They devour their meals with haste, leaving not a single crumb left on their plates, and wipe their mouths with the napkins provided. Laurel summons their hostess to total their bill.
"I dread to think what the full charge will be…" Ningan rolls his eyes.
"Like I said; nothing to worry about." Laurel reassures him.
He pays-up the bill in full, adding a substantial tip. Anju displays immense gratitude at their generosity and presents them with a complimentary gift.
"A voucher for the Perennial Carousal." she presents them with a small card. "This will guarantee you a table reservation during our busiest times at the carnival."
"Thank you!" Laurel gracefully accepts. "We will be sure to put it to good use!"
The waitress whisks away their plates and thanks them for their custom.
"So, we're staying for the carnival?" Ningan inquires with a tone of surprise.
"We will see how things go." the knight says. "Remember: live in the moment!"
They vacate their table and exit the premises in unison. Out on the street, they find themselves pacing through a stream of jovial townsfolk, similarly looking to embrace the nightlife Anther has to offer.
"Before we retire to the hotel, I want to visit one last place." Laurel insists.
Ningan groans as he follows the Commander's lead. They walk the edge of the Grand Canal, guided by the streetlamps that pave the way south. A lone musician stands on the corner of the street, strumming a guitar as he sings merrily to himself. Laurel tosses him a yellow Rupee, and in return, receives the respectful tilt of a hat.
Eventually, they arrive at the very edge of the town, where the Grand Canal flows beyond the city walls out to sea. A stone staircase leads to a raised platform that hangs above the water. Laurel's boots scurry up the stairs with anticipation, leaving Ningan to trail behind.
When he arrives at the top, he is greeted by the open arms of the Founding Couple; their gleeful faces inviting him to enter. The two men stand in a park of lavender and blossom, occupied by only a few visitors. Overhead, fairy-lights hang between the lampposts, dancing in the wind like fireflies. A sea breeze carries the blossom over the peaceful onlookers as they succumb to the rare tranquillity nestled at the heart of the city.