[Lost Era, August 5, 1000. Dragon Gold City, clearing skies after rain.
The first month after arriving in Dragon Gold City, and the opening day of the Golden Oak.
Thanks to our well-organized publicity campaign, opening day was a great success.
Plenty of people wanted to sample Star Plum Wine, drawing in some regulars from other taverns...
Personally, I don't think those owners need to worry about that.
They'll be our regulars soon enough.]
The streets of Dragon Gold City were a tangled maze, and the Deep Well District, nestled against the mountains, was crammed with narrow, shadowy alleys.
Its extensive sewer system, along with the Cleaners Guild's work, meant the streets held little more than a hint of fresh jasmine.
Yesterday's rain lingered only in the cracks between the cobblestones, so the newsboys could skip lightly along the roads without worrying about splashes soaking their rolled-up trousers.
The Deep Well District was always noisy in the evenings.
The din was filled with smashing, haggling, and cursing.
But at some point, the clamor of the flies buzzing in the dark corners had begun to mingle with a lighthearted children's song:
"If you want to forget life's busy pace, come to the Golden Oak!
If you want to escape boredom and routine, come to the Golden Oak!
The haunted house that troubled you is gone; music and dancing will go on and on!
Whether you're poor or rich, we offer fair-priced Star Plum Wine—
For just 1 gold coin, shake off your weariness and find satisfaction!"
The song was simple, with a repetitive, catchy melody.
By the third time you heard it, it was like "a bug crawling into your ear," playing over and over.
Even while busy at work, people couldn't help humming a few bars without the lyrics.
Fortunately,