After the three of them left Sunset Forest, Lan Tian flew Louise and Xiao Li to a secluded grove outside Heaven Dou City and landed.
They changed into clean clothes before entering the city on foot. The inspections at the gate were more thorough than before, with several soldiers standing on either side of the gateway, checking each entrant's identification.
Lan Tian handed over his Viscount token. The soldier took one look and respectfully let him through.
Main Street in Heaven Dou City was as bustling as ever, with an endless stream of carriages, horses, and pedestrians. The shops and stalls lining the street were lively as usual.
But Lan Tian noticed that there were more soldiers on the city walls than during his last visit, and the patrols inside and outside the gates were changing shifts more frequently.
Louise had visited Heaven Dou City many times and knew the locations of its shops and restaurants well. She led the way, occasionally looking back to tell the other two which place served good roast goose and which cloth shop sold quality fabric.
Xiao Li walked beside Lan Tian, her cat ears and tail tucked away as she returned to a fully human form. Her steps were light as she surveyed the sights along the street.
The last time she had come to Heaven Dou City, she had been transported inside a cage. Now, walking along the same street, her state of mind was entirely different, and everything seemed fresh and new.
The three found a fairly upscale restaurant and sat by a window on the second floor.
Lan Tian ordered a tableful of Heaven Dou City's specialties, and Louise poured each of them a cup of warm wine.
Xiao Li was particularly taken with the sweet-and-sour fish. As she ate,