If only area were considered, Tobesk City's three most renowned opera houses could not compare to the Wilde Opera House in Randall River Valley. But when it came to décor and extravagance, the opera house of the "Pearl of the Northern Kingdom" was clearly superior.
On an early spring night, there was no shortage of people who wished to spend their time enjoying life at the opera house. The temperature had risen quickly, and after barely two weeks, the feeling of winter had vanished completely. Even the night breeze carried warmth. One sign was that the audience climbing the steps outside the opera house had fully transitioned to spring attire.
For Shade, there was little difference between winter and spring clothing. Though Leisha had lectured him countless times, he still preferred the simplest black coat. Even for formal occasions, he merely replaced his overcoat with black formal wear.
The Maria Empress Opera House on Swift Street remained bustling on this early spring night. The streets adorned by gas lamps were not what drew people here; it was the brightly lit opera house beneath the starry sky that those who enjoyed nightlife wished to visit.
The Outlander had once read in a tabloid that any singer, opera performer, or actor in Delarion considered it an honor to perform at the Maria Empress Opera House. Only Female Opera Singers like Miss Vanessa Benanis could use such a venue as their stage whenever they wished.
Shade arrived a little late. By the time he stepped down from the carriage, the next opera was almost beginning. He jumped down, paid the fare, and took the steps two at a time. Near the top, he slowed down to straighten his tie, then entered the opera house lobby in a suitably gentlemanly, rather than hurried, manner.