Faced with two children, the guards couldn't really raise their blades to flay them, even though the New Emperor was furious, shouting that he wanted them all beheaded, they just couldn't do it.
Most of the Imperial Palace Guards came from noble families themselves and were not the kind to strictly obey orders. Plus, the New Emperor hadn't been on the throne for long and hadn't yet earned their loyalty. Actually, all the things the New Emperor had done since taking the throne had been quite disappointing.
"Are you all tired of living? If you're not afraid of death, what about your families?"
Hearing the threat in his words, a few were somewhat shaken, but their companions restrained them.
"Today it's killing two children, and what about in the future? If His Majesty is so brutal, are we truly to become his butcher's blade? Our families will understand us!"
"My grandfather always said, a real man knows what should and should not be done! I absolutely will not do this today!"
