With the case over, the trio were free for a few days. During this time, the city’s Spring Festival was occurring, and they decided to enjoy the scenery.

“Hey, Siyu,” Elizabeth says as they walk through the crowds between the food stalls.

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth,” He responds, his gaze being drawn away from the crowds to the sparse nature around them.

“About what Commander Reyle said…” Elizabeth starts to say.

“Yes? What about it?” Siyu says, his eyes following as a bird settles on a branch with a nest.

“Do you think demons are living among us?” She finally asks.

“Hmm? Demons?” Siyu responds flippantly, watching as the bird feeds her chicks in the nest.

“Hey, are you listening? Siyu!” Elizabeth says, pulling out a dagger. “Don’t make me throw this at you.” She says with a stern stare.

“Hmm?” Siyu responds, his eyes growing larger at the sight of the dagger. “Sorry, what were you saying?” He asks with a pacifying voice.

“Demons! Are they real or not?” She asks with annoyance.

“Real! Very real!” Siyu says with his hands raised.

“Really? Have you seen them?” Elizabeth asks, putting down the dagger.

“Of course, I see them every day. Anywhere people gather, demons will also gather. I’ve seen a few here enjoying the festival. Why do you ask?” Siyu says before asking, letting his hands settle to his sides.

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“What!? Where are they? Should we start hunting them down?” She asks with a tinge of passion.

“Why would we do that? I’ve not seen one here with the intent to harm another.” Siyu says with a wave of his hand.

“But what about what Commander Reyle told us? That they can only grow by sacrificing the lives of others?” Elizabeth asks, with slight worry.

“Hmm? That’s probably true. But like I’ve said, I’ve yet to see any demon act with that intent. And until then, it’s not any of my business.” Siyu answers.

“Surely you just weren’t looking long enough?” Elizabeth asks with doubt.

“Hmm? Probably. But why would I look? Like I said, it’s not my business.” Siyu says, catching the sight of a mouse scurrying between the stalls.

“What? Are you dumb? Are we not working for the Demon Hunters right now?” Elizabeth asks, looking at Siyu like he was an idiot.

“Ah? What? Oh, that’s right. Well, it’s not like I’ve been tasked with cleansing the world of demons. And lastly, I don’t feel I have the right to deny their humanity; even if they are demons.” Siyu says with a chuckle.

Elizabeth looks to him in bewilderment. “What do you mean deny their humanity? Aren’t they demons?” She asks, not understanding.

Siyu looks deeply into Elizabeth’s eyes and says, “Yes, they’re demons, but ultimately, they are human. Who are we to judge? And if I was given the same opportunities as a demon… who knows?”

Elizabeth’s eyes open wide. “What!? What are you saying right now?” She exclaims with shock. “Are you saying that you would–” She continues to say before stopping at Siyu's raised hand.

“Easy, Elizabeth,” Siyu says, watching as her hurried breathing slows. “That is simply the state of the world, and as a follower of the Earth Path, it is not my way to deny people their freedom. Whatever a demon wants to do is none of my business, and I’d rather it not become my business.” He says before continuing to move forward.

“Hey, stop! Are you defending them?” Elizabeth grabs Siyu's sleeve to stop him and asks, doubting his character.

“I'm not defending them. I simply accept it.” He says before putting on a playful smile. “Have you heard of the birds and the bees? In the same way, humans do what humans do, demons will do what they do.” He says before letting out a chuckle.

Elizabeth’s face turns a shade of red. “How is that the same!?” She cries out. “Surely the despicable things they do are worse than what could be considered natural!” She exclaims.

Siyu smiles bitterly. “That is the way of the world Elizabeth,” He says with a sigh. “Enough about that. Come, let’s find a game to play.” He says, taking her hand to lead her forward.

“Hey! Let go of me!” Elizabeth says with slight discomfort.

Siyu lets go and scratches his head with a bitter smile. “Sorry about that,” He says with slight regret.

“Humph! It seems I need to reconsider your character, Siyu Grey.” She says with crossed arms before turning away. “I’m going to find Frey. Don’t follow me.” She says as she leaves.

Siyu could only watch her go and sigh. Was I too forward? He asks himself.

“Oy! Kid!” A voice says. Siyu looks over to a stall owner beside a container of water. “Don’t be sad about the girl. Come try bobbing for apples; only 20 copper!” He says, waving Siyu over with a smile.

Siyu shakes his head slightly in dejection before continuing to move ahead with his head bowed. He wasn’t in the mood to watch the scenery any longer.