"Aaahhh! Stop! No, please! We were just in desperate need of money!" a middle-aged woman pleaded desperately as two guards seized her arms, dragging her toward the execution platform.
The man already standing there began to scream, his voice filled with terror.
"You highness! Please, have mercy on us! We were helpless!" the man cried out, his eyes wide with fear as he stood on the platform, a gleaming blade poised dangerously above his head.
Four or five soldiers surrounded him, their expressions cold and unyielding, making it clear that no one would heed his pleas.
Nearby, a child no older than twelve, who had ordered their execution, stood silently.
"Helpless enough to sell your daughter? Then why continue living? Wouldn't death relieve you of that helplessness?" A young boy, clad in black, stood with his hands tucked into his pockets.
