The Emperor!

Gojin hummed with his hands behind his head, using his neck as a makeshift pillow. Kenji and Sakura trailed behind him, engrossed in their poetry books—two volumes of ancient texts they had stacked together, relics from a bygone era.

"So, we will have to find a—"

Suddenly, a throng of people rushed past them in a hurry, sprinting toward the market center, their expressions a mix of surprise and excitement as they exchanged hushed whispers.

The three exchanged glances and instinctively followed the crowd without a word.

Arriving at the market center, they witnessed a scene of reverence: people clearing a path and bowing deeply as someone entered through the city gates.

A convoy of soldiers, clad in ornate armor, led the way, the imperial palace's flag fluttering in the breeze. The Emperor's palanquin followed, carried by servants dressed in rich silks. The palanquin was adorned with dragon carvings and golden embellishments, reflecting the sunlight.