By the time he reached Pig Tail Alley in the north of the city, it was already noon. Although it's called an alley, it was wide enough for a carriage to pass through; the alley was flanked on both sides by towering, age-old buildings covered with climbing vines that virtually merged with the steam pipes. This was a distinctive summer scene of the city, further complemented by the chirping of little birds and the faint smell of cooking and smoke in the alleyway, creating a strong sense of life that really appealed to Shard's taste.
Of course, he definitely wouldn't consider moving out of Saint Delan Square.
Due to the way the sunlight hit it, the interior of the apartment was damp and dim. The corridor already smelled a bit foul, and without any windows, the space, lacking a way to ventilate, was filled with a mix of perspiration, food, and the odor of clothes that hadn't dried properly, making it very unpleasant.
