By the dim red glow of the fires, the soldiers standing on the second floor of the pavilion could faintly see a large group of troops climbing over the towering walls of the Prince-Consort's Residence.
"This is bad! Another unit has broken in!"
The general who had come to protect Belle and the three children was startled and rushed over at once.
"Are they our men?" someone whispered.
"Those are the Imperial Forbidden Guard armor." Turning around, the general quickly approached Belle, saluted, and said, "Your Highness, we should hide for now—it's not safe here."
Belle hesitated, then nodded slightly.
With her approval, several soldiers immediately picked up the children. Opening the door, the group dashed out of the pavilion at full speed.
"There they are! After them!" someone among the Imperial Forbidden Guard scaling the wall shouted.
A few soldiers still astride the wall panicked and leapt straight off the ten-foot-high rampart, landing in a heap.
Grabbing their weapons, they raced after them.