Aster looked different at night.
Not worse. Just… softer.
The lanterns strung along the streets cast warm pools of light against the stone, blurring sharp edges and turning familiar alleys into something gentler.
Fritz walked his route at an easy pace, sword resting on his hips, boots tapping on a steady rhythm against the ground.
Nothing ever happened on this stretch.
Which was good.
"Fritz!"
He glanced up just in time to see one of the senior guards jogging toward him, helmet tucked under his arm and armor only half-fastened.
Fritz slowed. "Please tell me you're not about to ask me for something."
The man laughed. "You know me too well."
"Mm."
"There's an event tonight," the senior said, lowering his voice like it was some great secret.
"Over in the nearby district. Music, food, lights—you know how it is."
Fritz stopped walking.
"…You want me to take your shift."
"Just for tonight!" the man said quickly. "You're already out here anyway."
