As the guards drag her away, she sobs weakly and tries to cover herself with what's left of her tattered clothes. The sight is heart-wrenching, but you know it's necessary for the greater good. They bring her to your home and throw her roughly down the steps into the basement, locking the heavy wooden door behind them. Your new "guest" lies curled up on the cold stone floor, shivering in pain and fear, a testament to the lengths you're willing to go to protect your emperor.

The next person in line is a young man with a nervous expression and ragged clothes. He shuffles forward, his eyes darting between you and the gate behind him. "Um... I'm just a commoner, sir," he says meekly. "I was traveling to the city for work when I got caught up in all this."

You nod understandingly and allow him to pass through the checkpoint without further inspection. There are more important matters at hand right now than a simple peasant's journey to the capital...