"Mayor, they're here!"
After opening the door, there stood only a young man in a guard squad uniform, his expression panicked. Having blurted out these words, he immediately left, evidently not wanting to expose himself for having informed the town ahead of time.
It was the time for scrutiny, which was why the townspeople were so sensitive to Ian's arrival.
The Mayor was momentarily taken aback, but then quickly composed himself and hurried upstairs to his home.
Not long after, an abrupt toll of the bell rang from above the Mayor's house, echoing throughout the entire town.
Ian also furrowed his brow, rising to his feet.
"What's going on, Aunt Julia?"
He turned his head to look at the portly aunt, who was also a bit panicked, but then recovered her composure, her face bearing a look of worry, "Is it the guard squad coming to check the temporary residence permits?"
"Yes, that's right..."
