As an imperial citizen, one's identity must be registered at birth, and an identification card is issued by the relevant department, similar to the ID card in Kaguya's original world. Anyone without identification will be arrested for interrogation to determine if they are foreign spies or members of revolutionary groups and other rebel forces.
The little notebook Kaguya held was an imperial ID card, which was not unusual in itself. However, what surprised Kaguya was the person on it.
The ID card had a photo of a person with yellow hair and green eyes and a somewhat childish face. Below the picture, the name Tatsumi was written in bold letters. This was the name of the protagonist in this world's original story.
Kaguya's face darkened. Could it be that the original protagonist met his end before even appearing?
Could Kaguya's arrival and the ensuing butterfly effect have altered this world?
Tatsumi being killed by Seryu was indeed a surprise, but thinking it over, it made sense. At the beginning of the story, Tatsumi wasn't particularly strong—neither weak nor strong—and he didn't possess the Imperial Arm "Incursio" at the time.
Without an Imperial Arm, the difference in strength is vast. This is why so many people covet the Imperial Arms; the power boost they provide is substantial, often doubling one's capabilities.
Currently, it seemed that Tatsumi did not possess an Imperial Arm, while Seryu had the biological dog-type Imperial Arm, Koro. Don't underestimate this little dog; its strength is immense when it goes berserk. When Mine and Sheele fought against Seryu, they were defeated, and Sheele lost her life, demonstrating that Seryu's strength should not be underestimated.
It appeared that Tatsumi, in this world, did not have any protagonist's aura.
Kaguya glanced at the photo in the little notebook, and with a light squeeze, the book turned to dust, scattered by the wind.
In her hurry to return to her territory, Kaguya quickened her pace, swiftly traversing the lush forest. In less than three days, she arrived back at her domain.
Suddenly, Kaguya halted, contemplating, and then retrieved her fox mask, placing it on her face.
From a distance, the sound of bustling crowds reached her ears, accompanied by the clamor of many people gathering ahead.
Kaguya paused, slightly surprised and curious. If she remembered correctly, ahead lay her palace, where she resided, and it should have been well-guarded. Why was there a crowd gathered there?
"Please, give us some food."
"Yes, we haven't eaten in many days."
"Please give us some grain, just a little."
"If you can't, please give the children some food. They can't hold on much longer, sob sob…"
Kaguya's gaze fell upon a group of ragged commoners. They were emaciated, with sallow faces, and some were merely skin and bones. Among them were many children, tugging at their parents' clothes, with cracked lips and listless expressions.
"Get back!" shouted the guards, "This is Her Highness's palace. If you keep gathering here, we'll arrest you all!"
Faced with fully armed guards clad in armor, the commoners were fearful but refused to retreat. They continued to hover near the palace, with many even attempting to push forward.
"Alert!"
With a stern shout, the guards tightened their grip on their spears, pointing them at the hungry masses, the sharp tips glinting with cold light.
"Wait!"
Just then, a young girl rushed out, urgently calling, "Wait, don't take action." She had long black hair and a delicate face—it was Sayo, whom Kaguya hadn't seen in a long time.
"I understand your duty," the guard said solemnly, "but this is our responsibility, and we hope you can understand."
"But they're just ordinary people asking for a little food. Please don't harm them," Sayo pleaded anxiously.
As a lower-class commoner herself, Sayo knew the pain of hunger, having endured it to avoid starvation. She came to the capital hoping to prevent her village from going hungry, so she understood these ragged commoners, who had come here out of desperation.
"I'm sorry, but without Her Highness's order, we cannot touch the war supplies," the guard said sternly.
"But just a little shouldn't be a problem," Sayo argued.
"It's not just about a little," the guard replied seriously, "If we open the gates here, these hungry commoners will flock here, causing even more chaos."
"But…" Sayo hesitated, knowing he was speaking the truth, yet she couldn't bear to see these people reaching their limits.
Suddenly, a silver-haired girl wearing a fox mask emerged from behind a large tree.
The guards, upon seeing the silver-haired girl approaching, were taken aback and quickly knelt to salute. "Your Highness."
"Yes, rise," Kaguya nodded. "What is happening here?"
"Your Highness," Sayo hurried over, her voice urgent. "Please give them some food; they're on the verge of starvation."
"Your Highness, those are war supplies," the guard interjected, "If we use them rashly, during wartime…"
"But should we let them starve to death?" Sayo retorted indignantly.
The two were at an impasse, their gazes turning to Kaguya for her final decision.
"Order the distribution of food to them so they can eat," Kaguya instructed, waving her arm. "Also, Sayo, come with me."
"But…" the guard began.
"No buts, just do as I say," Kaguya replied softly.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Though reluctant, the guards followed Kaguya's instructions. The starving people, hearing the news, erupted in thunderous cheers.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Their eyes, once filled with despair, now shone with gratitude and joy. They had come here as a last resort, not expecting much. They never imagined the princess would be so kind as to provide them with food.
Given the current oppressive regime, with its heavy taxes and rampant exploitation, the government cared little for their lives.
Meanwhile, Kaguya, holding Sayo's soft hand, led her toward the princess's palace.