law lifted!
"Martial law has been lifted!"
So, windows gradually opened on every street, and residents peeking out could still see soldiers walking on the streets. However, most of them were now police officers, and there were significantly fewer of the original Storm Special Combat Team members.
And then, they heard a new sound:
"His Majesty will convene a meeting at St. Marienplatz at 2 PM!"
When such shouts rang out throughout Salibia, the people finally opened their locked doors and rushed out in a chaotic frenzy, then began to chat enthusiastically with one another.
In fact, lifting martial law wouldn't significantly alleviate their panic, as the unfavorable situation on the front lines and the constant stream of bad news had already instilled a sense of crisis in everyone. At this time of widespread fear, the negative rumors circulating in the city exacerbated their panic, leading some to question the government.
Especially after the Storm Special Combat Team took over the city's security, these direct troops of the Emperor, day and night, trotted out on the streets with their gleaming leather boots and grim faces, arresting rebels with methods so ruthless that they sent chills down one's spine.
People couldn't even tell whether those arrested were actually members of the rebel party, because those arrested always screamed that they had been arrested by mistake.
If it were just a few people, it might just be the rebels' sophistry. But when more and more people are arrested amidst their cries of pain, or beaten to death on the spot and thrown into carriages like dead dogs, it really makes one suspicious that perhaps not all of them are rebels.
As suspicions grew, more and more people felt uneasy and fearful. This fear came from both the threat from enemy countries and the Storm Special Combat Team—no, it should be said that it came from the current government.
At this critical moment for the empire, amidst unease and fear, the people were all the more eager to see their Emperor von Palen.
Now, when they heard that Von Palen would be appearing in St. Marienplatz today, everyone, whether they had always believed in the government or had begun to have doubts, was invigorated.
It was like a strong wind suddenly blowing through a gloomy sky, clearing away a patch of dark clouds. Upon hearing the news, much of the gloom that had been hanging over people's hearts dissipated.
In a very short time, the news spread throughout the streets and alleys of Salvia. People began to excitedly discuss the afternoon's events, eagerly awaiting the moment. Many had even rushed to St. Marín Square early in the morning.
All so that I could see that man more closely when this gathering takes place.
Subsequently, people from all over the country began to flock to St. Marienplatz, and at noon, in a house just one street away from St. Marienplatz...
Thirteen-year-old Pota is troubled.
She hadn't eaten lunch yet, but the gas in her stomach had already made her feel full. At that moment, she stood at the doorway, with her sister Hannah blocking the way.
Looking at her sister, who had spread her arms wide, completely blocking the door, Pota wrinkled her nose and pleaded again:
"Please let me go."
“No.” Hannah stared, her expression unusually stern, completely different from usual.
"Why not?" Pota frowned.
"I've already said it, no means no."
"I'll be back as soon as the gathering is over, okay, sister? Please let me go." Pota tugged at Hannah's sleeve and shook it gently.
Hannah ignored her, her expression growing increasingly stern: "You're not allowed to leave. I will absolutely not allow you to participate in the gathering."
"I'll be watching you all day."
Hearing these words, Pota, who had been rejected repeatedly, became angry. This even made the freckles on her cheeks turn slightly red. She was no longer willing to waste her breath and pushed her sister's hand away, about to rush out of the room.
Hannah grabbed her hand and forcefully dragged her back into the room.
"Let go of me, you're hurting me..." Pota screamed as her wrist was grabbed, but her scream only provoked Hannah, who slapped Pota across the face and scolded her:
"When will you ever grow up?!"
Bota, her face flushed red from the slap, fell onto the bed. She covered her cheek, tears welling up in her eyes. She looked at her usually gentle and kind sister with tears in her eyes, never expecting that her sister would hit her today.
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