Night had fallen deep.
There were barely any pedestrians on the streets. Only slightly dim streetlamps stood on either side, silently keeping watch like guards in the darkness. Whenever the cold night wind blew, it stirred up soft rustling sounds, and the shadows cast by the plants lining the road swayed faintly with it.
There was none of the daytime clamor. As the night deepened, the city seemed to reveal another side that belonged to darkness.
In the distance lay countless silent lights, like a flowing silver chain. Nearby were the scattered shops still open at night, with the faint bustle of customers drifting from within. The scent of alcohol mingled with Magic Dust washed over them, only to vanish in the chilly night wind an instant later.
The stars stretched vast overhead, and the moon was cold as frost.
Two young girls walked along the empty street, their faint shadows trailing beneath their feet, adding a touch more loneliness to the secluded night.
"...I can be certain now."
The girl walking backward in front said blankly.
The bright lights of the city were reflected in her purple eyes.
The signboard was like a mirror, reflecting the scene across the street. A tavern stood there.
Its lights were soft and bright, and above its door hung a plaque illuminated by the same warm glow, with the name "Hearthstone Tavern" engraved upon it.
"Hm?"
Elina tilted her head in confusion. Following Yao Ziyue's gaze, she looked behind herself and saw the same sight.
Then she turned back and looked toward the street on the opposite side in the distance.
It was a tavern.
Elina did not quite understand why Yao Ziyue said that. They had encountered so many taverns already, and this one merely had a somewhat strange name.
It was