The retinue that Colonel Reyle had accompany the trio had set up camp, and on a journey they were once again in the middle of, Siyu was peacefully eating his meal when a voice interrupts him.
“Hey, Siyu. I have a question.” Elizabeth says from nearby.
“Yes?” He responds, lowering his bowl of food.
“What’s your cultivation level? Frey and I are both at the Expert level but you haven’t said much about your cultivation path.” Elizabeth says before taking a sip of soup.
“Ha,” Siyu says with slight embarrassment. “It hasn’t been long since I’ve advanced from the Novice level. I’m at the Experienced level of my spiritual path. Why do you ask?”
“Well,” Elizabeth says, unsure how to phrase her question.
“Go on,” Siyu says, knowing where this conversation was heading.
“Do you… Do you know how to fight?” Elizabeth asks, her cheeks becoming slightly pink from embarrassment. “It’s just that I’ve never really seen you fight before, no one has mentioned your ability to fight, and you’ve never talked about it. Naturally, I have to know!” She continues in a fluster.
Siyu gives a bitter smile before responding, “I can… probably fight.”
“Oh?” Elizabeth exclaims, pleasantly surprised. “Show me?” She asks with expectation.
“Did you want to spar?” Siyu asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Only if you can handle it,” Elizabeth says with a teasing smile.
Siyu laughs before answering, “Alright; but wait for me to eat.” He says before picking up his bowl and drinking the soup.
…
…
They walk off into the distance to a clearing where they wouldn’t be disturbed. Siyu walks to the center with Elizabeth following after, and they stand two meters apart.
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“Ready?” She asks, readying herself for battle. “I won’t ask twice.” She announces with a chuckle.
“I’m ready,” Siyu answers with a smile.
“Here I come.” She says, breaking into a sprint and readying her sword. After her second step, she comes within striking distance and tests the waters by slashing with her sword. Before she slashes out, Siyy takes a step to his right, avoiding her upcoming strike.
“You have to try harder than that.” Siyu teases, patting her on the shoulder as she passes by his side.
“I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle it!” She responds, swinging sideways with her sword, only to find Siyu behind her. A blush finds itself on Elizabeth’s cheeks as she spins around with her sword and swings with slight embarrassment. “Huh? Where did you go?” She asks, bewildered, before looking down to see Siyu crouching and looking up at her with a smile. “Scoundrel!” She exclaims, aiming her weapon at Siyu's face.
Siyu quickly leaps back and take two steps to slow his momentum. This is a bit fun, he thinks to himself before a mischievous idea comes to me. “Do you need some encouragement?” He asks before swinging his hand behind him.
Just as Elizabeth was going to respond, she feels a light impact on her behind. As realization of what just occurred settles in, a rosy color reaches Elizabeth’s face. “You asked for it!” She yells, sprinting forward at twice the speed she was originally using. A pink mist begins to cover her sword, and as she arrives near Siyu, he finds that the pink mist had already surrounded him. Elizabeth crosses her arms and watches Siyu with a smug look, already sure that he wouldn’t be able to resist the mist.
Siyu gives her a blank look before his senses take in the situation. “Hmm…” He says, mulling over his words. “Cherries, with earthy tones, and a hint of vanilla?” He says, fully enjoying the experience. “It’s breathtaking,” He says absentmindedly.
If it was possible, Elizabeth’s face became even redder. “Pervert!” She yells before storming off into the distance, leaving, as Siyu collapses to the ground, unconscious.
…
…
Frey looks to Siyu before looking to Elizabeth’s pink face. They were currently in the carriage, continuing their journey. Frey gives them a look of suspicion before asking, “What happened?”
“Humph!” Elizabeth says before turning away and keeping her silence.
Frey looks to Siyu and raises an eyebrow.
Siyu smiles at Frey before turning his head to also look away. I might have gotten carried away, he thinks to himself.
…
…
They arrive at the city of Coin and immediately head to the military office to co-ordinate their investigation.
After arriving at the military office they are given the contact information of the witnesses and relevant authorities. A message was also sent out to the mayor to inform him of their arrival. As the messenger left, Siyu's eyes drew to him. His first thought was that it could be relevant to their investigation, but as he continued to watch the messenger, all he could see was his innocence. Perhaps he reminded me of Siyu the Waiter, Siyu thinks with a smile.
Frey and Elizabeth head out to interview the witnesses of other incidents while Siyu did the same. His next destination was the Mountain View school.
…
…
“Yes, Briar was a very bright kid. At the top of his class. He was the Vice President of the Student Association and I’ve been told that he was involved in the Chess Club and the Performance Club.” A teacher of the Mountain View school responds. “He was involved with many school activities and managed to stay energetic.” He says.
“Did he have any close friends; perhaps a girlfriend?” Siyu asks.
“He associates with many student groups, but I’m not sure if there is a group that he is particularly close to. But he did have a girlfriend.” The teacher says, discomfort on his face.
“If you could direct us to her, it would be appreciated,” Siyu says with a smile.
“Yes, yes. Of course, Sir Siyu. Let me just take a look through our records; it will only take a moment.” The teacher says with a bow before moving to some file cabinets.
“Ah, here it is. Briar’s previous girlfriend, Marianne, lives in the student dorms at the school, but it says here that she is currently staying with her family in the city suburbs. It seems she has been unfeeling unwell since…” The teacher says, discomfort once again appearing on his face.
“The address please,” Siyu says, intent on being on his way.