Surprisingly, the granny was well-connected. She stepped out for only a short while, and when she returned, she already had someone with her. A middle-aged man whom she barely bothered to introduce to Izu and Pika.
Before Izu could even ask whether this man was enough to stand watch while the operation was ongoing, more people began arriving at the establishment. They didn't come all at once. One by one, quietly, until there were nearly ten new men inside.
"I told you," the granny said, giving Izu and Pika a knowing look. "The residents of this territory specialize in living as quietly as the dead."
Despite the gathering, the night remained undisturbed.
"This man," the granny gestured toward the middle-aged man, "already knows your plan. He'll take you to the right place."
She paused, her lips stretching into a confident smile. "Don't worry. You can trust him."
