The streets, buildings, and even decorations throughout Nevernight City were basically styled after the Celestial Dynasty. For example, the streetlights and colored lights hanging along both sides of the roads were all shaped like lanterns. Most pedestrians wore Eastern-style clothing as well, though the occasional sailor uniform or maid outfit felt rather out of place.
"It looks normal, doesn't it?" Mash and Ritsuka watched the men and women on the streets. On the surface, they could not find anything wrong. The only strange thing was how attentive the men were toward the women. Also, while many women were accompanied by one man, some had two or three men following them.
"Master, slow down. Don't tire yourself out."
"Master, are you thirsty? Have some water."
The men seemed to be fawning over the women, but Mash and Ritsuka merely found it odd and did not think much of it.
"Ah!"
The sudden scream of a man startled Mash and Ritsuka. Yet the pedestrians on the street seemed not to have heard it and continued shopping as usual. However, a closer look revealed that most of the men had begun trembling, then started currying even more favor with the women beside them.
"Let's take a look." The pedestrians were indifferent to the scream, but Mash and Ritsuka could not be. After hesitating briefly, they immediately headed toward its source. The sound had come from an alley ahead.
When Mash and Ritsuka reached the alley, the horrific sight before them left them stunned. Deep within the alley, beneath a dim wall corner, a large dog-like monster was tearing into a man. He could no longer even scream, only letting out pained groans.
Another man nearby had both hands clamped over his mouth. His whole body shook violently, as though he were desperately trying