"Indeed, that's correct," Ivan replied swiftly, not wanting to give any room for suspicion with hesitation.
"Oh, we have some others who are also headed to the venue. We'll be departing soon," the woman said with a smile as she left her seat behind the counter.
"The rest of the group is waiting in the back. Allow me to guide you," she added, prompting them to follow her lead.
The group trailed behind her as she guided them through a door into a hallway. The tired floorboards beneath them creaked, giving off the sensation that they might give way at any moment.
Eventually, they reached another door, and as the woman opened it, they were led to a field situated behind the building. Horses were hitched to wagon carriages laden with boxes, indicating that the primary purpose of the journey was to transport goods, with others joining along for the ride.
