Story Chapter 17: Prison Carriage

Haruka was escorted through the village street, the knight keeping a firm grip on her restrained wrists as they walked toward a large wooden carriage waiting farther ahead. She could feel the attention of the villagers following her every step. Their whispers made her increasingly uncomfortable. Her white athletic crop top was still tied tightly at the front, and with her hands restrained behind her back, she couldn't reach around to loosen or adjust it. She kept shifting her shoulders in an attempt to get comfortable, but there was little she could do. The situation was humiliating enough without everyone staring. Haruka lowered her head and tried to walk as calmly as possible, her footsteps carrying her steadily toward the waiting carriage. Then she noticed where they were going. Her eyes widened. “Are you ta… taking me to jail?” The knight glanced at her with confusion. “Jail?” “Yes! Jail!” Haruka stammered. “It's a place where heinous and vicious criminals are arrested and taken to!” The knight looked even more puzzled. “I do not understand what you mean by ‘jail.’ Are you referring to a dungeon?” “D-Dungeon?” Haruka's face went pale. She looked toward the waiting prison carriage. “Oh, that's somehow even worse…” The knight continued escorting her forward. At last, they reached the carriage and came to a stop beside it. Haruka stared at the imposing vehicle for several seconds. Then she released a helpless sigh. “…This is really happening.”