The commercial district was east of the city center or forum as Virtus called it. Jack wasn’t sure if that was just the big courtyard that lay between the palace, Academy, library, and a big building called a Basilica, or if it was the whole shebang. Back on topic, the commercial district was set into more traditional streets instead of the network of squares that made up the southern district.

Large glass tubes glowed with Fairy Lights and alternated colors every tube. These tubes were affixed long poles at regular intervals and served as very mellow streetlights. Jack approved of the effect the lights had. Not so dark that you couldn’t see but not focused enough to ruin your night vision.

Casper led them over to a crowded street. The street was so straight that Jack could see the eastern wall in the distance. “Why is this street so crowded after dark? The roads were deserted last night.” He asked.

Casper waved at the road around him and explained. “This is Barking Dog Street. It is the cities hub for street food and entertainment. The lights here never turn off. To answer your other question, the southern district is quiet because that’s where most of these people live. Anyone with nightlife tendencies is usually encouraged to come here by their neighbors so that everyone can get some sleep.”

Aster piped up next to him. “There are a bunch of yummy food places here.” She grabbed Jack's hand and dragged him to a kebab stand.

An hour later, everyone was stuffed to the gills. They had all split up to grab some grub and met up again to watch a street play while they ate. Jack noticed that Virtus somehow managed to work pineapple into everything that he bought, which was strange because none of the stalls he saw sold the fruit. A mystery for another day.

Lillian did her magic and all of their trash was gone and each had a handkerchief in hand to wipe off with. Jack had no idea when she had even moved, let alone placed something in his hand. He glanced at the others for confirmation and saw the same surprise in their eyes, even Virtus. Note to self. Do not ever piss off Lillian. They cleaned up and pressed on.

Casper led them down to the far end of the street. Pressed against the city wall was a two story tavern. It stood tall in contrast to most of the shops on this street. They were fancy food stalls that had slowly grown out over many generations. This tavern was constructed from dark wood and had glass windows. Two things that Jack had yet to see in this world. Even he only had shutters on his window and that was in the university complex. The roof was constructed of tiles made from the same stone as the wall, effectively blending them.

The sign over the door proclaimed it to be the Wallflower, funny. If you had asked Jack earlier, he would have said that the street was packed. That changed the minute he stepped into the Wallflower. A dozen stone slab tables were sprinkled randomly throughout the room, each one filled capacity by rowdy people of all ages and ethnicities. Jack had never seen such a variety of people in all of the time he had spent on this world. Most had Greco-roman features but others varied wildly. One person had green hair and pale skin, another had a lemon hanging from each ear.

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Barmaids in flowing dresses raced around the room and kept the chaos to a minimum with a drink here, an admonishment there. Frankly, Jack was impressed at the controlled chaos that this room represented. He fell into step behind Casper, who ducked and wove through the room like a professional boxer. At one point a tankard flew at him, he ducked only to have the contents land on Virtus. Virtus was not impressed.

At the back of the common room, several doors led off in various directions. They went through a nicer oak door and down the hall behind it. A light crawled out from under the only door in the hall.

Knock! Knock! There was a shuffling noise on the other side before a familiar base came from the other side. “Who is it?”

“It’s me father.” Casper yelled back. The door was so solid that he had to raise his voice to be heard.

“Ahh, come in. I was expecting you.” There were some shuffling noises and the sound of a drawer closing. The door swung open to reveal a study that was almost identical to the one in the orphan ward. Even the books on the shelves were the same. He really has a preference. The only notable change was a desk in one corner of the room. It was cluttered with papers and writing implements, giving off the impression of organized chaos.

Felix was seated at the desk, tidying up what looked like a recently written letter. The ink was still drying. “Come in and sit down Jack. Casper, can you check on the problem we discussed earlier, I fear they may try to release it soon and I want you to prepare.”

Casper's complexion paled a bit and his eyes became wild. “They wouldn’t!” He gasped. “You said it was only a possibility. That they wouldn’t actually try it.”

A dark shadow crossed Felix’s face. “I was wrong. A new player is agitating the nobility and encouraging rebellious behavior. They will likely release it any day now and I want all entrances to be evacuated.”

Casper scoffed. “Most of the children are too far gone for that. How will I convince those savages to follow my directions?”

“I don’t know. Just do what you can and I will try to intercept any incoming trouble. Is that acceptable?” Felix’s expression was complicated as he stood up to place his hands on his son's shoulders. “You are the first that I took in, practically a baby. I have watched you grow into the finest of me, full of passion and righteousness. That is why you are the one that I must entrust this burden with. Do you understand?”

Casper stood straighter and matched his father’s gaze with one full of fire. “I will do my best!”

Virtus stepped forward. “Is this something that I should be concerned with? As both a bodyguard and as an imperial honor guard, protecting the citizens of the Empire is my duty.”

Felix sneered at Virtus’ declaration. It was not a flattering look. “The master that holds your leash has already tried to stop what is coming. If you intercede, she will have to deal with consequences. Now be good and sit down. You are allowed to stay as a con session, not a privilege.”

Jack stepped between the two before Virtus could get pissed again. Hands out in a warding gesture, he spoke. “That is enough! Felix, I trust Virtus with my life and I trust his master to have my best interests. She seems to care for her people so let’s not speak badly of her. Is that okay?”

They all settled back onto their heels and looked mollified by his words. Their eyes agreed on one thing. ‘We can play nice, for now. That was good enough for him. This type of conflict seemed to be happening a lot recently. Like father, like son.

After a minute, they were all settled. Jack and Lillian were in the arm chairs and Virtus hovered over Jack, like usual. He thought it was very odd that she hadn’t attempted to speak once since entering the inn. In fact, he saw her wave to at least one serving girl on the way in. Pondering on this particular companion's inconsistencies was not going to be helpful. She was a spy and had multiple loyalties that got along like a house on fire. Yet, not one person had questioned her. He’d get the story from Felix tonight during training.

Felix grinned and held out his hand for Jack to grasp. The others had no idea about their Soulscape, so this next part seemed to amuse the big man. Jack to his hand and his perception left his body. It flowed down an earthen tunnel and Jack finally understood what it meant to go down the rabbit hole.