...
...
Late at night, on both sides of the inner city gate.
The two guards who had just finished their shift change were alert and focused on their surroundings.
The cold wind was biting, and they wrapped themselves tightly in their fur coats.
Torchlight flickered in the wind, casting unsteady shadows.
Footsteps came from afar, accompanied by laughter and playful sounds.
"Don't pull me... I haven't had enough to drink yet..."
A few figures staggered over from a distance.
Two men in tattered clothes were being supported by two scantily dressed women as they walked slowly.
The four of them reeked of alcohol, obviously drunken men just out of the tavern.
"Stop!"
The guards immediately became wary, raising their long spears horizontally at the gate.
"Do not approach!"
The drunken men kept walking forward, seemingly oblivious to the guards' words.
"I said stop!"
The guard raised his voice, "One more step and we'll kill you!"
