This outing was only to watch a performance, so neither princess had brought her maids. The three of them took a hired carriage from the street corner by the square to the north of the city.
Nightlife in the Core Urban Area of Tobesk City was not particularly lively. If one wandered the streets at night, one might instead attract the attention of patrolling police officers. But the northern part of the city, located in the Lower District, was much livelier at night. In the North District centered around Saint Song Square, pedestrians could still be seen on the main roads even after the Gas Street Lamps had been lit.
As for the Three Cats Hotel, it was even livelier than during the day because a troupe was performing tonight.
Since he had been busy with Snow Mountain matters, Shade had not come here since the Year-End Festival. After paying five pence each for tickets at the entrance, Mrs. Sangmei, the innkeeper who spotted Shade's arrival, personally brought them drinks.
She did not recognize Angelina or Leisha, but she remained as warm toward Shade as ever:
"Detective Hamilton, why haven't you patronized my business since the Year-End Festival?"
"My Detective Agency has no business either. After that heavy snowfall before the New Year, it seems even the criminals were buried beneath the snow."
Shade said with a smile. Mrs. Sangmei then teased him a couple more times about always appearing with pretty girls before turning and leaving. Leisha naturally knew this woman, who ran an inn in the heart of the Lower District and was quite capable:
"Mrs. Sangmei is no ordinary innkeeper."
She reminded him quietly, and Shade nodded:
"I know. It would be stranger if someone running such a large business in a place like this had no