The misfortune

It seemed like time slowed as people filed out to watch what was happening outside. While some people with a high rank could step out, others, including servants, could only watch from the windows where they were. 

An open four-wheeled wagon was rolled in, followed by one of the groups that had gone out in search of Susan. Since it was already evening, some of the bodyguards held fire torches while the others simply stood with their heads down. They all had solemn looks on their faces. 

They could all see it. Even if they tried to pretend like they could not. They could all see a body in the wagon, which was covered with a white cloth. The person was not as tall as the average man, and neither was their body moving. It was simply lying still.

The bodyguard leading the troop dropped to his knees while facing the palace as he painfully said in a tight voice, "This... useless servant... f-failed."