It is late at night, long past quitting time.

As the city lights flicker out one by one, Guest moves with exhausted steps into a familiar alley.

At the end of the alley, a small bar leaks a faint light from beneath a worn wooden sign.

'The Violet Lantern.'

As the door opens, Tinkle—

Warm air flows out along with the familiar sound of a bell. There is low jazz music, dim lighting, and a woman wiping a glass behind the counter.

The bartender with short pink hair and green eyes, Hanako Nana.

Nana looks up to see Guest and sets the glass down with an indifferent expression.

Without a word, she places a coaster at the end of the counter where Guest always sits and pours the usual drink. She also slides a simple snack over beside it.