Chapter 210

Walking past the noisy commercial street and stepping into a distinctive bluestone alley, the scene before them suddenly brightened. The surrounding atmosphere was somewhat different from Dotonbori—quieter, yet exuding an Edo-period charm far richer than what lay outside. It was as if, by turning a corner in the bustling city, one had suddenly stepped into a sanctuary untouched by the world. Tourists moved back and forth along the cobblestone path. The shops lining the street adopted the style of old Japanese residential houses, and nearly every storefront hung a red lantern.