Tonight, Dorothy was going to perform a ritual in Shard's attic to advance from the low Fourth Ring to the Inner Fifth Ring. Therefore, Shard did not plan to go to Midshire Fort this Sunday.
After having breakfast, however, Shard first headed to Old John's pawnshop. Since he arrived too early, Old Man John had only just opened the shop, and even the small sign outside had not been taken out:
"You're here so early, are you looking to buy something?"
The white-haired old man finished greeting his neighbor and yawned while standing at the doorway, asking Shard, who was walking along the street:
"Detective, help me bring the padlock from the door to the counter."
"Sure, but Old John, is the steam pipe by your door leaking water? Why have you placed a bucket under it to catch water?"
Shard asked curiously.
"The pipe company has been notified to fix it. This can't be delayed; otherwise, it will freeze and crack come winter. Speaking of which, what exactly are you here for?"